Can she play in the hole?
Manchester United - January transfer window 2015 (twitter blacklist applies)
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
Can she play in the hole?
I doubt it these days!
I agree in principle, but I think Carrick will still be solid this year and we can just buy for example Vidal and have Vidal, Di Maria and Herrera rotate as the 2 CM's in from of the DM (Blind/Carrick), and when all 3 CM's are healthy and we want to play all 3, Di Maria goes wide in a 4-3-3 or we play a diamond with Herrera at the top.
Then, in a year or two Carrick is replaced with a top DM who can challenge and hopefully beat out Blind.
Is bizarre as it may sound I'd like to see a wide man brought in, in January if LvG wants to keep playing 4-3-3, this will allow Di Maria to move back into midfield.
Seconded.
Not bizarre at all, you're bang on. I think a winger is just as important a purchase as a centre half and defensive midfielder. Di Maria could move back into his best position and we could play a 433 with Januzaj and preferably a tricky wide man that knows how to put it in the net on the other side. A player like Lavezzi always springs to mind, for example.
Fergie? That was three transfer windows ago and since then you've blown an absolute fortune on players in positions that were the lowest priority areas. Your club's transfer policies has been a disaster and only those with their head in the sand continue to deny it.
disaster??
There must be another similar Vidic / Evra combo out there somewhere.
Didn't we sign both of them in a January transfer window?
Didn't we sign both of them in a January transfer window?
Yes, both also looked well out of their depth whilst making their debuts in a Manchester derby loss ironically enough.
12m pounds for 16 years of service isn't bad going.
Haha yeah, I remember Evra in particular having a shocker of a game.
I guess my point is, whilst a 'world class' defender like Hummels would be great, it may be a bit unrealistic in January.
1 or 2 solid additions (who can stay fit!) would be great.
It's all well and good buying big as we have done, but there must be a few Vidals or Gundogans we can intercept before they command 30m+ fees at clubs not quite in the elite tier. Evra and Vidic are great examples. I know they don't come along often, but given that there's a real lack of world class defenders our scouts must have something up their sleeves.
We strenghtened cm wich was a high priority and sure we wanted an established cb too. You're so glued up on everything United so who should we buy?
That's what I was thinking of, a goal scoring wide player that drifts in from the left, that combination worked well at Madrid. Personally I know he's young but I think Memphis Depay is a great fit for us to play on the left.
What about that lad Sinkgraven, is he like Stootman but younger, or something like that?
The only way i could see us signing another winger would be with antonio and/or young being kicked out. I just remembered that ashley plays for us
The only way i could see us signing another winger would be with antonio and/or young being kicked out. I just remembered that ashley plays for us
10m + Evans and Smalling for Stones......we must do everything to get him because he's the real deal
Of course he's injured at the moment but that injury can happen to everyone
Of course he's injured at the moment but that injury can happen to everyone
That's a massive offer, and TBH if United were to make such an offer and the players were willing - you'd think Everton would be stupid not to take it.
Would everton take it though?
Stones signed a new contract this summer on £30 k a week (1.56m a year)
Smalling is on £2.6m a year (or £50k a week)
Evans is on £3.38m a year (or £65k a week)
Even if united did not want them there is no reason for them to leave for a paycut - they might as well see down their contract and leave on a free (therefore with higher wages) or let united loan them out (and pay part of their wages) - if they did go they would probably want comparable if not higher wages
Now I doubt Smalling and Evans would both start for Everton - one probably would alongside Jagielka
So over a 5 year period Everton would be paying around 30m in wages yes we gave them 10m so a net 20m for a replacement for stones who is not as good and a substitute.
If they keep Stones they would be paying just under 8m and have a better player - who they could sell for a lot of money in say a year or two.
So it would actually cost Everton around 12m to have a slightly worse first team with a but more strength in depth but loosing one of their two major assets (cash cows - with the other being barkley) When you think about it from their point of view that's perhaps not the best deal? - a large amount of up front cash might be more tempting?
Plus Martinez seems to like defenders who can actually pass the ball well and that is not an atribute I would say Smalling and Evans are blessed with
Fe.king hell, why are you so obsessed with United's transfer policy.
That's the only thing you write bout in this forum..
And saying LB, CB and CM, where we bought players is the lowest priority areas are just.. ridiculous..
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Stop talking bollocks. We needed central midfielders and bought three of them. Four if you include Fellaini 12 months ago. Di Maria being one of the best in the game today.
We needed a left back and bought the best young talent available and we also acquired a centre half to compliment the three we already have. Four centre half's is enough at any club and the ones we had already deserved the opportunity to make the position their own. If and when they don't, you can be sure we'll replace one or two of them in the next two windows.
We've been actively seeking a more dynamic striker for over 12 months now and could well sign Falcao next summer, which is another box ticked.
The only position we failed to really buy in this summer was at right back, which was an error considering Rafael's fitness record.
I've smashed your argument here so there is no heads in the sand. Furthermore, you can be sure we'll improve our midfield further come January.
Our transfer business is on the right track and has been since January. The notion we are signing players in the wrong positions is simply ludicrous, particularly under Van Gaal.
I'd actually like 2 wide additions in all honesty. Way things stand right now, Mata's days at United seem numbered. Brilliant player, an incredible human being but he just seems like the odd one out now. Much like Mourinho, Van Gaal's has traditionally preferred high workrate #10s like Litmanen or Muller or even Sneijder and Mata's just not that type of player, we can't force him to be something he's not or there's a risk of ruining him completely. Reckon we could recover £20 million odd for Juan still so it's not that steep of a loss in the long term. He's a class act on and off the pitch and it makes me sad, but the likes of him and Kagawa can't seem to function in our team on a consistent basis, so it's better to let him be a freebird at a club where he's the center of creativity again.
Really rate Depay and I'd like to add Reus as well. The latter just represents too good of a bargain financially to not compete for his signature. Realistically he's worth £60 million considering his age profile and stature in the game. Could get both for about £40-50 million this summer and the good thing about 'em is they're both versatile in all of the 3 forward positions. The majority of the deal in terms of transfer fee and wages could be recouped by selling Juan and Fellaini. Add two experienced CBs like Sokratis or Naldo or Chiellini (could get him on a Bosman) and a CM like Strootman or Kramer, and one talented young CB like Stones or Sule plus a young CM like Saul or Tielemans after that, trim some of the excess players to shed the wage bill and we'd have a really good, balanced squad with adequate depth everywhere and a good backbone of young players.
You think we could get both Reus and Depay for about 50 million. And then 2 experienced CBs, one young CB, CM and one talented CM?
We need a RB, CB and a CM. Question is which of those we'll get in January.
It's not about the numbers of players signed, it's about their quality and the areas they play in.
United have spent around £245m - £192m net - on additions to the title winning squad. It's just not credible to believe that for such stupendous amounts of cash you couldn't have improved your CM and defence way beyond their current state. But instead the lion's share was spent on attack-orientated players such as Di Maria, Mata and Zaha - when this was the area least in need of attention - and most of the rest of the cash went on paying over the odds for some pretty average players .... with Luke Shaw being the only exception, although he too cost a pretty penny.
And if you now go ahead and sign Falcao permanently, for the ludicrous sums being mentioned, it'll just be more in the same vein, when CM and defence should be your focus.
2 quality center backs please.
We need addition to the team not a revolution. Don' forget that in January, it's very very difficult to buy a player because of the fee, his form, the momentum etc. And it's always difficult for them to adapt to a new team,so buying 3/4 players won't be the solution, and I can't see us buying more than 2 players really, even if we need more.
So do we have to buy the most important for the team or the most urgent ?
I would go for another centerback and a midfielder.
I would be very happy with one of Khedira/Strootman/Vidal this January and with Verthonghen/Jaglielka/Vlaar
This summer we'll have to buy Reus and I would be happy to get De Sciglio at right back
So do we have to buy the most important for the team or the most urgent ?
I would go for another centerback and a midfielder.
I would be very happy with one of Khedira/Strootman/Vidal this January and with Verthonghen/Jaglielka/Vlaar
This summer we'll have to buy Reus and I would be happy to get De Sciglio at right back
....
We'll sign defenders in the next two windows. So what if we sign Falcao as well?
We also lost influential players such as Scholes, Giggs, Evra, Vidic and Rio within 2 years. We are replacing them, which will cost a fair bit. Also, we spent almost £100 million on our midfield. We haven't spent there for a while so it's not that bad. Especially seeing as the three we bought this summer window are top additions and will only get better.
We'll sign defenders in the next two windows. So what if we sign Falcao as well?
We also lost influential players such as Scholes, Giggs, Evra, Vidic and Rio within 2 years. We are replacing them, which will cost a fair bit. Also, we spent almost £100 million on our midfield. We haven't spent there for a while so it's not that bad. Especially seeing as the three we bought this summer window are top additions and will only get better.
If the media was to be believed the club wanted an experienced cb but for whatever reason it didn't happen. We bought in Blind whos been very good so far, Herrera and di Maria so how is that not focusing on a weak area? You really seem overly concerned with how United operate and spend their cash.
Well I was speaking more about the next couple of windows rather than just January itself. In saying that I do realize in hindsight that perhaps this is not the appropriate thread for it given the specificity of the title.
The attack was in dire need of a revamp. No pace, no individual quality in it. Di Maria was as good of a signing as was possible to make during the summer, and was needed at all costs. Yes, we need a center back, but we also needed a left back and 2 midfielders, which we signed. There was a lot of things that needed to be changed and we fixed most of it. Now just a reliable center back and a powerful midfielder like strootman and we're sorted. Sure you could argue you should build from the back forward, but di Maria was available and so we simply had to sign him.
First priority should be given to CB, RB and a quality DM, once that is sorted then Rojo and Blind can cover LB, Rafael and Jones can cover RB and we would have enough cover for CB.
Its not perfect but it will do just fine for now.
Its not perfect but it will do just fine for now.
You're just repeating the same nonsense, as everybody keeps telling you. The money we have spent this summer has been sensible. I've quite comprehensively gone through it in the post you quoted, but in the space of 12 months we have bought four central midfielders. Fellaini wasn't a wise investment but a midfielder he remains, and it was a Moyes error, one of many.
We needed attacking players this summer, and we could still do with one right now, out wide. Herrera and Di Maria were absolutely necessary, quality signings, as was Blind. Our midfield has improved immensely and that trend will continue. Let's bare in mind that this was a position we hadn't spent money on in half a decade. But ay, it hasn't improved beyond its current state.
As for the defence, I've even covered this above, too, but giving Smalling and Jones an opportunity was and is the right thing to do. They've waited long enough, deserved their opportunity and if they don't step up now then Van Gaal will invest. Even so, we quite clearly wanted central defenders. The problem is that few top quality ones exist. We've bought Rojo, who has been edgy so far, but if we're to look around Europe at the central defenders on the market this summer then only Medhi Benatia stands out from an average crowd, who moved to Bayern Munich, a better team than us. City blasted over £30 million on Mangala, and to be frank, he looks even shakier than Rojo.
If we sign Falcao it's because he's had a good season. Van Persie is verging on 32 and looks just about done, Rooney is nearly thirty, and our third choice striker is a teenager. And you're suggesting that a striker isn't a priority? Righto.
I agree on Mata, he does seem a very nice guy but I just don't see him here much longer, once everyone is fit I think he'll be mostly on the bench and with there sure to be new additions he'll be off to pastures new, or old if the newly minted Valencia feel like taking him home.
I pretty much agree with the second paragraph as well, although I'd just go for Depay and one experienced CB like Garay or one those you mentioned, and one young CB in Laporte, as I haven't given up on Rojo and I think McNair is going to develop into a very good CB, he just has a composure about him that I really like. I'm with you on the CM's and glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks Kramer is pretty damn good. As for the younger CM, I have a lot of faith that Pereira will be an excellent #8 for us along with Herrera so I'd go for Tielemans or maybe Lucas Silva to add a #6 competition for Blind.
We also need proper cover at RB, the lad from Torino that can cover both fullback spots may fit the bill.
Speaking of, I want wee Fabio back
. Another one in my long list of grievances vs our previous manager.But yeah Darmian is really good at both spots. As is his international team-mate Di Sciglio. And come to think of it, Santon too to a lesser extent. What's with Italian's and flank versatility anyway ? Though I'm also fond of Sebastian Rudy, he'd do very well of United and is versatile at both RB and CM. Some are even calling him the heir to Lahm for Germany.
Some players who can stay healthy.
A new training or medical staff
Fixing whatever the issue is with training at Carrington.
A new training or medical staff
Fixing whatever the issue is with training at Carrington.
Speaking of, I want wee Fabio back
But yeah Darmian is really good at both spots. As is his international team-mate Di Sciglio. And come to think of it, Santon too to a lesser extent. What's with Italian's and flank versatility anyway ? Though I'm also fond of Sebastian Rudy, he'd do very well of United and is versatile at both RB and CM. Some are even calling him the heir to Lahm for Germany.
How is Fabio doing at Cardiff? It was so weird how he went from playing in a CL final to now being in the Championship.
Interesting point, maybe all the young Italian fullbacks coming through decided at academy level to learn to play on both flanks in case Maldini decided to never retire as that guy doesn't age.
I like the few games I've seen of Rudy, which is his better position though do you think?
Some of you must be new, it's best to just ignore Glaston.
They came form behind to win yesterday, his tail's up. Ask him what they did with the Bale money
How is Fabio doing at Cardiff? It was so weird how he went from playing in a CL final to now being in the Championship.
Interesting point, maybe all the young Italian fullbacks coming through decided at academy level to learn to play on both flanks in case Maldini decided to never retire as that guy doesn't age.
I like the few games I've seen of Rudy, which is his better position though do you think?
I think Fabio's doing well at Cardiff so far, unfortunately that's based solely on 4-5 games that I've watched this season but I do check the ratings on him from time to time and they're mostly good.
On Rudy, to be honest I can't say for certain if he's a better midfielder or defender, the difference is barely noticeable because he's looked equally strong at both positions. That said he seems a bit more natural at rightback given his crossing ability, maybe stay there for a few seasons and transition full-time to midfield once his legs wear out with age and he acquires a greater reading of the game. Regular Buli posters might have a more informed opinion though I reckon.
I'll get nailed for this, but personally I view the team as follows (assuming 4-3-3 formation with Rooney in the hole)
------------------------------- De Gea -------------------------------------
New RB -------------- New CB -------- Rojo -----------------------Shaw
-------------------------------- Blind --------------------------------------
-----------------Herrera ---------------------- Di Maria ------------------
-------------------------------- Rooney -----------------------------------
-------------------- Falcao ----------------- New ST ---------------------
I think Raphael is too inconsistent. Some games he plays a very good attacking game but can be woeful and sometimes even dangerous to have in defence. A new RB that is more solidly able to help out defensibly is very much needed.
We obviously need a new first choice CB to partner Rojo in defence.
Shaw will come on as LB, but I wouldn't mind some senior competition for him aswell really. It's a shame we lost Evra or he'd be perfect to school him.
I actually think we could do with another world class striker to partner Falcao up front tbh. RVP isn't the player he was when he joined us, and despite obviously having the ability and the experience he's not as fast, agile, or quick to pounce on the ball as he used to be. Cavani is the most likely to be available but would cost a fortune. I don't see the club buying any more strikers at all.
Looking sensibly I see us making two signings in January. A new CB and Kevin Strootman who seems to be a firm LVG favourite if the press is to be believed.
------------------------------- De Gea -------------------------------------
New RB -------------- New CB -------- Rojo -----------------------Shaw
-------------------------------- Blind --------------------------------------
-----------------Herrera ---------------------- Di Maria ------------------
-------------------------------- Rooney -----------------------------------
-------------------- Falcao ----------------- New ST ---------------------
I think Raphael is too inconsistent. Some games he plays a very good attacking game but can be woeful and sometimes even dangerous to have in defence. A new RB that is more solidly able to help out defensibly is very much needed.
We obviously need a new first choice CB to partner Rojo in defence.
Shaw will come on as LB, but I wouldn't mind some senior competition for him aswell really. It's a shame we lost Evra or he'd be perfect to school him.
I actually think we could do with another world class striker to partner Falcao up front tbh. RVP isn't the player he was when he joined us, and despite obviously having the ability and the experience he's not as fast, agile, or quick to pounce on the ball as he used to be. Cavani is the most likely to be available but would cost a fortune. I don't see the club buying any more strikers at all.
Looking sensibly I see us making two signings in January. A new CB and Kevin Strootman who seems to be a firm LVG favourite if the press is to be believed.
Yeah, but we make bank so nanananaa!