Perfect summer for me would be Depay/Hummels/Kondogbia or Pogba. Huge fan of Kondogbia and felt we should have signed him from Sevilla a few seasons ago. I doubt we keep Falcao and I have some serious doubt about both RVP and Rooney going forward but I seriously doubt we'd be looking for another striker this window. I suspect we'll fill a few of the more obvious holes in the squad this summer and see how they both do next year.
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window 2015: What do we still need?
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
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Pogba or Verratti would just as easily replace Fellaini as Ander in our starting 11, Pogba has all of Fellaini's size attributes but is much better in every other aspect for starters, and as Verratti showed against Matic, it's not always the size of the dog in the fight. However at the very core is Carrick will be 34 and we will need to manage his games and we need two box to box players in front of him to protect him like Juve do with Pirlo, we can't be exposing him with lightweights like Mata and Di Maria as his protection. Juve have 4 players competing for those 2 spots, we currently have the 2 who play and if either get injured it means Rooney back into midfield, so we need a CM this summer.
I also think people are underestimating our lack of firepower, Di Maria may be an assist king but he's not a goal scorer, neither are Young and Januzaj. We need a second player in our front 3 to be a double figures scorer in the league.
Now that we have found a lineup that is finally working for us, and has consistently produced good/decent performances, we should be looking to tweak the lineup for improvements rather than an overhaul of the formation/lineup. Regardless, we all agree that we need a quality CB who can lead the backline. I'll be very surprised if we don't end up signing Hummels this summer to fill that void, although I have my doubts about whether Hummels could actually be that player for us. Watching our right flank, I couldn't help but notice how much space was created for Valencia (by Mata and Herrera) to get into great crossing positions to deliver a good ball. Obviously Valencia isn't very good at this, so having a fullback who could actually cross would be amazing for us. With Real getting Danilo, we should strongly look into the possibility of them selling Carvajal, even if it is unlikely. Clyne is solid, but probably won't be worth it at the prices quoted.
I do think that we should go for a quality DM to replace Carrick, because we cannot rely on Carrick at his age for the whole season. We really, really should sign Schneiderlin this summer because Southampton are definitely going to sell him, and he's one of the best DMs in the league (and he's just about to enter his peak). Other than that, we should look to replace Fellaini. As good as he has been, I still think he's better off as a rotation/plan B option, rather than a guaranteed starter. He's definitely a good player who has earned the right to be here, but I think we can easily upgrade on him. If we replace him with someone like Pogba, it would improve us significantly (not meant to be a realistic scenario, but an example). Alternatively, we could move Mata into his natural #10 role, and get a winger instead, but I think we'll be worse defensively then (and less balanced in central midfield). That being said, everything points to us signing Depay this summer, so we're definitely getting a winger either way. Depay seems versatile enough to me to be able to play in a more central role, but I'm not sure whether he has the passing skill to play there long term.
---------------------Rooney--------------
---ADM-------------New #10-----------Mata----
----------------------Herrera---------------
--------------------Schneiderlin-------------
Shaw/Blind----Hummels---Smalling----New RB
---------------------DDG--------------------------
I do think that we should go for a quality DM to replace Carrick, because we cannot rely on Carrick at his age for the whole season. We really, really should sign Schneiderlin this summer because Southampton are definitely going to sell him, and he's one of the best DMs in the league (and he's just about to enter his peak). Other than that, we should look to replace Fellaini. As good as he has been, I still think he's better off as a rotation/plan B option, rather than a guaranteed starter. He's definitely a good player who has earned the right to be here, but I think we can easily upgrade on him. If we replace him with someone like Pogba, it would improve us significantly (not meant to be a realistic scenario, but an example). Alternatively, we could move Mata into his natural #10 role, and get a winger instead, but I think we'll be worse defensively then (and less balanced in central midfield). That being said, everything points to us signing Depay this summer, so we're definitely getting a winger either way. Depay seems versatile enough to me to be able to play in a more central role, but I'm not sure whether he has the passing skill to play there long term.
---------------------Rooney--------------
---ADM-------------New #10-----------Mata----
----------------------Herrera---------------
--------------------Schneiderlin-------------
Shaw/Blind----Hummels---Smalling----New RB
---------------------DDG--------------------------
Hummels, Carvajal, pogba and Depay would be an ideal summer IMO. Leaves us with:
Gk: de Gea, Valdes
Rb: Carvajal, Valencia
Cb: Hummels, smalling, Rojo, Jones
Lb: Shaw, Blind, Rafael?
Dm: Carrick, Blind
Cm: Herrera, Pogba, fellaini, Pereira
Wings: Mata, Di Maria, Januzaj, Depay, Young
CF: Rooney, Van Persie, Wilson
Bolded are the starters in the 4-3-3. 23 man squad, add in Blackett/McNair at the back if we need them from the reserves. Only position where we could probably use someone is back up for Herrera and Shaw instead of using our back up defensive mid there, as it may be too soon for Pereira to step in and be 2nd choice there. Unlikely we'll get carvajal of course so we'll need to see who to buy there, clyne is average IMO.
Gk: de Gea, Valdes
Rb: Carvajal, Valencia
Cb: Hummels, smalling, Rojo, Jones
Lb: Shaw, Blind, Rafael?
Dm: Carrick, Blind
Cm: Herrera, Pogba, fellaini, Pereira
Wings: Mata, Di Maria, Januzaj, Depay, Young
CF: Rooney, Van Persie, Wilson
Bolded are the starters in the 4-3-3. 23 man squad, add in Blackett/McNair at the back if we need them from the reserves. Only position where we could probably use someone is back up for Herrera and Shaw instead of using our back up defensive mid there, as it may be too soon for Pereira to step in and be 2nd choice there. Unlikely we'll get carvajal of course so we'll need to see who to buy there, clyne is average IMO.
On the points you brought up, the injury to a Herrera is a risk we have to take, granted if we can buy another clever player to play alongside mata and Herrera. Barca when the midfield of xavi iniesta Sergio and messi, they never had the depth in midfield to cover that loss, it helps if iniesta or xavi picked up a knock, messi alone could rip any half Decent side apart on his own.
I think our current team going forward has more to offer in the coming few years than the rest, if we take van gaals vision to the next level in the next few seasons go come. This team is probably the best possession team in the PL, they dominate games, and if United add a few additions 2 in midfield, a CM and a top class wide player, if di Maria is not settling, and a defender or 2, we really could set the pace next season if we get the balance right. We have seen our rivals struggle against these type of teams in Europe, which is probably why we do so well against the big teams, our possession game can be horrible to play against
This club is out of that value for money era of 09-13, no longer acting like a mediocre club which was shown in the clubs playing squad, and they have been given a lesson they will never forget after fergie left. If we can seal our champions league place, we could really be a player again
Now summer 2016 is when we should strike it hot for a top class striker to replace RVP and rooney log term
De Bruyne would work well as the missing player here.
Yea definitely, but we don't know if LVG would want a replacement #10 with the same type of physicality that Fellaini can provide. Which is why I mentioned Pogba as a potential replacement (regardless of the realism), because Pogba can provide that kind of physicality, while providing much more in the skills department. But then again, there aren't many players out there with the physical frame of a Fellaini or Pogba, who could play in a #10 type role. I would love De Bruyne though, he has been amazing this season, and from what I've seen, he has the work rate to play in a midfield 3. I also think that De Bruyne would link up brilliantly with Mata, Herrera, and ADM in the side.
Sign - RB, Hummels, Schneiderlin, Pogba, Depay (Maybe Dybala)
DiMaria (27)---------Rooney (29)-------Mata(27)
----------Pogba (22)---------Herrera (25)-
------------------Schneiderlin (25)
Shaw (20)--Hummels (26)--Smalling (25)--RB
----------------------De Gea (24)
ST - Dybala(21), Wilson(19)
Wide - Nani (28), Depay(21), Januzaj(20)
(Dybala can play here if needed)
8 - Fellaini(27), (Schneirlin if needed)
6- Carrick(34), Blind(25)
RB - Valencia(29)
LB - Blind (25)
CB - Jones(23), Rojo (25), Mcnair(20)
Out - Young, Evans, Rafael, RVP maybe
With that team and players of that age, we could spend every summer just spunking the budget on a single top quality player. Only old player is Carrick and RVP if he stays. Some want Fellaini gone, but I want him to stay for another year as he's very useful against certain teams.
DiMaria (27)---------Rooney (29)-------Mata(27)
----------Pogba (22)---------Herrera (25)-
------------------Schneiderlin (25)
Shaw (20)--Hummels (26)--Smalling (25)--RB
----------------------De Gea (24)
ST - Dybala(21), Wilson(19)
Wide - Nani (28), Depay(21), Januzaj(20)
(Dybala can play here if needed)
8 - Fellaini(27), (Schneirlin if needed)
6- Carrick(34), Blind(25)
RB - Valencia(29)
LB - Blind (25)
CB - Jones(23), Rojo (25), Mcnair(20)
Out - Young, Evans, Rafael, RVP maybe
With that team and players of that age, we could spend every summer just spunking the budget on a single top quality player. Only old player is Carrick and RVP if he stays. Some want Fellaini gone, but I want him to stay for another year as he's very useful against certain teams.
Not really changed my opinion of a few months ago:
Right Back, Centre Half, Central Midfielder and a pacey Attacker (preferably who can play out wide and up front).
Throw in a Goalkeeper if De Gea leaves as I think Lindegaard will also go. I expect a fair few departures, mainly all of those players coming back from loan.
Right Back, Centre Half, Central Midfielder and a pacey Attacker (preferably who can play out wide and up front).
Throw in a Goalkeeper if De Gea leaves as I think Lindegaard will also go. I expect a fair few departures, mainly all of those players coming back from loan.
Full muppet time on 
In:
Hummels ~ 30m
Clyne ~ 15m
Schneiderlin ~ 30m
Pogba ~ 60m
Depay ~ 25m
Dybala ~ 30m
= 190m
Out:
Lindegaard ~ 3m
Evans ~ 6m
Rafael ~ 6m (would keep him personally, but i think that ship has sailed unfortunately)
Nani ~ 12m
Hernandez ~ 11m
vPersie ~ 12m
= 50m
Net spend: 140m
De Gea
Clyne Smalling Hummels Shaw
Schneiderlin
Herrera Pogba
Mata Rooney Di Maria
Valdes
Valencia Jones Rojo Blind
Carrick
Peirera Fellaini
Januzaj Dybala Depay
Johnstone, Young, Wilson
This would be
In:
Hummels ~ 30m
Clyne ~ 15m
Schneiderlin ~ 30m
Pogba ~ 60m
Depay ~ 25m
Dybala ~ 30m
= 190m
Out:
Lindegaard ~ 3m
Evans ~ 6m
Rafael ~ 6m (would keep him personally, but i think that ship has sailed unfortunately)
Nani ~ 12m
Hernandez ~ 11m
vPersie ~ 12m
= 50m
Net spend: 140m
De Gea
Clyne Smalling Hummels Shaw
Schneiderlin
Herrera Pogba
Mata Rooney Di Maria
Valdes
Valencia Jones Rojo Blind
Carrick
Peirera Fellaini
Januzaj Dybala Depay
Johnstone, Young, Wilson
Or we could play Mata as the 10 and get a WC winger
We already have Di Maria so if we bought De Bruyne there would be no need.
----------- Rooney ------------
-- AdM -- De Bruyne --- Mata
would be three of the best assisters in the world at this moment supporting Rooney upfront. There would be goals galore.
That's a title winning quartet, the only question would be whether LVG would be prepared to alter his ideal shape? It's a given that we are going to need a replacement/understudy for Carrick and if we choose to sign KDB then the former needs to be one with a stronger defensive game than Blind/Carrick since his primary partner would be Herrera. It's hard to get past Schneiderlin for that role.
In defence, Rafael's fate appears sealed, though it looks needless, so signing Clyne is a no brainer given the new homegrown rules that are set to come in. I have huge doubts on Hummels, his form this season, the injuries and the lack of pace worry me. Yes he is a level above Smalling, Jones and Rojo but we need our CB signing to bring stability to a talented and shaky backline, that means a world class player, a consistent one and one with a spotless fitness record.
Looking at Jones and Smalling in the last few weeks, I would spend £15m on Dragovic and see how he does in rotation with the three already here (that's assuming Evans is done here).
Hummels seems increasingly likely, but if it were to fall through i agree Dragovic would be a top signing. Even without either, I'm encouraged at how Smalling has emerged as a top CB and am confident Jones and Rojo would be able to do a good job as well. Evans would seem the odd man out especially if we buy Hummels, which would probably also signal the likes of Blackett and McNair for loans.
As for attacking options, I think its quite clear that were far better with one striker, which would seem to leave RvP out of the equation as we simply can't play without Rooney, ideally as the lone striker. So Van Gaal will have to make a tough call on RvP, who at 31/32 is better utilized off the bench imo.
As unlikely as it seems at the moment, I think LvG will take a close look at De Bruyne at some point. He's simply too good to avoid considering, either on one of the wings or as a 10. That would allow him to avoid buying a top midfielder for another year if someone like Pogba isn't available this summer, and we could march on with any combination Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Blind, Perreira etc. At the end of the day, the assist potential of AdM, De Bruyne, and Mata would be staggering.
I don't think he's looking for a de Bruyne midfield signing. He'd be another 10 who can play on the wings, he wants a midfielder who can bring balance to the team. He said he left Mata out for a long time because of the balance, so it's pretty obvious he wants a midfielder who can defend. I don't think he will leave this area untouched as he called it his primary position to strenghten, he had to use Rooney there for his workrate to try and find this balance. Without Fellaini we'd see Rooney there again.
Unless Mata or Young leave I doub't we're after him, how good he may be. Wolfsburg also don't need the money, so they'll be asking for alot since he's got a long contract.
Memphis, Dybala, Hummels. Hasn't even started but excitement levels are already so high!
Hasn't even started but excitement levels are already so high!Lots of assisting the assister.
Hopefully to get more goals. I see De Bruyne and Mata as potential 20 goal players.
Would love De Bruyne here. Exactly the type of player we should be targeting whilst he's about to make that step up to the next level. Can easily see him becoming a top 5 player in world football if he continues his progression at this rate.
Yep, completely agree.
As I see now, we need 4 players. In order of priority:
1. Defensive Mid: Top quality back up for Carrick taking into consideration the additional work load with champions league and injury/illness factor that comes into play for a player his age. I'm tempted to slot Blind in here but if a player like Schneiderlin comes along, it'd be hard to not make that upgrade and keep Blind in defense. Not sure where this leaves Shaw who I absolutely adore for his defensive capabilities but unless he proves to be adept at learning that hybrid role to support midfield, he'll have to be brought along slowly.
2. Center Back: Ideally we should be good to go here with Smalling/Jones/Rojo but knowing how drunk Phil Jones looks on a good day and Smalling's inability to stay fit, we kind of need a good center back. If we plan to dominate possession, Hummels would be a great addition but otherwise we'd need someone who can keep pace with quicker players when teams decide to play counter attacking style against us.
3. Right Back: I'm loving what Tony is doing on both ends but I think with 50 odd games next season we need a capable starter here who can go forward with ease and form a good partnership with Mata on that right wing. Rafael should be ideal but that ship appears to have sailed.
4. Box to Box Midfielder: I like the set up we have now with Fellaini, Carrick and Herrera in midfield but need more bodies here just to cover for injury and add depth for Europe. Ideally I'd like a younger player who's not completely ready yet but can still start a good 20-25 games a season. If we buy a new winger, we can also let Di Maria rotate with Fellaini for that inside left channel.
Other than that if De Gea leaves we need a new goal keeper, hopefully Cech. I hope we do not spend on a new striker and give Wilson/Henriquez chances with Rooney first choice and may be bring Hernandez back as an additional option. I'm hoping we move on from Van Persie and Falcao.
1. Defensive Mid: Top quality back up for Carrick taking into consideration the additional work load with champions league and injury/illness factor that comes into play for a player his age. I'm tempted to slot Blind in here but if a player like Schneiderlin comes along, it'd be hard to not make that upgrade and keep Blind in defense. Not sure where this leaves Shaw who I absolutely adore for his defensive capabilities but unless he proves to be adept at learning that hybrid role to support midfield, he'll have to be brought along slowly.
2. Center Back: Ideally we should be good to go here with Smalling/Jones/Rojo but knowing how drunk Phil Jones looks on a good day and Smalling's inability to stay fit, we kind of need a good center back. If we plan to dominate possession, Hummels would be a great addition but otherwise we'd need someone who can keep pace with quicker players when teams decide to play counter attacking style against us.
3. Right Back: I'm loving what Tony is doing on both ends but I think with 50 odd games next season we need a capable starter here who can go forward with ease and form a good partnership with Mata on that right wing. Rafael should be ideal but that ship appears to have sailed.
4. Box to Box Midfielder: I like the set up we have now with Fellaini, Carrick and Herrera in midfield but need more bodies here just to cover for injury and add depth for Europe. Ideally I'd like a younger player who's not completely ready yet but can still start a good 20-25 games a season. If we buy a new winger, we can also let Di Maria rotate with Fellaini for that inside left channel.
Other than that if De Gea leaves we need a new goal keeper, hopefully Cech. I hope we do not spend on a new striker and give Wilson/Henriquez chances with Rooney first choice and may be bring Hernandez back as an additional option. I'm hoping we move on from Van Persie and Falcao.
De Bruyne would be an awesome signing.
Would be fun for the Chelsea fans seeing him tear up the league in a United shirt.
Would be fun for the Chelsea fans seeing him tear up the league in a United shirt.
De Bruyne would be an awesome signing.
Would be fun for the Chelsea fans seeing him tear up the league in a United shirt.
Add Sterling on the left wing and Ramsey as our new box-to-box.
Bale and not being greedy either a centre mid or centre half of real quality and DDG to stop fannying us around and sign another contract. Would be an awesome summer.
It's odd seeing so many wanting to buy players that basically destabilize our midfield tactics and take away the shape we have been doing so well with.
If we want to have a good run (and I'm talking semi final/Quarter final minimum here) in the Champions league next season then we definitely need to upgrade a few positions to compete with the best teams.
Priority positions that need upgrading are CDM/CM, RB, Winger and CB. Other positions that could we could also look to add are attacking midfield and strikers although we are looking pretty in depth there.
Priority positions that need upgrading are CDM/CM, RB, Winger and CB. Other positions that could we could also look to add are attacking midfield and strikers although we are looking pretty in depth there.
I see a lot of people calling for a new centre half or centre mid, which are all viable concerns. In all honesty, as good as Blind and Herrera are right now, they're still 2-3 years away from being our next Scholes of Carrick (if ever, of course) which means that next year, with Carrick inevitably getting older - we'll be pretty short of world class talent in that position and we'll have to rely on Herrera's burst of good games in lieu of consistency.
BUT.
We're ignoring the huge, huge elephant in the room. Our 20 goal a season striker. Falcao won't be staying, Rooney just isn't that type of player, RvP is past it and Wilson is still a few ways away from his breakaway season. Which means that we will be the only team allegedly vying for the title that won't have a world class striker. Arsenal will have Giroud, Chelsea will have Costa and City will have Aguero. We won't have a goalscorer of anywhere near that calibre, which means we'll have to get one in quickly, or we'll be gasping for air halfway through the season, just like we were this season.
But the problem is, who? The market seems far too starved of available van Persie-esque strikers these days. Dybala and Lacazette are wildcards for me, they could be our Aguero slash Suarez, but they're also playing in joke leagues and could flop easily. Cavani just seems poor every time I watch a game with him. And with that, I've run out of names. Which is concerning. And we definitely, definitely need a 20 goal a season striker.
BUT.
We're ignoring the huge, huge elephant in the room. Our 20 goal a season striker. Falcao won't be staying, Rooney just isn't that type of player, RvP is past it and Wilson is still a few ways away from his breakaway season. Which means that we will be the only team allegedly vying for the title that won't have a world class striker. Arsenal will have Giroud, Chelsea will have Costa and City will have Aguero. We won't have a goalscorer of anywhere near that calibre, which means we'll have to get one in quickly, or we'll be gasping for air halfway through the season, just like we were this season.
But the problem is, who? The market seems far too starved of available van Persie-esque strikers these days. Dybala and Lacazette are wildcards for me, they could be our Aguero slash Suarez, but they're also playing in joke leagues and could flop easily. Cavani just seems poor every time I watch a game with him. And with that, I've run out of names. Which is concerning. And we definitely, definitely need a 20 goal a season striker.
Rooney is captain and therefore undroppable. He's doing fine as a striker right now, or do people want him back in midfield? RvP can be a great backup or will be sold for a player that closes the gap between Wilson and Rooney.
Besides, 433 isn't that reliant on a 20 goal a season striker. Not many van Gaal teams have either, usually the #10 is topscorer. The midfielders and wide players will chip in too. I'm not worried about that position at all to be fair, unless van Persie wants out.
Given Van Persie's regression and age profile, Rooney is our default #9/ 20 goals a season striker for the near future. He has 12 in the league with 7 games to play despite missing some time with suspension and playing 10 games as a central midfielder of sorts. While that isn't a staggering number by modern standards, if we can give him regular time as a dedicated center forward in the front 3 with adequate service, there's every chance he can score upwards of 20 in the league and 30+ in all competitions. Plus he won't just be your prototypical target man. He has impressive workrate, can bring others into play with clever interplay, has a decent turn of pace despite his advancing years and can press from the front. Even if we do sign a top striker, the same conundrum arises. Where do you fit Rooney into the 4-3-3 (which is probably our main formation going forward).
Can't really see anyone in the open market who'd be a substantial improvement over that if at all. Would like to see what Wilson is made of, so we need to give him a fair shot to really prove himself next season and maybe even beyond considering his young age. He has everything in his drawer apart from experience, a calmer temperament in the final third and a bit more composure, things that comes with regular top flight playing time. The likes of Kane, Morata, Vietto and Milik flash great striking instinct, but for the former ideally you'd want to see his growth or sustainable levels for a couple of seasons before snapping him for a massive fee and the latter three are still developing their overall linkup play with sporadic sub appearances at times, and like Kane it might be better (albeit expensive if they keep improving) to pursue them in say 2016 rather than the upcoming window.
Bit of an odd-ball but we could try out Adnan as a #9 ? Have a feeling he'd do well in that role. He's a bit wiry and not very clinical right now, but you do see that ability to hold up the ball and selfish killer instinct associated with strikers at times. Dunno, just something to consider given the club's unwillingness to loan him out (understandable) and the logjam at more creative positions, especially with the presence of Mata, Di Maria and addition of maybe someone like Memphis in the summer. Not every great striker starts out at that position, maybe it'll be the making of Adnan.
Can't really see anyone in the open market who'd be a substantial improvement over that if at all. Would like to see what Wilson is made of, so we need to give him a fair shot to really prove himself next season and maybe even beyond considering his young age. He has everything in his drawer apart from experience, a calmer temperament in the final third and a bit more composure, things that comes with regular top flight playing time. The likes of Kane, Morata, Vietto and Milik flash great striking instinct, but for the former ideally you'd want to see his growth or sustainable levels for a couple of seasons before snapping him for a massive fee and the latter three are still developing their overall linkup play with sporadic sub appearances at times, and like Kane it might be better (albeit expensive if they keep improving) to pursue them in say 2016 rather than the upcoming window.
Bit of an odd-ball but we could try out Adnan as a #9 ? Have a feeling he'd do well in that role. He's a bit wiry and not very clinical right now, but you do see that ability to hold up the ball and selfish killer instinct associated with strikers at times. Dunno, just something to consider given the club's unwillingness to loan him out (understandable) and the logjam at more creative positions, especially with the presence of Mata, Di Maria and addition of maybe someone like Memphis in the summer. Not every great striker starts out at that position, maybe it'll be the making of Adnan.
If we stay with 4-3-3 then we need:
First team RB
First team CB
Any other signings depend on sales I think, e.g. Memphis IN Young OUT
LB is a problem position potentially, but since we've found a midfield that works without Blind, he can be a good option there. Depends where LvG sees him playing next season.
First team RB
First team CB
Any other signings depend on sales I think, e.g. Memphis IN Young OUT
LB is a problem position potentially, but since we've found a midfield that works without Blind, he can be a good option there. Depends where LvG sees him playing next season.
If Van Gaal wants to change as little as possible because he thinks we're great now, we could just swap Young (or Di Maria) for Depay, sign Hummels and an RB and buy a CM who can contribute both ways (Vidal?) to rotate with Fellaini and Herrera.
----------Rooney------
DiMaria------------Mata
--------CAM-----------
--------------Herrera----
---------Carrick----------
Blind--Hummels-Smalling-RB
-----------De Gea--------
with RVP backing up Rooney, Depay rotating with Mata and Di Maria, Fellaini rotating with the new CM and Herrera, Blind fighting it out with Shaw and backing up Carrick, Rojo and Jones as the depth CB's and either Valencia or Rafael backing up the new RB.
This is 8/11 guys that we've ended games with over this strong period, and if a signing starts slow then Fellaini, Valencia and Rojo/Jones are around to start while they learn how Van Gaal wants them to play.
----------Rooney------
DiMaria------------Mata
--------CAM-----------
--------------Herrera----
---------Carrick----------
Blind--Hummels-Smalling-RB
-----------De Gea--------
with RVP backing up Rooney, Depay rotating with Mata and Di Maria, Fellaini rotating with the new CM and Herrera, Blind fighting it out with Shaw and backing up Carrick, Rojo and Jones as the depth CB's and either Valencia or Rafael backing up the new RB.
This is 8/11 guys that we've ended games with over this strong period, and if a signing starts slow then Fellaini, Valencia and Rojo/Jones are around to start while they learn how Van Gaal wants them to play.
Van Gaal said a midfielder was priority, it's weird to see people thinking we won't buy one. We will get one, guaranteed.
Of course we will sign one, we have 4 midfielders and 3 are playing plus the 4th one has to fill in for LB. You can't go in a season with CL football with those numbers. Especially for the 6 and the 8 we only have Blind, Carrick (who is 34) and Herrera. Rooney or Fellaini are not suited to that position and we don't know if Pereira will be here next season and if he is a proper 8 or a 10. We need one who can play as 6 and 8, no doubt about that.
DDG/Valdes
COLEMAN/ Raphael..Smalling/Jones..HUMMELS/Rojo..Blind/Shaw
SCHNEIDERLIN/Carrick
De BRUYNE/Januzai...Herrera/Pereira..POGBA/Mata..ADM/DEPAY
Rooney/CAVANI
Pure Muppet heaven !!
I would flog Valencia-Evans-Young-Fellaini-Nani-Chicarito-Lindegaard-Powell & RVP, say gracias pero no gracias to Falcao, make the squad up with the likes of Blackett, McNair, Lingard, Wilson & Johnstone, easy as that, 21 times champions ?
COLEMAN/ Raphael..Smalling/Jones..HUMMELS/Rojo..Blind/Shaw
SCHNEIDERLIN/Carrick
De BRUYNE/Januzai...Herrera/Pereira..POGBA/Mata..ADM/DEPAY
Rooney/CAVANI
Pure Muppet heaven !!
I would flog Valencia-Evans-Young-Fellaini-Nani-Chicarito-Lindegaard-Powell & RVP, say gracias pero no gracias to Falcao, make the squad up with the likes of Blackett, McNair, Lingard, Wilson & Johnstone, easy as that, 21 times champions ?
Such a signing will not make any sense as I feel Herrera, Blind and mata are a good starting midfield trio/duo. However, if Van Gaal feels that we need a subsidiary midfielder to play under Blind and Herrera. I.e., Kovacic, schnejderlin or Youri tieleman, then that will perhaps make more sense than going after a star midfielder like Pogba.
Eh we need a powerful box to box player if it wasn't for Fellaini the trio you mention would get bossed like a trio of kids! They even look like kids as it goes!
Like @RedorDead21 says, we have no backup for Fellaini. Van Gaal always plays with a CDM+ another good defensive midfielder. Without Fellaini we'd probably see Rooney back in midfield.
We only have 5 midfielders, and that's if you count Mata. One will be 34 and one plays at leftback.
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I just hope its not Strootman. Too injury prone for me and Schneiderlin At Southampton is just as good.
He wants a midfielder like Strootman, I doubt he's buying him without proving his fitness though. He's only had 1 major ACL injury + setback in his recovery. He wasn't injury prone at PSV or AS Roma before that. Schneiderlin would be a good shout, I have no idea who he wants though.
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