I agree, especially on the 2 strikers bit.
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window 2015: What do we still need?
- Thread starter Devil may care
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I agree, especially on the 2 strikers bit.
Also players who don't shit themselves when pressed
Said all season we need five players a cb, rb, cm, winger and striker, I don't think the four good performances changed that, likes of young, fellaini, Valencia and blind are only squad players beyond this season.
May as well take a shot:
Hummels
Fabinho
Schneiderlin
Felipe Anderson
Lacazette
Hummels
Fabinho
Schneiderlin
Felipe Anderson
Lacazette
I like him, don't get me wrong, and if we switch to a 4-2-3-1 then I can see LvG going for him, but I don't know if LvG would find him suited to what he wants from a #8 or if he can dictate tempo as the #6, and as we saw today in 4-3-3 that #6 role is vital to building our attacking play, without Carrick we were sluggish and easily blocked out.
I see, would you say he was a better option than Darmian, Fabinho and Coleman?
Aurier hasn't been consistently good to be honest mate. But neither have some of the other options so that's not saying much. Quality right backs are extremely tough to find these days (in contrast with the left back position, where there are multiple solid options). Part of his lack of consistency stems from lesser game time (starting or as a sub, he has made just 4 appearance since the turn of the year), mostly because of the competition at PSG with Van der Wiel. But Serge has acquitted himself well given the chance in recent weeks. He is someone who's still quite young and has significant potential. Good overall right back - can dribble and cross, has good athleticism and can defend well, as well as having a lot of upside due to his age and raw ability. That much was evident during the World Cup and he won't cost as much as the likes of Clyne. Would be a good option to consider, but IIRC PSG have an option to buy him outright on the expiration of his loan deal this summer. So that might throw a spanner in the works.
Thanks mate, there certainly is a dearth of finished article RB's around right now. Would Aurier be the type to come in as merely a back-up to begin with though? As at PSG he seems 3rd choice at RB. I guess here it depends on if LvG feels he can go another season with Valencia starting while a player like Aurier or Cancelo are blooded.
Hmm. I dunno actually, if I had to guess he might have a torrid time initially. We have seen a good defender in Mangala struggle to adjust despite his obvious qualities. Aurier has the physical edge and defensive wherewithal to play in the Premier League immediately because Ligue 1 is quite good in terms of defense and handling power in attacking areas. But the speed and relentlessness might come as a culture shock, as it does with most foreign players. Even someone like Evra who has blistering pace at Monaco found the acclimatization period to be quite tough as he got beat over and over again. Might take a few months to really adjust to the role, and that might be considered a negative if we're to really challenge for the title next season. Especially if he makes boneheaded mistakes under Van Gaal who can be rather unforgiving at times. Ideally you'd want someone who is stable, can come in and take the reigns from Valencia straight away, because Tony for all his effort is perfectly capable of costing us in the biggest games unfortunately. But apart from a few players like Coleman or Clyne, there aren't many capable of doing that. My main gripe with the latter is that Clyne is rather mediocre in all honesty, and might not be the greatest option long term. If we're to write off the first couple of months, or even till Christmas then Aurier might be a very good long term option.
Cancelo is more iffy. He has played for the Portuguese U teams on a frequent basis, but has very little first team experience. And the transition for him will be even harder because he isn't ready to handle the physicality in the slightest. Good height but looks like a starving muppet, much like De Gea when he joined us. And in a position like rightback where there's a lot of contact and clattering about, that's a massive short term worry. Even a fairly experienced La Liga based player like Moreno is all at sea, and someone comparable to Cancelo in terms of development (Manquillo) can't get a look-in at Liverpool. That said, I know nothing. Some buck the apparent trend, and are naturally resilient despite their wiry stature or lack of experience (Bellerin). Cancelo is worth the risk IMO because of his immense talent and could be a great long term solution. I wish we could swap Hector from Arsenal though.
Hmm. I dunno actually, if I had to guess he might have a torrid time initially. We have seen a good defender in Mangala struggle to adjust despite his obvious qualities. Aurier has the physical edge and defensive wherewithal to play in the Premier League immediately because Ligue 1 is quite good in terms of defense and handling power in attacking areas. But the speed and relentlessness might come as a culture shock, as it does with most foreign players. Even someone like Evra who has blistering pace at Monaco found the acclimatization period to be quite tough as he got beat over and over again. Might take a few months to really adjust to the role, and that might be considered a negative if we're to really challenge for the title next season. Especially if he makes boneheaded mistakes under Van Gaal who can be rather unforgiving at times. Ideally you'd want someone who is stable, can come in and take the reigns from Valencia straight away, because Tony for all his effort is perfectly capable of costing us in the biggest games unfortunately. But apart from a few players like Coleman or Clyne, there aren't many capable of doing that. My main gripe with the latter is that Clyne is rather mediocre in all honesty, and might not be the greatest option long term. If we're to write off the first couple of months, or even till Christmas then Aurier might be a very good long term option.
Cancelo is more iffy. He has played for the Portuguese U teams on a frequent basis, but has very little first team experience. And the transition for him will be even harder because he isn't ready to handle the physicality in the slightest. Good height but looks like a starving muppet, much like De Gea when he joined us. And in a position like rightback where there's a lot of contact and clattering about, that's a massive short term worry. Even a fairly experienced La Liga based player like Moreno is all at sea, and someone comparable to Cancelo in terms of development (Manquillo) can't get a look-in at Liverpool. That said, I know nothing. Some buck the apparent trend, and are naturally resilient despite their wiry stature or lack of experience (Bellerin). Cancelo is worth the risk IMO because of his immense talent and could be a great long term solution. I wish we could swap Hector from Arsenal though.
Thanks for the info man, I haven't really seen much of any of the overseas options except Darmian and even then it's only about 5 times. It seems to me that we are running a risk whichever route we go, of the direct replacements Coleman is the clear option IMO but I have to wonder how much Everton would scalp us for and whether long term that would be worth it.
On the flipside I imagine you are right about how the other 2 could take time to adjust and that takes us back to whether LvG feels we can risk Valencia as our starting RB for the best part of next season. Do you think Darmian's extra experience and decent size would help him settle quicker? I have liked how rounded his game is when I've seen him.
We absolutely need a top RB and CB. These two should be the priorities.
Also we need a defending, possibly more physical midfielder and I would say we should sign one of those young strikers with high potential to take over from Rooney and RVP.
So, basically Clyne, Vlaar, De Jong and Ings.
Also we need a defending, possibly more physical midfielder and I would say we should sign one of those young strikers with high potential to take over from Rooney and RVP.
So, basically Clyne, Vlaar, De Jong and Ings.
2 midfield players is a must, 1 right back, 2 centre halfs and a winger.
Carvajal
Hummels
Otamendi
Schniederlin
Gundogan
Bale
Carvajal
Hummels
Otamendi
Schniederlin
Gundogan
Bale
I'm completely unsure on the RB's and even the CB's out there, Smalling is stepping up into leadership and I'd be happy to see a player like Laporte or Stones brought in to partner him.
I think 2 CM's are important, we need to add some dynamism to that area and also a player ready to take the DM role.
Up top we need at least one wide forward to add some goal threat and who understands the role is not that of a winger.
I think 2 CM's are important, we need to add some dynamism to that area and also a player ready to take the DM role.
Up top we need at least one wide forward to add some goal threat and who understands the role is not that of a winger.
Darmian might be a better option that either of those two on the surface. But the odds of Serie A players, and especially defenders panning out in England are grim. Apart from maybe Coutinho we've seen a lot of them fail to translate in recent seasons, and not just in the Premier League. Immobile has been quite poor at Dortmund who play a very English counterattacking style of football. While conversely a lot of pedestrian Premier League players seemingly thrive out there - Salah, Gervinho, Rami.
The rhythm of play in Italy is very different. Despite superior tactical setups, everything seems more deliberate and calculated, and they play in acres of space. The amount of time and space he's afforded in Serie A will be cut down in the Premier League, and he'll face much superior athletes, then it's all upto the player and his ability to process everything more quickly, make quick decisions and adjust his innate clock accordingly.
That's why a lot of Spanish player can acclimatize very quickly. They aren't as physical but are used to playing in small spaces so that's a positive in England because they get even more room to operate, plus the speed and technical level in La Liga quite good so they are adept with snap decision making. Darmian or De Siglio or other Italian players might have to overcome a lot to be successful at United.
Well that has soured my hope a bit lol. I can see your point though and it is backed up by the players you listed, I watch quite a lot of Serie A, especially Juve, and they are operating at a much higher level than the other teams in the league, but overall it is a much more measured style of football I agree.
This begs the question of how players like Dybala and Felipe Anderson would adjust. I'd add Pogba but he's such a big athlete I don't see him struggling to impress in any league.
Good suggestion. Thoughts @Devil may care ?
Not the day be playing with my emotions man!
We just got done on the slowness of Serie A, an old clogger who's rotted there for 3 years adds nothing in the PL now IMO. Gundogan and Schneiderlin are the kind of additions we should look at IMO.Owen Hargreaves just said he should stay at Dortmund for at least another year, he is worried about his back and not sure the PL will help it. He said not sure he is the midfielder we need. Didn't suggest a better option of course.Not the day be playing with my emotions man!
Hargreaves says that about every player we are linked with, he's tiresome after all we did for his crocked arse.
That's true. He also said he left Bayern as it was getting boring winning things all the time and needed a new challenge.
Yeah he's came out with that nonsense before, he left Bayern because he thought playing for us would keep him at the same level club-wise but improve his England regularity.
Unsure on Dybala. But Felipe is a magnificent athlete and very proficient on a technical level, he just stands out head and head shoulders above almost every opposition player he faces when it comes to aggressive dribbling ability, pace, acceleration and sheer drive. Would liken him to Lucas Moura. In terms of past Serie A players he's a bit like Sanchez was at Udinese, except Felipe is raw but even faster. His game translates very well to the Premier League IMO, provided his talent is harnessed properly and we don't birdcage him in a low-risk role which will negate his effectiveness. That said, I might be blinkered in the assessment by my love for his mesmerizing playing style.
As for Pogba, he was quite good even in sporadic appearances for the United first team. The game vs Stoke was it ? Where Berbatov scored comes to mind. Pogba came on as a sub and just ran the show. Scholesy was tired so he let him have a go at it. Plus athletically or technically he'd have very few problems.
EDIT : Yep Stoke. Found a small video :
On today's game we a re desperate for as Carrick clone, 2 x CB's, a winger, and world class striker....... and maybe a keeper
Schneiderlin, Lapotre, Otamendi, Depay, and Martinez would do nicely.
Schneiderlin, Lapotre, Otamendi, Depay, and Martinez would do nicely.
He is strong that's true, I watched him the other night against Juve and while he was Lazio's best attacker, he was trying to overdo it way too often, something I imagine could be easily coached out of him. Would you take him over Memphis?
Pogba in our shirt.
Yeah like I said he's such a big athlete and of course so good technically I think he'd be fine in any league. It's going to suck seeing him and Kroos running games for Real, oh well.I'll take a shot but my muppetry skills seriously lack in comparison to the big dogs in here.
First off, I think the players involved in the recent resurgence have earned the right to stay on. That includes the usual suspects, plus some surprises to me. Young, Fellaini, and .. my hand trembles as I type this, Valencia. Like many on here I would guess, a year ago those are the top 3 names on my list to let go.
I won't go through all the usual suspects to keep: Herrera, Blind, Rooney, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Carrick, Rojo, Mata and McNair. They all deserve a spot, and I'm not debating those.
The fringes to let go:
Hernandez - Love the kid, and I'd have him back in second, but I think there's no chance for him.
Nani - I couldn't care if he the Ballon d'Or this season at Sporting, he (rightly so IMO) will probably demand guarantees of a starting spot, and I don't think he deserves it.
Rafael - The twins had so much promise, and so much ability to divide the Caf. Yet, bad luck on injuries and .. LvG failed to pick him when healthy, preferring Antonio bloody Valencia played out of position over him. Something must be out of order on a grand scale.
Jonny Evans - Daniel Taylor tweeted once that people still consider Jonny to be young player learning his trade, but Jonny Evans is now 27 years old. At times this season he played like a veteran pro, at times he was the biggest liability on the pitch whose lack of fundamentals made me blush. Time to move on, Jonny. A Steve Bruce side beckons.
Januzaj - People beat Moyes over the head for not playing him after his blinding start, but his performances did dip under Moyes, and it's reached critical mass now. If a good offer comes in, I'd listen - intently.
On the fence:
DiMaria: Can he get over his, understandably, difficult transition to Manchester with the armed robbery? I remember early matches this season, when my analysis of United was: "It was DiMaria and DeGea and 9 other blokes". Now, he just looks disinterested and frankly, crap.
Falcao - He's continued to amaze .. in his ability to contribute f'all as every game passes. Yet, coming off a major knee maybe it just takes time. Am I the only one who feels that maybe, just maybe, he might find his form again, and we'll be kicking ourselves? Only if Monaco, and Falcao, give us the deal of a century would I consider keeping him.
The keepers, somehow:
Young: What a resurgence. I actually think the lad has some leadership qualities, too.
Fellaini: He's a straight red waiting to happen, and his bandwagon will disintegrate when that happens in a crucial tie. However, I admire his mental toughness, the option he gives us, and he is the plan B for next season, in my opinion. He's earned it. I hate the style of play, but he's improving. He offers a variation. I want him as a plan B to new Plan A (more below).
RvP - Isn't it a bit funny that Rafael continues to grow in stature and imagined performances during his injury absences, and yet RvP, who has proven to be a game changer, is in perpetual decline on the Caf? I'd keep him, I love the old style Fergie approach, have an experienced striker like Sheringham, Larsson or Solksjaer on the ready to change a match, and I think RvP might still have it.
Valencia: Christ. The one-footedness. The mistakes in defense. The crossing with his head down to imaginary figures, which normally turn out to be opposition defenders. And yet, here we are. The fella puts in a proper shift, wears his heart on his sleeve, and still perseveres after being the "replacement" for Ronaldo. I hate him sometimes, but I respect the hell out of him at other times. Onwards and upwards, may we find a proper challenger to him, but he deserves it. I will now gouge my eyes out.
GK: I am really starting to fear the De Gea is actually going to be off. At some point, there has to be limit to what we're willing to pay for a 'keeper. I really like De Gea, and want him to stay, but there has to be a limit. The highest paid player at a club cannot be the GK. IF he goes, maybe have Cech and Valdes duke it out for #1. My money is on Cech.
RB: We need a challenger to Valencia. At least we didn't see Jones this year, or Smalling, at RB. Remember those dark days? I'm not convinced with Clyne at all, but I do like him, just less than others on the Caf maybe. Am I the only one who feels pillaging S'hampton is really dangerous? Lovren and Lallana look like proper mistakes for 'Pool. And Shaw, let's be honest, looked a proper disaster for us, until his recent resurgence. I have no idea who to target, but Valencia deserves the chance to defend his spot, and he deserves a proper challenger as well.
CB: Smalling, Jones, and Rojo & new CB. Moyes persisted with Rio and Nemanja, and Smalling and Jones got shunted out right. Well, we wanted to string up LvG for this earlier this year, but the lads got their chance. Smalling has proved it I think (unless Arsenal want to break the bank for him, I'd take that), Jones is still rash, but I still want to believe, same with Rojo. I can't see past Hummels. No defender in recent memory has mesmerized me like Hummels. I've been like like Al Pacino in the movie Heat when he's talking about DeNiro, when I've watched Hummels for Germany and Dortmund. "See how he does that..", "Watch what he does here..". He's just class. I haven't watched him so much this season at Dortmund, but based on my past experience, I just can't fathom how some might not rate him. He is a class above. Rio was Cadillac, and Hummels is an Audi RS4. Outstanding. I also rate Varane highly, but think Real would be mad to sell, and Laporte looks the business as well. Hummels though, if available, is a no brainer.
LB: Very happy with Shaw and Blind
CM: Another year for Carrick ("hard to believe he's not Scholes - it actually is, Scholesy was far better, but I still respect these purple patches Carrick has sometimes"), Blind (who actually looked batter at RB), and I'm "luvin' me" some Herrera. I'm also impressed (ducking under the table) with the work Rooney has done here. We need someone here though. And it's not a Roy Keane, IMO. Those days have gone. We need the next Yaya Toure. I'm all in for Pogba now. I could give 2 "you-know-whats" that he left us. He's been magnificent in the Juve matches I've seen, and looks the heir apparent to Toure (who has faded faster than a t-shirt left drying in the Spanish Sun this year). I think about Marcellus Wallace in Pulp Fiction when people say we shouldn't sign him because he left. "That's pride..."
LW and RW: I am happy with Mata. And Valencia as a backup...errm...? We should strengthen here. I don't know as much as NL Max about Depay, but he sounds promising indeed. I'd go for him. However, the crown jewel here is Bale. It has infuriated me that we never got him when he was a teenager. When he left S'ampton for Tottenham, again, we sat on our hands. His "poor spell" at Tottenham at RB, again, we sat on our hands. Now he's at Madrid. This is the one. He was meant to be at United, and we continue to mess it up. The natural heir apparent to Giggs. We should go all in. Push the chips over the table. If they want DeGea, we get Bale. No compromises. The biggest British talent outside of Scholes, Giggs and Gascoigne needs to be at Manchester United. Also, the Spaniards are mean to him.
Strikers: Well, with my list, we've still got Wazza, RvP, and Wilson, and maybe Falcao, or Hernandez, if a deal can be struck. I don't know much about Dybala, or Lacazette, but there's only two (somewhat reasonable) names that stand out here. Again, if Madrid come in For DeGea, if I'm Woodward I'm striking a hard bargain. Bale, Ronaldo or Benzema are coming the other way, maybe even more than one. Let it be done, Ed.
Full Muppet Mode:
In:
Petr Cech
Hummels
RB, not sure who.
Pogba
Depay
Bale
Benzema
Sell or let go:
TClevz, Chicharito, Nani, Falcao, Januzaj, Evans, Rafael, DiMaria, De Gea, Lindegaard, Lingard, Powell, Henriquez
First off, I think the players involved in the recent resurgence have earned the right to stay on. That includes the usual suspects, plus some surprises to me. Young, Fellaini, and .. my hand trembles as I type this, Valencia. Like many on here I would guess, a year ago those are the top 3 names on my list to let go.
I won't go through all the usual suspects to keep: Herrera, Blind, Rooney, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Carrick, Rojo, Mata and McNair. They all deserve a spot, and I'm not debating those.
The fringes to let go:
Hernandez - Love the kid, and I'd have him back in second, but I think there's no chance for him.
Nani - I couldn't care if he the Ballon d'Or this season at Sporting, he (rightly so IMO) will probably demand guarantees of a starting spot, and I don't think he deserves it.
Rafael - The twins had so much promise, and so much ability to divide the Caf. Yet, bad luck on injuries and .. LvG failed to pick him when healthy, preferring Antonio bloody Valencia played out of position over him. Something must be out of order on a grand scale.
Jonny Evans - Daniel Taylor tweeted once that people still consider Jonny to be young player learning his trade, but Jonny Evans is now 27 years old. At times this season he played like a veteran pro, at times he was the biggest liability on the pitch whose lack of fundamentals made me blush. Time to move on, Jonny. A Steve Bruce side beckons.
Januzaj - People beat Moyes over the head for not playing him after his blinding start, but his performances did dip under Moyes, and it's reached critical mass now. If a good offer comes in, I'd listen - intently.
On the fence:
DiMaria: Can he get over his, understandably, difficult transition to Manchester with the armed robbery? I remember early matches this season, when my analysis of United was: "It was DiMaria and DeGea and 9 other blokes". Now, he just looks disinterested and frankly, crap.
Falcao - He's continued to amaze .. in his ability to contribute f'all as every game passes. Yet, coming off a major knee maybe it just takes time. Am I the only one who feels that maybe, just maybe, he might find his form again, and we'll be kicking ourselves? Only if Monaco, and Falcao, give us the deal of a century would I consider keeping him.
The keepers, somehow:
Young: What a resurgence. I actually think the lad has some leadership qualities, too.
Fellaini: He's a straight red waiting to happen, and his bandwagon will disintegrate when that happens in a crucial tie. However, I admire his mental toughness, the option he gives us, and he is the plan B for next season, in my opinion. He's earned it. I hate the style of play, but he's improving. He offers a variation. I want him as a plan B to new Plan A (more below).
RvP - Isn't it a bit funny that Rafael continues to grow in stature and imagined performances during his injury absences, and yet RvP, who has proven to be a game changer, is in perpetual decline on the Caf? I'd keep him, I love the old style Fergie approach, have an experienced striker like Sheringham, Larsson or Solksjaer on the ready to change a match, and I think RvP might still have it.
Valencia: Christ. The one-footedness. The mistakes in defense. The crossing with his head down to imaginary figures, which normally turn out to be opposition defenders. And yet, here we are. The fella puts in a proper shift, wears his heart on his sleeve, and still perseveres after being the "replacement" for Ronaldo. I hate him sometimes, but I respect the hell out of him at other times. Onwards and upwards, may we find a proper challenger to him, but he deserves it. I will now gouge my eyes out.
GK: I am really starting to fear the De Gea is actually going to be off. At some point, there has to be limit to what we're willing to pay for a 'keeper. I really like De Gea, and want him to stay, but there has to be a limit. The highest paid player at a club cannot be the GK. IF he goes, maybe have Cech and Valdes duke it out for #1. My money is on Cech.
RB: We need a challenger to Valencia. At least we didn't see Jones this year, or Smalling, at RB. Remember those dark days? I'm not convinced with Clyne at all, but I do like him, just less than others on the Caf maybe. Am I the only one who feels pillaging S'hampton is really dangerous? Lovren and Lallana look like proper mistakes for 'Pool. And Shaw, let's be honest, looked a proper disaster for us, until his recent resurgence. I have no idea who to target, but Valencia deserves the chance to defend his spot, and he deserves a proper challenger as well.
CB: Smalling, Jones, and Rojo & new CB. Moyes persisted with Rio and Nemanja, and Smalling and Jones got shunted out right. Well, we wanted to string up LvG for this earlier this year, but the lads got their chance. Smalling has proved it I think (unless Arsenal want to break the bank for him, I'd take that), Jones is still rash, but I still want to believe, same with Rojo. I can't see past Hummels. No defender in recent memory has mesmerized me like Hummels. I've been like like Al Pacino in the movie Heat when he's talking about DeNiro, when I've watched Hummels for Germany and Dortmund. "See how he does that..", "Watch what he does here..". He's just class. I haven't watched him so much this season at Dortmund, but based on my past experience, I just can't fathom how some might not rate him. He is a class above. Rio was Cadillac, and Hummels is an Audi RS4. Outstanding. I also rate Varane highly, but think Real would be mad to sell, and Laporte looks the business as well. Hummels though, if available, is a no brainer.
LB: Very happy with Shaw and Blind
CM: Another year for Carrick ("hard to believe he's not Scholes - it actually is, Scholesy was far better, but I still respect these purple patches Carrick has sometimes"), Blind (who actually looked batter at RB), and I'm "luvin' me" some Herrera. I'm also impressed (ducking under the table) with the work Rooney has done here. We need someone here though. And it's not a Roy Keane, IMO. Those days have gone. We need the next Yaya Toure. I'm all in for Pogba now. I could give 2 "you-know-whats" that he left us. He's been magnificent in the Juve matches I've seen, and looks the heir apparent to Toure (who has faded faster than a t-shirt left drying in the Spanish Sun this year). I think about Marcellus Wallace in Pulp Fiction when people say we shouldn't sign him because he left. "That's pride..."
LW and RW: I am happy with Mata. And Valencia as a backup...errm...? We should strengthen here. I don't know as much as NL Max about Depay, but he sounds promising indeed. I'd go for him. However, the crown jewel here is Bale. It has infuriated me that we never got him when he was a teenager. When he left S'ampton for Tottenham, again, we sat on our hands. His "poor spell" at Tottenham at RB, again, we sat on our hands. Now he's at Madrid. This is the one. He was meant to be at United, and we continue to mess it up. The natural heir apparent to Giggs. We should go all in. Push the chips over the table. If they want DeGea, we get Bale. No compromises. The biggest British talent outside of Scholes, Giggs and Gascoigne needs to be at Manchester United. Also, the Spaniards are mean to him.
Strikers: Well, with my list, we've still got Wazza, RvP, and Wilson, and maybe Falcao, or Hernandez, if a deal can be struck. I don't know much about Dybala, or Lacazette, but there's only two (somewhat reasonable) names that stand out here. Again, if Madrid come in For DeGea, if I'm Woodward I'm striking a hard bargain. Bale, Ronaldo or Benzema are coming the other way, maybe even more than one. Let it be done, Ed.
Full Muppet Mode:
In:
Petr Cech
Hummels
RB, not sure who.
Pogba
Depay
Bale
Benzema
Sell or let go:
TClevz, Chicharito, Nani, Falcao, Januzaj, Evans, Rafael, DiMaria, De Gea, Lindegaard, Lingard, Powell, Henriquez
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IMO the biggest problem against Arsenal and Everton with Blind wasn't what he was doing offensively, but what he couldn't provide defensively. It probably doesn't help that he's constantly moved to different positions, but if Schneiderlin would have been in his place, I'd argue we would have been a lot better defensively. Schneiderlin's role for Southampton has changed over the years, there was definitely a season, when he was playing as the anchor for Southampton and basically had to do it on his own and hadn't someone like Wanyama alongside him to share the responsibility. What I'm trying to say is, that Schneiderlin wouldn't be able to dictate the play like Carrick does, but he's defensively better than Blind and Carrick IMO, which would help our defense and team in another way than what Carrick does. I strongly believe that van Gaal would love him as a player and he will get more recognition, when he moves to a better team. I also believe that we need to improve on Fellaini to create more offensively. Schneiderlin is more than decent as an 8, but there's probably better players around for that role like Koke and Pogba. Whether we can get those players is an entirely different matter. Who else could be an option then? You know my opinion on Xhaka, I'd rather bring him in than Schneiderlin and I like both players a lot, but apart from the obvious like Koke, who is there to improve our team as the box-to-box player?
I'd prefer Aurier to Darmian and Coleman, mostly because I haven't seen enough of Darmian and he's already 25. Coleman has been underwhelming compared to last season and isn't worth what he would cost in my eyes. Fabinho on the other hand is a close call for me. I'd be happy with either, but I probably like them more for their potential than for what they could provide currently.
Majority of his good performances have come as a RW I believe, but with license to drift. His decision making still is a bit off despite dominating serie a for the past six to seven months.Would love him here but I feel for his own good, he should spend another season at lazio being the main man.
GK: Petr Cech
RB: Darmian
CB: Hummels
CM: Schneiderlin
CM: Gundogan
W: Depay
RB: Darmian
CB: Hummels
CM: Schneiderlin
CM: Gundogan
W: Depay
De Gea
Darmian Smalling Hummels Shaw
Carrick
Schneiderlin Gundogan
Di Maria Rooney Depay
Darmian Smalling Hummels Shaw
Carrick
Schneiderlin Gundogan
Di Maria Rooney Depay
Yep. Ideally I'd like both because I'm kind of a greedy muppet and you can always add quality to the team. But even though I really like Memphis and think he could be a hell of player, Felipe is one of two young players I'd take over him as things stand. The other being Sterling. These two are just a step above when it comes to natural talent.
The caveat being long term improvement. Memphis is a naturally determined individual (like Cristiano) so you will never have an issue with him not training hard or having his head turned by fame or slacking off when he reaches a certain level. He will keep on taking his game one notch higher. The evidence is in his career to date. Not the greatest Dutch talent 2-3 seasons ago, but he fought his way through, became a starter, an international players, and then the key player for Eindhoven. That kind of year upon year progress is a good indicator of his future production, plus the drive to succeed is a very underrated trait IMO and something that we as outsiders, with limited access to footballers' lives don't always appreciate.
That makes a lot of sense mate. Things can go awry for young players who're not ready for the step up in quality. Felipe could definitely do with more experience at Lazio, while working on better decision making and other subtle nuances or his game. Even Lamela would've been better served sticking with Roma for another season or two.
He certainly was for Toulouse the season before. It's just weird what they are doing there. Van der Wiel is nowhere near Aurier in my eyes and Digne doesn't get enough game time on the other side.
That's the spirit. Me, too.
Basically only position in which we dont need a new player is LB.
New CB, new CM who will be good in defense also, new RB (if Rafael is done with us and it seems so), new winger and a new striker.
Possibly a new keeper too....
New CB, new CM who will be good in defense also, new RB (if Rafael is done with us and it seems so), new winger and a new striker.
Possibly a new keeper too....
In addition to the same positions that are always mentioned, we could really use a young, top class striker with pace and individual ability. I'm not talking about a backup option either.
For all our documented flaws in other areas, I think adding Aguero alone to what we have could have won us the league this season. The amount of games he's won for City when they haven't even played well. I can't really see anyone in the market though, perhaps Lacazette seems the most cooked of all the options, although I've heard of no links. Nobody is talking about Vietto anymore either it seems, who could also be an interesting option especially considering his price.
But there is only so far a 'good unit' and system will take you, and we need real star, game-winning quality on a consistent basis, preferably on the pitch as opposed to on paper.
For all our documented flaws in other areas, I think adding Aguero alone to what we have could have won us the league this season. The amount of games he's won for City when they haven't even played well. I can't really see anyone in the market though, perhaps Lacazette seems the most cooked of all the options, although I've heard of no links. Nobody is talking about Vietto anymore either it seems, who could also be an interesting option especially considering his price.
But there is only so far a 'good unit' and system will take you, and we need real star, game-winning quality on a consistent basis, preferably on the pitch as opposed to on paper.
Pogba, Bale and Clyne.
We'd be set.
We'd be set.
looks like we are going for........
Clyne
Gundogan
Depay
..others have mentioned Hummels and Schneiderlin.....
Clyne
Gundogan
Depay
..others have mentioned Hummels and Schneiderlin.....
I can see where you are coming from mate and I actually thought today after how clearly Carrick was missed that maybe the right move would be a strong DM like Schneiderlin and a #8 like Gundogan who can dictate play a little higher up, with Herrera given the more attacking role of the midfield trio. This seems a lot more practical than trying to find a player with the exact same attributes as Carrick.
Fair enough, one thing I doi like about Fabinho is he can do two roles, but I'd probably opt for the more athletic and dynamic option of Aurier if it came down to a choice between the 2.
That's a good point, the development between 20 and 25 is more about mental dedication than talent and Memphis has a winners work ethic where as Felipe Anderson has had weight issues right? It's like Bale and Nani, I'd argue the latter is more talented but mentally fragile, where as Bale honed what he has and got to the next level.
We need to replace Fellaini, Young, Blind, Mata with better players who can play a possession based game. A centre back with a brain to partner Smalling would be cool as well.
Kind of want to keep Hernandez now.
Where have we heard that before?
Going by the displays against Everton and Chelsea, we desperately need some wide players in attack who can get behind the defense and become goal threats. As decent as Young is playing, he is not that sort of a player. Mata keeps drifting into the center and is really not suited for that type of play. Di Maria may eventually decide to show up, but he is not a goal threat. We need to get hold of Depay if we can, and then go all out for Bale of he is available, if not, let's see if Nani has sorted out his issues.
We also need a mobile defensive midfielder, another box to box creative midfielder to play alongside Herrera and a right back as well. As for strikers, we need to sort out the service to them, otherwise they will struggle no matter who we play there.
We also need a mobile defensive midfielder, another box to box creative midfielder to play alongside Herrera and a right back as well. As for strikers, we need to sort out the service to them, otherwise they will struggle no matter who we play there.
Darmian is excellent and ripped Juve apart from the left wingback position yesterday with a goal and one assist. Zambrottaesque.
He should be a taget for any top club in need of a Lb/Rb.
He should be a taget for any top club in need of a Lb/Rb.
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