Depends how much the Copa America comes into play. European players are easier to tie down I think.
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window 2015: What do we still need?
- Thread starter Devil may care
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Would rather Europeans tbh, especially German, French, Dutch, and English players, they just seem less likely to fail.
That's very realistic, the unwanted players know that they are unwanted which means that their agents know and therefore all the professional clubs know. And for the players that we want to sign they know that we want to sign them, their clubs know, we 'just' have to find agreements which can happen overnight.
Rarely works like that though sadly, a lot of posturing, rival bids, tournament distractions etc, it all takes time.
Then there is the issue with getting rid of players, DDG making his mind up, finding clubs to take Nani, RVP, Evans etc off our hands, and getting shut of their wages so we know we can pay them to someone else, it's all a long process which is why they tend to rumble on for weeks,
Think we'll get 2-3 players in within 4-5 weeks though, but reckon the striker, dominant midfielder, and maybe the CB will be the trickiest, and latest transfers.
If van Gaal says it'll happen before the tour, it most probably will. He gave himself credit for signing Valdes so quickly when the transfer window opened(?
) and I'm sure he wants to do that again. He will have everything planned to be done as quick as possible, he's a perfectionist and didn't like the hasted preseason last year. I think incoming transfers will be done before outgoing, but van Gaal insisted on having every player on tour excluding players from the Copa.Anyone else feel like we are going to be getting a llot of second or third choice targets?
The way the rumor mill is going right now, it looks as though the big targets are likely to be going elsewhere or staying put, e.g. Bale, Pogba. Anyone suggesting that these may not be our primary targets... well, I just don't buy it.
The way the rumor mill is going right now, it looks as though the big targets are likely to be going elsewhere or staying put, e.g. Bale, Pogba. Anyone suggesting that these may not be our primary targets... well, I just don't buy it.
xxxxx
xxxxx Smalling xxxxx Shaw
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Herrera xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
We're solid in 3 positions, assuming De Gea leaves.xxxxx Smalling xxxxx Shaw
xxxxx
Herrera xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
None of Valencia (too safe), Jones (too raw), Carrick (too old), Fellaini (too limited), Mata (too passive), Rooney (where do we play him?) or Young (too limited) can be leaned on to win a title.
Di Maria, as of now, can't handle the physicality, especially with teams targeting him for hard tackles all season.
Depay is unproven but I think is a good start.
If van Gaal says it'll happen before the tour, it most probably will. He gave himself credit for signing Valdes so quickly when the transfer window opened(?
Well we'll see then, six weeks to get in a RB, CB, DM, AM, CF, and most likely a keeper, if we can do that whilst not compromising on quality then it'll be pretty impressive.
Looks like we're going to miss on Gundongan, what midfielders are that that we can buy, except Schweinsteiger, because it looks like we need 2 of them?
It appears that we need to buy half a team again: 2 CMs, a CB, a RB, almost certainly a GK and probably a striker too + Depay that we already bought. Gonna be an interesting summer...
It appears that we need to buy half a team again: 2 CMs, a CB, a RB, almost certainly a GK and probably a striker too + Depay that we already bought.
Gonna be an interesting summer...Be prepared for a surprise bunch of signings. A lot going on with media speculation but the media just want to sell gossip.
I remember one of the media guys saying that we have an A,B,C list of players and if player A isn't secured by June 30th then we move onto player B etc, so could be an interesting month ahead, if we've not bought anyone in the next 4-5 weeks then it'll likely mean our top choices aren't coming.
The media guys know NOTHING, the same as most posters in transfer threads. The only people in the know are the ones that are associated with the club. Everything else is pure speculation and gossip.
You mean the same as every season? When was the last time we were linked with a colossus and bought them?
I don't count Di Maria, as he was clearly after a move elsewhere first
Not necessarily, when you buy 6 players you don't have to start all of them at the same time, you can ease them into the team.
Last year Bayern bought Lewandowski, Reina, Bernat, Rode, Benatia and Xabi Alonso and it wasn't seen as an overhaul.
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That was Andy Mitten I recall. He's also said we've got two lined up for when van Gaal gives the go-ahead, but I wonder if one of them was Clyne which we've now seemingly pulled out of.
The difference here is Bayern signed those players mostly for depth, while we have to seriously improve our starting eleven, so it has to be expected of the new signings to make instant impact (maybe with the exception of Depay, who'd surely be given time to settle in).
Problem is, even if Di Maria leaves, I don't really see us signing 6 or 7 players in one window. Maybe Van Gaal would decide not to directly replace Di Maria as he was a peripheral figure for us in the closing stages of the season. In that case we'd not be good enough on the wings IMO. Young deserves a lot of credit for his performances in the second half of the season, but we cannot afford to rely on him to be one of our main attacking threats if we want to challenge for the domestic and European title.
We should concentrate on addressing the current issues in the first team, not on replacing our record signing less than a year after his arrival. Having to replace Di Maria and De Gea would only obstruct our efforts to address the other issues imo. Besides, it'd have been completely pointless having to put up with Di Maria's shite performances and to be patient with him if he fecks off this summer. He should be here next season to try and show that he can cut it in this league, not take the easy way out and go play in France. If he leaves, he'll be remember as one of the biggest flops in the history of English football. I don't think he'd want that.
I agree on the rest of your post but, Bernat, Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso were starters this season and Benatia was pretty close. They changed 1/3 of the team. I think that people exaggerate a lot, if we sign 6 players they won't all be automatic starters, at least half of them will fight for their place.
We just need 4 absolute world class players who can come in straight away and make a difference for us. A CB, CDM, CM and Wide player, we already have Depay coming in as well and he's already a upgrade on Young.
Hummels, Verratti, Schniederlin, Bale and if De Gea leaves then Cech/Lloris as well.
Hummels, Verratti, Schniederlin, Bale and if De Gea leaves then Cech/Lloris as well.
Lewandowski was clearly signed to be first choice and to replace Mandzukic. IMO the rest of Bayern's signings would not have been first choice if it weren't for Bayern's injury crisis, that's why I said that, in my opinion, they were signed mostly for depth and cover. Anyway, we shouldn't be arguing about Bayern's intentions behind signing these players.
I agree that if we sign 6-7 players they won't be automatic starters, but I think we can agree that our aim for the close season is to get players who can make an instant difference in our first team and make our starting eleven stronger. Yes, they'll have to ''fight'' for their starting place, but Van Gaal will be signing them as starters. Even though Carrick is probably our most important player and our play sucks without him, he'll be 34 in July and next season will probably be his last. He also gets injured quite a lot, so our new midfielder will be signed to replace Carrick either gradually or instantly, depending on Carrick's fitness.
If the new signings disappoint on the pitch like Falcao and Di Maria, they'll be benched just like them.
"Surprise" in what sense? Top players that haven't been linked to us before we sign them, or unknown players that have been scouted whilst the media go on linking us with big names? Given the amount of players we have been linked with but the club have since apparently denied interest in, then I'm expecting the latter rather than big name players who will either already be at big clubs, or in demand with other clubs of a similar size.
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@Scorpy But we can sign 3-4 potential starters and 1-2 potential substitute.
It'll be interesting to see how the summer unfolds. If De Gea leaves and we sign one of Cech/Lloris, I'd expect his replacement to be our new starting goalkeeper. I'd also expect our new rightback and centre back to be viewed as first choice as well. Whether our new midfielder will immediately be first choice or not will probably depend on Carrick's availability for selection.
If Di Maria leaves and we sign someone like Bale, it's obvious that he'd be a starter as well (at least untill he starts playing like shit).
Overall 4 potential starters + 1 or 2 players to gradually introduce into the starting eleven (like Depay) sounds about right and is quite realistic. It all depends on who leaves though. That's why I said that if De Gea and Di Maria leave this summer, this could obstruct our plans to address our other issues. After all, De Gea is world-class and despite Di Maria's struggles, he's still seen as an important part of our first team. They'd need to be replaced. Whether this happens or not remains to be seen though. Van Gaal's actions cannot be predicted. We might just make Valdes our first choice keeper and make Januzaj's role in the team much more important.
Ah yes it was Andy Mitten, I like him but I'm just not convinced by his articles of late although on this it's likely to be true - players in asap, and having back up options.
Re Clyne you're likely right but tbh I'm not too fussed missing out on that one, if we're going to go for an overpriced English player this summer then I'd rather it wasn't him, many will scoff but I would love us to go for Barkley for the English quota.
I am going to present and alternative set of targets to the big names usually linked with us.Would be significantly cheaper too.
Benatia-not exactly a small name but hasn't settled at Bayern and could be available quite cheaply.
Darmian-Very talented young right back who you just know we would regret not snapping up.
Xhaka-Seems like a player who would fit the hole Carrick is leaving almost perfectly.Again won't cost a bomb.
Kondogbia-Rumours are he wants to leave Monaco.He would add a lot of energy in midfield and allow Herrera to move further forward.
Vietto-Young striker who's already putting up good numbers.May well be happy to be back-up to Rooney unlike a lot of the other striking options.
Benatia-not exactly a small name but hasn't settled at Bayern and could be available quite cheaply.
Darmian-Very talented young right back who you just know we would regret not snapping up.
Xhaka-Seems like a player who would fit the hole Carrick is leaving almost perfectly.Again won't cost a bomb.
Kondogbia-Rumours are he wants to leave Monaco.He would add a lot of energy in midfield and allow Herrera to move further forward.
Vietto-Young striker who's already putting up good numbers.May well be happy to be back-up to Rooney unlike a lot of the other striking options.
Would take those three for sure, not convinced by Kondogbia but wouldn't complain if we got him, don't want Benatia.
This summer it's vital we keep hold of David de Gea, for me he is behind only Manuel Neurer as the best in the world. Over the last two seasons the lad has won us points on his own at times, the transformation from what he was to what he is now has been a joy to watch. That said if we are to lose, then I'd be disappointed if we didn't go all out for Petr Cech. I've read a lot that because of the service he has given to Chelsea that they are willing for him to choose his next club. Given the fact that Arsenal are also rumored to be interested, if we could get him to come to Old Trafford then it would be stopping a direct rival from strengthening as well. In terms of quality, for me Petr is still one of the best keepers in this league and really has been unlucky that Chelsea have such a quality keeper as their number one otherwise he'd still be getting the game time he wants. Another plus point is that at 33 Petr is younger than what Edwin was when he joined and we all know what Edwin did for us in his short time at the club. Given our defensive shortcomings, an experienced top class keeper such as Petr would be ideal, that is if of course we do lose David which isn't ideal!
In terms of defense, I think the writing is on the wall for both Rafael and Jonny Evans. Both, especially Jonny Evans have gone backwards in my opinion. Maybe that's a bit harsh on Rafael who is great to watch going forward but clearly isn't what LVG wants from a defensive point of view. At left back with Luke Shaw who hopefully next season he'll stay injury free and start to prove why we paid so much for him, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo we have more than for that position. For me I'd like us to go and get Dani Alves. I know he wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea but as a free transfer I'd think it would be a perfect signing. He has experience at the highest level, he in many ways is very alike Rafael in terms of getting forward but he can also defend. Given his age and experience he could be vital for the likes of Jones, Smalling and Shaw progress as young defenders. In terms of central defenders, for me the perfect choice is Matts Hummels. I know he has had a very rocky season with Borussia Dortmund but I don't think that's all entirely down to him. After all this guy is a world cup winner and I think would be perfect in a LVG team given how comfortable he bringing the ball out of defense.
The perfect midfielder, Paul Pogba. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would say that but do I think it's possible? Who knows. The lad has the quality, the engine and physique to dominate premier league midfield's, it would be a wonderful signing if we could some how pull it off. If we aren't able to pull that off then I'd like us to sign Illkay Gundogan (who I believe tonight has said he wants a new challenge in the premier league). I know the guy has had his injury worries but he has played a lot of football this last season. During Dortmund's season where they got to the champions league football I think the lad was one of the best midfielders in the world. He can tackle, pass, score.. the guy can bring a lot to our midfield.
With Falcao already leaving and the futures of both Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie unclear, I think we will need to bring in another striker this summer. With premier league, champions league, fa and league cup commitments we can't afford to go in to the season with just Wayne and young James as our strike force. That said I would like to see James given more opportunities as I think the kid as a lot of potential. As for a striker we could bring in, I struggle to think of one. The perfect number 9 for us would be a certain Cristiano Ronaldo but won't happen.
In terms of defense, I think the writing is on the wall for both Rafael and Jonny Evans. Both, especially Jonny Evans have gone backwards in my opinion. Maybe that's a bit harsh on Rafael who is great to watch going forward but clearly isn't what LVG wants from a defensive point of view. At left back with Luke Shaw who hopefully next season he'll stay injury free and start to prove why we paid so much for him, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo we have more than for that position. For me I'd like us to go and get Dani Alves. I know he wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea but as a free transfer I'd think it would be a perfect signing. He has experience at the highest level, he in many ways is very alike Rafael in terms of getting forward but he can also defend. Given his age and experience he could be vital for the likes of Jones, Smalling and Shaw progress as young defenders. In terms of central defenders, for me the perfect choice is Matts Hummels. I know he has had a very rocky season with Borussia Dortmund but I don't think that's all entirely down to him. After all this guy is a world cup winner and I think would be perfect in a LVG team given how comfortable he bringing the ball out of defense.
The perfect midfielder, Paul Pogba. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would say that but do I think it's possible? Who knows. The lad has the quality, the engine and physique to dominate premier league midfield's, it would be a wonderful signing if we could some how pull it off. If we aren't able to pull that off then I'd like us to sign Illkay Gundogan (who I believe tonight has said he wants a new challenge in the premier league). I know the guy has had his injury worries but he has played a lot of football this last season. During Dortmund's season where they got to the champions league football I think the lad was one of the best midfielders in the world. He can tackle, pass, score.. the guy can bring a lot to our midfield.
With Falcao already leaving and the futures of both Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie unclear, I think we will need to bring in another striker this summer. With premier league, champions league, fa and league cup commitments we can't afford to go in to the season with just Wayne and young James as our strike force. That said I would like to see James given more opportunities as I think the kid as a lot of potential. As for a striker we could bring in, I struggle to think of one. The perfect number 9 for us would be a certain Cristiano Ronaldo but won't happen.
That'd be a perfect window IMO.
Sounds great but we wont sign one of those. Maybe after they went to another club and we will have to pay (atleast) triple the amount they cost now.
I know that's the worst part.I don't mind going for the more established names at CB and CM.Otamendi,Hummels,Schniederlin,Vidal or Gundogan would be great options but I'm going to be totally pissed when we show zero interest in Xhaka and Darmian.
Would all be great signings, I agree. I love Xhaka as a player, and Vietto loves lethal. Those two plus Depay and one of Scweini/Gundogan and a centre back (Benatia?) would be truly amazing.
James Milner. Always and forever.
Not sure where he would fit in, but I would approve of Milner as a squad player for sure
Don't see it happening though
Don't see it happening though
Vidal was one of the best players in Germany before going to Juventus but we didnt want him while our midfield wasnt that great. Now he costs a fortune and we are interested. Juventus shows you dont need to pay huge amounts of money to be succesfull... i wish we started doing that again.
I dont know Darmian and Xhanka very well but according to some people they could become star players in the future. Would love if we developed stars again. Hopefully Depay will be first.
It'd be interestng to see how many of our fans actually watch the likes of xhaka, Darmian or kondogbia on a regular basis.
Can someone explain what makes them relatively unknown players good enough for United?
Can someone explain what makes them relatively unknown players good enough for United?
I can only talk about Xhaka, but he's arguably been the best central midfielder in Germany this season. Xabi Alonso wasn't as good as he was the first half of the season and Schweinsteiger didn't play as many games due to injury. So in terms of consistency I rate his season higher than theirs. And I watch a lot of German football.
Kondogbia, I've seen against some of the better teams in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League. While I don't rate him as hightly as Xhaka, he's shown that he could become a very good player for some top team.
Why do you insist that someone has to watch a player regularly to judge whether he has talent/is good enough for United or not? Nobody here works as a scout for United or an European top club, so why not let them speculate about players they've seen? There are a lot of good football sites out there, where you can read about some players. Furthermore you can use stats to form an opinion, if a player is consistent or not. Statistics aren't everything, but hardly lie when it comes to the consistency of a player. Lastly, just because players are unknown to you, doesn't mean they aren't good enough. I don't remember Vidic being a household name before he joined us and he turned out to be great.
That's fair enough if you watch bundesliga then you can have an opinion on xhaka it's just the majority of fans will see us linked to players and immediately they'll be considered good enough just because papers link them to us.
I love speculation it's the best part of the season.
Xhaka I think would be a great signing. One that excites me more than Gundogan. I could imagine him and Herrera creating a really dynamic midfield but also being a great compliment to Carrick. He's also only 22. He did though only just sign a contract extension to 2019 this Feb and has Munich sniffing around him so I imagine he won't be as cheap as some reckon.
Still need as a minimum IMO:
Right back
Defensive mid ("no.6")
Box-to-box mid ("no.8")
Striker
Plus a GK if De Gea goes obviously.
The icing on the cake, and probably needed to take us to the next level, would be a world class attacking midfielder - our own Alexis, Silva or Hazard. I was hoping that Di Maria would be this, but sadly it appears not.
Right back
Defensive mid ("no.6")
Box-to-box mid ("no.8")
Striker
Plus a GK if De Gea goes obviously.
The icing on the cake, and probably needed to take us to the next level, would be a world class attacking midfielder - our own Alexis, Silva or Hazard. I was hoping that Di Maria would be this, but sadly it appears not.
I'm also not sure, whether he wants to leave yet, considering he has Champions League football with Gladbach next season. He might realise for his development it wouldn't hurt to stay put. With Munich interested, we should act fast to avoid another Javi Martinez scenario, where we wonder why we didn't go for him. He's definitely going to be expensive, but he's also worth it IMO.
Yup, I rate this lad very highly and would rather we spent on him instead of the likes of Swheinsteiger, Gundogan etc.
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