Manchester United Summer Transfer Window 2015: What do we still need?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I realise that a lot of you want us to buy many players, but I disagree.

IMO we shouldnt need to buy the likes of Bale, Ronaldo, Robben, Messi, (or any other Galactico) to beat teams like:

Yeovil
Cambridge
Aston Villa (10 men)
...etc

Hummels, Depay, Cuadaro or any other top defender would not have made any difference to the score lines above.

Our current set of players are certainly good enough to compete for a league title (and be in the same class as Man City and Chelsea).
For a cheaper, more immediate upgrade, it is our system which needs to be changed. I'd gladly pay £50M to "buy" a new system, which uses our expensive attack to terrify defences.

I think its embarrassing when a manager assembles one of the most expensive squads of all time and says, "I need to spend more money", so we can beat Yeovil or Cambridge.

IMO E.Woodward needs to have a detailed discussion with LVG and ask him, why is it that rival teams with cheaper squads are able to win matches, while we (with our expensive squad) struggle to create chances.
I dont want us to blow our war chest on LVG players, if he isn't the manager to move us forward.
In fact, given that LVG has a history with winning titles with unheard of players - perhaps E.Woodward should ask if he can use some of our youth players, rather than buying another Galactico (and then play him out of position).

Lets go through our new (star) signings:
Falcao
Herrera
Shaw
Di Maria
Rojo
Blind

If any team in the EPL bought these players and then struggled against weaker teams, would you honestly sanction even more purchases?
I'd tell the manager, "Use the players you have. Compete for the league. If you do well, I'll give you more money to help with another title challenge and a tilt at the Champions League".
 
Decided to update the title of the thread as the general view is we'll be having another big muppet summer to bolster the team for a title tilt and hopefully a CL run.

I feel Hummels will come in as our new CB, whether a second CB also arrives seems uncertain, but if they do I think he will be right footed as Rojo is nailing down the LCB position and Hummels can play either side. Maybe we'll go for Marquinhos who can also play RB and go with him, Valencia and McNair as our 3 options there.

I personally really liked the diamond we played tonight, the Di Maria/Mata interchanges on the left side and AM role worked great and I think Adnan can be an option within that as well. The problem is the rRM position in the diamond where Rooney is being played. Ideally we could use a CM that could play there and also centrally next to Blind if we move to 4-2-3-1. I know some will say Herrera but I think his best chance to play will come as an alternative to Di Maria.

That just leaves the forward line, obviously with midfield sorted Rooney can move back up top and I expect Wilson to get more game time next season, but I think we could do with adding another fast, skillful goal threat, someone like Depay or Dybala.
 
I'd like to see a new winger, a new central defender and a right back. With Evans, Valencia, Lindegaard & Young departing (as well as Falcao not being loaned). I personally think Carrick will be fine for another season and along with Blind, Herrera & Fellaini that's a good central midfield. With a much better defence I think Van Gaal will have the confidence to play the likes of Fellaini/Herrera next to Carrick/Blind. Obviously Rooney can also drop back if necessary.

That would basically give us 2 good player's in every position. The new winger would allow us to be a bit more versatile in terms of formations along with Di Maria & possibly Nani (I'd loan Januzaj out for the season). Getting rid of Falcao would also give Rooney & Wilson more time up front, along with RVP.

That would set up the following Summer to go all out for a World Class centre forward (with RVP probably leaving) and central midfielder (with Carrick either leaving or having reduced game time).
 
We're going to need two defenders - a right back to replace Rafael who's never fit and will probably leave in the Summer (Clyne, Coleman?) and an experienced top quality centre half who can be a leader in defence (Hummels?).

We'll probably sign Strootman since van Gaal loves him and I'm all but certain that we'll sell or loan Herrera who van Gaal simply doesn't like. This isn't the transfer I want but the one that we'll very likely make.

I'd like a new winger to add another dimension to our team, someone fast, and the most important for me is that we buy a new forward with actual pace and trickery. That won't happen though because van Persie will stay and still play week in week out, we'll probably not hold on to Falcao though.

I expect us to sign Strootman, a new center half and a right back.

I'd like us to sign Hummels, Coleman, maybe Depay and I have no clue about a forward we should buy but I imagine our scouts should be more clued up.
 
After all the money we spent in the summer, and all the options that we currently have up front, it's hard to believe that we need a winger and a striker, but IMO we do. A perfect summer for me would be a winger, striker, centre back and a right back. Reus and Varane would be my top targets, however both of those are highly unlikely. Depay and Marquinos would be more realistic and if we got Clyne in too then that would set us up very nicely.
 
We NEED:

RB: Clyne
CB: Varane/Marquinos/Godin/Laporte (Possibly 2 from the list)
CM: Pogba/Strootman (If fit)
Wingers: Reus AND Depay
ST: Lacazette/Dybala
 
Defense

Hummels.
De sciligio / sules
Midfield

Pogba or koke (rcm role)

Attack.

Reus.
Depay

120-140m and sorted.

Sell young, valencia, fellaini, Evans, jones/smelling, rvp /falcao for 50-70m.
 
MJJ said:
Defense

Hummels.
De sciligio / sules
Midfield

Pogba or koke (rcm role)

Attack.

Reus.
Depay

120-140m and sorted.

Sell young, valencia, fellaini, Evans, jones/smelling, rvp /falcao for 50-70m.
Click to expand...
We can't sell someone we don't own. Would be cool if we could.:lol:
 
Definitely think we'll be after Hunmels again. A right back is a definite and I think that'll be Clyne with his recent comments about his contract. I would've said Strootman a couple of weeks ago but we should go all out for Pogba now he's fecked again. Think a striker is a definite as well as I can't see us signing Falcao and we could do with another winger, so there's lots to do.
 
J-Stander said:
Definitely think we'll be after Hunmels again. A right back is a definite and I think that'll be Clyne with his recent comments about his contract. I would've said Strootman a couple of weeks ago but we should go all out for Pogba now he's fecked again. Think a striker is a definite as well as I can't see us signing Falcao and we could do with another winger, so there's lots to do.
Click to expand...
Strootman is a no no I hope. Pogba I fear will be off to Real. I would love to get Clyne and maybe a Depay. We need players, but that would be enough. Don't want another season of trying to settle to many players into the side.
 
1 Right back

2 Centre backs

1 winger

1 striker

Depay, Varane and Clyne should be prioritised IMO, and the only CM we should go all in for is Pogba.
 
Strengthening at RB and CB is obvious.

We're also likely to see a midfielder brought in, probably one who adds the qualities that LVG sees in Strootman (even if Strootman isn't the actual player we sign). I'd imagine there's an overlap between those qualities and the qualities LVG sees in Rooney as a midfielder (physicality and work rate being two that jump out).

I think those signings will give LVG the platform to switch to whatever formation he has in mind for the long term. Any attacking buys/sells really depend on that vision. Do we keep playing with two up front, do we play with traditional wide men, etc. Impossible to know who we might sign in those positions until we know how LVG actually plans to shape up long term....
 
Kayo said:
If Varane is on the market we need to go for him, we can't let Jose get his hands on him and pair him with Zouma.

I'd be happy if he was our only summer signing.

Clyne would be a decent option aswell.
Click to expand...
I very much doubt that Varane will be on the market. I'd say Real are more likely to sell Pepe who's on the wrong side of 30.

If we could get Navas and Varane in exchange for De Gea it could actually be a step forward. Add RB and a striker and we are golden.
 
Sarni said:
I very much doubt that Varane will be on the market. I'd say Real are more likely to sell Pepe who's on the wrong side of 30.

If we could get Navas and Varane in exchange for De Gea it could actually be a step forward. Add RB and a striker and we are golden.
Click to expand...
Real would be nuts selling Varne, he could be their CB for years to come. Would be typical Real mind you.
 
The scariest thing for me is that we have a problem with RVP, Carrick and perhaps Rooney. Those 3 should make up our 'world class' spine, but instead are all fading fast. When you consider (see other threads) we've lost 13/14 first team members in 12 months, losing/having to carry another 3 is getting to the crazy stage. Fergie really didn't prepare us very well for his departure, but that's been covered elsewhere.

The single biggest requirement for me is a line-leading centre forward. LVG isn't going to play Rooney there - and to be fair we don't know if he still can play there. RVP is done. Falcao will leave. Welbz and Chica aren't good enough and are gone. Look at the best performing teams in the premier league in recent times:
- LFC with Torres
- LFC with Suarez
- United with Rooney/Ronaldo
- City with Aguero
- United with RVP
- Chelsea with Costa

You just need a centre forward that can create and be dangerous alone. And we no longer have one of those. That's why Mata/Di Maria/Janujaz/Rooney don't have space and options. We need someone fast, physical and preferably high energy. But I have no idea who that is looking around world football at the moment.
 
At right center back, Mats Hummels could be a real possibility this summer, albeit it's only a gut feeling and I'm sure Sphaero or a Dortmund fan could factually argue otherwise. While he enjoys a cult status there, is loved by the manager and his teammates, and might want to stick by the club through thick and thin, realistically there is some threat to his place in the national team and given Bayern's supremacy, Dortmund are unlikely to win the Bundesliga anytime soon.

'Project' is a frowned upon concept but also something a lot of modern footballers can relate with, and I'm sure Van Gaal and Woodward could make an attractive proposition to lure him to Old Trafford. We could offer him a chance to be part of United's 'revival' (which is currently underway), a bigger pay-packet (not that he strikes me as someone motivated by monetary gain mind) and a good chance to win trophies (the league or even a European Cup in the not too distant future if a few chips fall our way). We've been reportedly courting him for long so maybe that puts United in a advantageous position added to the fact that there are only about 3 clubs who can match our spending power post FFP (one of which is banned and the other two have good defenders in place already). Hummels has had an up and down season in terms of performance but he's still one of the few premier central defenders in football right now and would bring some much needed composure, big game experience and nuance to the defense.

We were linked with Laporte in the winter window but between Rojo's form and long term projection, we are probably set at left center back for the foreseeable future. Varane is another great option, but when all's said and done, I think he'll 100 % stay at Real. There's been a lot of chatter about Marquinhos too but he might be a bit too green for the figures being bandied about.

We do need an RB too. Big fan of Rafael but between his injuries and subsequent recuperation periods, we end up missing our first choice rightback for chunks of the season unfortunately. Defense is an area where consistency breeds excellence and ideally you shouldn't be chopping and changing it every few weeks. Coleman seems a popular choice but Clyne is also a quality young player, provides versatility and is good both in the offensive and defensive sense. That said, I'm almost petrified of Southampton players to be honest. There's just something about them and you can't really point it out, but they do seem enhanced products of their system and cohesive style of play. You look at a Lallana or a Lovren and they've struggled at other clubs, or conversely Bertrand who's had a reversal of fortunes at Southampton.

With that in mind, someone like Joao Cancelo could be a good option. In recent seasons, we've seen a trend of under the radar fullback signings paying big dividends in the Premier League. Zabaleta was a relatively low key signing for City despite his accomplishments with Argentina, ditto Azpilicueta for Chelsea who was good but nowhere close to his current level in La Liga or at Marseille. Cancelo could be a similar, if a little inexperienced signing for United. Great talent, on loan at Valencia from Benfica (probably a favor to Peter Lim) and at 20 years old, could become a Coentrao level of player and a fixture for the club in 1-2 seasons. This is the type of relatively cheap young player we've historically taken punts on and reaped the benefits for a long time. Santiago Arias of PSV could be another option.

As a backup to Shaw at leftback we could pursue someone like Jose Gaya, Cancelo's team-mate at Valencia. Brilliant young player who could be a Bernat type player in the future and is also capable of playing at left wing. Jordan Amavi of Nice is another player who's been exceptional this season, arguably the best left back in Ligue 1, is of a good age at 20 and would be relatively cheap.

Center midfield is a tricky one. Pogba would be the clear #1 choice for almost everyone but the competition for his signature could be incredible this summer with the likes of Madrid heavily involved given Zidane's admiration of his fellow Frenchman. If Real are dead serious about signing him, then realistically we have little chance, defeatist as it may sound. They are arguably the best club in the world right now, are at their peak, can boast of the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale and co. which we just can't match unfortunately and could guarantee almost instant success. That said, he's had some experience with the English league, language and culture, and is just a supreme talent so we should do everything within our powers to bring him to Old Trafford. Aside from him, Koke would be an almost equally worthwhile option and would bring a solid European pedigree despite his young age. His clubmate Saul is another one I really like, he has loads of experience with the Spanish youth teams, was linked with us during Moyes' tenure so the scouts might have some background knowledge of the player, and is someone who could be a Javi Martinez type player in a couple of seasons.

For the wing, Marco Reus (injury concerns now-withstanding ?) and Memphis Depay are the best choices, even tough the latter is developing more into a goal-scoring wide forward than someone who can really burn defenders and disrupt their organisation.

We also need a striker because sadly I'm not sold on Falcao as a permanent option, once we consider the price of the transfer and the wages involved. Harry Kane is a brilliant prospect, young, English and has decent experience in the league. Some might argue this season has been a flash the pan from him and one can't really disagree with that. Just early days but IMO he could be special and a comparable striker to maybe Shearer. It might be in the player's best interest to stay at Tottenham for atleast a couple more seasons and develop further before taking a plunge in the transfer market. But then, there's always a sense of his transfer fee trebling ala Bale with increasingly better performances and Levy consequently refusing to sell to domestic rivals/ demanding astronomical amounts of money. Of course, Lacazette as others have stated is another great option and would be a great acquisition given his qualities and age.
 
Last edited:
@Beachryan is right, I think Rooney needs to play closer to the main striker but we lack a dynamic main striker right now.

I am also shocked at how many don't list a CM when Carrick is 34 and it's pretty clear LvG doesn't truly rate Herrera or the mop as proper CM's. He'll surely buy one in the mold he likes, a strong, technical possession based CM.

The problem is who?

Pogba - Surely off to Madrid
Modric - If he leaves Madrid it wont be for the PL in my view
Strootman - Crocked
Vidal - Lingering injury doubts
Gundogan - Lingering injury doubts
Schneiderlin - Seems set for Arsenal

Koke would be ideal but difficult to get, then there's McCarthy and Allan from Udinese.
 
Veratti would be a great signing, but can't see PSG letting him go. Pogba would be a great signing, almost certainly going to be overpriced, and courted by the likes of Madrid as well.

Tough to say. If Strootman can prove his fitness over the next few months, he'd be an ideal signing. Likewise Vidal.

Failing that, could always launch a double raid on Everton for Coleman and McCarthy (not sure about McCarthy tbh).

Schneiderlin would be a pretty decent buy, and he did agitate for a move in the summer.
 
McCarthy has had his own injury issues this season too.
 
Devil may care said:
@Beachryan is right, I think Rooney needs to play closer to the main striker but we lack a dynamic main striker right now.

I am also shocked at how many don't list a CM when Carrick is 34 and it's pretty clear LvG doesn't truly rate Herrera or the mop as proper CM's. He'll surely buy one in the mold he likes, a strong, technical possession based CM.

The problem is who?

Pogba - Surely off to Madrid
Modric - If he leaves Madrid it wont be for the PL in my view
Strootman - Crocked
Vidal - Lingering injury doubts
Gundogan - Lingering injury doubts
Schneiderlin - Seems set for Arsenal

Koke would be ideal but difficult to get, then there's McCarthy and Allan from Udinese.
Click to expand...
If David Moyes hadn't messed about and bought Herrera (a seasons experience under his belt) and Strootman when he actually had the chance, we would have been sorted. The fact we could have had Strootman pre injury for next to nothing is annoying.
 
Mciahel Goodman said:
Veratti would be a great signing, but can't see PSG letting him go. Pogba would be a great signing, almost certainly going to be overpriced, and courted by the likes of Madrid as well.

Tough to say. If Strootman can prove his fitness over the next few months, he'd be an ideal signing. Likewise Vidal.

Failing that, could always launch a double raid on Everton for Coleman and McCarthy (not sure about McCarthy tbh).

Schneiderlin would be a pretty decent buy, and he did agitate for a move in the summer.
Click to expand...
I think Strootman is just about out for the rest of the season, so it would take to next January for him to yet again prove his fitness and for the money Roma want it is not worth it. Also we don't have the time to wait.
 
Well according to the 'best squad on paper' thread we need a left back, 2 centre backs, a right back, 4 central midfielders and 2 strikers.
 
DomesticTadpole said:
Not much then?:lol:
Click to expand...
It seems the forum have decided DDG is the only player capable of getting in City or Chelseas side! Actually they've also decided he's off to Madrid in the summer so better add a GK to the list too.
 
To make serious challenge for a title we're probably not that far but building a team worthy of Fergie's project, we'll need few absolute winners in the squad more.
 
DomesticTadpole said:
If David Moyes hadn't messed about and bought Herrera (a seasons experience under his belt) and Strootman when he actually had the chance, we would have been sorted. The fact we could have had Strootman pre injury for next to nothing is annoying.
Click to expand...

Who is this Moyes you speak of? :nervous: I've never been a 100% sold on Strootman in truth and I hope the board prevents LvG from going for him now he's missed so much time with injury. I think the fact we were clearly interested in Vidal in the summer suggests he's flexible in finding alternatives.
 
I say 2 defenders, a CM, a winger and a striker to inject more world class pace and acceleration into the team
 
Devil may care said:
Who is this Moyes you speak of? :nervous: I've never been a 100% sold on Strootman in truth and I hope the board prevents LvG from going for him now he's missed so much time with injury. I think the fact we were clearly interested in Vidal in the summer suggests he's flexible in finding alternatives.
Click to expand...

If he is obsessed with strootman, I question the mans logic, which is already in question with some bizzare decisions, that make no sense what so ever. He's making weird decisions with his team selections, his transfer policy I would not be surprised either
 
ivaldo said:
Well according to the 'best squad on paper' thread we need a left back, 2 centre backs, a right back, 4 central midfielders and 2 strikers.
Click to expand...

er, don't forget the keeper if big Dave goes!! :lol:
 
Invictus said:
We were linked with Laporte in the winter window but between Rojo's form and long term projection, we are probably set at left center back for the foreseeable future. Varane is another great option, but when all's said and done, I think he'll 100 % stay at Real. There's been a lot of chatter about Marquinhos too but he might be a bit too green for the figures being bandied about.
Click to expand...

I agree with this, I think the fact Hummels can play RCB or LCB and that Rojo is doing well means that a RCB is a more likely addition. Personally I'd go for Stones but I doubt he's on our radar right now.

With that in mind, someone like Joao Cancelo could be a good option. In recent seasons, we've seen a trend of under the radar fullback signings paying big dividends in the Premier League. Zabaleta was a relatively low key signing for City despite his accomplishments with Argentina, ditto Azpilicueta for Chelsea who was good but nowhere close to his current level in La Liga or at Marseille. Cancelo could be a similar, if a little inexperienced signing for United. Great talent, on loan at Valencia from Benfica (probably a favor to Peter Lim) and at 20 years old, could become a Coentrao level of player and a fixture for the club in 1-2 seasons. This is the type of relatively cheap young player we've historically taken punts on and reaped the benefits for a long time. Santiago Arias of PSV could be another option.
Click to expand...

I hope we are casting our net wider than the PL if we are looking at RB's, not that I don't rate Coleman or Clyne but there might be cheaper options with higher ceilings, plus I am keen to see McNair get more chances in the role this season.

As a backup to Shaw at leftback we could pursue someone like Jose Gaya, Cancelo's team-mate at Valencia. Brilliant young player who could be a Bernat type player in the future and is also capable of playing at left wing. Jordan Amavi of Nice is another player who's been exceptional this season, arguably the best left back in Ligue 1, is of a good age at 20 and would be relatively cheap.
Click to expand...

Personally I don't think we need a back up for Shaw who is in the same age range, we have Rojo who can cover if needed and Blind at a stretch. Shaw like all young players needs game time to develop and benching him or another 20 year old would be counter productive IMO. That's why I am certain Valencia will stay as we'll get a proper RB and he'll be happy as the cover.

For the wing, Marco Reus (injury concerns now-withstanding ?) and Memphis Depay are the best choices, even tough the latter is developing more into a goal-scoring wide forward than someone who can really burn defenders and disrupt their organisation.
Click to expand...

Lucas would be my choice, it's really clicking into place for him this season, he has jets on his boots, dribbles and has really improved his decision making.

We also need a striker because sadly I'm not sold on Falcao as a permanent option, once we consider the price of the transfer and the wages involved. Harry Kane is a brilliant prospect, young, English and has decent experience in the league. Some might argue this season has been a flash the pan from him and one can't really disagree with that. Just early days but IMO he could be special and a comparable striker to maybe Shearer. It might be in the player's best interest to stay at Tottenham for atleast a couple more seasons and develop further before taking a plunge in the transfer market. But then, there's always a sense of his transfer fee trebling ala Bale with increasingly better performances and Levy consequently refusing to sell to domestic rivals/ demanding astronomical amounts of money. Of course, Lacazette as others have stated is another great option and would be a great acquisition given his qualities and age.
Click to expand...

I am with you on Kane but he's just signed a new 5 and a half year deal with Spurs, it's gonna take Bale money a couple of years or more down the line if he keeps his current level up. I think Dybala from Palermo could be a good option for us, he can make something out of nothing, is quick and skillful and stronger than he looks, could be an ideal foil for Rooney.
 
Oneunited26 said:
If he is obsessed with strootman, I question the mans logic, which is already in question with some bizzare decisions, that make no sense what so ever. He's making weird decisions with his team selections, his transfer policy I would not be surprised either
Click to expand...

He is weird I agree, but his other obsession over right footed and left footed players may be to our advantage here as we clearly lack a right footed CM that he trusts, hence Rooney playing there all the time.
 
CB: Hummels/Godin/Laporte
RB: Clyne/Coleman
CM: Vidal/Nainggolan/Schneiderlin/Strootman
LW: Depay

*based on the assumption that we are going to play 4-3-3.

You could argue a striker and a backup for Shaw even though Rojo and Blind can cover.
 
Clyne, a CB, a top draw winger and Pogba.

We need another big spend to catch up. The squad left after Fergie's retirement was in dire state.
 
Devil may care said:
@Beachryan is right, I think Rooney needs to play closer to the main striker but we lack a dynamic main striker right now.

I am also shocked at how many don't list a CM when Carrick is 34 and it's pretty clear LvG doesn't truly rate Herrera or the mop as proper CM's. He'll surely buy one in the mold he likes, a strong, technical possession based CM.

The problem is who?

Pogba - Surely off to Madrid
Modric - If he leaves Madrid it wont be for the PL in my view
Strootman - Crocked
Vidal - Lingering injury doubts
Gundogan - Lingering injury doubts
Schneiderlin - Seems set for Arsenal

Koke would be ideal but difficult to get, then there's McCarthy and Allan from Udinese.
Click to expand...

Koke, Schneiderlin, Allan, Krychowiak, Sanson, Geis, Veretout, Imbula, Gonalons, L. Bender, Xhaka, Parejo, Kovacic, etc.

There are quite a lot of decent central midfielders out there. Whether we go for an already established name or someone with great potential, we should be able to get both and IMO we also need both. If it were up to me, I'd want us to sign Schneiderlin and Geis for central midfield. I don't think the former is set to sign for Arsenal and we should do everything we can to get him. Koke sadly isn't realistic judging by his commitment to Atletico anytime soon.

As much as I like Rojo, I think we should go after Hummels and Laporte. Evans will surely be sold or at least he should be and given the injury records of Smalling and Jones, we probably would need 5 centre-backs. It's been quite some time since we haven't had injury problems in central defence and with hopefully more games next season, we'll need 5 centre-backs. Rojo, Smalling, Jones, Hummels and Laporte would be ideal.
 
Devil may care said:
Personally I don't think we need a back up for Shaw who is in the same age range, we have Rojo who can cover if needed and Blind at a stretch. Shaw like all young players needs game time to develop and benching him or another 20 year old would be counter productive IMO. That's why I am certain Valencia will stay as we'll get a proper RB and he'll be happy as the cover.
Click to expand...

Not a re-planned alternative or replacement for Shaw per se mate. I'm just of the mindset that sometimes you need as much healthy competition in the squad as possible to avoid complacency or stagnation, that keeps everyone alert on their heels and gives them an incentive to continually evolve. Signing another good young player will send a message that every player (even one viewed as a long term fixture in our XI) needs to keep fit and perform at a good level every week because the guy on the bench might usurp him once the level starts dropping.

To cite a fairly successful example at that position, IMO Madrid really benefited from having a similar structure with Marcelo and Coentrao, and the latter's performances drove Marcelo to a higher level. Beyond that, I think there aren't a lot of experienced and quality left backs available right now so it would make financial sense to sign a cheaper one who could be later resold for a higher price given his age profile and talent. I just think given the Jones and Evans experience, it's always prudent to stockpile more ammo while there are viable alternatives available than putting all you chips in one basket. eg. We could have signed Varane * just a hypothetical example mind.

Not that their situation compares with Shaw TBH, but with proper contingency planning you always have a good option if a player doesn't pan out as initially prognosticated. Again, in saying that - Shaw is a great player and I'm sure he'll do well long term. But it's always prudent to strengthen the core of your team, particularly when there's viable young talent.

Devil may care said:
Lucas would be my choice, it's really clicking into place for him this season, he has jets on his boots, dribbles and has really improved his decision making.
Click to expand...

Wow. I don't even....
Can't believe I forgot to mention Lucas. For shame... :(

Devil may care said:
I am with you on Kane but he's just signed a new 5 and a half year deal with Spurs, it's gonna take Bale money a couple of years or more down the line if he keeps his current level up. I think Dybala from Palermo could be a good option for us, he can make something out of nothing, is quick and skillful and stronger than he looks, could be an ideal foil for Rooney.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what worries me reg. Kane. If we're to sign him, the club should be decisive and sign him while he's still at a fairly decent sub £40m range because that price will skyrocket given his contract status provided he keeps performing at a similar level next season. That said, as things stand it's a bit unrealistic because I think he'll stay at Tottenham and continue to improve. Dybala is another worthy shout, great talent and one of my favorite players in Serie A along-with Felipe Anderson, who could be another young transfer target for United.

Really excited about Wilson though. Early days and might be hyperbolic praise, but even if we don't sign someone this coming summer, I think next season and by the time Van Persie totally declines/ leaves/ retires - Wilson will be more than ready to claim that #9 position. Exciting times for the club with the likes of him, Januzaj, potentially Pereira, Tuanzabe, Mensah in the fold. :D
 
bucky said:
Koke, Schneiderlin, Allan, Krychowiak, Sanson, Geis, Veretout, Imbula, Gonalons, L. Bender, Xhaka, Parejo, Kovacic, etc.

There are quite a lot of decent central midfielders out there. Whether we go for an already established name or someone with great potential, we should be able to get both and IMO we also need both. If it were up to me, I'd want us to sign Schneiderlin and Geis for central midfield. I don't think the former is set to sign for Arsenal and we should do everything we can to get him. Koke sadly isn't realistic judging by his commitment to Atletico anytime soon.

As much as I like Rojo, I think we should go after Hummels and Laporte. Evans will surely be sold or at least he should be and given the injury records of Smalling and Jones, we probably would need 5 centre-backs. It's been quite some time since we haven't had injury problems in central defence and with hopefully more games next season, we'll need 5 centre-backs. Rojo, Smalling, Jones, Hummels and Laporte would be ideal.
Click to expand...

Interesting selection of names, I admit I don't know some of them but I have liked what I've seen from Geis the couple of times I've watched him. Has Gonalons developed into the player he was expected to become? I mean he's nearly 26 and can't get past Cabaye for the national team. Xhaka has always looked to have a lot of potential but also seems a bit mental.

The thing is if we buy Hummels and Laporte we'd be talking about £70M on CB's and Rojo relegated to squad cover for CB and LB, I am just not feeling that LvG would go that route as he seems to really rate Rojo who was one of his personal choices.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.