Yeah the Premier League isn't even the same sport anymore compared to back then, winning the league with kids in its current state is probably near impossible.
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window 2015: What do we still need?
- Thread starter Devil may care
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Yeah the Premier League isn't even the same sport anymore compared to back then, winning the league with kids in its current state is probably near impossible.
Well fine in as much as maintaining our top 4 status, I stick by my view that we wont win another PL title until we get a top #9 in.
I'd also worry if we sold De Gea and were stuck with Romero or worse Cilessen as our keeper, both the RW and keeping De Gea are imperative IMO.
Irrelevant in 2015, we were the undisputed kings of the mountain back then with far less competition, we could take a risk like that, now it wouldn't work.
He's only going to get better by playing though, he's never going to improve the speed of his decision making just from training, he needs to be competing and basically I don't see us challenging for anything anyway this season so might as well let him have a good dozen games in the role and see how he progresses.
Well, I am not overly fussed about Pedro. Yes he may be a success at Chelsea, but in Mata, Januzaj, and Valencia, we have 3 capable players who can play there.
Obviously Pedro is the better of the 3, but I don't think he would be that big of an improvement. If a Bale or somebody was available, then definitely, as he would be a huge improvement, but for me, a striker is more needed. In Rooney, we have a guy who just cannot do it at the top level, providing goals week in week out (Not saying to get rid, but we need more to play with)
I am more gutted we missed out on Otamendi over Pedro. Again, although we are doing ok in defence, I also think that is more due to us being a lot more rigid and defensive as a unit. Look at Brugge yesterday, we went and attacked with a lot more directness and it left gaps and we got exposed on a few occasions, and it was just fortunate we was up against a poor side
Obviously Pedro is the better of the 3, but I don't think he would be that big of an improvement. If a Bale or somebody was available, then definitely, as he would be a huge improvement, but for me, a striker is more needed. In Rooney, we have a guy who just cannot do it at the top level, providing goals week in week out (Not saying to get rid, but we need more to play with)
I am more gutted we missed out on Otamendi over Pedro. Again, although we are doing ok in defence, I also think that is more due to us being a lot more rigid and defensive as a unit. Look at Brugge yesterday, we went and attacked with a lot more directness and it left gaps and we got exposed on a few occasions, and it was just fortunate we was up against a poor side
I just don't understand how you think the young prospects in our squad will improve if they don't get a chance. Its not like Ronaldo was scoring 50 a season as an 18 year old. When we got knocked out of the European Cup in the group stages 10 years ago neither he, or even Rooney (who was seen as ahead of him development wise at the time), looked like the stars they would become only 12 months later. How do you know that our young players won't improve?
What makes me laugh is some people on the caf, not you necessarily, but many, will bemoan how we let Pogba go. Then, when the manager wants to give the likes of Adnan a go, they will say we need to spend millions on proven players. Januzaj, Pereira and the others will only be able to develop if given regular football. Look at how much Smalling has come on in the space of a year. Right now he's playing at a level equal to any other English centre half, 'beast mode' in Rio's words. With time and patience he's blossomed as a player. That will happen to others too if they are coached well and given confidence. Part of me thinks our fans would rate Januzaj and Pereira more highly if we'd sold them both to PSG when they bid for them. Crazy how we do down our own players constantly.
Excellent post. We were all worried about Januzaj not getting enough chances. Now LVG is giving him chances and he's probably going to play a lot this year that isn't good. Same goes for Pereira.
With the likes of McNair, Januzaj and Pereira, I think getting them out on loan for a year would do more good than being bit part players here.
One good season at a club like Everton could do these players the world of good.
Now, obviously Januzaj seems to be getting his chance, but last year he didn't, and a year on loan would have been more beneficial
Starting Cleverly, Wellbeck, Macheda, etc. didn't make them develop into world class talent. Rooney and Ronaldo aren't the players they are just because they were given the chance to start games. It doesn't work like that. Playing Januzaj for half a season as our #10 doesn't gurantee he'll become good enough. They have to earn their starts and no one can tell me Januzaj has played well enough in the past two games to start before Herrera.
Well he won't start for the sake of it or cause he's young. He'll need to fight for his place yes but you cant know if he's good if you don't play him.
The worry for me is the suggestion that he can play as a forward. Nowhere near robust enough for me and can't bring others into play. We need that playing one up front.
He looks a talent but doesn't look like he's going to be decisive this year for me. I hope we're not relying on him.
It's a balance though, I am absolutely on board with the chances going to Adnan in the #10 role, but we can't afford to fill the bench with completely unproven players, we simply don't have enough quality to cover their inexperience. I also think you have to take into account Smalling's age and the fact he's also physically monstrous, there is the possibility that Wilson and Pereira are simply not ready on that level yet for the PL, it has taken Januzaj time.
It goes both ways though as we've seen with many young players who just weren't good enough. The squad isn't good enough at the moment to have the luxury of playing Periera and Wilson for a long period of time, it's not as if we are blowing teams away and are in a position to give these guys a real chance, ideally it would be nice to have them come off the bench regualy to gain some experience but with the matches being so tight at the moment I can't see that happening.
Well. I do agree we need a new winger, if we get it we could do with our striker options.
To think that we've started this summer window so well with all the early signings before we went on tour. We haven't managed to further strengthen like van Gaal planned to. 
Yeah, I don't think we'll make a real league challenge until we replace Rooney but getting someone for the RW would improve our overall attack for this season.
To be fair @#07 was telling us how good Cleverley would be a few years ago.
I do think Januzaj deserves his chances though. But we still lack real pace on that right side. I don't think Mane is the answer though.
Ideally we can sign someone who can play through the middle and on the right also.
I do think Januzaj deserves his chances though. But we still lack real pace on that right side. I don't think Mane is the answer though.
Ideally we can sign someone who can play through the middle and on the right also.
If Januzaj and Wilson (and whoever else) are as good as people say, then strengthening the squad shouldn't stand in their way, to be honest.
I'm a bit puzzled as to why the Griezzman thread has been locked? He's one of the only realistic options out there that would fit the bill. Sure, there has been nothing concrete whatsoever but then again the same goes for most threads unless journalists and twitter ITK's with an imagination means evidence.
He's one of the only realistic options out there that would fit the bill. Sure, there has been nothing concrete whatsoever but then again the same goes for most threads unless journalists and twitter ITK's with an imagination means evidence.I haven't seen enough to stick my neck out, but Fekir just turned 22 and had 13 goals and 9 assists last season in the league as a 10/2nd striker. And Lyon just brought in Valbuena (and a striker, Beauvue) so have a replacement in-house.
He's strong, has good vision and skill but I'm not sure he has the pace Van Gaal wants.
He's strong, has good vision and skill but I'm not sure he has the pace Van Gaal wants.
Would be better if we had a strong 11 and we were not relying on these guys when they come in for game time.
After losing out on Pedro we still need a player who will guarantee us 15 goals a season.
Memphis will get us 10+ goals I believe, Ander probably won't match last seasons tally due to lesser game time, so we need another attacking player to take the pressure off a declining Rooney
Memphis will get us 10+ goals I believe, Ander probably won't match last seasons tally due to lesser game time, so we need another attacking player to take the pressure off a declining Rooney
Van Gaal has said we lack pace and creativity compared to our rivals so I'd be amazed if we didn't sign someone. Nani, Di Maria, Falcao and RVP have been replaced by only Memphis while Rooney looks woefully out of form that we can't be certain he'll lead the line well enough all season. Also relying on someone like Januzaj all season risks burnout and injuries. We absolutely need to sign an attacker.
Exactly, as bad as Di Maria, Falcao and RVP were for us last year they still contributed a large part of our goals/assists. That too in a season in which we scored only 62 goals in the league.
I hope LvG/Woody have something planned up.
Think we are done lads.
Over the last two windows we've brought in: Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Shaw, Memphis, Romero, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Darmian. Nine players. Don't think we've ever bought this many within a relatively short period of time.
Can't see us adding new faces to be honest.
Over the last two windows we've brought in: Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Shaw, Memphis, Romero, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Darmian. Nine players. Don't think we've ever bought this many within a relatively short period of time.
Can't see us adding new faces to be honest.
Maybe we will add Mane?
Can't see S'oton parting ways with Mane in this particular window or at least, not now. Maybe two months ago but two games into the season...
Not particularly fussed about Mane though. I like him but not the end of the world if we don't get him.
Edit: Well there's always Gaitan if we want to get someone in
We desperately need some pace in attack. I just saw something floating around about Chelsea being linked with Anthony Martial. Totally forgot about him, I'd mentioned him earlier in the summer. He'd be brilliant for us. Had an impressive season last year, great pace and quite mature too. Ran Arsenal ragged at the Emirates. Also knows how to finish.
I think he just became my first choice actually. Would be a shame to see Chelsea get him as well as nicking Pedro from us.
I think he just became my first choice actually. Would be a shame to see Chelsea get him as well as nicking Pedro from us.
We're being left behind at the moment. We've bought some good players but it isn't enough to seriously challenge when you consider the transfers made by City and Chelsea. We need a world class attacker (striker, winger, whatever) because we're deluding ourselves if we think this team has enough goals in it to win anything.
Maybe van Gaal will give the likes of Pereira and Januzaj more chances this season. In which case, I'm happy to carry on with the season as we are. Pedro would have been great but ah well. We've had a fantastic window regardless.
I think we're done. Would love to see a poll on how many here agree with me and how many genuinely believe we'll still buy someone else.
I think we're done. Would love to see a poll on how many here agree with me and how many genuinely believe we'll still buy someone else.
Still need a striker, winger and central defender.
A striker and winger at the least.
A striker and winger at the least.
Hansen said buy when you're strong... well, this team is nowhere near as good as that side was. Schmeichel, Irwin, Bruce, Pallister, Keane, Cantona, Giggs and Cole. That's a heck of a spine to add young players to, not to mention that those young players proved to be the best youth prospects this club has had since the days of Busby. The comparison is ridiculous.
As nice as it would be to put all our faith in Januzaj and Pereira coming good, I think we need to buy one more big name player in attack. Chelsea signed Pedro, looking like City will still get De Bruyne, so it'd really leave us short up top if we don't buy someone. Januzaj and Pereira will get their chances regardless and I think will be top class players eventually, but they are both some ways away still. Maybe it'll help us long term if we take the hit for this season, but signing one star player in attack to play alongside Mata, Memphis and Rooney, and I think we have every chance for the title. Without that, I'm not so sure.
Also, by star player in the front 4, I don't mean Mane or Kokorin... More thinking along the lines of Griezmann, Reus, Muller, Bale, or a striker if there is one available. Hell, even go for a last minute swoop for De bruyne from City.
Also, by star player in the front 4, I don't mean Mane or Kokorin... More thinking along the lines of Griezmann, Reus, Muller, Bale, or a striker if there is one available. Hell, even go for a last minute swoop for De bruyne from City.
Anyone fancy Egg Fried Reus - yes please cried the united faithful, the board thought about it for a while and thought a bit longer & then when we finally made our mind up, all the Egg Fried Reus had been bought and the only thing left to devour was a microwave mane course.
I mean we are getting someone aren't we? LVG has made it quite clear that he wants a quality attacker.. That's not just me right? Surely were not done in the window
Mané or Gaitan.
I bloody hope.
If our business is done, then we can kiss any trophies goodbye this season.
Griezmann - would be my choice but we're not linked at all
Reus - primarily a LW isn't he, also committed to Dortmund this season, probably got 1 eye on Madrid
Bale - no chance
Muller - even less chance
De Bruyne - not a LVG player from what I understand
It's genuinely hard to understand how United work with regards to transfers, yes we have made some good deals this summer but we finished way behind the top 2 last season and it's just strange that we haven't strengthened more. With 1-2 more signings we would have reached the stage where in the following seasons we would just need to add 1-2 players every summer only. We are now in a position that there is a good chance we will be well short this season and then you go into next summer needing to buy another 4-5 players and then integrate them.
I still think the most important player we need is a striker.
Rooney is still a good player, I won't say he isn't, but in the big games, I think he would be best served as the #10, while having somebody with pace and power up front (I still think Benteke would have been a decent signing)
Right wing is an obvious issue, if we are wanting pace there. Mata doesn't posses that, but for me, I wasn't really bothered about missing out on Pedro. With Mata, Januzaj, Valencia and even Young playing there, I am happy with the options for now, although if a top RW came available then fine, I'd be all for it. I am not saying Pedro isn't a top player btw, but I'd rather go for a younger player at this time
CB is still a position I'd like to strengthen. I don't think Evans is good enough, I am not convinced with Blind there yet. Once we come up against better strikers, then we can judge him. Jones needs to stay fit, and Rojo, although I like him, can be erratic at times.
Keeper is an issue obviously, but hey, thats a messed up situation...De Gea, Romero, Valdes, Lindegard, johnstone, and we still need a keeper...
Rooney is still a good player, I won't say he isn't, but in the big games, I think he would be best served as the #10, while having somebody with pace and power up front (I still think Benteke would have been a decent signing)
Right wing is an obvious issue, if we are wanting pace there. Mata doesn't posses that, but for me, I wasn't really bothered about missing out on Pedro. With Mata, Januzaj, Valencia and even Young playing there, I am happy with the options for now, although if a top RW came available then fine, I'd be all for it. I am not saying Pedro isn't a top player btw, but I'd rather go for a younger player at this time
CB is still a position I'd like to strengthen. I don't think Evans is good enough, I am not convinced with Blind there yet. Once we come up against better strikers, then we can judge him. Jones needs to stay fit, and Rojo, although I like him, can be erratic at times.
Keeper is an issue obviously, but hey, thats a messed up situation...De Gea, Romero, Valdes, Lindegard, johnstone, and we still need a keeper...
I think we're done for the summer. There will doubtless be fevered clickbait and plenty bollocks in the press but I think we are done. Some good business but plenty question marks.
Getting Muller/Bale/Ronaldo is a pipe dream. I think we'll struggle for goals and our striker options are as limited as I can remember. Falcao was a waste of space but why give RvP the bullet unless there was a replacement lined up?
If there's a Centre Back of real quality out there that's available at this stage, I don't know who he is and even if I did, I doubt he'll now be coming. When we get to mid December and Carrick is playing alongside Blackett in central defence, maybe van Gaal will remember why we needed a quality recruit here as a priority.
Also, he slavers about wanting pace but lets Di Maria go and pulls the plug on Pedro. Why bang on about it if you're happy with the options you already have? Even if Southampton let Mane go (at a scalpers price) I don't see him as an upgrade on what we have already and we would likely lose him to the African Cup of Nations in January.
At the moment, we need to hope that Rooney gets up to speed, Smalling stays fit, Blind continues to develop and that De Gea is retained with his head sorted.
I suspect that by next May we'll be in desperate need of a striker, a goalkeeper and a centre back but by August we'll be no nearer getting them.
Getting Muller/Bale/Ronaldo is a pipe dream. I think we'll struggle for goals and our striker options are as limited as I can remember. Falcao was a waste of space but why give RvP the bullet unless there was a replacement lined up?
If there's a Centre Back of real quality out there that's available at this stage, I don't know who he is and even if I did, I doubt he'll now be coming. When we get to mid December and Carrick is playing alongside Blackett in central defence, maybe van Gaal will remember why we needed a quality recruit here as a priority.
Also, he slavers about wanting pace but lets Di Maria go and pulls the plug on Pedro. Why bang on about it if you're happy with the options you already have? Even if Southampton let Mane go (at a scalpers price) I don't see him as an upgrade on what we have already and we would likely lose him to the African Cup of Nations in January.
At the moment, we need to hope that Rooney gets up to speed, Smalling stays fit, Blind continues to develop and that De Gea is retained with his head sorted.
I suspect that by next May we'll be in desperate need of a striker, a goalkeeper and a centre back but by August we'll be no nearer getting them.
I do think the club are priming us for no one else coming in, keep reading things like 'United think the window has been a success, regardless of whether there are any more arrivals before it closes, and while Van Gaal would like more talent to work with, he is relaxed about continuing with the squad he has'.
Which to me reads like we'll give the fans a few more days to believe someone could come in, but in reality we've shut up shop for this window.
I am happy enough because we have signed four genuinely top class players, who all look like they will succeed here, and I can't remember the last window we could say that, but on the other hand the right wing is just such a glaring weakness that I think it's going to be a big problem.
Another point is that we have probably shaved £20 million off the wage bill, and only spent about £6 million (net) as things stand, I just hope the £150 million we supposedly had to spend has been put somewhere safe for next year, and not diverted elsewhere.
Which to me reads like we'll give the fans a few more days to believe someone could come in, but in reality we've shut up shop for this window.
I am happy enough because we have signed four genuinely top class players, who all look like they will succeed here, and I can't remember the last window we could say that, but on the other hand the right wing is just such a glaring weakness that I think it's going to be a big problem.
Another point is that we have probably shaved £20 million off the wage bill, and only spent about £6 million (net) as things stand, I just hope the £150 million we supposedly had to spend has been put somewhere safe for next year, and not diverted elsewhere.
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