Morgan Schneiderlin | BBC: Morgan Schneiderlin is currently having a medical at Manchester United.

[orangeboom999]

I don't think we need Vidal at this point. Id go for someone younger who can pick up from Schweinsteiger's and Carrick's experience and eventually replace them in the future. Someone like Schneiderlin, Carvalho (as DM) or Verratti (DPM)

Yeah I'm inclined to agree. Or at least my sensible side is. I hadn't considered Vidal as an option this year util @NoPace mentioned him in that post. Just made me think those 3 would cover some serious ground between them. Ball retention would be insane!

 

[ATXRedDevil]

-------------- De Gea
- Darmian - Otamendi - Rojo - Shaw -
-------------- Schneid
------ Herrera ------ Schwein ------
- Di Maria ----- Rooney ----- Depay -

Freakishly scary midfield, and that's without Fellaini.

Switch schweinsteiger and schneiderlein and we're golden

 

[devilish]

Yeah I'm inclined to agree. Or at least my sensible side is. I hadn't considered Vidal as an option this year util @NoPace mentioned him in that post. Just made me think those 3 would cover some serious ground between them. Ball retention would be insane!

Vidal would have made sense if we didn't signed Bastian. They are both complete players who are perfectly comfortable both in DM and in a Box to box midfielder role and are great leaders. At this point we should aim for someone younger who can learn from them. I'd go for Schneiderlin TBH.

If we do get both Schneiderlin and Bastian than I wonder if we do need Fellaini anymore. The Belgian int had been magnificent this season mainly because we had a midfield of boy scouts and he was our only physical outlet in CM. Do we need him at this point or would it be better to cash in at a time when his price is reasonably high? Surely Schneiderlin, Bastian, Carrick, Herrera, Blind and 1 between Pearson, Harrop and Perriera can do the job especially since we can easily revert to 4-2-3-1 and have top quality players like Rooney, Januzaj and Mata play in the hole.

 

[newgiz]

Sign him up please.

 

[Havak]

I expect us to play a 4231 quite often in the coming season if Morgan is signed on top of who we've already brought in. Sometimes we will still play the 4123/433, maybe even more often than the 4231. However, it's always going to be 2/3 or 1/3 from Carrick/Schweinsteger/Schneiderlin in my expectation (assuming this deal goes through, which I do think it will but for over £24m when we stop trying to get him on the cheap).

With probable Champions League football and hopefully good runs in the other cups, there's plenty of opportunity for all three to make 40~ appearances depending on fitness etc. I even think Fellaini and Pereira can make 20~ appearances in all competitions from our midfield (probably still significantly more than that for Fellaini).

I do think Schneiderlin is required, bringing someone in who has proven themselves in the Premier League and been one of the best in his position for a couple of seasons. He's at a good age and can take the reigns from Carrick in the near future. Bastian is the 'in-between' signing to keep the experience and leadership attitude there. Having all three is something that excites me about our midfield and makes me think we can dominate games there even more, like the Keane/Scholes days with Nicky Butt on the bench. Looking orward to seeing how things work in a few months!

 

[SSSSnake]

Vidal would have made sense if we didn't signed Bastian. They are both complete players who are perfectly comfortable both in DM and in a Box to box midfielder role and are great leaders. At this point we should aim for someone younger who can learn from them. I'd go for Schneiderlin TBH.

If we do get both Schneiderlin and Bastian than I wonder if we do need Fellaini anymore. The Belgian int had been magnificent this season mainly because we had a midfield of boy scouts and he was our only physical outlet in CM. Do we need him at this point or would it be better to cash in at a time when his price is reasonably high? Surely Schneiderlin, Bastian, Carrick, Herrera, Blind and 1 between Pearson, Harrop and Perriera can do the job especially since we can easily revert to 4-2-3-1 and have top quality players like Rooney, Januzaj and Mata play in the hole.

We need Fellaini as a plan B I still think. Yes we got plenty of cover now but there are still games where we could be chasing and need more steel in the midfield or final third.

 

[Rob Bowman]

We need Fellaini as a plan B I still think. Yes we got plenty of cover now but there are still games where we could be chasing and need more steel in the midfield or final third.

Exactly... late winter game in Northern England and we need a goal, and Fellaini comes on as the 10.

 

[Enigma_87]

I'd like to see us sign him as well. Quality DM, would allow Schweinsteiger to play in his more natural position, he's home grown and he's an ideal age.

The two reasons we might need to rush are that we need to sign him very soon to take him on the pre-season, and because City might try to swoop now that they're not going to get Delph.

Either way we have many options in that price range quoted(30m Vidal namely), hence why we're not in a hurry. We wanted to resolve the Schweinsteiger transfer and now we have the upper hand in negotiations. I don't think City are interested IMO and neither Chelsea or Arsenal need him. At the moment for next season neither do we IMO, but he'll be a bonus I guess.

 

[Enigma_87]

Carrick and Schwein will probably have a lot of rotation between them as we have Champions League back

yes, but if everyone is fit I don't think Schneiderlin will be a starter, and he's in age that has to play pretty regularly to develop at a higher level.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

yes, but if everyone is fit I don't think Schneiderlin will be a starter, and he's in age that has to play pretty regularly to develop at a higher level.

I think Schneiderlin, Shweinsteiger and Herrera will be the first choice midfield 3 with di Maria, Rooney and Mata upfront.

 

[Enigma_87]

I think Schneiderlin, Shweinsteiger and Herrera will be the first choice midfield 3 with di Maria, Rooney and Mata upfront.

For home games and against lesser team where we control the possession I'll pick Carrick over Schneiderlin. Schneiderlin will come before Blind if we need steel in midfield and if someone is injured or tired.

But at 27 or 30m pounds it doesn't make sense as Vidal is available for about the same amount(if not cheaper) and is much better in both defensive and offensive part.

 

[londonredmaniac]

JUST feckING GET HIM.

 

[Nighteyes]

I wouldn't be too bothered if we don't get him now or at least I'm not desperate about the signing. Herrera, Carrick, Bastian and Fellaini are good options to have in CM. He wouldn't even get into our team as it stands.

 

[Jacob]

For home games and against lesser team where we control the possession I'll pick Carrick over Schneiderlin. Schneiderlin will come before Blind if we need steel in midfield and if someone is injured or tired.

But at 27 or 30m pounds it doesn't make sense as Vidal is available for about the same amount(if not cheaper) and is much better in both defensive and offensive part.

Who says Vidal is available?

 

[Insanity]

I wouldn't be too bothered if we don't get him now or at least I'm not desperate about the signing. Herrera, Carrick, Bastian and Fellaini are good options to have in CM. He wouldn't even get into our team as it stands.

I would rather sell Fellaini and get this guy, but you are right, I have a feeling that this may not happen now.

 

[Loublaze]

I wouldn't be too bothered if we don't get him now or at least I'm not desperate about the signing. Herrera, Carrick, Bastian and Fellaini are good options to have in CM. He wouldn't even get into our team as it stands.

Since you're mentioning Fellaini, do you think he'd keep Schneiderlin out of the team? I'll be disappointed if we don't sign him.

 

[Enigma_87]

Who says Vidal is available?

Numerous reports linking him to us, Arsenal and Real. I think Juventus said that they will only let him leave at the right price(in other words will consider selling him). And by the looks of it Pogba may stay another year and they've already got midfielders in.

 

[pocco]

Maybe we set a limit of £20 mill for this guy and said we'd get Schweinsteiger or someone else if it gets rejected.

 

[Pexbo]

Maybe we set a limit of £20 mill for this guy and said we'd get Schweinsteiger or someone else if it gets rejected.

I very much doubt it.

 

[Cassidy]

Maybe we set a limit of £20 mill for this guy and said we'd get Schweinsteiger or someone else if it gets rejected.

Its just negotiation, Liverpool did it with Clyne with their initial £8m bid.

 

[milemuncher777]

Les Reed interview (Schneiderlin stuff starts at 7.55)- https://audioboom.com/boos/3363001-...w-with-saintsfc-director-of-football-les-reed

Doesn't sound very promising. Basically says that we had bid turned down, have said we're still interested, but haven't progressed things in a 'normal' way. Also said unless something happens rapidly, he won't be joining United in time for the tour. He also seems to give the impression that he's not totally convinced of our interest, as he'd expect us to push hard for a deal if we wanted him, then talks about Morgan being professional and the possibility of him staying.

Who's he and how reliable ? This is getting me worried.

 

[Cassidy]

Who's he and how reliable ? This is getting me worried.

He is Southamptons transfer negotiator, anyway he confirms we say we are still interested so I don't think its reason to panic tbh

 

[Xaviesta]

Who's he and how reliable ? This is getting me worried.

Les Reed isn't a journalist. He works at Southampton FC.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

-------------- De Gea
- Darmian - Otamendi - Rojo - Shaw -
-------------- Schwein
------ Herrera ------ Schneid ------
- Di Maria ----- Rooney ----- Depay -

Freakishly scary midfield, and that's without Fellaini.

This is in essence what I have in mind as a possible title winning team, although I think our strongest XI probably shouldn't include Depay until we know a bit of what he can do at this level.

Links with Muller are muppetry beyond anything else but if we need to sign a striker and are spending 40m on Kane, and there's any deal that can be done for Muller, I think it would be worth paying the money

the below team could actually win the league next year and the year after. I think the work rate of the team coupled with LVGs style of controlling a game would put us a level above chelsea. Depay would be fun on the left wing this year but our front three would be so much weaker than Chelsea's that I'm not sure it would be enough

-------------- De Gea
- Darmian - Otamendi - Rojo - Shaw -
-------------- Schwein
------ Herrera ------ Schneid ------
- Muller ----- Rooney ----- Di Maria -

 

[Julian Denny]

I would say the Schneiderlin deal, if you can even call it that, is now dead in the water. I dont think LvG was ever genuinely serious about it particularly once there was a chance of signing Schweinsteiger. Given his recent injury record signing the latter is a risk. How much of a risk only time will tell. I'd be much happier about it if we had signed Schneiderlin as well. Unfortunately there isn't room for both. particularly if Fellaini remains part of the future - which undoubtedly he does. It seems not going for Schneiderlin is a big opportunity missed.

 

[Loublaze]

I would say the Schneiderlin deal, if you can even call it that, is now dead in the water. I dont think LvG was ever genuinely serious about it particularly once there was a chance of signing Schweinsteiger. Given his recent injury record signing the latter is a risk. How much of a risk only time will tell. I'd be much happier about it if we had signed Schneiderlin as well. Unfortunately there isn't room for both. particularly if Fellaini remains part of the future - which undoubtedly he does. It seems not going for Schneiderlin is a big opportunity missed.

I hope you're dead wrong

 

[devilish]

We need Fellaini as a plan B I still think. Yes we got plenty of cover now but there are still games where we could be chasing and need more steel in the midfield or final third.

Well we've got 3 positions to cover if we play 4-3-3 and 2 if we revert to a 4-2-3-1 which would be more ideal against smaller clubs. For 4-3-3 we would have Schneiderlin, Bastian, Herrera, Carrick, Blind, Pearson, Harrop and Perriera. Also Di Maria, Jones and even Rooney can do a decent job there (Di Maria best games at Real were in CM). Assuming we're adding a quality striker which we probably will, if we revert to 4-2-3-1 we would have Schneiderlin, Bastian, Herrera, Carrick and Blind + three quality no 10s in Mata, Januzaj and Rooney. Di Maria can also play behind the striker and so can Depay and Young if needed. That gives us plenty of options.

As said Fellaini made himself important due to his physicality which our midfield lacked. This weakness is mitigated with the signing of Schneiderlin, Bastian and the return of Pearson. Rather than see Fellaini end at the bottom end of the pecking order and lose value because of it Id rather see us sell him now and bring other players like for example another right winger. That would release Mata and Januzaj from the RW role and in their natural role and therefore allow Rooney to play upfront.

 

[londonredmaniac]

If we pass on this we are fecking mugs.

 

[Jacob]

Well we've got 3 positions to cover if we play 4-3-3 and 2 if we revert to a 4-2-3-1 which would be more ideal against smaller clubs. For 4-3-3 we would have Schneiderlin, Bastian, Herrera, Carrick, Blind, Pearson, Harrop and Perriera. Also Di Maria, Jones and even Rooney can do a decent job there (Di Maria best games at Real were in CM). Assuming we're adding a quality striker which we probably will, if we revert to 4-2-3-1 we would have Schneiderlin, Bastian, Herrera, Carrick and Blind + three quality no 10s in Mata, Januzaj and Rooney. Di Maria can also play behind the striker and so can Depay and Young if needed. That gives us plenty of options.

As said Fellaini made himself important due to his physicality which our midfield lacked. This weakness is mitigated with the signing of Schneiderlin, Bastian and the return of Pearson. Rather than see Fellaini end at the bottom end of the pecking order and lose value because of it Id rather see us sell him now and bring other players like for example another right winger. That would release Mata and Januzaj from the RW role and in their natural role and therefore allow Rooney to play upfront.

We're not gonna sell Fellaini. He is every managers' dream plan B.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

We're not gonna sell Fellaini. He is every managers dream plan B.

this

he's valuable, confident and happy

We have CL matches this year and god knows what that will throw up, there will be teams who keep possession a lot better than us and there may be teams where set pieces are our best chances and getting past them

 

[Sparky Rhiwabon]

If we pass on this we are fecking mugs.

And then someone like Arsenal will gratefully scoop him up - but surely we won't let that happen now?

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

If anyone in our midfield is at risk now (and more so if Schneiderlin comes in) it's probably Blind, and I'm a big fan of him. But if we bring in Schneiderlin, we are well stocked with 6s and 8s who are better than him there. He may be restricted to LB cover mostly, though if we stay in all 4 competitions long enough, then he may get a few games in central midfield, but I don't think it will be many.

 

[prath92]

I think Lvg will sign one more mid. We have 5 now of which there's every possibility we could have at least 2 injured at the same time. I don't think he is stupid.

 

[LonelyFire]

I would say the Schneiderlin deal, if you can even call it that, is now dead in the water. I dont think LvG was ever genuinely serious about it particularly once there was a chance of signing Schweinsteiger. Given his recent injury record signing the latter is a risk. How much of a risk only time will tell. I'd be much happier about it if we had signed Schneiderlin as well. Unfortunately there isn't room for both. particularly if Fellaini remains part of the future - which undoubtedly he does. It seems not going for Schneiderlin is a big opportunity missed.

I think you'll be wrong on this. We, as in fans, may have only found out about Schweinsteiger yesterday but it won't be when Utd knew they were getting him - that would have been a while ago. During that time we still made a formal move for Schneiderlin. As for the delay in going back to Southampton with another bid - formalising the Schweinsteiger move strengthens our hand in the sense that Southampton can't play the "desperate" card. A compromise will be reached - and I don't think it will be long before we hear.

 

[Nighteyes]

I would rather sell Fellaini and get this guy, but you are right, I have a feeling that this may not happen now.

Since you're mentioning Fellaini, do you think he'd keep Schneiderlin out of the team? I'll be disappointed if we don't sign him.

I don't think they are in direct competition. Besides, Fellaini is a pretty good option and LVG is not going to sell him any time soon. Carrick is a better #6 and Bastian and Herrera are better #8's. Bastian is also a pretty good #6 if it's required. You then add Felliani into the mix and we have a good bunch of CM's That's not even adding the likes of Mata, Bllind and even Rooney who can all do the job competently in case of big injury crisis. Not saying I don't want him but I no longer see a pressing need for him.

 

[Kant-ona]

He is also German speaking, right? Would be nice for Schweinsteiger to have at least one German speaking in the team, so... go for him.

 

[JPRouve]

He is also German speaking, right? Would be nice for Schweinsteiger to have at least one German speaking in the team, so... go for him.

I don't think he is.

 

[prath92]

 

[settembrini]

It's interesting the way that the Clyne/Darmian and Schneiderlin/Schweinsteiger stories developed.

In both cases we were linked with the Southampton player for a long time with the British media especially insistent that they were priority targets for us. And in both cases our actual target was a foreign player whom we signed very quickly after foreign sources broke the story.

 

[Kant-ona]

I don't think he is.

Oh, you should know better. I thought that the French around Strasbourg all learn German as their second language. Arsene Wenger (born in Strasbourg) for example speaks perfectly German.