Good shout but I think, if Aubameyang is available, we will sign him instead of Belloti. These five signings should be enough to turn us into title challengers imo.
Name four players you think we'll buy in the summer
- Thread starter Macern
- Start date
- Status
A
Apparently Lacazette has signed for atletico. This most likely means he's a replacement for greizmann, who fills the attacking midfielder spot. That being said, we definitely still need a target man (surprised people are complying lists without one or goally). As for the LB/RB thing, Valencia is getting old and is not quite as attacking as JM would like. Shaw I think, after a good pre-season, could be back to the form he was in before the ankle breakage.
I get what you are saying but looking at whats happened throughout the season I think there is a better chance of Valencia continuing in the same vein than there is of Shaw getting his act together over the next 12 months.
Can't believe how many people have replaced Valencia in this thread. He's not exactly old and for my money has been head and shoulders above all this season. We also have TFM Axel Young and Darmain (Bailley and Jones at a push) who can play there. I'm more worried about left back after this season.
This as we clearly need more output from our left and Valencia has had a POTY season whilst Shaw's season has been dead in the water. It would scandalous to replace the former whilst giving the latter another free pass. We need a new leftback to compete with or eventually replace Shaw because it simply hasn't worked out so far and the team can't wait for him.
Agree with this we have had absolutely no attacking threat from left back and this has no doubt affected Martials form as Darmain adds nothing going forward and Blind is just Blind. We need a starter and if Shaw produces all the better but more a likelihood of him not nowadays I'm afraid.
Unless they are selling Kevin Gameiro.
Agreed, he's been our best player this season!
For me I wouldn't bring in any defenders, we have ample and it's in the final third where the issue lies and for me that's where I'd invest. Only question mark is shaw, but there's a player in there somewhere and Jose needs to find it.
For me I'd have Dier and Willian, Griez and maybe another striker.
But I do think all of these technical abilities and tactical awareness is suited to Valencia as RCB. He was great at adapting from right wing to right back, and I definitely think he could do the job with two extra men helping him out - he's physical as hell, but also fast and can both conquer and play the ball, which would be good in case Semedo went all out.
The question was not which four are the only players that we will sign. It also wasn't who are the best players to sign.
The question was name four players that will be signed.
Based on recent hard speculation next seasons starting XI?
--------------Romero--------------
Valencia--Bailly--Keane--Darmian
-------Herrera------Pogba-------
Silva---------James---------Mkhitaryan
--------------Rashford--------------
--------------Romero--------------
Valencia--Bailly--Keane--Darmian
-------Herrera------Pogba-------
Silva---------James---------Mkhitaryan
--------------Rashford--------------
Valencia is an interesting one. He has become a proper right back. Which is both good and bad. The good is that he is solid defensively, retains possession and has pace and power to hang with any opposition player. The bad is that he has severe limitations in the attacking part of the field which is ironic as an ex winger. This present big problems in our current system as our left wingers (Miki, Mata) all cut inside and the wingback is expected to provide width and service into the box.
Valencia is very poor considering amount of ball he receives in the attacking third. So predictable. Doesnt whip in challenging crosses. Rarely gets to the byline. Another addition to our attacking woes.
That is why a Semedo would be a great signing. Valencia's time isnt done here. Probably more defensively solid. But Semedo should offer a much more threatening attacking option within the present system.
Last edited:
Based on recent hard speculation next seasons starting XI?
--------------Romero--------------
Valencia--Bailly--Keane--Darmian
-------Herrera------Pogba-------
Silva---------James---------Mkhitaryan
--------------Rashford--------------
Not sure whether Keane is a good signing or not.
However James and Silva will give us more goals.
We also need another CM. We need a DM that can pass a bit unless we want to keep Fellaini and Carrick as 1st choice options.
You raise some valid concerns regarding Valencia's output and quality of service from wide areas but LB is a more immediate need and other areas such as DM, striker and CB. Given the prices being touted I don't think its prudent to spend big on a RB this summer.
I think we'll sign this lot:
Keane
Dier
Silva
Morata
Then I also think we'll get a LB (Mendy) and Donnarumma.
Keane
Dier
Silva
Morata
Then I also think we'll get a LB (Mendy) and Donnarumma.
I actually believe that we need only 3 new players: Alexis Sanchez, James Rodriguez and Varane. Sanchez is on his way out, with Bayern looking like the most probable destination. We should be able to give both Arsenal and Sanchez more money than Bayern is willing to pay. Real certainly look like they want some of their money back for James, so no problem there. Varane is unlikely, but if Real wants to negotiate about De Gea we should ask for Varane and a discount for James in return. That leaves us with:
Romero
Valencia, Bailly, Varane, Shaw
Herrera, Pogba
Sanchez, James, Mkhitaryan
Rashford
Net spend: Sanchez (50 mill) + James (40 mill) + Varane (40 mill) - Jones (20 mill) - De Gea (50 mill) = 60 million. Let Zlatan and Rooney go for free, and we should be good in terms of wages as well. Maybe bring in a backup defensive midfielder as well, at least if Carrick retires (but i recon he still has another solid season in him)
Romero
Valencia, Bailly, Varane, Shaw
Herrera, Pogba
Sanchez, James, Mkhitaryan
Rashford
Net spend: Sanchez (50 mill) + James (40 mill) + Varane (40 mill) - Jones (20 mill) - De Gea (50 mill) = 60 million. Let Zlatan and Rooney go for free, and we should be good in terms of wages as well. Maybe bring in a backup defensive midfielder as well, at least if Carrick retires (but i recon he still has another solid season in him)
This thread has been a painful read. Everyone picking their dream players, and making them fit into the United system. While I am more interested in who will leave (as it will determine who we bring in), I think we will be certainly bringing in one striker, or two if Rooney heads out. We also need a left winger, to play in rotation with Martial. We definitely need another DM, as we were evidently short there at the back end of the season. And while most are saying we need fullbacks, we have plenty of them. A CB will come in if one of Jones/Smalling/Shaw leave. but if not, i think Jose will just need to work more with the unit to defend better 1v1.
On that basis the players coming in would be:
Greizmann (FW/WG)
James Rodriguez (WG/AM)
Fabinho (DM/RB)
plus either Keane (CB) or Lukaku (FW) or both depending on who leaves. Lukaku might be a stretch
PS - I am actually holding out for more promotions within the club, than transfers. Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah, Wilson(?)
On that basis the players coming in would be:
Greizmann (FW/WG)
James Rodriguez (WG/AM)
Fabinho (DM/RB)
plus either Keane (CB) or Lukaku (FW) or both depending on who leaves. Lukaku might be a stretch
PS - I am actually holding out for more promotions within the club, than transfers. Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah, Wilson(?)
Puke
I dont like Dortmund players. Apart from Dembele
But saying that, would now be a good time to go for Reus? We need to sort out that left wing and he could be a positive signing.
But saying that, would now be a good time to go for Reus? We need to sort out that left wing and he could be a positive signing.
I dont like Dortmund players. Apart from Dembele
But saying that, would now be a good time to go for Reus? We need to sort out that left wing and he could be a positive signing.
He can keep the lads company at the medical facility, that's for sure. The lad is a crock. I also reckon he's headed to Liverpool.
There are a remarkable amount of people here who think we'll sign two players from one club in the same window (whether Monaco or Real Madrid). Do you guys know how incredibly rare that is?
Genuinely can't think of a striker that I think we could sign that improves on Zlatan. Lewandowski is the only one but probably not gettable given he signed a new contract. Not many number 9's out there who you could say are available. This is a tough one as surely Griezmann would play as a 10 or winger if he signed, still leaves us needing a number 9.
3 players nobody has heard of + 1 really famous + someone in the middle
Sanchez, Walker, Fabinho and Ederson. (City)
Good post on Valencia. Personally feel that he is depressingly average for a top team. Depressing, because (A) he's been one of our best players this season, so what does that say about the rest of the squad, and (B) he does the defensive side of things much better than the offensive nowadays, when he should be better at the latter.
He's an absolute athlete, hard working, has a good first touch, but not much more. He lacks any kind of confidence nowadays to kick it past his man and beat him for pace, even when he has defensive cover in behind him, and is technically quite poor at doing anything with the ball, whether it be dangerous crosses or incisive passes.
Right back is more of an area to address for me than left back, as I would back Shaw still at this time, but don't think Valencia is going to get any better. Darmian is a good squad man for flexibility in both full back roles and as a emergency centre back.
That said I'm amazed that Ricardo Rodriguez is still at Wolfsburg (and is now playing centre back more than left back). I always felt we should have gone for him over Shaw.
Diego Alves (Valencia)
Bonucci (Juve)
Weigl (Dortmund)
Pulisic (Dortmund)
Bonucci (Juve)
Weigl (Dortmund)
Pulisic (Dortmund)
Based on recent hard speculation next seasons starting XI?
--------------Romero--------------
Valencia--Bailly--Keane--Darmian
-------Herrera------Pogba-------
Silva---------James---------Mkhitaryan
--------------Rashford--------------
If that was our starting 11 next season i'd have little faith in Top 4, never mind winning the fecking thing.
Again, if this was the case we would be no better than 6th next season.
Two of Dortmund's prized players in the same window. Completely plausible.
Agreed the 3 players we're apparently tracking the hardest are no where near good enough to turn us into challengers
The three that look decent enough and available enough this summer are Lukaku, Morata and Belotti. While I agree none of them are better than Zlatan, all of them are both good enough and young enough that they'd be good additions and will get better while they're here. I'm almost certain we'll sign one of them, and I think Chelsea will sign one of Morata or Lukaku as well.
There's been noise about Abamuyang as well, but I'm not convinced he's actually available.
I think it'll be a top 4 battle again if we do. I think the next level signing we could realistically obtain is Griezmann. Who I still have hope for. Add him to that list and I think it'll be different.
Who do you think we will realistically sign?
Who I'd want us to sign ideally will probably be different to who we do actually sign.
Who I think we will sign:
- Lukaku (Not convinced by him in truth. Doesn't impose himself on big games and work rate is questionable at times. I do think this could happen though so Jose can continue the formation we have had this season)
- Silva (Good player no doubt, but his form from March onwards is a concern. Will he translate ok to the Premier League quicker than Mkhi who has struggled alot)
- James (Better than all the other #10's we currently have so this signing is one i'm not as worried about in comparison to the others)
- CB (Still not sure. I'm not convinced it will be Keane though TBH. I think he may go for a more experienced CB to play as 3rd choice behind Bailly and Rojo)
I think a CM will be brought in aswell. But that's a crap shoot right now. Nainggolan would be a good signing but not sure how he would work with Herrera and Pogba.
If it was up to me (FM Muppet cape on):
- Griezmann (World class player. Scores, Creates, Makes things happen. Exactly what we need IMO)
- Laporte (Young. Has a huge upside and is already a very good defender)
- Icardi (Only 24 and has looked excellent for a good few years now. Think in combination with Griezmann he would score alot. Would be rotated with Rashford to)
- N'Zonzi (Now before you say it, I know he played at Blackburn and Stoke and isn't a fashionable name. But he has been excellent for Sevilla and plays in the DM position we need cover in. Has CL experience aswell as La Liga and Premier League. Read this if you are still unsure: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...illa-steven-nzonzi-champions-league-leicester )
Yeah, I've seen those names linked but not convinced by any of them. Morata hasn't been prolific anywhere and Belotti's coming off his first very good season aged 23. Lukaku's the one out of those that guarantee's the most but for the money he's going to cost he isn't a very exciting player to sign but he could be effective enough to be successful here. Maybe we need to hope that Jose has the pulling power to grab a superstar from another top club.
It's going to be an incredibly interesting summer to say the least. In order for us to mount a serious title challenge next season two things need to happen IMO;
1. Have 4/5 players capable of contributing 55+ goals between them.
2. Have a consistent squad that can be relied upon and can be trusted by the manager in every aspect (performances, injuries etc)
For this reason I actually think we will be targeting more premier league proven players in order to minimise the transition to the league and our club.
IN
Keane - All things considered I think he will be an upgrade on Jones/Smalling and an ideal partner for Bailly. His injury record seems pretty clean and is a well balanced defender that ticks all the boxes.
Dier - Will probably cost an arm and a leg but realistically I'm not sure who else we could sign apart from Matic that wouldn't be a gamble and need time to settle. He may not be the most combative midfielder but would provide good protection for the defence and free pogba from his defensive duties and allow him to cause havoc.
Willian - Would be a great squad player that can play across all 3 attacking positions and will know exactly whats expected of him. Can add 5-10 goals/10 assists which would provide a good return.
Bernardo Silva - Undeniable quality and has some specific attributes that will be key to unlocking some stubborn defences next season. Not the biggest and most physical player but incredible work rate and also read he has some very good dispossession stats which obviously shows his willingness to work for the team.
Also expecting a striker to come in although I have no idea whom we will go for in this department.
Starting XI
---------------De Gea------------
Valencia - Bailly - Keane- Shaw
------Dier/Herrera - Pogba-----
Mkhitariyan----Silva----Willian/Martial
-------------Rashford/ST---------
Squad
GK - De Gea, Romero, Pereira
DEF - Valencia, Tuanzebe, TFM, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Keane, Jones, Shaw, Darmian
MID - Pogba, Herrera, Dier, Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira
ATT- Mkhitariyan, Bernardo Silva, Willian, Martial, Mata, Lingard
ST - Rashford, New ST
1. Have 4/5 players capable of contributing 55+ goals between them.
2. Have a consistent squad that can be relied upon and can be trusted by the manager in every aspect (performances, injuries etc)
For this reason I actually think we will be targeting more premier league proven players in order to minimise the transition to the league and our club.
IN
Keane - All things considered I think he will be an upgrade on Jones/Smalling and an ideal partner for Bailly. His injury record seems pretty clean and is a well balanced defender that ticks all the boxes.
Dier - Will probably cost an arm and a leg but realistically I'm not sure who else we could sign apart from Matic that wouldn't be a gamble and need time to settle. He may not be the most combative midfielder but would provide good protection for the defence and free pogba from his defensive duties and allow him to cause havoc
.Willian - Would be a great squad player that can play across all 3 attacking positions and will know exactly whats expected of him. Can add 5-10 goals/10 assists which would provide a good return.
Bernardo Silva - Undeniable quality and has some specific attributes that will be key to unlocking some stubborn defences next season. Not the biggest and most physical player but incredible work rate and also read he has some very good dispossession stats which obviously shows his willingness to work for the team.
Also expecting a striker to come in although I have no idea whom we will go for in this department.
Starting XI
---------------De Gea------------
Valencia - Bailly - Keane- Shaw
------Dier/Herrera - Pogba-----
Mkhitariyan----Silva----Willian/Martial
-------------Rashford/ST---------
Squad
GK - De Gea, Romero, Pereira
DEF - Valencia, Tuanzebe, TFM, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Keane, Jones, Shaw, Darmian
MID - Pogba, Herrera, Dier, Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira
ATT- Mkhitariyan, Bernardo Silva, Willian, Martial, Mata, Lingard
ST - Rashford, New ST
Donnarumma/Romero
Bailly-----Pepe-----Rojo
Valencia--------------------Mendy
Herrera---Pogba---Saúl
André Silva/Ibrahimovic---Rashford
Bailly-----Pepe-----Rojo
Valencia--------------------Mendy
Herrera---Pogba---Saúl
André Silva/Ibrahimovic---Rashford
Griezmann
Bernardo
van Dijk
Dier
Bernardo
van Dijk
Dier
Would be happy with that - Dier as Carrick's long-term replacement with the added bonus he can fill in it at RB/CB.
In:
Harry M
Michael K
Bernardo S
Radja N
Wilfred N
Out:
Wayne R
Chris S
Bog B
Harry M
Michael K
Bernardo S
Radja N
Wilfred N
Out:
Wayne R
Chris S
Bog B
Griezmann
Silva
Nannigolan
Keane
Would be great.
Silva
Nannigolan
Keane
Would be great.
- Status