Seems like a buy for the reserve team at this juncture.
Nathan Collins
- Thread starter Marcelinho87
- Start date
I mean, he is 18.
I think he would be plying his trade in the U23s whilst training with the senior side.
Butt and the academy have a separate transfer budget.
I think we will use a two tier transfer system with 4-5 'big' signings to instantly improve the first team + a horde of youngsters to beefen up the reserves (sessegnon, James and this Collins guy). The likes of Jones will have to step up or risk being squeezed out
Can only hope thats the case, would make a lot of sense too
That’s great but not a hope Sessegnon will be signed for the reserves. Obviously Collins would and I imagine that’s where James would initially start.
In an ideal world yes, but I can't see club buying so many... hope I'm wrong.
If we do buy Sessegnon or James, I'd hope they were squad players rather than reserves... one, best way to learn, two, push first XI, three, don't think they'd come if we put them in the reserves.
I've honestly barely seen any of the players we've been linked with this window, if we sign them it'll be nice going into the season blind.
This does seem quite likely, although I think they'll be used for first team depth more than for reserve football. It'd be hard to convince players starting at their current clubs to come to United to play for the U23s.
It's a tactic I had been suggesting since joining the forum. I was never a big fan of squad players. You either first team material or you have the potential to be one. However for it to work there must be a level of ruthlessness we haven't seen in decades. Once it's evident that a player is squad player then he should be sold to make way to someone with the actual potential to succeed
Agree
We play football like we are in the championship so I'm happy for these types of links.
I think by reserves squad options was what was meant
Well if we do implement this system then squad players will be shitting in their pants. Their 'backup' won't be some kid from the academy but someone with actual first team experience. If they don't step up then they will be kicked out faster then a nazi stepping into the knesset
Yeah it’s badly needed tbh. I just wouldn’t put Sessegnon in that category.
So the player not in the first team has to have the ability and belief that he can push out the player in the first team? I agree.
Yep. We have too many players who are just comfortable being squad players and play 1 good game every 3 months. This system if implemented well will see them gone unless they really step up
So that's James, Longstaff, Collins, Sessengon and Rice. We're going to rock the championship. Still not sure about Jones though.
Henderson
Dalot Taunzebe Collins Shaw
Longstaff Rice McTomminay
James Rashford Sessengon
Dalot Taunzebe Collins Shaw
Longstaff Rice McTomminay
James Rashford Sessengon
The issue with this 'reserves' bollocks is that the kids aren't so stupid these days, they know their worth and want reasonable gametime or they're gone.
Wolves have a better squad...
That's why it will only work if the club is ruthless. If a player is not good enough to one day be a first teamer then he should be sold to make way for someone who can
I love how people complain are scouts not doing anything, but when our scouts identify talent in lower divisions yet to hit top level, all of a sudden we can't afford to be spending on unknown quantities 
I’d love that
People are worried we won’t sign ‘instant impact’ type players so they slag off abilities of any linked young playersI love how people complain are scouts not doing anything, but when our scouts identify talent in lower divisions yet to hit top level, all of a sudden we can't afford to be spending on unknown quantities
I love how people complain are scouts not doing anything, but when our scouts identify talent in lower divisions yet to hit top level, all of a sudden we can't afford to be spending on unknown quantities
Exactly.
It’s something I’ve said too. Although football has changed a bit and squads have gotten bigger, so you can have a ‘squad player’ aged 25 who has realistic hopes of starting. At Barcelona, Arthur or Semedo may not start, Umtiti may not start. You need about 15/16 players who are good enough to start, regardless of age. Then I agree, we should have young prospects.
The idea of 26 year olds who never have and never will be good enough to hold a starting spot doesn’t appeal to me though. The reality is, ‘squad players’ play a LOT of games, so that title shouldn’t be used to defend their performances. They need to be first XI quality, and be unhappy to miss out. Like Mahrez or Sane at City, or Gundogan. Even Aguero may not start a game there.
Agree with you and perhaps having a strong UK influence in the squad will become more important due to Brexit and the effect that will have on the PL.I love how people complain are scouts not doing anything, but when our scouts identify talent in lower divisions yet to hit top level, all of a sudden we can't afford to be spending on unknown quantities
Actually I think that smaller squad s encourage more squad players as you would need players who can cover as many roles as possible. Think of the likes of Oshea, Phil nev and blind. These days you can afford a quality first teamer and a decent competitor for every role
Tbh it was intended tongue in cheek.
I love how people complain are scouts not doing anything, but when our scouts identify talent in lower divisions yet to hit top level, all of a sudden we can't afford to be spending on unknown quantities
I'd welcome young players with potential, but I don't think we can afford to wait 3 or 4 years for it to mature. Have you seen how our fans treat Rashford, or treated Shaw?
Success is expected at this club, so we also want signing who will improve us right now.
Only on the internet, tbh. This doesn’t translate into anything on match day.
You forgot our Captian though. Good British core, that XI.
Nothing wrong with the club buying young talented players for small fees.
Do you really think this kid is being signed to go straight into the first teambut by all means, keep ranting.
Well by all means let's just focus on buying players for the future since no one wants on live in the present. :P
Fair enough but really hope that we put our focus on the first team which needs about replacing 5 to 6 players.
How can you be mad at a signing like this?
Absolutely
Wouldn’t mind him if price was right - after Tuanzebe (and assuming O’Connor plays more at RB/LB than CB), I get the impression that we could do with someone else coming through at centre half - unless anyone else knows current U16/U17 a bit closer?
Saying all the right things in the video.
For a moment I thought we were showing genuine interest in that bald headed West Ham CB.Thankfully,we are not.
The scenes when he ends up playing senior football for England.