New Left Back

[sun_tzu]

I don't recall his injury record being that bad prior to the damaged ligaments he sustained last year. I know he had some hamstring problems in the past but nothing serious, could be wrong of course. At the end of tha day Danny Rose is, or at least was leading up to the injury, one of the best LB's in the prem and he would be a huge upgrade on our current options in said position. There are no guarantees that he will return and perform to the same standard post injury, but for a player of his ability it's a risk worth taking. Just not sure Jose would agree being the pragmatist that he is.

Ben Davies has performed reasonably well but he's not a patch on Rose (not yet anyway). The latter is unarguably first choice for the Spuds.

Over the last 4 seasons (since he went back to spurs) he has played on average 1985 pl mins per season... thats equivalent to 22 games a season... that's less than 60% of games and if you look at the end of this season it's most probable it will average under 50% of the game time...
50 million for a player who statistically seems more likely to spend most of his lucrative five year contract unavailable and be 32/33 at the end of the contract and worth fek all seems totally crazy to me

 

[Devil may care]

If Ghoulam becomes a free agent, many teams will definitely be after him. Chelsea, City, Pool, even PSG will need another LB, Juventus too, if Sandro leaves. There's no guarantee we will get him, and we have not even been linked with him.
There ain't much #10 out there better than Ozil(and he's completely different to Mkhi), and I can't think of an available
class #10 out there who deserve splashing the cash on. That's why I will like us to splash it on an LB(if Ghoulam is unavailable of course) and make the shrewd move of getting Ozil for free.

The difference with us and the other teams listed is we have a starting spot just waiting for a LB, the others he'd be going into a situation where there is already a starter, except Liverpool who we should be able to beat to any transfer. Ozil and Mkhi share the same type of mentality IMO, they shrink when it's tough, to me replacing Mkhi with Ozil won't improve our big match issues. To be honest I'd be shocked if we spent £60M on a fullback, we still haven't paid more than around £30M for a CB, I think the board reserve the mega fees for the more marketable attack orientated players, cynical perhaps but we are ran more like a business than City and PSG who have bottomless sugar daddy pits.

You are right, but its not just because of Lukaku; looking at our team right now, Griezmann's skillset is not what we're missing. What we're missing is a link between midfield and attack which is obvious when Pogba isn't playing and which was laid bare at Anfield. Pogba could do the job, but he plays too deep; Mkhitaryan was supposed to be the link but it's not his skillset. He loses the ball a lot, and is more of a final third player; futhermore, he's been dropping 2/10s lately. My point is, let Griezmann being a superstar not blind us from the fact he's not what we need.

Agreed, there is a lot of focus on the Caf with regards to adding a fast, dynamic player to the RW and I am not saying that's a bad idea, but the crucial aspect the attack is missing is a composed controller type that can pick the final pass, the likes of Eriksen, De Bruyne, Thiago etc....

 

[itso 7]

The difference with us and the other teams listed is we have a starting spot just waiting for a LB, the others he'd be going into a situation where there is already a starter, except Liverpool who we should be able to beat to any transfer. Ozil and Mkhi share the same type of mentality IMO, they shrink when it's tough, to me replacing Mkhi with Ozil won't improve our big match issues. To be honest I'd be shocked if we spent £60M on a fullback, we still haven't paid more than around £30M for a CB, I think the board reserve the mega fees for the more marketable attack orientated players, cynical perhaps but we are ran more like a business than City and PSG who have bottomless sugar daddy pits.



Agreed, there is a lot of focus on the Caf with regards to adding a fast, dynamic player to the RW and I am not saying that's a bad idea, but the crucial aspect the attack is missing is a composed controller type that can pick the final pass, the likes of Eriksen, De Bruyne, Thiago etc....

If there is a player we need to break the bank for its this guy, we need a composed conductor to be the brains of our attack plus someone to do what Martial/Rashford do on the left. What we are lacking right now is the person to put our wingers one on one with defenders in dangerous players but when we do get that player we will also need someone dangerous on the right to ensure that defenders do not have one player to swam - if you playing City you know there is danger from Sterling, Sane and De Bruyne so doubling up orf triple marking those players is near impossible whereas with us if you stop our left sided attacker you effectively isolate Lukaku.

 

[Mcking]

we have a starting spot just waiting for a LB, the others he'd be going into a situation where there is already a starter, except Liverpool who we should be able to beat to any transfer.

I understand, but not all players feel that way. His dream might be to play for PSG, City etc. Also, Juve will have an available spot if they sell Sandro, and he's much better than Kurzawa and Alonso.

Ozil and Mkhi share the same type of mentality IMO, they shrink when it's tough, to me replacing Mkhi with Ozil won't improve our big match issues.

You are right.

Agreed, there is a lot of focus on the Caf with regards to adding a fast, dynamic player to the RW and I am not saying that's a bad idea, but the crucial aspect the attack is missing is a composed controller type that can pick the final pass, the likes of Eriksen, De Bruyne, Thiago etc....

The best playmakers play for the best teams and getting them is almost impossible, hence, the main reason i want Ozil. He's the best available playmaker we could realistically get. The only downside is his big game mentality and presence.

 

[sunama]

For all those talking about buying a new LB, have you thought that maybe Jose is not being allowed to spend any more money?
He was desperate for Perisic, who it seems would've been in the LWB position, but the MUFC board only offered about £30M (I thin it was).
Perhaps the board do not want to spend any more money, unless its on a Galactico class player, who can bring in money from his image.
So for example, buying Rose will not increase the viewership/audience of MUFC, hence £50M on such a player may not be worth it.
However, if we buy Ronaldo, Messi or even Griezmann, our viewership/audience is likely to increase, hence such players are worth paying £100M+ on.

Remember, we are being run as a business, so any incoming player will need to improve our gate financial standing (gate receipts, following, viewership, profile, etc).

 

[gajender]

For all those talking about buying a new LB, have you thought that maybe Jose is not being allowed to spend any more money?
He was desperate for Perisic, who it seems would've been in the LWB position, but the MUFC board only offered about £30M (I thin it was).
Perhaps the board do not want to spend any more money, unless its on a Galactico class player, who can bring in money from his image.
So for example, buying Rose will not increase the viewership/audience of MUFC, hence £50M on such a player may not be worth it.
However, if we buy Ronaldo, Messi or even Griezmann, our viewership/audience is likely to increase, hence such players are worth paying £100M+ on.

Remember, we are being run as a business, so any incoming player will need to improve our gate financial standing (gate receipts, following, viewership, profile, etc).

Partially true it's on Mourinho as well we have a bloated squad we can't just keep on adding players without letting some of current players go. It's more the question of wage bill rather than transfer fees hopefully next summer we would finally have a clear out and move on players like Shaw if he underperforms, Darmian , Blind ,Young replace them with better players.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

Would a decent bid for someone like Bertrand get the deal done in January? Doubt it considering the higher inflation for mid season transfers but it's a bleeding need right now.

 

[unitedforeveral]

There are 2 or 3 areas in our team that needs some attention and i would rather say RW is the position that needs our primary attention. Although we have MkhiT, Mata, Rashford who could all play at RW, i don't seem to think they're interested in playing at the touchline or send a devastating pass into the box. We need a proper player like Bale, Robben or even a Messi who can charge at defenses and play with lots of gusto. We also need to play Blind or Shaw more often. I certainly don't think Shaw has lost his charm after the injury, i just think Jose is biding his time with others until he is ready to go out there and prove his capacity. Shaw is not looking to depart and so, we must be expecting his contributions to the team very soon.

We now have 2 system, 4-3-3 where MkhiT can play more centrally with Rashford or Lingard on the RW and Martial on the left and Lukaku upfront or we can do Jose's fav 4-2-3-1 with Pogba accompanying Matic in a more defensive role and often move it to the front 4 who must play quick passes and get into the box. Although Pogba is more suited to play in the 4-3-3 formation, i think he is clever enough to change his role and can still send those mind blowing passes in possession.

Rojo and Zlatan are going to come back so strong, I can even think of Rojo playing at LB but we do not have a proper RW except for Lingard who is still learning his art.

 

[Devil may care]

I understand, but not all players feel that way. His dream might be to play for PSG, City etc. Also, Juve will have an available spot if they sell Sandro, and he's much better than Kurzawa and Alonso.

The same thing would go for Alex Sandro as well though, if Juve put out that they are open to selling I'm sure Chelsea and PSG would swarm in as well, there's going to be competition whoever we go for, especially more established options.

The best playmakers play for the best teams and getting them is almost impossible, hence, the main reason i want Ozil. He's the best available playmaker we could realistically get. The only downside is his big game mentality and presence.

I get your point on the lack of options but it goes back to the point I mentioned before, we aren't missing a player who can do it against cannon fodder, what we need is someone that can take on the big games and effect them, Ozil much like Mkhi often disappears when it's tough so it's just going to be more of the same problems for us.

For all those talking about buying a new LB, have you thought that maybe Jose is not being allowed to spend any more money?
He was desperate for Perisic, who it seems would've been in the LWB position, but the MUFC board only offered about £30M (I thin it was).
Perhaps the board do not want to spend any more money, unless its on a Galactico class player, who can bring in money from his image.
So for example, buying Rose will not increase the viewership/audience of MUFC, hence £50M on such a player may not be worth it.
However, if we buy Ronaldo, Messi or even Griezmann, our viewership/audience is likely to increase, hence such players are worth paying £100M+ on.

Remember, we are being run as a business, so any incoming player will need to improve our gate financial standing (gate receipts, following, viewership, profile, etc).

I think the reason Jose didn't get a LB is the board want to wait and give Shaw longer, I wouldn't be surprised if the musical chairs we are seeing at LB is Jose kind of making a point that he is not happy with not having a player he deems good enough to be his regular starting LB.

We do have restrictions though without a doubt, I feel we didn't buy Perisic because business-wise he makes no sense, he's got zero marketability and is at an age where he'd have no resale value for a £47M outlay, I think had Jose wanted to spend £47M on a younger wide player he'd have gotten him, but the club set a limit for how much they'd pay for Perisic due to the factors above, we aren't City where we can go and drop £140M on fullbacks in one window so the manager acan have two new starters and a back up added to his needs. I wouldn't be surprised if the price we paid for Matic was down to the club saying to Jose he could have one highly priced player that ticked non of the boards business plan boxes and he went for Matic over Perisic.

 

[Kostov]

For all those talking about buying a new LB, have you thought that maybe Jose is not being allowed to spend any more money?
He was desperate for Perisic, who it seems would've been in the LWB position, but the MUFC board only offered about £30M (I thin it was).
Perhaps the board do not want to spend any more money, unless its on a Galactico class player, who can bring in money from his image.
So for example, buying Rose will not increase the viewership/audience of MUFC, hence £50M on such a player may not be worth it.
However, if we buy Ronaldo, Messi or even Griezmann, our viewership/audience is likely to increase, hence such players are worth paying £100M+ on.

Remember, we are being run as a business, so any incoming player will need to improve our gate financial standing (gate receipts, following, viewership, profile, etc).

He spent 35m euros for a CB who isn't starting for us, and still needs time to adjust, while we had a great talent in Tuanzebe who impressed whenever given a chance. Money shouldn't be an excuse. He had money and it was his decision not to bring in a LB, for whatever reason.

Otherwise i think 50m for Rose would be a bad transfer considering his injury record, we should go for a safer option for the money quoted.

 

[Mcking]

The same thing would go for Alex Sandro as well though, if Juve put out that they are open to selling I'm sure Chelsea and PSG would swarm in as well, there's going to be competition whoever we go for, especially more established options.

Yea, but unlike Ghoulam, Sandro will be expensive. Most teams can't compete with us financially and the teams that can? Don't need to splash the cash on an LB(maybe, chelsea aside).

I get your point on the lack of options but it goes back to the point I mentioned before, we aren't missing a player who can do it against cannon fodder, what we need is someone that can take on the big games and effect them, Ozil much like Mkhi often disappears when it's tough so it's just going to be more of the same problems for us.

I agree. Slightly off-topic, but who would you like us to pursue? Thiago? Isco? Eriksen? Hamsik? I guess its high time we go back to the Moyes era where we go after completely unrealistic targets.

 

[Devil may care]

Yea, but unlike Ghoulam, Sandro will be expensive. Most teams can't compete with us financially and the teams that can? Don't need to splash the cash on an LB(maybe, chelsea aside).

I think PSG would as well as Kurzawa is a bit of a weak link in this mega side they are putting together. I don't really disagree with you in principal, he's a brilliant LB and the most complete one in the game right now, but I just wouldn't do it at the expense of our forward issues and I get the feeling the board wont back that fee for a LB.

I agree. Slightly off-topic, but who would you like us to pursue? Thiago? Isco? Eriksen? Hamsik? I guess its high time we go back to the Moyes era where we go after completely unrealistic targets.

You got me there mate, in an ideal world Thiago or Isco would be my choice, in the real world, I guess Eriksen would be the only one that fits the bill and is even vaguely realistic for an eye watering fee.

 

[Deleted member 101472]

I think left back is such an issue for us at the moment that we go all out and spend what it takes to secure an Alex Sandro or a david alaba. No fecking around, our options there are just so weak.

 

[Invictus]

I think left back is such an issue for us at the moment that we go all out and spend what it takes to secure an Alex Sandro or a david alaba. No fecking around, our options there are just so weak.

Agree with this, the position needs to be sorted by any means necessary. Though in terms of the options, we don't even need to spend that much. Someone like Sandro would be grand indeed, especially when you consider his stature as one of the Top 3 leftbacks in football right now. But Ghoulam is probably the second best leftback in Serie A and is definitely in the mix for a Top 6-7 in Europe classification at the position given his displays for high-flying Napoli. He ticks off a lot of boxes for what we need: quality in both phases of the game and particularly proficient in attack, physically suited to the English game, experienced and at his peak - so there won't be a massive adjustment period as he works his way through growing pains, could give us 5+ years, and has a consistently good fitness record:

https://www.transfermarkt.com/faouzi-ghoulam/verletzungen/spieler/126656

Reckon it would be criminal for United to not pursue him aggressively given our acute need for a consistent starter at leftback, especially when you consider the added appeal of a Bosman transfer that can be arranged in the winter window (much like Lewandowski to Bayern). I think we missed a trick by not pursuing Kolašinac in the summer in that he suits José's profile at fullback, and Ghoulam is an even better proposition when you consider his all-round game.

 

[Mcking]

You got me there mate, in an ideal world Thiago or Isco would be my choice, in the real world, I guess Eriksen would be the only one that fits the bill and is even vaguely realistic for an eye watering fee.

I'd bite your hands off for Thiago. He's got everything; he can play in a two man midfield, in a three man, deep, advanced. He can create, he can score, he can do the defensive work too, meaning we won't have to change the team whenever we meet a big team. But I reckon it will be easy for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for us to take Thiago away from Bayern. Maybe a cheeky 100m bid for Eriksen? If Coutinho is being priced at 120m, surely Eriksen is worth more? A pity he's not so flashy and perhaps won't be 'marketable' enough for Woody? <wink>

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Okay, I'm impressed by Ghoulam, do not let this guy go to City.

 

[Member 90887]

We should be all over Ghoulam. the crazy thing is that he's free next year! a quality player, very good on the ball for a left back.

 

[Dr. StrangeHate]

Okay, I'm impressed by Ghoulam, do not let this guy go to City.

Would be exactly what we need with Valencia becoming a more defensive right back.

 

[SNes]

I would love to see Mitchell have ago but with Mourinho as manager he'll not get a chance unless he has a growth spurt and hits 6 foot soon.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

I would love to see Mitchell have ago but with Mourinho as manager he'll not get a chance unless he has a growth spurt and hits 6 foot soon.

Ashley Young is 5ft 7.

 

[United_We_Stand]

But, according to Portuguese paper Record, Mourinho has given the ‘OK’ to Man United to push forward to sign Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo.
22-year-old Grimaldo is a La Masia graduate who was never given a chance to impress in the Barcelona first team.
Moreover, he was Benfica’s best player by some distance in this week’s Champions League tie.
The truth is that Grimaldo has been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford for some time.
Under contract with Benfica until 2021, it’s been widely reported that Grimaldo has a £51 million buy-out clause in his Benfica contract.
Grimaldo joined Benfica in a £1.25 m deal from Barcelona in January 2016 and the Spanish champions reportedly hold the rights to a percentage any future transfer fee.
Barcelona, however, did not carve out a buy-back clause on Grimaldo when they let him leave the Camp Nou.
Grimaldo has featured at several youth levels for Spain and has won two caps so far for the under-21 side. He’s yet to win a cap for the Spanish senior side

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/jose-mourinho-green-lights-benfica-defender-deal/

 

[United Pro]

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/jose-mourinho-green-lights-benfica-defender-deal/

He was impressive against us with his offensive play. The only worry I have is perhaps his lack of height causing us problems against tall opposition attackers aerially.

 

[Dong Fangzhuo]

The only worry I have is perhaps his lack of height causing us problems against tall opposition attackers aerially.

Oh boy, the Mourinho era has really done a number on this forum.

 

[sunama]

The only worry I have is perhaps his lack of height causing us problems against tall opposition attackers aerially.

You're right. We need to buy some tall players because we don't have any.

 

[United Pro]

Oh boy, the Mourinho era has really done a number on this forum.

You're right. We need to buy some tall players because we don't have any.

No, but purely based off the game against us, Rashford easily got above him and should have scored. Hence, why I mentioned it as poor aerial ability is definitely a negative.

 

[settembrini]

Can't believe we are back to doing the exact same thing as last year and just rotating through our average options. Darmian can play this weekend, Blind in midweek, then Young the weekend after. None of them are even close to being top quality.

Actually I can believe it because this is exactly what I, and others, said would happen in the summer if we didn't sign a new left back. And all those nutters who thought Shaw was going to solve the issue... good grief. Once Rojo is fit again he'll be down to fifth choice behind four guys who aren't even proper left backs! His United career has been the biggest fall from grace since Lucifer.

 

[saivet]

Given the chance I think Shaw could have, even still can be good enough to be our LB. Given Mourinho has no faith in him it was stupid of him not to signed a new LB. Depending on the game we rotate between Young, Blind and Darmian where none of them will ever be good enough. Just highlight what a stupid decision it was not to try and buy one.

 

[Silverman]

We badly need an attacking outlet from full back. Shaw should be given some games if fit to see if it could be him. If not then we have to get a replacement.

 

[Devil may care]

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/jose-mourinho-green-lights-benfica-defender-deal/

He was quite good against us the other night and despite looking lightweight he was scrappy against Lukaku. No way we'll pay that buyout though.

 

[mufc_forever_fan]

Kieran Tierney
Faouzi Ghoulam
Both are real deal to make!

 

[wolvored]

There are 2 or 3 areas in our team that needs some attention and i would rather say RW is the position that needs our primary attention. Although we have MkhiT, Mata, Rashford who could all play at RW, i don't seem to think they're interested in playing at the touchline or send a devastating pass into the box. We need a proper player like Bale, Robben or even a Messi who can charge at defenses and play with lots of gusto. We also need to play Blind or Shaw more often. I certainly don't think Shaw has lost his charm after the injury, i just think Jose is biding his time with others until he is ready to go out there and prove his capacity. Shaw is not looking to depart and so, we must be expecting his contributions to the team very soon.

We now have 2 system, 4-3-3 where MkhiT can play more centrally with Rashford or Lingard on the RW and Martial on the left and Lukaku upfront or we can do Jose's fav 4-2-3-1 with Pogba accompanying Matic in a more defensive role and often move it to the front 4 who must play quick passes and get into the box. Although Pogba is more suited to play in the 4-3-3 formation, i think he is clever enough to change his role and can still send those mind blowing passes in possession.

Rojo and Zlatan are going to come back so strong, I can even think of Rojo playing at LB but we do not have a proper RW except for Lingard who is still learning his art.

Noooooooo he is so shit there

 

[Bestietom]

Think we should go for Tierney for LB and Fabinho for Midfield.

 

[StonedhamsterZA]

I know he's been mentioned in this thread a few times, but I'm really surprised that Grimaldo doesn't have his own page. Having watched a few of his games, I thought more people would be keen on him.

He's quick, aggressive, willing to get forward and happy to cut inside if required. I know he's not the tallest, but we don't REALLY need a team of 11 giants. I mean, some people have to stay back for corners.

I think in the current market, there are very few realistic signings out there that would make sense for us. I know Rose is a potential signing, but we all know how Spurs love to fleece their buyers.

So I'm happy to take some flak regarding Grimaldo, as there are probably some issues with him, but again, I'm just surprised there aren't more people keen on the guy.

 

[Lash]

I know he's been mentioned in this thread a few times, but I'm really surprised that Grimaldo doesn't have his own page. Having watched a few of his games, I thought more people would be keen on him.

He's quick, aggressive, willing to get forward and happy to cut inside if required. I know he's not the tallest, but we don't REALLY need a team of 11 giants. I mean, some people have to stay back for corners.

I think in the current market, there are very few realistic signings out there that would make sense for us. I know Rose is a potential signing, but we all know how Spurs love to fleece their buyers.

So I'm happy to take some flak regarding Grimaldo, as there are probably some issues with him, but again, I'm just surprised there aren't more people keen on the guy.

He was quite good against us actually. Like you said fast and aggressive in defending. Given we weren't in the best form at that point, but he did stand out defensively for me.

 

[CM]

I think he's supposed to be quite injury prone. I do like him as well though.

 

[United_We_Stand]

O Jogo claim Mourinho sent scouts to watch Benfica's Alex Grimaldo
http://sportwitness.co.uk/jose-mour...e-left-back-man-united-official-travels-club/

 

[buchansleftleg]

I would love to see Mitchell have ago but with Mourinho as manager he'll not get a chance unless he has a growth spurt and hits 6 foot soon.

From watching Mitchell in U23's i have to say he is fine with the ball at his feet but his judgement on aerial balls seems suspect. I'm not necessarily talking about height here, as I have seen him consistently not time his runs / jumps / reaches for the ball correctly and the ball runs through for opposition attacker.

He seems to go for the ball in flight a lot and then miss it, leaving the left exposed. When the opposition come at him on the deck he is great, but he seems vulnerable to cross-field balls and lumps over the top even when not pressured by a taller winger.

I'm not sure adding inches will help as it seems to be a judgement call. He could do with watching some videos of Dennis Irwin. He always knew when to go for it and when to hold back.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Grimaldo would be a brilliant signing.

 

[Charles Miller]

We should have signed Guilherme Arana.
Hes already better than almost all those Brazilian LBs in europe that people would love to sign and is only 20 years old.
Going to Sevilla.

 

[Mcking]

We should have signed Guilherme Arana.
Hes already better than almost all those Brazilian LBs in europe that people would love to sign and is only 20 years old.
Going to Sevilla.

Is he better than Marcelo, Luis, Sandro, Wendell, Jorge? Because that is the Brazilian LBs I would like us to sign. Having said that, never heard of him.