Potential striker signings (who aren't named Højlund)

[ROFLUTION]

Yeah, I know people hate the stop-gap signings, but I think and older veteran striker would be really handy. If Dzeko hadn't just gone to Turkey he might have been an OK shout.

What about Vardy? Though he is a bit finished based on last season (and he was injured a fair bit)

Vardy would be a great stop-gap signing if he can fit in with the group. You also have to think "what if Højlund gets injured?" (Martial will already be injured 60-70% of the time) + it's good to have experienced options in Europe.

 

[FrankDrebin]

Why is it always us who feel the need to have a older, experienced forward ?

 

[Steve 007]

Greenwood has taken 0 part in any pre season on top of no professional football for like over a year and a half, there's no way - even if he stays - that he plays anytime soon surely?

As much as I doubt Greenwood is coming back. Personally I thought pre incident that he had the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world. I am in two minds wether I want to see him again but I don’t doubt his ability. It’s not his body that’s the problem it’s wether he can hack the mental side and abuse he’ll get.

 

[FrankDrebin]

His own doing, dont forget.

 

[Steve 007]

His own doing, dont forget.

Absolutely, there are more important things in life than football.

 

[RedRonaldo]

Yeah its not enough goals is it....

No but we do have midfielders who would contribute a few too…

Bruno - 10
Mount - 5

 

[Steve 007]

I honestly think we could get 10 out of Sancho and Anthony. It’s Sanchos last chance for Utd, Anthony’s numbers will increase just due to his season here.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

As much as I doubt Greenwood is coming back. Personally I thought pre incident that he had the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world. I am in two minds wether I want to see him again but I don’t doubt his ability. It’s not his body that’s the problem it’s wether he can hack the mental side and abuse he’ll get.

Can I ask why you thought that? He rarely ever played striker and when he did, his instincts were far more like Martial's in terms of his striker movement. He had very good ball striking technique but he couldn't really beat an opponent in the dribble and like a lot of our other players at that time he used to take terrible low-xg pot-shots from crazy distances and angles and situations, some of which he scored and enhanced his reputation.

Like everyone, I was really excited about MG breaking through when I saw what he was doing at underage level but he never showed any poacher's instincts at 9 when he had opportunities and he doesn't have a rounded enough skillset/creativity for winger. Antony gets hammered on here but I feel the team plays much better with him in the side than it did when MG was there. I would absolutely hate for him to return to the team for different reasons but in purely football terms I'd be very skeptical that he will ever be one of the best forwards in the world and would be detrimental to the team's desired style of play.

 

[DWelbz19]

Greenwood has taken 0 part in any pre season on top of no professional football for like over a year and a half, there's no way - even if he stays - that he plays anytime soon surely?

My assumption is they’ll keep him training with the squad until about December time, at which point they’ll shuffle him back in

 

[croadyman]

Yeah, I know people hate the stop-gap signings, but I think and older veteran striker would be really handy. If Dzeko hadn't just gone to Turkey he might have been an OK shout.

What about Vardy? Though he is a bit finished based on last season (and he was injured a fair bit)

Yeah would just be useful to call on

 

[croadyman]

As much as I doubt Greenwood is coming back. Personally I thought pre incident that he had the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world. I am in two minds wether I want to see him again but I don’t doubt his ability. It’s not his body that’s the problem it’s wether he can hack the mental side and abuse he’ll get.

Yeah that's the biggest thing without doubt because what Becks got post France 98 could be mild compared to this stuff from rival fans

 

[Chip]

My assumption is they’ll keep him training with the squad until about December time, at which point they’ll shuffle him back in

If they plan on bringing him back into the squad why are they even waiting?

Is there an ongoing investigation by the club or is it just a way to try saving faces/punishing him a bit more?

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

Yeah that's the biggest thing without doubt because what Becks got post France 98 could be mild compared to this stuff from rival fans

Never mind rival fans. There's plenty of United fans that will be disgusted by any potential return. Aside from boosting playing numbers, it's such a terrible idea (even if you don't give a shit about the morals) that I can't understand why its even being considered.

1. Morally repugnant to re-introduce someone who's committed such a disgusting act (don't want to hear anyone saying anything about "in the eyes of the law....". Leaves the club on a par with Liverpool defending Suarez for his racist taunts vs Evra
2. Creates a toxic atmosphere as both fans and no doubt some players are divided into those that are critical or condoning of his actions.
3. PR disaster - sponsors will be getting pressured to disassociate themselves, women's team may feel alienated and manager and players are all exposed to questioning and been put under pressure to defend his inclusion.

 

[croadyman]

Never mind rival fans. There's plenty of United fans that will be disgusted by any potential return. Aside from boosting playing numbers, it's such a terrible idea (even if you don't give a shit about the morals) that I can't understand why its even being considered.

1. Morally repugnant to re-introduce someone who's committed such a disgusting act (don't want to hear anyone saying anything about "in the eyes of the law....". Leaves the club on a par with Liverpool defending Suarez for his racist taunts vs Evra
2. Creates a toxic atmosphere as both fans and no doubt some players are divided into those that are critical or condoning of his actions.
3. PR disaster - sponsors will be getting pressured to disassociate themselves, women's team may feel alienated and manager and players are all exposed to questioning and been put under pressure to defend his inclusion.

Yeah there is going to be a very strong emotional reaction whatever decision the club make

 

[Erik the Red]

Never mind rival fans. There's plenty of United fans that will be disgusted by any potential return. Aside from boosting playing numbers, it's such a terrible idea (even if you don't give a shit about the morals) that I can't understand why its even being considered.

1. Morally repugnant to re-introduce someone who's committed such a disgusting act (don't want to hear anyone saying anything about "in the eyes of the law....". Leaves the club on a par with Liverpool defending Suarez for his racist taunts vs Evra
2. Creates a toxic atmosphere as both fans and no doubt some players are divided into those that are critical or condoning of his actions.
3. PR disaster - sponsors will be getting pressured to disassociate themselves, women's team may feel alienated and manager and players are all exposed to questioning and been put under pressure to defend his inclusion.

This is what people need to realise - no-one condones violence. Those that are in favour of his return hold that view because i) in this beautiful country in which we live people are considered innocent until proven guilty, ii) we should allow people to repent on their sins and correct their behaviour. His girlfriend has clearly forgiven him, so why should we prevent his return? The club should be seen to be a responsible employer, and help him with his rehabilitation, send him for counselling, and make him become a spokesperson against domestic violence. That would be a far more powerful message than just kicking him out to another club and making a nice profit on it.

Had Liverpool done that with Suarez, Arsenal with Partey, City with Mendy, etc., then maybe kids would see positive role models like Rashford helping kids, rather than looking up to undesirable characters. Remember we were the club that took action against Cantona (in agreement with the FA who then decided on a further punishment), and we have also suspended our player when others did not. We already have the moral high ground, and I think Mason doing a pre-recorded apology and statement would help everyone concerned.

 

[Lash]

This is what people need to realise - no-one condones violence. Those that are in favour of his return hold that view because i) in this beautiful country in which we live people are considered innocent until proven guilty, ii) we should allow people to repent on their sins and correct their behaviour. His girlfriend has clearly forgiven him, so why should we prevent his return? The club should be seen to be a responsible employer, and help him with his rehabilitation, send him for counselling, and make him become a spokesperson against domestic violence. That would be a far more powerful message than just kicking him out to another club and making a nice profit on it.

Had Liverpool done that with Suarez, Arsenal with Partey, City with Mendy, etc., then maybe kids would see positive role models like Rashford helping kids, rather than looking up to undesirable characters. Remember we were the club that took action against Cantona (in agreement with the FA who then decided on a further punishment), and we have also suspended our player when others did not. We already have the moral high ground, and I think Mason doing a pre-recorded apology and statement would help everyone concerned.

Fecking hell, give your head a wobble.

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

This is what people need to realise - no-one condones violence. Those that are in favour of his return hold that view because i) in this beautiful country in which we live people are considered innocent until proven guilty, ii) we should allow people to repent on their sins and correct their behaviour. His girlfriend has clearly forgiven him, so why should we prevent his return? The club should be seen to be a responsible employer, and help him with his rehabilitation, send him for counselling, and make him become a spokesperson against domestic violence. That would be a far more powerful message than just kicking him out to another club and making a nice profit on it.

Had Liverpool done that with Suarez, Arsenal with Partey, City with Mendy, etc., then maybe kids would see positive role models like Rashford helping kids, rather than looking up to undesirable characters. Remember we were the club that took action against Cantona (in agreement with the FA who then decided on a further punishment), and we have also suspended our player when others did not. We already have the moral high ground, and I think Mason doing a pre-recorded apology and statement would help everyone concerned.

Are you absolutely having a laugh? Give your head a wobble with that shite - can you imagine making Mason effin Greenwood a spokesperson against domestic violence! Maybe you could make Gary Glitter a spokesperson against child porn too in your daft head.

This after saying you believe in innocence until proven guilty - which just proves your entire argument is in bad faith. Would have more respect if you just admitted your ok with domestic violence. By the way innocent until proven guilty means you don't get sent to jail without a trial. Doesn't mean that we can't make up our minds when the evidence is so blindingly obvious.

 

[Steve 007]

Can I ask why you thought that? He rarely ever played striker and when he did, his instincts were far more like Martial's in terms of his striker movement. He had very good ball striking technique but he couldn't really beat an opponent in the dribble and like a lot of our other players at that time he used to take terrible low-xg pot-shots from crazy distances and angles and situations, some of which he scored and enhanced his reputation.

Like everyone, I was really excited about MG breaking through when I saw what he was doing at underage level but he never showed any poacher's instincts at 9 when he had opportunities and he doesn't have a rounded enough skillset/creativity for winger. Antony gets hammered on here but I feel the team plays much better with him in the side than it did when MG was there. I would absolutely hate for him to return to the team for different reasons but in purely football terms I'd be very skeptical that he will ever be one of the best forwards in the world and would be detrimental to the team's desired style of play.

Just remember that MG overtook Rooney as our highest scoring teenager in our history. He’s quick, can shoot with both feet, he can beat a man easily. Not much with his head but he overtook both Rooney and Rashford and that says a lot. I stick by my comments. I think that potential is probably finished now.

 

[Resch]

Are you absolutely having a laugh? Give your head a wobble with that shite - can you imagine making Mason effin Greenwood a spokesperson against domestic violence! Maybe you could make Gary Glitter a spokesperson against child porn too in your daft head.

This after saying you believe in innocence until proven guilty - which just proves your entire argument is in bad faith. Would have more respect if you just admitted your ok with domestic violence. By the way innocent until proven guilty means you don't get sent to jail without a trial. Doesn't mean that we can't make up our minds when the evidence is so blindingly obvious.

It is not up to us to judge, because we only know the public part of this story. Three people can judge MG, a judge, his girlfriend and MG. The Judge will not do anything and he and his girlfriend found a way.
And MG as a spokesperson against toxic masculinity and violence could be a good idea, if he worked on his problems and changed his mindset.

 

[GreenFieldsGoldenBarley]

Do you expect people to stop supporting a team they've supported all their life because a player you dislike play there?

Not about disliking a player is it? It's about supporting victims of extreme sexual violence. If our club chooses success on the pitch over condemning sexual violence that would hopefully make a lot of people feel queasy.

 

[zaafi]

Not about disliking a player is it? It's about supporting victims of extreme sexual violence. If our club chooses success on the pitch over condemning sexual violence that would hopefully make a lot of people feel queasy.

I completely agree, but I'd never stop supporting United. That would take A LOT

 

[Bojan Djordjic]

Not about disliking a player is it? It's about supporting victims of extreme sexual violence. If our club chooses success on the pitch over condemning sexual violence that would hopefully make a lot of people feel queasy.

United isn't Murtough or Arnold or the Board or even EtH. It's been around for generations before all of those guys and I think its not right for fans to have to stop supporting a club they've loved for decades or years or however long because some weak as piss greedy pricks can't be trusted to act like decent people and condemn an awful act and ensure the person responsible for that faces consequences for bringing the club into disrepute.

I think if he's brought back, there should be protests and sponsors should be targeted and the person in particular should be made to feel very uncomfortable.

 

[scottser]

i don't think MG's head will ever be right; by all accounts he hates not being top dog and if he comes back he'll have gone from rising star to second fiddle at the club. also, everybody knows now that greenwood has a temper alongside being an arrogant cnut. other players and fans will exploit that, which will make it doubly hard for him to get back to his original form. a loan with an obligation to buy would be best for him. as others have pointed out, if we had enough functioning strikers at the club his return wouldn't even be up for discussion; he'd be out the door quick smart.

 

[Resch]

We should sign Konate from Salzburg, he is their new gem. 19 years, fast and clinical. 3 matches 4 goals 2 assists in the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup.

 

[The Mitcher]

This is what people need to realise - no-one condones violence. Those that are in favour of his return hold that view because i) in this beautiful country in which we live people are considered innocent until proven guilty, ii) we should allow people to repent on their sins and correct their behaviour. His girlfriend has clearly forgiven him, so why should we prevent his return? The club should be seen to be a responsible employer, and help him with his rehabilitation, send him for counselling, and make him become a spokesperson against domestic violence. That would be a far more powerful message than just kicking him out to another club and making a nice profit on it.

Had Liverpool done that with Suarez, Arsenal with Partey, City with Mendy, etc., then maybe kids would see positive role models like Rashford helping kids, rather than looking up to undesirable characters. Remember we were the club that took action against Cantona (in agreement with the FA who then decided on a further punishment), and we have also suspended our player when others did not. We already have the moral high ground, and I think Mason doing a pre-recorded apology and statement would help everyone concerned.

I'm all for Greenwood being allowed to ply his trade after the charges and all that. Unfortunately for him, United and us society doesn't view the law as innocent until proven guilty. United would get pilloried for bringing him back. Until the dust settled, even Ched Evans' new clus were attacked, and he was found innocent after being falsely accused. It doesn't look good for United, he'd be a PR nightmare and potentially disruptive in the dressing room. It's not worth the risk in our present climate. It's not up to the club to pay for his counselling. He has to want and do it himself.

Also, footballers should never ever be seen as role models for children. It's stupid to push them into that, the only role models kids need are their parents, family and dare I say it, teachers or other members of their communities. Treating footballers this way makes situations like the Greenwood one, worse.

 

[Lash]

I'm all for Greenwood being allowed to ply his trade after the charges and all that. Unfortunately for him, United and us society doesn't view the law as innocent until proven guilty. United would get pilloried for bringing him back. Until the dust settled, even Ched Evans' new clus were attacked, and he was found innocent after being falsely accused. It doesn't look good for United, he'd be a PR nightmare and potentially disruptive in the dressing room. It's not worth the risk in our present climate. It's not up to the club to pay for his counselling. He has to want and do it himself.

Also, footballers should never ever be seen as role models for children. It's stupid to push them into that, the only role models kids need are their parents, family and dare I say it, teachers or other members of their communities. Treating footballers this way makes situations like the Greenwood one, worse.

Of course if does, this is a weird line that gets thrown about regularly that makes no sense. He's not going to prison and hasn't been sacked - yet, I guess l, as a caveat. Information that was in the public domain that came out, we are more than entitled as a club and society to pass judgment on that kind of behaviour.

This last paragraph is bizarre as well. We're not exactly holding him to some high moral standard here that's unfair.

 

[The Mitcher]

Of course if does, this is a weird line that gets thrown about regularly that makes no sense. He's not going to prison and hasn't been sacked - yet, I guess l, as a caveat. Information that was in the public domain that came out, we are more than entitled as a club and society to pass judgment on that kind of behaviour.

This last paragraph is bizarre as well. We're not exactly holding him to some high moral standard here that's unfair.

You really are naive if you think most people believe in innocent until proven guilty. Otherwise there wouldn't be the whole trial by social media or news like in the past. You can be cleared of domestic violence in a court of law and most people will still say they just couldn't prove it, he definitely did it.

People DO hold footballers to a ridiculously high moral standard. Do you remember when they tried to stop players spitting on the pitch manyvyears ago? The only reasoning was think of the children, you're role models.

 

[Pickle85]

Looking forward to having Greenwood back to further bolster our options but it won’t be earlier than January, as I’m certain the club will send him out on loan.

You're genuinely looking forward to having him back?

 

[Pickle85]

I'm all for Greenwood being allowed to ply his trade after the charges and all that. Unfortunately for him, United and us society doesn't view the law as innocent until proven guilty. United would get pilloried for bringing him back. Until the dust settled, even Ched Evans' new clus were attacked, and he was found innocent after being falsely accused. It doesn't look good for United, he'd be a PR nightmare and potentially disruptive in the dressing room. It's not worth the risk in our present climate. It's not up to the club to pay for his counselling. He has to want and do it himself.

Also, footballers should never ever be seen as role models for children. It's stupid to push them into that, the only role models kids need are their parents, family and dare I say it, teachers or other members of their communities. Treating footballers this way makes situations like the Greenwood one, worse.

It's more complicated than this and, unless you're extraordinarily dense, you know it. Rape convictions are extremely hard to prosecute and doubly so when the accused is an intimate acquaintance. Have you listened to the tapes?

 

[Giggsy13]

You're genuinely looking forward to having him back?

Absolutely, he’s a great footballer. I don’t look to footballers for moral guidance or setting appropriate standards for supporters to follow. HUGE surprise, many footballers are womanizers. Not right, but you aren’t changing that culture overnight.

 

[Offside]

Absolutely, he’s a great footballer. I don’t look to footballers for moral guidance or setting appropriate standards for supporters to follow. HUGE surprise, many footballers are womanizers. Not right, but you aren’t changing that culture overnight.

From the evidence that appeared on the internet, would we say all he is is a womaniser?

 

[Pickle85]

Absolutely, he’s a great footballer. I don’t look to footballers for moral guidance or setting appropriate standards for supporters to follow. HUGE surprise, many footballers are womanizers. Not right, but you aren’t changing that culture overnight.

Do you think that people are up in arms because Greenwood is a womaniser? This is genuinely a repulsive, reductive and dumb take.

 

[JB7]

Absolutely, he’s a great footballer. I don’t look to footballers for moral guidance or setting appropriate standards for supporters to follow. HUGE surprise, many footballers are womanizers. Not right, but you aren’t changing that culture overnight.

Wow.

 

[davidmichael]

Regardless of whether MG comes back or not for the upcoming season I think we’re done bringing in forwards now after Hojlund officially signed.

Across all competitions if we got Rashford with 25, Hojlund with 15, Fernandes with 10-15, Sancho with 10, Antony with 10, Garnacho with 10, Mount with 5-10, Martial with 5 and Casemiro with 5 that’s around 90-100 goals and that’s not unrealistic.

Of course IF it happened and MG did return we could probably add another 10 goals to that but that’s another conversation for another thread when allowed to be made, I think we’ll comfortably score more than last season though.

 

[The Irish Connection]

I think we’re still short, both in midfield and up front. Of course, we hope that Hojlund will hit the ground running and Mainoo will have an impact when he’s fit, but a lot to ask of young players.
A pity that the takeover couldn’t have been completed by now. I feel we would probably have been in for Kane under new owners.

 

[Giggsy13]

Do you think that people are up in arms because Greenwood is a womaniser? This is genuinely a repulsive, reductive and dumb take.

To the contrary, holding footballers at this godly and holy like standard is what’s wrong with society generally. It’s football FFS, it’s all that matters and how I judge Greenwood, Giggs and others. They aren’t criminals but morally repugnant, sure.

 

[Giggsy13]

From the evidence that appeared on the internet, would we say all he is is a womaniser?

You do know why he and Foden got in trouble during England duty don’t you?

 

[croadyman]

I think we’re still short, both in midfield and up front. Of course, we hope that Hojlund will hit the ground running and Mainoo will have an impact when he’s fit, but a lot to ask of young players.
A pity that the takeover couldn’t have been completed by now. I feel we would probably have been in for Kane under new owners.

Yeah definitely short of that Amrabat profile of player in midfield,also would have been good to have a natural backup 9

 

[NoPace]

I think we’re still short, both in midfield and up front. Of course, we hope that Hojlund will hit the ground running and Mainoo will have an impact when he’s fit, but a lot to ask of young players.
A pity that the takeover couldn’t have been completed by now. I feel we would probably have been in for Kane under new owners.

Yeah, the obvious way to balance the squad is to sell Sancho and use the money on a Chicharito type to score goals off the bench if Hojlund becomes a star.

CF: Hojlund, STRIKER, Rashford, Martial
LW: Rashford, Garnacho, Pellistri
RW: Antony, Pellistri, Amad, Bruno

at least 3 decent options at each spot.

 

[The Irish Connection]

Yeah, the obvious way to balance the squad is to sell Sancho and use the money on a Chicharito type to score goals off the bench if Hojlund becomes a star.

CF: Hojlund, STRIKER, Rashford, Martial
LW: Rashford, Garnacho, Pellistri
RW: Antony, Pellistri, Amad, Bruno

at least 3 decent options at each spot.

I still think the right wing could be an issue but fingers crossed someone steps up.