Raphaël Varane

[Bwuk]

We conceded less than Real and had the fourth best defensive record in the league.

You can't compare La Liga to the Premier League. Why do you think Real want De Gea so bad anyway? They know Casillas is finished.

Do you think Real would even consider Smalling or Jones? They'd be laughed away.

We conceded 37 goals. It'd of been closer to 45/50 without De Gea's brilliance. He's all but gone now, and it's almost a guarantee we won't get as good a keeper.

I'm sorry but we should be aiming for under 30. Chelsea managed 32 and I'd wager without looking that most seasons the team who wins the league is about 30ish mark.

 

[JPRouve]

You can't compare La Liga to the Premier League. Why do you think Real want De Gea so bad anyway? They know Casillas is finished.

Do you think Real would even consider Smalling or Jones? They'd be laughed away.

We conceded 37 goals. It'd of been closer to 45/50 without De Gea's brilliance. He's all but gone now, and it's almost a guarantee we won't get as good a keeper.

I'm sorry but we should be aiming for under 30. Chelsea managed 32 and I'd wager without looking that most seasons the team who wins the league is about 30ish mark.

United is the team who conceded the least shot per games though.

 

[Bwuk]

United is the team who conceded the least shot per games though.

Doesn't matter how many shots are taken, shots don't win games goals do.

 

[Nozzy]

We need two first choice defenders in an ideal world. Varane is miles ahead of Smalling and Jones.

Look how many goals we concede. Look how often De Gea has had to save us, and he'll be gone soon. We won't get away with such a poor defense.

Shaw, Blind, Rojo fine for left back. Sell Evans. Loan McNair. Get two CBs in in an ideal world. New right back as well.

£80M on the defence, this summer? In an ideal world for sure.

 

[Bwuk]

£80M on the defence, this summer? In an ideal world for sure.

We spent what, 45m on Rojo and Shaw last year? 15 on Blind as well who'll play as many games at left back as in midfield.

That's 70m. We can afford it - why not?

 

[Browniee]

Sign him up, sign anyone ffs

 

[Nozzy]

You can't compare La Liga to the Premier League. Why do you think Real want De Gea so bad anyway? They know Casillas is finished.

Do you think Real would even consider Smalling or Jones? They'd be laughed away.

We conceded 37 goals. It'd of been closer to 45/50 without De Gea's brilliance. He's all but gone now, and it's almost a guarantee we won't get as good a keeper.

I'm sorry but we should be aiming for under 30. Chelsea managed 32 and I'd wager without looking that most seasons the team who wins the league is about 30ish mark.

Last title, 2013 we conceded 43 - City in second, 34. Stiffen the midfield & we've been weak there for a few years & you improve the defensive record.

 

[Nozzy]

We spent what, 45m on Rojo and Shaw last year? 15 on Blind as well who'll play as many games at left back as in midfield.

That's 70m. We can afford it - why not?

You want two worldie CB's & an improvement at RB - fine, I'd like that too. Who are these players, can we get them & will the board sanction an £80M spend? I'll say we'll be lucky to get one first 11 defender, in this window.

 

[sullydnl]

We spent what, 45m on Rojo and Shaw last year? 15 on Blind as well who'll play as many games at left back as in midfield.

That's 70m. We can afford it - why not?

Because we can only bring in so many players without seriously disrupting the squad? We're already looking at a new GK, CB, RB, CM and attacker at least, already a less than ideal amount of change for a team that needs to hit the ground running next season. Bringing in other players we could realistically do without for this season is definitely overkill.

We need to strengthen defense but it doesn't need to be perfect, nor do we have to overhaul every aspect of our team in one summer.

 

[Nozzy]

Because we can only bring in so many players without seriously disrupting the squad? We're already looking at a new GK, CB, RB, CM and attacker at least, already a less than ideal amount of change for a team that needs to hit the ground running next season. Bringing in other players we could realistically do without for this season is definitely overkill.

We need to strengthen defense but it doesn't need to be perfect, nor do we have to overhaul every aspect of our team in one summer.

Correct. Looking at results, we're not so far off a title challenge. Certainly, Otemendi. Schneiderlin & Kane would give us back an awesome spine & renewed goal threat.

 

[Bwuk]

You want two worldie CB's & an improvement at RB - fine, I'd like that too. Who are these players, can we get them & will the board sanction an £80M spend? I'll say we'll be lucky to get one first 11 defender, in this window.

I don't know. I'm not a scout. That's not my job.

If Varane is available then there's one. For example, how many of our defenders would get in Chelsea's defense?

 

[Devil may care]

'Worth' as opposed to actual 'cost' can be two very different figures. I can't see LVG taking us into the season with just Rooney & Wilson, that would be insane - take another look at the fixture list - Rooney would be burnt out by January, playing three times, virtually every 7 or 8 days. Were he to get an injury we would be screwed. Kane would cost us around £40 million to prise him away from Mr Levy, maybe even £50M. Benzema the same. You want Ronaldo - find £100M, Aguero, around £70-80M. Benteke & Martinez - not interested personally.

Varane is a top CB & how old, 23? You think Real Madrid are going to give him away? He's a financial asset for goodness sake. DDG has a lot less value, due to being a free agent, in 6 months. Ho much would Varane cost without a player swap in your opinion? Not a glamour position? So why did we pay £30M for Rio, 10+ years ago?

I honestly don't think there is any chance of the players you just listed coming here this summer. Plus what you're suggesting isn't really feasible, show me another side with a main #9 who is Captain and on 250k a week, who also carry a £40-50M striker as his back up, the only one I can think of is City. Look at Chelsea, their back ups for Costa are cheap or on loan, at Arsenal the back ups are players that can also play wide, Bayern and Real have an old striker and our striker on loan respectively last season. It's a very tricky situation to get a new striker in this window at the right price who is willing to play as a back up, otherwise we'll end up with Rooney back in midfield again.

Why we paid any price for any player and how Real Madrid do their business isn't really something you can calculate, they don't buy logically most of the time. I'd say without a swap Varane would cost roughly £30M.

 

[Nozzy]

I honestly don't think there is any chance of the players you just listed coming here this summer. Plus what you're suggesting isn't really feasible, show me another side with a main #9 who is Captain and on 250k a week, who also carry a £40-50M striker as his back up, the only one I can think of is City. Look at Chelsea, their back ups for Costa are cheap or on loan, at Arsenal the back ups are players that can also play wide, Bayern and Real have an old striker and our striker on loan respectively last season. It's a very tricky situation to get a new striker in this window at the right price who is willing to play as a back up, otherwise we'll end up with Rooney back in midfield again.

Why we paid any price for any player and how Real Madrid do their business isn't really something you can calculate, they don't buy logically most of the time. I'd say without a swap Varane would cost roughly £30M.

Pick up on one thing you've said, that others have also alluded to. This notion of Rooney, 'dropping into midfield', should we sign a automatic pick, first 11 striker. Where did he play when we signed RVP & won the title in 2012/13? He played behind RVP, scoring a good number himself & firming up the midfield when required by dropping back, (something he's been doing for years). Signing Kane, for example, would mean him, playing the RVP role of 2012 & Rooney doing what he does best. Kane or whoever, would not be back up to Rooney, though you could rest old Wayne occasionally, with a top signing.

I would expect Kane, for example, to be offered something under £120K a week, renegotiated in three seasons or so.

For the record, I wasn't suggesting for a second we could attract any of those players.

 

[Nozzy]

For example, how many of our defenders would get in Chelsea's defense?

Good question. I'd say in two years, if we've got Otemendi, Smalling, Jones & McNair, very likely all four of them would have a decent chance. What I'm getting at is that ours may not have peaked in their development yet but in two years they will have & Chelsea's pairing, will be just about done. Terry can't for on for ever, Cahill has visibly slowed & was dropped this season & Ivanovic too, will be 32 this season. They could have real issues dropping on them just as we did with Rio, Vidic & Evra, all aging together.

 

[Bwuk]

Good question. I'd say in two years, if we've got Otemendi, Smalling, Jones & McNair, very likely all four of them would have a decent chance. What I'm getting at is that ours may not have peaked in their development yet but in two years they will have & Chelsea's pairing, will be just about done. Terry can't for on for ever, Cahill has visibly slowed & was dropped this season & Ivanovic too, will be 32 this season. They could have real issues dropping on them just as we did with Rio, Vidic & Evra, all aging together.

Cesar Azpi (on mobile - not going to even attempt his name) is a better full back than any we have, and is young himself.

I'd actually rate Zouma as a much better prospect than any of our players you mentioned, bar Otamendi. Smalling is what, 25? He's never going to be top level. Jones maybe but he's a bit of a donkey at times.

 

[Devil may care]

Pick up on one thing you've said, that others have also alluded to. This notion of Rooney, 'dropping into midfield', should we sign a automatic pick, first 11 striker. Where did he play when we signed RVP & won the title in 2012/13? He played behind RVP, scoring a good number himself & firming up the midfield when required by dropping back, (something he's been doing for years). Signing Kane, for example, would mean him, playing the RVP role of 2012 & Rooney doing what he does best. Kane or whoever, would not be back up to Rooney, though you could rest old Wayne occasionally, with a top signing.

I would expect Kane, for example, to be offered something under £120K a week, renegotiated in three seasons or so.

For the record, I wasn't suggesting for a second we could attract any of those players.

That was in Fergie's old 4-4-1-1 system, not in the system LvG plays, and it wasn't one of Rooney's better seasons either. Do we really want a 30 year old Rooney masquerading as a #10? I personally don't, his first touch and passing is just not good enough in a system where the #10 is expected to actually play as a proper #10.

 

[Sammyjunn]

Think the majority hasnt even seen him this season, the mistakes he make, we slaughter our players for those. Wasnt that impressive as he was before, maybe the small dip most players endure. But some act as if he's already a top3 defender but he isnt. He gets dragged out position for Real too easily, his monstrous pace compensates for this but in a league with higher tempo it could be desastrous. Still one of the biggest talents in the world tho, so I would be excited if we can get him.

 

[devilish]

I go along with strengthening the team of course & supply has been appalling. However, it doesn't take a genius to see our forwards are over the crest & in decline & can RVP stay fit? - his last two seasons have been full of injuries, as was his Arsenal career.

Giggs had been in decline for the last 7 years of his career. However he was still an important player for us. Id say lets strengthen other, more important areas, and than see what such changes would have on the forward line. The alternative would be spending 30-50m on a striker whom will only push Rooney in midfield + selling Chicarito and RVP for peanuts.

 

[ZDwyr]

Think the majority hasnt even seen him this season, the mistakes he make, we slaughter our players for those. Wasnt that impressive as he was before, maybe the small dip most players endure. But some act as if he's already a top3 defender but he isnt. He gets dragged out position for Real too easily, his monstrous pace compensates for this but in a league with higher tempo it could be desastrous. Still one of the biggest talents in the world tho, so I would be excited if we can get him.

I wholeheartedly agree with this post.

 

[Nozzy]

Think the majority hasn't even seen him this season, the mistakes he make, we slaughter our players for those. Wasn't that impressive as he was before, maybe the small dip most players endure. But some act as if he's already a top3 defender but he isnt. He gets dragged out position for Real too easily, his monstrous pace compensates for this but in a league with higher tempo it could be disastrous. Still one of the biggest talents in the world tho, so I would be excited if we can get him.

Great summarisation.

 

[Sweet Square]

Think the majority hasnt even seen him this season, the mistakes he make, we slaughter our players for those. Wasnt that impressive as he was before, maybe the small dip most players endure. But some act as if he's already a top3 defender but he isnt. He gets dragged out position for Real too easily, his monstrous pace compensates for this but in a league with higher tempo it could be desastrous. Still one of the biggest talents in the world tho, so I would be excited if we can get him.

Phil Jones thread is here mate https://www.redcafe.net/threads/phil-jones-2014-2015-performances.394004/

 

[Nozzy]

Giggs had been in decline for the last 7 years of his career. However he was still an important player for us. Id say lets strengthen other, more important areas, and than see what such changes would have on the forward line. The alternative would be spending 30-50m on a striker whom will only push Rooney in midfield + selling Chicarito and RVP for peanuts.

But strikers rely so much on pace & once that goes, as it clearly is doing with Rooney & RVP, they either morf like Giggs did or, the need to replace them becomes pressing. i believe like so many (see the poll), like we're at this point & need to get in for a new striker this summer.

Please look again at the fixture & consider if you really think Rooney can cope alone;

1. Aug 8: United v Tottenham Hotspur
2. Aug 15: Aston Villa v United
3. Aug 18/19: CL Playoff Leg 1
4. Aug 22: United v Newcastle United
5. Aug 25/26: CL Playoff Leg 2
6. Aug 29: Swansea City v United
7. Sep 12: United v Liverpool
8. Sep 15/16: CL Group Stage 1
9. Sep 19:Southampton v United
10. Sep 26: United v Sunderland
11. Sep 29/30: CL Group Stage 2
12. Oct 3: Arsenal v United
13. Oct 17: Everton v Manchester United
14. Oct 20/21: CL Group Stage 3
15. Oct 24: United v Manchester City
16. Oct 26: Capital One Cup Round 4
17. Oct 31: Crystal Palace v United
18. Nov 3/4: CL Group Stage 4
19. Nov 7: United v West Bromwich Albion
20. Nov 21: Watford v United
21. Nov 24/25: CL Group Stage 5
22. Nov 28: Leicester City v United
23. Nov 30: Capital One Cup Round 5
24. Dec 5: United v West Ham United
25. Dec 8/9: CL Group Stage 6
26. Dec 12: Bournemouth v United
27. Dec 19: United v Norwich City
28. Dec 26: Stoke City v United
29. Dec 28: United v Chelsea
30. Jan 2: United v Swansea City
31. Jan 4: Capital One Cup Semi Leg 1
32. Jan 9: FA Cup 3rd Round
33. Jan 13: Newcastle United v United (7.45pm)
34. Jan 16: Liverpool v United
35. Jan 23: United v Southampton
36. Jan 25: Capital One Cup Semi Leg 2
37. Jan 30: FA Cup 4th Round
38. Feb 2: United v Stoke City (8pm)
39. Feb 6: Chelsea v United
40. Feb 13: Sunderland v United
41. Feb 20: FA Cup 5th Round
42. Feb 27: United v Arsenal
43. Feb 28: Capital One Cup Final
44. Mar 1: United v Watford (8pm)
45. Mar 5: West Bromwich Albion v United
46. Mar 12: United v Crystal Palace
47. Mar 12: FA Cup Quarter Final
48. Mar 19: Manchester City v United............................................

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Think the majority hasnt even seen him this season, the mistakes he make, we slaughter our players for those. Wasnt that impressive as he was before, maybe the small dip most players endure. But some act as if he's already a top3 defender but he isnt. He gets dragged out position for Real too easily, his monstrous pace compensates for this but in a league with higher tempo it could be desastrous. Still one of the biggest talents in the world tho, so I would be excited if we can get him.

His concentration is quite poor too and he makes too many slack passes currently. I agree that he is far from the finished article.

 

[Nozzy]

Phil Jones thread is here mate https://www.redcafe.net/threads/phil-jones-2014-2015-performances.394004/

Same applies to both players - they are young & need an older head playing alongside them. Varane isn't reckless like Jones but he's sure as dozy as Smalling at times. (See v Schalke & Juve & for France against Albania)

 

[devilish]

But strikers rely so much on pace & once that goes, as it clearly is doing with Rooney & RVP, they either morf like Giggs did or, the need to replace them becomes pressing. i believe like so many (see the poll), like we're at this point & need to get in for a new striker this summer.

Please look again at the fixture & consider if you really think Rooney can cope alone;

1. Aug 8: United v Tottenham Hotspur
2. Aug 15: Aston Villa v United
3. Aug 18/19: CL Playoff Leg 1
4. Aug 22: United v Newcastle United
5. Aug 25/26: CL Playoff Leg 2
6. Aug 29: Swansea City v United
7. Sep 12: United v Liverpool
8. Sep 15/16: CL Group Stage 1
9. Sep 19:Southampton v United
10. Sep 26: United v Sunderland
11. Sep 29/30: CL Group Stage 2
12. Oct 3: Arsenal v United
13. Oct 17: Everton v Manchester United
14. Oct 20/21: CL Group Stage 3
15. Oct 24: United v Manchester City
16. Oct 26: Capital One Cup Round 4
17. Oct 31: Crystal Palace v United
18. Nov 3/4: CL Group Stage 4
19. Nov 7: United v West Bromwich Albion
20. Nov 21: Watford v United
21. Nov 24/25: CL Group Stage 5
22. Nov 28: Leicester City v United
23. Nov 30: Capital One Cup Round 5
24. Dec 5: United v West Ham United
25. Dec 8/9: CL Group Stage 6
26. Dec 12: Bournemouth v United
27. Dec 19: United v Norwich City
28. Dec 26: Stoke City v United
29. Dec 28: United v Chelsea
30. Jan 2: United v Swansea City
31. Jan 4: Capital One Cup Semi Leg 1
32. Jan 9: FA Cup 3rd Round
33. Jan 13: Newcastle United v United (7.45pm)
34. Jan 16: Liverpool v United
35. Jan 23: United v Southampton
36. Jan 25: Capital One Cup Semi Leg 2
37. Jan 30: FA Cup 4th Round
38. Feb 2: United v Stoke City (8pm)
39. Feb 6: Chelsea v United
40. Feb 13: Sunderland v United
41. Feb 20: FA Cup 5th Round
42. Feb 27: United v Arsenal
43. Feb 28: Capital One Cup Final
44. Mar 1: United v Watford (8pm)
45. Mar 5: West Bromwich Albion v United
46. Mar 12: United v Crystal Palace
47. Mar 12: FA Cup Quarter Final
48. Mar 19: Manchester City v United............................................

Who said he'll be alone?

Rooney will be first teamer, RVP will be cover/competitor and Chicarito would be the super sub. World class players dont become crap at age 29-31 and we think to consider the bigger picture of things which include change of staff (ex 3 managers in 3 years), the WC, change in tactics etc

 

[Nozzy]

That was in Fergie's old 4-4-1-1 system, not in the system LvG plays, and it wasn't one of Rooney's better seasons either. Do we really want a 30 year old Rooney masquerading as a #10? I personally don't, his first touch and passing is just not good enough in a system where the #10 is expected to actually play as a proper #10.

He'll have to play behind a main striker - the pace he had has gone. That or move him on.

 

[Nozzy]

Who said he'll be alone?

Rooney will be first teamer, RVP will be cover/competitor and Chicarito would be the super sub. World class players dont become crap at age 29-31 and we think to consider the bigger picture of things which include change of staff (ex 3 managers in 3 years), the WC, change in tactics etc

Hernandez for sure will be sold this summer - LVG has made it clear his time is up. As for RVP, anyone can see he's not going to sit on the bench - too proud & he'll be moving on without a doubt. RVP was always a risk, due to his injury record & the last two seasons he's been a joke in that regard. His time is up.

 

[devilish]

Hernandez for sure will be sold this summer - LVG has made it clear his time is up. As for RVP, anyone can see he's not going to sit on the bench - too proud & he'll be moving on without a doubt. RVP was always a risk, due to his injury record & the last two seasons he's been a joke in that regard. His time is up.

He's 31 and has 1 year left in his contract. We can easily keep him here and let him go on free next season. I also think it would be a mistake selling Chicarito as he would allow us to loan Wilson.

There are other areas that deserve a higher priority.

 

[Nozzy]

He's 31 and has 1 year left in his contract. We can easily keep him here and let him go on free next season. I also think it would be a mistake selling Chicarito as he would allow us to loan Wilson.

There are other areas that deserve a higher priority.

Not really. LVG moved him out last summer & there's no way he'll have him back - imaging his miserable face on the bench every week? Wilson will be loaned if we get a top striker & a supporting forward, such as Firmino.

There are priorities all of the pitch right now. GK, CB, CM, STk, RB. All need to addressed.

 

[devilish]

Not really. LVG moved him out last summer & there's no way he'll have him back - imaging his miserable face on the bench every week? Wilson will be loaned if we get a top striker & a supporting forward, such as Firmino.

There are priorities all of the pitch right now. GK, CB, CM, STk, RB. All need to addressed.

If we can get a quality forward whose willing to settle for the bench AND wouldn't cost us a fortune than I agree. However my greatest fear is that we end up blowing much of our budget on a striker which would than mean moving Rooney in CM on a permanent basis.

 

[Nozzy]

If we can get a quality forward whose willing to settle for the bench AND wouldn't cost us a fortune than I agree. However my greatest fear is that we end up blowing much of our budget on a striker which would than mean moving Rooney in CM on a permanent basis.

Not much chance of blowing "much of our budget" on a striker - none of the big names would come here this summer.

 

[Devil may care]

He'll have to play behind a main striker - the pace he had has gone. That or move him on.

Rooney will start most of, if not all of, the time. I'd prefer we kept him as a #9 than hurt the midfield by playing him deeper.

 

[Red Hand Devil]

We conceded less than Real and had the fourth best defensive record in the league.

Fourth best defensively isnt good enough, when we're not scoring for fun though man. We aint gonna win anything with our defence presently as it is - especially at CB..

 

[Red Hand Devil]

Two CBs this summer would definitely be overkill unless one of Smalling/Jones are leaving.

Is Varane the guy we need? Right now, probably not. However, he's also probably too big a talent to pass up if we're thinking long term.

He isn't the experienced CB we need atm but I'd be willing to go without that if it meant signing someone who is potentially the outstanding CB of his generation.

Overkill?

You dont think there are better CB's out there than Smalling & Jones?

Jones - not good enough & injury / f*ck up-prone. Smalling - improved greatly 2nd half of season, but injury-prone. McNair - never a CB. Evans - get rid pronto. Rojo - warrior, but doesnt use brain enough.

We aint competing - nevermind winning the league, with that bunch Sully & i dont see bringing just one CB in, will cut the mustard - given Smalling & Jones' injury record with us. They're unreliable man..

Varane or Stones, would be an upgrade on what we have, but as they're both still learning - they would need an experienced top-class hard-ass CB beside them & thats where Otamendi would fit the bill perfectly.

 

[buckooo1978]

Sign him up, sign anyone ffs

 

[ravi2]

Overkill?

You dont think there are better CB's out there than Smalling & Jones?
Jones - not good enough & injury / f*ck up-prone. Smalling - improved greatly 2nd half of season, but injury-prone. McNair - never a CB. Evans - get rid pronto. Rojo - warrior, but doesnt use brain enough.
We aint competing - nevermind winning the league, with that bunch Sully & i dont see bringing just one CB in, will cut the mustard - given Smalling & Jones' injury record with us. They're unreliable man..
Varane or Stones, would be an upgrade on what we have, but as they're both still learning - they would need an experienced top-class hard-ass CB beside them & thats where Otamendi would fit the bill perfectly.

We should have purchased an experienced, top tier CB when Vidic left but I suppose LVG was fooled by the pre-season last year into thinking that Jones, Smalling and Evans could do the job (with Rojo a late addition).

Its high time we got someone like Otamendi playing at Old Trafford, he is exactly what he need .

 

[sullydnl]

Overkill?

You dont think there are better CB's out there than Smalling & Jones?

Jones - not good enough & injury / f*ck up-prone. Smalling - improved greatly 2nd half of season, but injury-prone. McNair - never a CB. Evans - get rid pronto. Rojo - warrior, but doesnt use brain enough.

We aint competing - nevermind winning the league, with that bunch Sully & i dont see bringing just one CB in, will cut the mustard - given Smalling & Jones' injury record with us. They're unreliable man..

Varane or Stones, would be an upgrade on what we have, but as they're both still learning - they would need an experienced top-class hard-ass CB beside them & thats where Otamendi would fit the bill perfectly.

Obviously there are a lot of CBs better than Smalling and Jones but there's only so much strengthening you can expect us to do in one summer. We can't be expected to find a new Rio/Vidic level combination in one go and I'm not sure we really need to either.

Say we sign Otamend and he's as good as people are saying. Is a Smalling/Jones + Otamendi CB partnership really going to be the reason we fail to compete in the PL? I doubt it.

It's not like our rivals have outstanding CB partnerships either. We don't need to be perfect, just able to hold our own against the rest.

 

[Red Hand Devil]

We should have purchased an experienced, top tier CB when Vidic left but I suppose LVG was fooled by the pre-season last year into thinking that Jones, Smalling and Evans could do the job (with Rojo a late addition).

Its high time we got someone like Otamendi playing at Old Trafford, he is exactly what he need .

Absolutely Ravi, i agree with all that man..

 

[Devil may care]

Overkill?

You dont think there are better CB's out there than Smalling & Jones?

Jones - not good enough & injury / f*ck up-prone. Smalling - improved greatly 2nd half of season, but injury-prone. McNair - never a CB. Evans - get rid pronto. Rojo - warrior, but doesnt use brain enough.

We aint competing - nevermind winning the league, with that bunch Sully & i dont see bringing just one CB in, will cut the mustard - given Smalling & Jones' injury record with us. They're unreliable man..

Varane or Stones, would be an upgrade on what we have, but as they're both still learning - they would need an experienced top-class hard-ass CB beside them & thats where Otamendi would fit the bill perfectly.

I agree with you in principle, I personally don't see Jones ever becoming top drawer and I'd love to bring in Varane or Stones along with Otamendi to make up our CB 4 with Smalling and Rojo. Unfortunately I imagine we will soon hand Jones a 4 year extension and that will be that.

 

[Red Hand Devil]

Obviously there are a lot of CBs better than Smalling and Jones but there's only so much strengthening you can expect us to do in one summer. We can't be expected to find a new Rio/Vidic level combination in one go and I'm not sure we really need to either.

Say we sign Otamend and he's as good as people are saying. Is a Smalling/Jones + Otamendi CB partnership really going to be the reason we fail to compete in the PL? I doubt it.

It's not like our rivals have outstanding CB partnerships either. We don't need to be perfect, just able to hold our own against the rest.

We should atleast try to find that Rio/Vida combo this summer & have no regrets Sully.

It's been the same carry-on for a good few seasons now; that the areas we needed to strengthen, have gone to the way side - when all of us have been cryin out for key areas to be upgraded pronto.

Cahill & Terry is a great partnership & that's the benchmark we need to aim for. Terry's gettin on in age, so Mourinho will be lookin to replace him & they might be after CB's this summer too, so we need to get our shit sorted before the draw of London becomes more appealing than sunny Manchester.

We've actually done pretty well against our rivals the season past, but its the away form against the lesser teams that put it up to us - that we have more problems with it seems. Leicester being the main example..