What's the problem with him? Attitude?
(Assuming you meant "humongous" rather than, though it would be a problem if he looked like that ...)
10 points for Gryffindor.
Strikers, Wingers, and Defenders
- Thread starter Insanity
- Start date
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) are here to discuss Amad saving our blushes in a win against Southampton as well as our now annual loss at home to Brighton. They discuss Amorim's post-match comments, revisit how mid-table we may or may not be, and discuss some transfer news.
10 points for Gryffindor.
Is Koke that unrealistic? We have watched him for quite a while and unless he's already decided to wait until Barca's transfer ban is lifted I can only see City challenging is for him given his buyout clause. I am hoping Gundogan can get a good 6 months under his belt as I'd still love him here, he was one his way to being one of the best CM's in the world when his back issue flared up, but he's still only 24.
I don't think Henriquez is rated here given we put a pretty small option to buy in his loan deal. Not seen enough to really comment on Milik, I wonder if we might be better going a bit older to bridge the age gap between Wilson and our senior strikers though.
It depends to be fair and was only based on a hunch. With Koke, the likes of City or Bayern or Chelsea don't worry me that much provided we qualify for Europe (as we probably will), given the fact that Woody's a closet muppet and we have acquired our own strong contingent of Spanish speaking players to help him bed in. But one just gets the impression that Koke doesn't really want to leave Atletico. He seems like one of those throwback players who took pride in wearing the jersey of their boyhood club, playing in their city, in front of their family and friends. He is already being touted as their future captain, Atletico are going through a good phase with Simeone and Koke can be the centerpiece of something historic and a legend for the ages among Colchonero faithful. Would he want to sacrifice all that for monetary or sporting gains ? I have my doubts. It's a bit of a dichotomy really. On one hand, fans in general bemoan the dipping loyalty standards in football, yet we covet players who're succeeding with the clubs who nurtured them. That said I might be 100 % wrong and misinterpreting the situation, dunno.
Yeah, I'm hoping Gundogan recovers too. Just a joy to watch and a complete midfielder. Probably my favorite oppo CM since Modric played for Spurs.
Well that's the beauty of football really. Opinions and players' perceived levels can change dramatically in a few short months as they take a leap in performances. I'm definitely a bit biased because I've always liked Angelo from the Universidad days but there's some serious superstar potential with him. He scored at almost a goal per game for the Chile U-level and national team, was one of the most highly rated South American players in recent seasons, was chased by a number of major clubs not too long ago and chose United because he's a fan of the club and Van Nistelrooy.
South American players generally take a bit of time to adapt and get going in Europe once they're imported at a young age. The likes of Deco, Sanchez, Suarez, Costa, Ferdandinho etc flew under the radar as a consequence. But I'd just like United to give him a fair shot before getting rid as his relatively low pressure stint on loan seems to have aided his development on and off the field. Because we might regret letting him go for peanuts if 5 years down the road he's one of the best strikers on the continent and is signed by Barcelona or Madrid for €100m when we could've just kept him on. The Croatian league might not be of the highest standard, but he is definitely flashing a keen nose for goal. Though like you said, given his clause maybe he isn't rated at all within United coaching circles and is a certainty to be let go. It would be a pity though all things considered.
Yeah you might be right about Milik but again, it a very subtle art and could go either way. A lot of us (including me) claim that United should've signed more promising players for the cheap and developed them, thus immersing them in the club's culture. Yet there is a sense of hesitation when there's talk of putting that philosophy into action. Milik will be 21 soon, at roughly the same stage of his career as Lewandowski when he signed for Dortmund and Fergie wanted to sign him at age 23. So there's a minor age difference between the two, and he is displaying very good ability at Ajax scoring at more than a goal per game.
I just think it would be better to sign someone like him now, let him mature a bit behind RVP (who's in the last year of his contract after this summer) and see how it goes from there than wait a couple of seasons and compete with the other big clubs for a much coveted striker. That said he might be one of those players who makes poor transitions from the Eredivisie to the Premier League ala Kuyt, Babel, Kezman, Kalou, Castaignos. It's definitely a gamble, but one I think is worth taking. If neither of the two pan out, we'd always have Wilson to fall back upon or splash major moolah as a last resort. Though I can't see any established or more experienced strikers worth spending major money on to bridge the transition from RVP to Wilson. None of them fill me with confidence.
EDIT : I forgot he's on loan at Ajax from Leverkusen so we'd have to deal with them for a permanent transfer.
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No more strikers. Even if Falcao leaves, we still have Rooney, RVP, Hernandez, Wilson and Henriquez who all play their best as 9's and Mata apparently can't play wide and Herrera and Di Maria are probably at their best centrally.
We need to buy one proper star out wide. If we can't get Reus overpay for someone like Griezmann or buy a promising young player like Shaqiri or Depay, but they need to be effective right away. Shame there's no 2011 Hazard type dominating Ligue 1 or Serie A from out wide for a 2nd straight season at a young age. Alternatively, if Van Gaal is willing to change things up a bit, I'd love us to make a huge offer for Koke and have him and Di Maria as narrow wingers with Herrera between them, a CM in behind and 2 attackers up front most games, with maybe one attacker dropped and another midfielder in for tougher opponents.
I would love us to buy a great DM, but I could see waiting another year if the right name isn't there since Blind and Carrick are alright. The other move would be to buy a CM like Strooman or Vidal to rotate with Di Maria and Herrera (or play with Herrera when Di Maria is out wide) and all 3 could play against weaker teams as both those players in particular could be the deepest CM and still play well, as Kroos, Tiago and others have done, by providing good distribution and solid overall play without being a Mascherano-esque shield.
I think we need a fullback who can compete with Rafael (who I love but is always hurt) and be versatile enough to fill in for Shaw at times. Darmian seems logical though I only saw him during the World Cup. Shouldn't be that tough to find a good, young fullback.
We need to buy one proper star out wide. If we can't get Reus overpay for someone like Griezmann or buy a promising young player like Shaqiri or Depay, but they need to be effective right away. Shame there's no 2011 Hazard type dominating Ligue 1 or Serie A from out wide for a 2nd straight season at a young age. Alternatively, if Van Gaal is willing to change things up a bit, I'd love us to make a huge offer for Koke and have him and Di Maria as narrow wingers with Herrera between them, a CM in behind and 2 attackers up front most games, with maybe one attacker dropped and another midfielder in for tougher opponents.
I would love us to buy a great DM, but I could see waiting another year if the right name isn't there since Blind and Carrick are alright. The other move would be to buy a CM like Strooman or Vidal to rotate with Di Maria and Herrera (or play with Herrera when Di Maria is out wide) and all 3 could play against weaker teams as both those players in particular could be the deepest CM and still play well, as Kroos, Tiago and others have done, by providing good distribution and solid overall play without being a Mascherano-esque shield.
I think we need a fullback who can compete with Rafael (who I love but is always hurt) and be versatile enough to fill in for Shaw at times. Darmian seems logical though I only saw him during the World Cup. Shouldn't be that tough to find a good, young fullback.
Schneiderlin is a good shout as a cheaper alternative for Vidal or Strootman.
Having said that I still believe we need a tough player in CM. That's the reason why Fellaini has been playing and doing well with us despite lacking the pace or the technique needed at this level.
He does not. He can play there sure. But his absolute best position actually a striker.
I guess you play FM?
He's completed it mate.
The striker position is probably dependent on Falcao's fitness and return to form. If he can rediscover his Atletico Madrid form - which admittedly seems unlikely - then he might be worth the significant outlay needed to acquire him, despite his age. I think he would strike up a decent partnership with Rooney upfront, if van Gaal wanted to accommodate two strikers, but in an ideal world the marquee striker we would outright buy, would have pace and more dynamism, which I think is severely lacking among our forwards and cripples our forward play a bit. If we don't sign Falcao, then someone like Benzema would be the perfect alternative and should make our attacking truly devastating. Another option is Alcacer.
In the wing department. I don't think it's a critical area in terms of getting a starting eleven player, as I could still see us successfully implementing the 4-4-2 diamond system if we ever reverted back to it, or even another formation that doesn't deploy specialist wingers. We do need a wide player that would provide an alternative system for tactical reasons or if we gradually transition toward the 4-3-3, but I'd be more than happy to buy someone with plenty of potential, opposed to a fully-established star player like Reus for instance. We need someone who can provide a goal threat and contribute goals from a different position, rather than a creator like Januzaj or di Maria if hes used there. I think Depay would be the logical option, as a player who has previously worked with LVG, has seemingly outgrown the Eredivisie and is a prolific goalscorer out wide. Shaqiri is another option, but personally I think we have to go all out for Depay.
For central midfield we need a midfield general. When our midfield is fully fit, we have a near enough complete midfield that possesses nearly everything required to dominate IMO, but the one missing component is physicality I would say. Carrick and Blind are both very astute tactically, Herrera's a terrier and Fellaini is a useful utility player, but none of those four tick all the boxes when it comes to physicality, energy and mobility. All are bit lacking in at least one area and we need a complete, box-to-box midfielder who can restore some balance to our midfield and offer leadership quality in a team otherwise deprived of it almost everywhere. I would say there are three clear candidates and I wouldn't be interested in anyone beyond those three - who is seemingly available. Strootman, Vidal and Schneiderlin. The former two are concerns when it comes to their fitness, but are certainly the two most gifted prior to their injuries. I would boil it down to Strootman and Vidal, but opt for the former, as Vidal's persistent knee problems seem more worrisome.
This is probably against the general consensus, but I don't think we need two centre backs. I'm happy if we sign just the one and if van Gaal prioritises a left-footer, so be it. I still believe Smalling can be an excellent defender and the thing holding him back is his ability on the ball and his susceptibility toward injuries. His error against City was so uncharacteristic of him and it shouldn't be used as something to determine his future here. I'm not Jones' biggest fan, but he does have scope for improvement and performed well at the start of the season. If we are specifically signing a left-footer or right-footer, it has to be the former, as Rojo won't ever be first team quality IMO and it currently leaves Blackett as his immediate understudy for the position. I don't think we should be cheap, but if we get someone in like Chiellini on a pre-agreement contract to arrive in the summer on a free, that could go along way to solving our defensive frailties. A lot of our issues aren't actually related to the quality of the personnel, but more so incessant injuries and failing to field a settled back four with regularity and having next to no leadership and cohesion as a defensive unit. A second centre back is something we would definitely need to revisit very soon, but I would be happy enough with just one new one heading into the 2015/16 season.
For right back, I ideally want to see a versatile fullback come in who is near enough at the level of our current fullback occupants, so he can apply pressure on both positions and fill in and maintain the same standard if he is missing. Chelsea have the perfect three with Ivanovic, Felipe and Azpilicueta (who has made the leftback position his own. We could also have something similar if we signed Clyne or Darmian. Both can fill in at right back and left back and both would drastically improve competition, instead of having to resort to Valencia or Young as wingbacks. My preference is Clyne, as he's English, shouldn't cost a bomb and is arguably just as good as Rafael now.
In summary, my January/summer acquisitions would be Chiellini, Clyne, Strootman, Depay and Benzema with perhaps a few young thrown in. It would leave a very formidable side capable of mounting a concerted challenge for the title next season.
In the wing department. I don't think it's a critical area in terms of getting a starting eleven player, as I could still see us successfully implementing the 4-4-2 diamond system if we ever reverted back to it, or even another formation that doesn't deploy specialist wingers. We do need a wide player that would provide an alternative system for tactical reasons or if we gradually transition toward the 4-3-3, but I'd be more than happy to buy someone with plenty of potential, opposed to a fully-established star player like Reus for instance. We need someone who can provide a goal threat and contribute goals from a different position, rather than a creator like Januzaj or di Maria if hes used there. I think Depay would be the logical option, as a player who has previously worked with LVG, has seemingly outgrown the Eredivisie and is a prolific goalscorer out wide. Shaqiri is another option, but personally I think we have to go all out for Depay.
For central midfield we need a midfield general. When our midfield is fully fit, we have a near enough complete midfield that possesses nearly everything required to dominate IMO, but the one missing component is physicality I would say. Carrick and Blind are both very astute tactically, Herrera's a terrier and Fellaini is a useful utility player, but none of those four tick all the boxes when it comes to physicality, energy and mobility. All are bit lacking in at least one area and we need a complete, box-to-box midfielder who can restore some balance to our midfield and offer leadership quality in a team otherwise deprived of it almost everywhere. I would say there are three clear candidates and I wouldn't be interested in anyone beyond those three - who is seemingly available. Strootman, Vidal and Schneiderlin. The former two are concerns when it comes to their fitness, but are certainly the two most gifted prior to their injuries. I would boil it down to Strootman and Vidal, but opt for the former, as Vidal's persistent knee problems seem more worrisome.
This is probably against the general consensus, but I don't think we need two centre backs. I'm happy if we sign just the one and if van Gaal prioritises a left-footer, so be it. I still believe Smalling can be an excellent defender and the thing holding him back is his ability on the ball and his susceptibility toward injuries. His error against City was so uncharacteristic of him and it shouldn't be used as something to determine his future here. I'm not Jones' biggest fan, but he does have scope for improvement and performed well at the start of the season. If we are specifically signing a left-footer or right-footer, it has to be the former, as Rojo won't ever be first team quality IMO and it currently leaves Blackett as his immediate understudy for the position. I don't think we should be cheap, but if we get someone in like Chiellini on a pre-agreement contract to arrive in the summer on a free, that could go along way to solving our defensive frailties. A lot of our issues aren't actually related to the quality of the personnel, but more so incessant injuries and failing to field a settled back four with regularity and having next to no leadership and cohesion as a defensive unit. A second centre back is something we would definitely need to revisit very soon, but I would be happy enough with just one new one heading into the 2015/16 season.
For right back, I ideally want to see a versatile fullback come in who is near enough at the level of our current fullback occupants, so he can apply pressure on both positions and fill in and maintain the same standard if he is missing. Chelsea have the perfect three with Ivanovic, Felipe and Azpilicueta (who has made the leftback position his own. We could also have something similar if we signed Clyne or Darmian. Both can fill in at right back and left back and both would drastically improve competition, instead of having to resort to Valencia or Young as wingbacks. My preference is Clyne, as he's English, shouldn't cost a bomb and is arguably just as good as Rafael now.
In summary, my January/summer acquisitions would be Chiellini, Clyne, Strootman, Depay and Benzema with perhaps a few young thrown in. It would leave a very formidable side capable of mounting a concerted challenge for the title next season.
de Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Chiellini - Shaw
Blind
Strootman - di Maria
Herrera
Benzema - Rooney
Subs: Lindegaard, Jones, Clyne, Carrick, Januzaj, Depay, van Persie/Wilson
I wouldn't say that is too unrealistic either. Maybe Benzema is, but we thought the same of Falcao and AdM and you never know Madrid's intentions. The same could be said of Chiellini given Italian players reluctance to join the PL. There is such a sparsity of players who meet the specific requirements of those two players though, so it's a bit of a shot in the dark.Rafael - Smalling - Chiellini - Shaw
Blind
Strootman - di Maria
Herrera
Benzema - Rooney
Subs: Lindegaard, Jones, Clyne, Carrick, Januzaj, Depay, van Persie/Wilson
Chiellini re-signed with Juventus last week.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12961/9571068/new-deals-for-juventus-duo
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12961/9571068/new-deals-for-juventus-duo
We signed di Maria and Falcao in the summer. This pales in comparison.
Wasn't aware of that. I really don't know then, because looking at it from van Gaal's perspective - and this is purely speculation - I think we will sign a left-footer. Vertonghen or Laporte might be alternatives then.
I think sometimes people just quote a load of foreign names, hoping that folk will give them kudos for knowing so much about football.
Personally, I can only just keep up with what happens in English football, let alone the rest of Europe.
I think both sides of the CB position are weak and need to be strengthened. Not wholly convinced by Rojo, though I do like his character and enthusiasm. Blackett is a bag of nerves most of the time. I'd rather Blind never played CB.
On the otherside, there is Smalling, Jones and McNair. I like all 3, but McNair is still very young and relatively unproven. I'm a big fan of Smalling and Jones, but their fitness is a concern. I'd really like to see both of them prosper, but I'm starting to lose faith that it will happen here.
It's probably naivety on my part then, as I think one centre back is definitely crucial, but I wouldn't be bothered if we don't bring in a right-footer. Smalling is generally a very good defender and isn't as liable to injury as much as Jones (many of the injuries he picks up are self-inflicted), so I see the former as far more reliable even if he is injury-prone himself. If we had Smalling, Jones and McNair as the three right-sided defenders I would be happy enough, although I am aware it is taking a huge gamble on their fitness issues.
I'm not convinced by Rojo either, but given the circumstances, it feels quite unfair to really lay into his performances thus far. He's the 'leader' in a very often, inexperienced and unsettled back four, despite the fact he can barely communicate due to his English and he still has to acclimatise to a new league, country, tea, etc. He's not without his faults, but he has a lot of raw materials and I think as a squad player he is sufficient. Ideally we need a leader, but we are clutching at straws for someone who fits that description while also having sufficient quality. Perhaps we should just go for Laporte, despite his age.
A lot can be solved without additions though too. Once van Gaal finds a system that offers the perfect balance defensively and offensively, while also bringing in someone like Strootman, I think we willsee the repurcussions of that greatly benefit our defence. Not too mention improving fitness and injuries.
I agree with that. Rojo probably wasn't expecting to be paired with a new partner every week, so it's harsh to give him too much stick. He's done a fair lot of good since being here. I don't think he's done anything to warrant any major criticism really. The team as a unit look nervy defensively, and it's not all really down to him. It's many things. I'd like to see him succeed, as he seems like a good, fiery character.
As for Smalling, I think he's great, and severely underrated, especially by non-United fans who seem to believe he is absolutely worthless. He is prone to injury, perhaps not as much as Jones and his sheer clumsiness. I'd love for Smalling to be able to maintain fitness and get a good run of 10-15 games, because I certainly think he has it in him to be our first choice, so long as he can become that player who plays every week.
How strange that we spend years screaming for a couple of midfielders. And then when we get them, we go 'Yeah, but the strikers, wingers and defenders are shit anyway'.
Gambling on their fitness has to stop now, this was their make or break season and they aren’t up to it even though we have hardly played any games, two new centre halves should be brought in. I currently see our CB’s as three crocks, one new signing who we need to give time and two youngsters who have potential who aren’t good enough to play week in week out and no guarantee they ever will be.
The only way to solve the problem is to bring players in and deciding what to do with the six we already have, hoping they will stay fit is only going to continue holding us back as it has done this season.
Varane is very young and shows huge potential. If Real has a modicum of sense they'll give him a huge new contract with a ridiculous buyout clause before selling him to anyone. Probably the most unrealistic target of them all at the moment.
Muppetry
I don't think striker is that important right now but Alcacer is a good option. We should be looking at a winger and a fullback who can operate on both flanks. Depay or Shaqiri and Clyne or Darmian work for me. In the off season we should also look at: a robust box-to-box midfielder, Strootman, Khedira or Gundogan would do the trick; a left-sided centre-half, Laporte looks good; and another top wide player, Reus is the obvious choice but if we don't get him we could look at Cuadrado or whichever we didn't pick from Depay and Shaqiri, or even Nani. Assuming Valdes and Falcao show enough to join permanently, and we maintain the 20+3 squad LVG prefers, we could look like this:
Tidy squad that, IMO. Plenty of options no matter how, or who, we play. 7 British, 9 homegrown. The first team could easily convert to a 4-4-2 diamond as well, with Di Maria moving back to midfield and the other winger playing """the Robben role""" up front. It would involve shipping Lindegaard, Ando, Young, Valencia, Fletch and Evans. Perhaps it doesn't solve the leadership issue at the back though.
I don't think striker is that important right now but Alcacer is a good option. We should be looking at a winger and a fullback who can operate on both flanks. Depay or Shaqiri and Clyne or Darmian work for me. In the off season we should also look at: a robust box-to-box midfielder, Strootman, Khedira or Gundogan would do the trick; a left-sided centre-half, Laporte looks good; and another top wide player, Reus is the obvious choice but if we don't get him we could look at Cuadrado or whichever we didn't pick from Depay and Shaqiri, or even Nani. Assuming Valdes and Falcao show enough to join permanently, and we maintain the 20+3 squad LVG prefers, we could look like this:
De Gea (Valdes/Johnstone)
Rafael (Clyne) - Smalling (Jones) - Laporte (Rojo) - Shaw (Clyne)
Strootman (Herrera/Fellaini) - Blind (Carrick)
Shaqiri (Januzaj) - Rooney (Mata) - Di Maria (Depay)
Falcao (van Persie)
Kids in reserve: McNair, Blackett, Pereira, Pearson, Lingard, Wilson, whoever else
Rafael (Clyne) - Smalling (Jones) - Laporte (Rojo) - Shaw (Clyne)
Strootman (Herrera/Fellaini) - Blind (Carrick)
Shaqiri (Januzaj) - Rooney (Mata) - Di Maria (Depay)
Falcao (van Persie)
Kids in reserve: McNair, Blackett, Pereira, Pearson, Lingard, Wilson, whoever else
Tidy squad that, IMO. Plenty of options no matter how, or who, we play. 7 British, 9 homegrown. The first team could easily convert to a 4-4-2 diamond as well, with Di Maria moving back to midfield and the other winger playing """the Robben role""" up front. It would involve shipping Lindegaard, Ando, Young, Valencia, Fletch and Evans. Perhaps it doesn't solve the leadership issue at the back though.
We don't need to be shaking up the squad to this extent.
Clyne is at the same level as Rafael, and I have no problem with Valencia reinventing himself as a full back either. I think when you let go of some of the understandable mistakes he has had adjusting to that position I think he has done quite well there and has all the attributes. Darmian had a couple of good games at the World Cup but is not at our level.
Am coming round to the idea of Strootman though I would be inclined to give Blind/Carrick/Fellaini/Herrera a proper chance for CM.
Centre back is where we really need a player. Not sure Chiellini is likely but would be great if possible. Can't see Real letting Varane go, don't know enough about Laporte. Maybe Hummels will leave Dortmund if they continue to struggle but seems likely he'd go elsewhere. I do think this will be RVP's last season with us too, and I'm not sure we will sign Falcao so at the end of the season another striker might be needed.
Clyne is at the same level as Rafael, and I have no problem with Valencia reinventing himself as a full back either. I think when you let go of some of the understandable mistakes he has had adjusting to that position I think he has done quite well there and has all the attributes. Darmian had a couple of good games at the World Cup but is not at our level.
Am coming round to the idea of Strootman though I would be inclined to give Blind/Carrick/Fellaini/Herrera a proper chance for CM.
Centre back is where we really need a player. Not sure Chiellini is likely but would be great if possible. Can't see Real letting Varane go, don't know enough about Laporte. Maybe Hummels will leave Dortmund if they continue to struggle but seems likely he'd go elsewhere. I do think this will be RVP's last season with us too, and I'm not sure we will sign Falcao so at the end of the season another striker might be needed.
There does need to be a big shake up and I am sure there will be over next two windows, constant injuries to the same players, a lack of balance and players LVG probably doesn’t rate mean there will be a lot of players coming and going, can easily 5-6 new signings and 9-10 leaving.
I see, I don't know a lot about him personality-wise, so if he is of the mind to stay with his boyhood team for life if they can maintain the refreshing resurgence in La Liga, then fair play to him.
He was ahead of Kroos for me as the best young German CM before he had his back issues. It seems Klopp is easing him back in slowly but hopefully he gets back to his best.
I remember when he was signed the scouting reports on him were very promising and it seemed like we had gotten a bit of a gem, but his loan domestically didn't seem to pan out and with us putting the cheap buy option in his current loan deal I'd be very surprised if he returns, but as you say there can be turnarounds and if we did let him go hopefully we wouldn't end up regretting it.
I agree that we need to be getting in on the ground floor more often with these players, sometimes the permit rules scupper us though and we end up having to pay over the odds when they hit early 20's after another club develops them. Whether it's Milik, Gabriel Barbosa, Talisca etc.....I'm all for the idea of moving early on them if the scouts believe they are cut out for our league. I actually wouldn't be that surprised if we are genuinely considering Berahino in that same sort of age brackett.
It's gambling on two centre backs fitness. Personally, I think Evans is mediocre, so is a certainty to leave, but Smalling and possibly Jones are worth persisting with. I wouldn't exactly be opposed to the latter leaving, but realistically I don't see that happening and his future here is probably ore secure than that of Smalling's, but I would be willing to take a gamble with those two with McNair as third choice for right centre back if he proves capable enough. Then have someone like Laporte as first choice left centre back with Rojo and Blackett, as competition.
For what van Gaal requires in a centre back partnership the balance is perfect, but the injury records and perhaps quality, is questionable. It seems like van Gaal is looking for a solution to this injury crisis and we have signed players in Rojo and Shaw with a near impeccable history when it comes to injuries and both have suffered long term injuries here, so it's not like signings will necessarily reduce the amount of injuries we pick up. We have been very unlucky, but something is clearly wrong here, just like with Arsenal.
But they can’t offer LVG what he wants because they can’t stay fit, it’s not even really a gamble it’s a certainty that Evans, Jones and Smalling will all get injured repeatedly and with some form of European football next season that is even more games where we will be without senior players. Having two injury prone players as first choice in the same position is just asking for trouble, Jones should be a utility player and Smalling should be competing with Rojo and 2 new additions for a place in the side. If Jones and Smalling stay fit and are good enough they will get in the team, if they don’t then we aren’t as desperate as we are now.
Mcnair and Blackett are nowhere near ready to play regularly and if we don’t address the CB issue this summer then we will be repeating the same mistakes we have been making for years now, and we will be fielding a defence that isn’t up to scratch on a regular basis.
I'd agree Defence, Right Wing and a Striker would be our areas to strengthen however they're probably the 3 hardest positions to fill at the moment. There's sod all top quality defenders out there, sod all right sided wingers and sod all top quality strikers
Falcao coming good looks our best chance of getting a top draw striker
Right Wing I can't look past Reus who's more of a number 10 these days is he not?
Defence, Clyne looks good for RB, God only knows who at CB though
Falcao coming good looks our best chance of getting a top draw striker
Right Wing I can't look past Reus who's more of a number 10 these days is he not?
Defence, Clyne looks good for RB, God only knows who at CB though
Reus may play as a number 10 these days, but still keeps his position as a winger for the national team. It's not like he would forget how to play on the wing overnight.
When it comes to the RB... for some reason, I'm not fully sold on Clyne just yet. I look at Shaw solving our physicality problems at LB, so I cannot think of anyone but for Lukasz Piszczek at the moment because of his size going with his other qualities. About the CB, the focus should be on a right-footed CB (Hummels, Garay), but I would not close the door on the left-footed Aymeric Laporte if he's available.
Are there any players currently playing in the PL we should be looking at?
Schneiderlin, Clyne and Barkley get mentioned a lot although you know we'd pay hugely over the odds - all would be good signings but I'm uncertain if any of them would be an upgrade on our current starting XI (although at least Clyne isn't a sicknote, and I think he can cover at LB too?). Barkley we're still yet to see what his best position is - but if we were to stick with the diamond I think he would fit in well either at AM or RCM.
I'd love to get Oxlaide or Walcott - as they are essentially competing against eachother for a start on the right for Arsenal, one or the other might be available at some point. Either would be a great steal although both are injury prone.
Schneiderlin, Clyne and Barkley get mentioned a lot although you know we'd pay hugely over the odds - all would be good signings but I'm uncertain if any of them would be an upgrade on our current starting XI (although at least Clyne isn't a sicknote, and I think he can cover at LB too?). Barkley we're still yet to see what his best position is - but if we were to stick with the diamond I think he would fit in well either at AM or RCM.
I'd love to get Oxlaide or Walcott - as they are essentially competing against eachother for a start on the right for Arsenal, one or the other might be available at some point. Either would be a great steal although both are injury prone.
Hard to really say who we should be buying because we don't really have a clue what formation we plan on sticking with. As an example, it looks like we need wingers right now, but if we commit to a diamond then we have no reason to buy a Reus or Depay.
One area we do need to invest in is at Center Back. I rate Smalling, Jones and Evans and do think they are good enough to be starters here, but their injury record forces us to look elsewhere. It's like the situation we had in midfield. A fit Hargreaves and a fit and motivated Anderson probably solves our midfield issues under Sir Alex, but we shouldn't repeat the mistake of taking so long to figure out that they can't be depended on. It's harsh, but these injury issues have reoccured too many times for us to ignore.
One area we do need to invest in is at Center Back. I rate Smalling, Jones and Evans and do think they are good enough to be starters here, but their injury record forces us to look elsewhere. It's like the situation we had in midfield. A fit Hargreaves and a fit and motivated Anderson probably solves our midfield issues under Sir Alex, but we shouldn't repeat the mistake of taking so long to figure out that they can't be depended on. It's harsh, but these injury issues have reoccured too many times for us to ignore.
That gets me every time.Defenders
It's clear that Van Gaal likes playing his centre backs on the side of their strongest foot. Therefore, I personally think we're fine in the right centre back (RCB) department, already having Smalling, Jones, Evans and McNair.
Now, if I had my choice, if he doesn't impress between now and the end of the season, I'd get rid of Evans and replace him with a left footed centre back, although Evans is pretty decent on his left. He's argaubly been our best defender over the past couple of years, but, like Smalling and Jones, he seems to pick up his fair share of injuries. He's also 27 soon, which is the oldest out the three.
Having already purchased Rojo this season, it'd mean we'd only need left centre back (LCB) to rotate with him. Out of the current options theres:
Holger Badstuber - 25
Giorgio Chiellini - 30
Jan Vertonghen - 27
Aymeric Laporte - 20
Inigo Martinez - 23
Dante - 30
Martins Indi - 22
Davide Astori - 27
From the list above, I would personally want to go for someone with a bit of experience, which I guess rules out the likes Laporte, Martinez and Indi. I don't doubt the ability of any of our current defenders, I just think they need a bit of guidance and leadership, hence why I'd prefer to go with experience.
Chiellini would be my first choice, and as far as I know, he's a free agent in the Summer. Think he'd be ideal for our back line, and I reckon he'd still be able to give us at least three good years.
Badstuber, in our current situation, would be a massive risk as he's been out for about two years now, but there's no doubting that he was becoming a really good centre back before he got injured, and was a player who Van Gaal promoted from Bayern's youth to first team.
Not too sure about Astori, but I know we were linked with him quite a few times last season. Anyone give me any info on him? Reckon he'd be good enough to step up to the EPL?
Vertonghen, in my opinion, is not good enough to come in and immediately improve our back line, but he's an option if Van Gaal wanted to bolster the amount of left footed centre backs.
Dante is another player I don't really rate. Seems a bit clumsy to me, and I doubt Bayern would sell him anyway.
Right Back
Wouldn't bring in a right back. Providing Rafael stays fit, which is a lot to ask, at times, Valencia, in my opinion, is good enough back up. Jones can also play there.
Centre Midifelders
I think if we go with a three man midfield next season, it's clear that Van Gaal prefers playing with three centre midfielders (one holder, two box to box), as opposed to 2 centre/defensive midielders and one attacking midfielder, all of which are dynamic. Therefore, I personally can't see Mata here next season, and can see him being replaced with a box to box midfielder.
Strootman - Probably the most obvious. He's Dutch, Van Gaal knows him pretty well, and he has ability. We'd be killing two birds with one stone, as he can play the box to box role, and also the holding role, although I think he's a lot better at the former.
Vidal - Be a bit of gamble, especially at the price Juve are asking, but there's no doubting his ability.
Pogba - Would be my first choice. Can't believe we had him.
Khedira - Free agent in the Summer, but wouldn't be my first choice.
Wingers
In my opinion, Van Gaal will want to play with wingers in the long term, so it's imperative we try and get at least one top class winger in the Summer, if not, January.
A lot of people, including myself, prefer to see Di Maria in the middle, but I very much doubt those are Van Gaal's long term plans. I can see Di Maria playing as a winger, as and when we play wingers.
After seeing Di Maria perform coming in from the right flank against Arsenal the other day, I'd say he looks a lot better cutting in onto his left. Also, one of his best performances I've seen from a winger in a while come when playing on the right against Germany, where he assisted three and scored one. Therefore, I'd like to him having more games on the right wing to see how he gets on, meaning we'd need to be looking for a right footed left winger.
Marco Reus - Probably everyone's first option, but whether he'll be gettable or not is another thing.
Pedro - I don't see why this one can't happen. He doesn't always start for Barca, and I think if we offer a decent price, they'll accept it. Exactly what we need, in my opinion. Direct, skilful and scores goals from the wing - something we've yet to replace since Ronaldo.
Memphis Depay - Great potential, but not what we need right now, in my opinion. In Januzaj, we've already got a winger who's young and still learning, therefore, I think we should be focusing on getting in proven quality at the highest level.
Strikers
Currently we have four strikers in Falcao, Van Persie, Rooney and Wilson, which is more than enough, especially if we continue to play with one up top. Ideally, we'd probably want to be replacing RVP in the next couple of years, but for now, I'd say we're well equipped up top.
What we could possibly see next season:
De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Chiellini - Shaw
Strootman - Blind - Rooney (c)
Di Maria - Falcao - Pedro
Lindegaard - Jones - Rojo - Fellaini - Herrera - Januzaj - Van Persie
De Gea
Rafael - Smalling - Chiellini - Shaw
Strootman - Blind - Rooney (c)
Di Maria - Falcao - Pedro
Lindegaard - Jones - Rojo - Fellaini - Herrera - Januzaj - Van Persie
Agree with most of this, except as much as I love Rafa I think we need a RB before the start of next season. Chiellini has also signed a new contract. Pedro is a great shout though.
Clyne + Laporte + Strootman + Depay + Pedro to replace Valencia, Evans, Ando, Young and Fletch over the next two windows would be amazing.
One of Fellaini and Mata will almost certainly not be here in 2016.
lol people are really suggesting Pedro?He has been average for Barca for a while.He's basically their Cleverley now.
The last two guys that were average for Barca are tearing it up in England! Who do you like for the wings then?
edit: Oh, Cuadrado. I'm not sold on him.
edit: Oh, Cuadrado. I'm not sold on him.
I'm not totally sold on him either but still miles better than Pedro this season.Also Pedro is a wide forward in a 4-3-3 and would struggle to play in a 4-2-3-1 as a winger.These are two totally different roles.
Shaqiri could be another option IMO.
Yeah I've gone with Shaqiri in my post above. But there really aren't many great options. Shaqiri seems to have an attitude problem, Cuadrado is inconsistent, Pedro perhaps doesn't fit. Even Reus is a crock! Really like the look of Depay though and think we should move heaven and earth to get him.
What is Strootman's claim to fame? Born Dutch?
He had a decent half a season in the Italian league, which let's be honest has gone down dramatically in quality. The guy who replaced him, the one with the stupid hair-do and difficult to spell name, has fitted in seamlessly and is doing as well as he did. I am scared to sign any player with such a debilitating injury. Especially for our club where players get injured more than usual.