Summer 2019 Midfield Rebuild

[Walters_19_MuFc]

So according to MEN, United are considering the following four midfielders as possible additions to Solskjaer’s squad:

Adrien Rabiot
Declan Rice
Youri Tielemans
Sean Longstaff

Neither would be my preferred options, but if the options are true and I had to choose, it'd be Rabiot or Longstaff.

We lack a dynamic ball winner, but more importantly, lack someone who can run the game for us in the middle of the park. By that, I don't mean making 100 pointless passes a game. I mean someone who knows when to slow the game down, when to quicken it up, when to switch play, when to pass in between the lines.

As I said, both Rabiot and Longstaff wouldn't be my preferred options, but they fit the bill more so than the other two, regards getting on the ball for us.

Rabiot is a lot more experienced than Longstaff and would improve our team straight away. Longstaff, on the other hand, would be a risk, especially if he's our only midfield signing, but from the little ive seen from him, he has the attributes to be the player we need.

Either way, if rumours are to be believed, then it could be:

Pogba Rabiot McTominay
Pogba Longstaff McTominay

If Pogba goes:

Fernandes Longstaff McTominay
Fernandes Rabiot McTominay

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...chester-united-transfers-neymar-live-16474301

 

[Macedonian Red]

What about Dani Ceballos?
Very good player, WC potential. His prize is around 50m.

 

[Get young talent]

So according to MEN, United are considering the following four midfielders as possible additions to Solskjaer’s squad:

Adrien Rabiot
Declan Rice
Youri Tielemans
Sean Longstaff

Neither would be my preferred options, but if the options are true and I had to choose, it'd be Rabiot or Longstaff.

We lack a dynamic ball winner, but more importantly, lack someone who can run the game for us in the middle of the park. By that, I don't mean making 100 pointless passes a game. I mean someone who knows when to slow the game down, when to quicken it up, when to switch play, when to pass in between the lines.

As I said, both Rabiot and Longstaff wouldn't be my preferred options, but they fit the bill more so than the other two, regards getting on the ball for us.

Rabiot is a lot more experienced than Longstaff and would improve our team straight away. Longstaff, on the other hand, would be a risk, especially if he's our only midfield signing, but from the little ive seen from him, he has the attributes to be the player we need.

Either way, if rumours are to be believed, then it could be:

Pogba Rabiot McTominay
Pogba Longstaff McTominay

If Pogba goes:

Fernandes Longstaff McTominay
Fernandes Rabiot McTominay

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...chester-united-transfers-neymar-live-16474301

If that is the midfielder targets, we can probably get Tielemans and Longstaff for low fee.

Rabiot is going to Juventus and Rice asking price will be way too high this window.

Nb: This weird, we should be after Ndombele, Lo Celso, Maddison, Neves and Partey, before trying to get Tielemans and Longstaff, if we really want to come back soon.

 

[NoPace]

Forget right wing, its going to be james. We actually need 3 midfield players and that's where the money should be spent.

Worryingly as always we just look absolutely clueless in the market till now about where the pressing need lie and how to get the best out of pogba by having top midfielders around him to let him play a free role just like those 10 games.

That's asking a lot. He seems like a solid bet to be the backup winger to Martial and a new RW, not a starter. 4 goals and 7 assists in the Champo and 0 in 11 for the Wales U21 suggest we should be happy with some pace, energy and a few assists and goals off the bench in his first season with us.

We really should be looking to sell Lingard while he has the England sheen on him before Loftus-Cheek, Foden, Maddison, Grealish and whoever else gets all his minutes, we could really use the money trying to build a proper first choice XI. A solid backup 10 is a luxury we can't afford when we could get 20M more to spend from some Prem team.

 

[NoPace]

I was very impressed with Pellegrini against Spain. If that release clause is true he could be a very solid #8 for us between Pogba (and his eventual replacement) and a holding midfielder.

 

[Infra-red]

I was very impressed with Pellegrini against Spain. If that release clause is true he could be a very solid #8 for us between Pogba (and his eventual replacement) and a holding midfielder.

He played well and is certainly talented, but looks like someone who'd replace Pogba, rather than compliment him.

He and Maddison would be decent options if Pogba did go, though. In the meantime, we should be shopping for a new #8 to replace Herrera and a new #6 to replace Matic.

 

[NoPace]

He played well and is certainly talented, but looks like someone who'd replace Pogba, rather than compliment him.

He and Maddison would be decent options if Pogba did go, though. In the meantime, we should be shopping for a new #8 to replace Herrera and a new #6 to replace Matic.

Don't see why he couldn't play alongside Pogba in front of a #6. He's not the ball winner you might want next to Pogba but overall quality for the apparently limited money we have considering we have 4 other glaring holes left to fill (CB, RB, RW, #6) is still priority #1.

Pellegrini seems responsible to me, sort of like a current Rakitic in a lot of ways.

 

[Ikon]

Full on Champ-Man mode...

...............Neves or Ndidi.........
.......Ndombele............Pogba...
................Bruno Fernandes.....

 

[NoLogo]

I know it will probably not be doable for us in our current state (no cl, no "genius manager that everyone wants to play for) but a midfield consiting of

Rodri
Eriksen -- Saul/Neves​

would probably be what we need to build a world class team again. Of course this also means we would have to get about 150M for Pogba to finance this but if his heart is set on Real let's try and get a deal for those midfielders in place and then make sure we get as much money from Real as possible.

But yeah totally get a midfield like that is a pipe dream for us atm.

 

[Tel074]

Am i the only United fan that believes absolutely none of these guessing theories we read every single day online ? Stop shitting your pants boys and girls we have no idea if United are in for anyone but AWB and thats the only truth you will read today. All this arguing and falling out on here due to fake clickbaits is hilarious.

 

[Amadaeus]

For Ole’s counter attacking football:

Tielsman*/Tonali/Garner
McTominay/Fred/Pereira - Bruno/Mata/Gomes
Bale/Lingard - Rashford/Sanchez/Greenwood - Martial/James​

*Tielsman or Neves

 

[Sea-Cow]

What about Dani Ceballos?
Very good player, WC potential. His prize is around 50m.

After seeing him a few times in the U-21 Euro's, I agree that he is extreemly good. My only concern would be how he handles the physicality (needs to bulk up...) and if he doesn't fancy the change in culture etc. Basically, how he adapts to the Prem. Its not a problem at all for some Spanish mids, but others don't take to it for whatever reason.

But I would be willing to take the risk. If he goes to Spurs I will be very disappointed.

There are so many midfielders out there who could drastically improve us, and it will be devastating if we don't take action this summer. Be like Madrid, FFS! Be bold! But not in the annoying, primarily a marketing ploy, way.... Just, stop sucking so hard, everyone at the club. Please.

 

[Lee565]

Feels like at the very best what we will get in midfield recruitment is Tielemans and Longstaff with the glimmer of hope of maybe Rakitic or Eriksen.

Still wouldn't mind us signing Van der Beek or possibly taking a slight gamble on Rodrigo de Paul of Udinese, though it's not much of a gamble when they are supposedly asking for just 35 million euros for him with Napoli interested.

 

[Sea-Cow]

Feels like at the very best what we will get in midfield recruitment is Tielemans and Longstaff with the glimmer of hope of maybe Rakitic or Eriksen.

Still wouldn't mind us signing Van der Beek or possibly taking a slight gamble on Rodrigo de Paul of Udinese, though it's not much of a gamble when they are supposedly asking for just 35 million euros for him with Napoli interested.

I wouldn't jump for joy with those two, and we wouldn't automatically contend for 3rd spot with those two as our midfield additions, but I would be OK with it.

Tielemans could come in right away as a replacement for Herrera. Longstaff might be more of a squad depth signing this next year, but I think he has potential to be quality.

We would still have a massive problem at defensive mid for next year, and if Pogba leaves, it would definitely require an additional signing.

 

[Lee565]

I wouldn't jump for joy with those two, and we wouldn't automatically contend for 3rd spot with those two as our midfield additions, but I would be OK with it.

Tielemans could come in right away as a replacement for Herrera. Longstaff might be more of a squad depth signing this next year, but I think he has potential to be quality.

We would still have a massive problem at defensive mid for next year, and if Pogba leaves, it would definitely require an additional signing.

Unfortunately, just like the right wing, I think Ole/Woodward are again naively make do with what we already have available in the defensive midfield position (Matic, Fred), everything is pointing to just getting in a cheap replacement for Herrera (Longstaff) and another midfielder only if Pogba leaves and that's it probably.

 

[Sea-Cow]

Unfortunately, just like the right wing, I think Ole/Woodward are again naively make do with what we already have available in the defensive midfield position (Matic, Fred), everything is pointing to just getting in a cheap replacement for Herrera (Longstaff) and another midfielder only if Pogba leaves and that's it probably.

I fear you might be right.

 

[croadyman]

Sadly looks like another two decent targets have gone off the table tonight. Ndombele to Spurs and Pepe to Liverpool just makes me want to hang my head.

 

[Hawks2008]

Sadly looks like another two decent targets have gone off the table tonight. Ndombele to Spurs and Pepe to Liverpool just makes me want to hang my head.

Longstaff and James >>>

 

[Ikon]

Full on Champ-Man mode...

...............Neves or Ndidi.........
.......Ndombele............Pogba...
................Bruno Fernandes.....

Reality mode...

.......... Matic......
.....Fred....McTominay

 

[Xaviboy]

I think once the AWB deal is done we should be focusing on midfield before a centre back. If we don't sort out the midfield we will lose games to easily next year. We need high energy in there and players that can pass a ball and control games. Matic not good enough to start plus we might have pogba who might give half hearted performances.

 

[Macedonian Red]

After seeing him a few times in the U-21 Euro's, I agree that he is extreemly good. My only concern would be how he handles the physicality (needs to bulk up...) and if he doesn't fancy the change in culture etc. Basically, how he adapts to the Prem. Its not a problem at all for some Spanish mids, but others don't take to it for whatever reason.

But I would be willing to take the risk. If he goes to Spurs I will be very disappointed.

There are so many midfielders out there who could drastically improve us, and it will be devastating if we don't take action this summer. Be like Madrid, FFS! Be bold! But not in the annoying, primarily a marketing ploy, way.... Just, stop sucking so hard, everyone at the club. Please.

I dont belive it will be problem. Fabregas, Cazorla, Silva, Arteta even Mata... handles phisocality. All in all spaniards adapts very well in PL.

Ceballos and Van de Beek is my dream for midfield right now.

 

[SambaBoy]

So many transfer options out there for midfield in this window compared to previous years. There are at least 10-15 options out there that are gettable and would instantly improve us. We should aim to get 2 CM's in who can complement our team and phase Matic out. I still have hopes for Fred but we shouldn't rely on him to be a starter just yet which he might be if we start with 3 in midfield and fail to sign a CM.

 

[Bestietom]

Don't have the money.

 

[Fer]

So many transfer options out there for midfield in this window compared to previous years. There are at least 10-15 options out there that are gettable and would instantly improve us. We should aim to get 2 CM's in who can complement our team and phase Matic out. I still have hopes for Fred but we shouldn't rely on him to be a starter just yet which he might be if we start with 3 in midfield and fail to sign a CM.

Exactly, that's why I don't get why are we going for Longstaff when there are already better mids available. I'm okay if we get the Newcastle player or someone of the Championship (James). But we need players for the first team, we already have enough squad players.

 

[future2future]

Dutch newspaper Telegraaf reported that Real Madrid officially inquired about vd Beek. They put a price tag between 50 and 60 mil Euro on him.

I still think we should go for him: An intelligent player who works very hard, scores, and has the ability to connect midfield and attack. But now RM comes into the game we stand no chance

 

[royboy16]

Next year will be our year... for the summer rebuild.

 

[SER19]

Anybody see potential for Fred as a DM. Good at collecting the ball, can turn things over quickly (once he doesn't pass it out of play ) and has good energy and work rate. One of those players capable of a re-emergence in a new role?

 

[laughtersassassin]

Anybody see potential for Fred as a DM. Good at collecting the ball, can turn things over quickly (once he doesn't pass it out of play ) and has good energy and work rate. One of those players capable of a re-emergence in a new role?

I mean he did play DM before but he has adapted to the Prem terribly. Too erratic if a player to ever make it here is my current outlook.

That said he clearly has talent.

 

[Bestietom]

Fred is better as box to box midfielder. We need a replacement for Matic but Fred could play in between the DM and the AM.

 

[SER19]

I mean he did play DM before but he has adapted to the Prem terribly. Too erratic if a player to ever make it here is my current outlook.

That said he clearly has talent.

Would be incredibly useful if he got his arse in gear and had a breakout season. Would solve a lot of problems and save a lot of money. I'm sceptical though. Thought he looked so good at psg away

 

[Dahnsouff]

Wilf is a Man Utd fan too (apparently), still young, beast in the middle, but guessing you would baulk at the cost of him too.
(Having a fairly epic Afcon so far too )

 

[Brophs]

Our midfield was poor last season and adding Longstaff to replace Herrera would make it poorer again in the short to medium term. If Pogba left, for example, to be replaced by Fernandes, we’d be starting well down on last year. Plenty of work left to do, in my opinion.

 

[Infestissumam]

in all honesty, if Pogba goes we might as well buy 3 new midfielders. With Herrera gone and Matic on the decline we already need reinforcements, but with Pogba potentially leaving it's time to think about a complete overhaul. Longstaff, Tielemans and Fernandes/Maddison is doable and would set us up well for the future.

 

[Brophs]

in all honesty, if Pogba goes we might as well buy 3 new midfielders. With Herrera gone and Matic on the decline we already need reinforcements, but with Pogba potentially leaving it's time to think about a complete overhaul. Longstaff, Tielemans and Fernandes/Maddison is doable and would set us up well for the future.

For me, at this stage of those players’ development, I don’t think that’s anything close to a top four midfield. We’d be absolutely battered by good sides.

 

[SiRed]

It is very intriguing what we may do with the midfield next season. Personally i feel Matic is a hinderence. Fred is useless, McTomminay is over-rated so i would geuinley say bye bye to Pogba and hold out for 150m.
With the funds i would snap up Tielemans for 40m, Madisson for 60m?, Neves for 60m and id be trying to get Rabiot on a free. This would give us a great balance in midfield with options all over and players that each play a different role and bring something to the team. Potentially all could be superstars.
Matic Fred and McT for cover.

 

[Ikon]

in all honesty, if Pogba goes we might as well buy 3 new midfielders.

In all honesty, if Pogba goes, we will HAVE to buy 3 new midfielders.
We've already two senior players left (Fellaini & Herrera) and Fred has flopped whilst Matic is looking absolutely finished.

If Pogba does go, we really are up shite creek, especially as we are so dependent on his creativity and goals from midfield.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

in all honesty, if Pogba goes we might as well buy 3 new midfielders. With Herrera gone and Matic on the decline we already need reinforcements, but with Pogba potentially leaving it's time to think about a complete overhaul. Longstaff, Tielemans and Fernandes/Maddison is doable and would set us up well for the future.

Gads, I hope not. A midfield of that 3 doesn’t even bare thinking about. Thanks for that nightmare. Can we not just put Jising and Fabio back in midfield please.

 

[Infestissumam]

well I think it doesn't really matter whatever 3 realistic names one would come up with, people would moan anyway.

 

[Sea-Cow]

Anybody see potential for Fred as a DM. Good at collecting the ball, can turn things over quickly (once he doesn't pass it out of play ) and has good energy and work rate. One of those players capable of a re-emergence in a new role?

There were times last year when I thought he could be the answer. He actually covers the ground reasonably well and is brave and willing to put in tackles, even if he isn't great at it.

And usually, right when those thoughts started to creep in, he would have a massive feck up, dead center of the pitch, about 35 yards from goal, and the other side would be in business. Sometimes it was with a poor touch or a horror pass, but most of the time it was just being soft and getting bullied off the ball. I don't think we can trust him there, even at home against other shit teams.

My current, subject to change at any moment, ideal midfield scenario --

Sell Pogba and bring in Ceballos + Ndidi

 

[Fahad Jawaid]

How about signing Longstaff and Fernandes.

We can try to play this formation against weaker teams at home

Martial Rashford James
Pogba Longstaff Bruno
Back 4 and keeper

Against tough sides we can play.
Martial Rashford
Pogba
Bruno Longstaff
Matic

Its not a bad side, plus if we sign Koulibally or Alderweirald we are be a solid top 4 side.