Summer 2019 Midfield Rebuild

Fahad Jawaid said:
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.
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If KDB and Silva can play CM then there is no reason why Bruno PP and Longstaff cannot
 
Still think Fred has ability, but admittedly, didn't set the world on fire last season, but I'm hopeful that he will at least be a good squad member this season, he's had one years experience in the Prem, and towards the end of season, put in some decent efforts. Same with McTominay, he's still learning his trade, but definitely has the determination to succeed, albeit not the natural ability. Both should have better season's this time, and hopefully with a more balanced midfield, and team, we should put up a much better show.
 
Mabe Fred can improve his game in a midfield of 2. If we sell Pogba, we could use that money to buy a CAM and a RW. We have been linked with Fernandes and Maddison, maybe they could play behind the striker.

In a midfield of 3 with Pogba, would you prefer Fred as CM or CDM?
 
Fer said:
Mabe Fred can improve his game in a midfield of 2. If we sell Pogba, we could use that money to buy a CAM and a RW. We have been linked with Fernandes and Maddison, maybe they could play behind the striker.

In a midfield of 3 with Pogba, would you prefer Fred as CM or CDM?
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Fred would have to be a CM. His first touch is not good enough to be a CDM, his poor control close to the area led to a few chances and at least one goal that I can think of last year.
 
Fer said:
Mabe Fred can improve his game in a midfield of 2. If we sell Pogba, we could use that money to buy a CAM and a RW. We have been linked with Fernandes and Maddison, maybe they could play behind the striker.

In a midfield of 3 with Pogba, would you prefer Fred as CM or CDM?
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If Fred were taller, he'd brilliant DCM for us, honestly. I think I'll see him as more of Modric type. This is Modric who was voted as one of worst signing in La Liga in 2012/13
 
I see two possibilities depending if Pogba pushes for the move

With Pogba
Neves
Ndombele Pogba

Without Pogba
Neves
Ndombele Fernandez
 
I don't think we'll be buying a RW - James along with Mata, Lingard and prospects Greenwood and Chong will deemed sufficient.
I think we are in for Bruno and hopefully a DM as well (though who that is is anyones guess - Longstaff/Rice possibly).
I expect another striker if Lukaku goes but noises that another CB is not required could well be true. We currently have Jones/Smalling/Lindelof/Rojo/Bailly and a returning Tuanzebe i just can't see an addition as we are overstocked and i don't expect any sales in this area despite the fact that a clearout of deadwood is required . Bailly/Tuanzebe may well be given chances to nail down a spot next season.
 
Sea-Cow said:
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
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Very similar to my own thoughts. I really do think there’s some quality ther but wonder if he needs to be in an already functioning quality side to see it. He looks a bit all over the place with us
 
I can't pretend I've seen him more than once but Joan Jordan from Eibar just went to Sevilla for 15M and everything I've read about him and some stats and just the fact that he's apparently one of the better Spanish midtable central mids and 24 and versatile makes me think we might regret not signing him for probably the cost of a small Matic fee and the difference in wages between them.
 
How would this midfield three work?

Martial Rashford RW
Pogba McTominay Fernandes
Shaw CB Lindelof AWB
DDG
​
Considering the defence would be quite solid and McTomminay has plenty of energy to cover, could we pull it off?

Alternatively we'd have;

Rashford
Martial Lingard/RW
Longstaff Fred
Shaw CB Lindelof AWB
DDG​

That'd still leave us with Periera, Matic, Mata, Garner and Gomes to consider?
 
Stacks said:
If KDB and Silva can play CM then there is no reason why Bruno PP and Longstaff cannot
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That's not really how it works. City's system allows that to happen because their fullbacks don't venture as far forward and cover the space left by KDB and Silva. That's why Delph is used as a left back when in reality he doesn't play like a normal fullback.

Of course we could do the same I guess but we'd have to have wingers that like to stay wide (which we don't) and someone better than AWB on the ball.
 
It seems like Matic will be staying this season as well, and maybe its the right decision. His position, especially in the PL, is extremely difficult to play. It requires a lot of experience. And the alternatives are few to say the least tbf.
I would be really disappointed if we are not looking for a replacement/competition for him more then anything else in CM though. Now.
We should get an understudy/competetition in for him this summer. Its going to take a year or two for any player to adapt to that position in the PL regardless how they have done in other leagues. In the PL I dont see anyone good enough yet. I was really disappointed in Ruben Neves season at Wolves, when he could have taken another step for example.
Matic legs are going to be even more gone next summer, and we should be looking at this now. Next summer is too late.
Garner is a really good prospect, but he is realistically 3-4 years away from competing at No6 in PL.
This is going to be a big issue if we dont address it sooner rather than later.
 
The problem with Fred is twofold.

Firstly, he's awful considering his £50m price tag.

Secondly, he's worse in every way than Hererra who we let go for free.

I just don't see a way forward for him. Sadly he's also impossible to move on without taking a huge loss on.
 
Gandalf said:
Fred would have to be a CM. His first touch is not good enough to be a CDM, his poor control close to the area led to a few chances and at least one goal that I can think of last year.
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The thing he absolutely must improve is not giving the ball away as easily.
It continually puts us on the back foot.
 
I think we need a goalscoring midfielder and an all rounder that can play at the base and further up the field. I’ll be honest; midfield worries more than perhaps any other position. There seems to be real dearth of options and Herrera (who I rated highly) is that sort of hardworking all rounder we really needed in there.

Matic, Fred and Pogba are our only first team options and McTominay and Pereira are still on the fringes. We need some quality in there, really. Somebody that can score a few and somebody that can get their foot on the ball and spray it somewhat.

Not an easy fix, this one.
 
3KDré said:
That's not really how it works. City's system allows that to happen because their fullbacks don't venture as far forward and cover the space left by KDB and Silva. That's why Delph is used as a left back when in reality he doesn't play like a normal fullback.

Of course we could do the same I guess but we'd have to have wingers that like to stay wide (which we don't) and someone better than AWB on the ball.
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Don't venture far forward? Their FBs? Is this satire? Kyle Walker literally only offers "bombing forward". Mandy is an attacking FB as is Zinchenko. Delph played due to injuries. City's works because they play in their opponents half so when the ball it lost their oppo simply punts/clears it away back into their possession and the attack is recycled
 
MyOnlySolskjaer said:
KDB works a lot harder than Pogba. Pogba would never press the way he does.
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Pogba would for a manager he respects and a team he respects. He'd do it for France, Deschamps, Conte or if playing for Juve. The issue is he is the superstar prima Donna so the mindset is different at United. "Others" just win the ball so he can do the stuff that looks good
 
Johan07 said:
It seems like Matic will be staying this season as well, and maybe its the right decision. His position, especially in the PL, is extremely difficult to play. It requires a lot of experience. And the alternatives are few to say the least tbf.
I would be really disappointed if we are not looking for a replacement/competition for him more then anything else in CM though. Now.
We should get an understudy/competetition in for him this summer. Its going to take a year or two for any player to adapt to that position in the PL regardless how they have done in other leagues. In the PL I dont see anyone good enough yet. I was really disappointed in Ruben Neves season at Wolves, when he could have taken another step for example.
Matic legs are going to be even more gone next summer, and we should be looking at this now. Next summer is too late.
Garner is a really good prospect, but he is realistically 3-4 years away from competing at No6 in PL.
This is going to be a big issue if we dont address it sooner rather than later.
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I can see Matic and possibly Mata, getting some games in the Europa League, hopefully with two or three academy players, who should gain valuable experience in Europe.
 
Stacks said:
Pogba would for a manager he respects and a team he respects. He'd do it for France, Deschamps, Conte or if playing for Juve. The issue is he is the superstar prima Donna so the mindset is different at United. "Others" just win the ball so he can do the stuff that looks good
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Fair point but we don’t have a Kante or a Matuidi. Maybe Bruno can play offensive and it can work in attack but we don’t have anyone to clean up after them.
 
This is utter speculation on my part, but given the rumors about Fernandes, the lack of rumors about a right winger and Mata's extension - here's my take on things:

I think Pogba will stay, Fernandes will join, and we will put on hold the search for a right winger until next summer, with the hope of reaching CL and convincing Sancho to join.

Therefore we'll be utilising a 442 diamond formation, with Bruno at the tip of the diamond, Mata as his back up, and Pogba in his favored position on the left of the midfield.
James will be used from the bench, to change to 433 when needed.

I think we will go for a 2nd midfielder besides Bruno, to replace Herrera, but I have no idea who. I'm skeptic we're going to replace Matic this summer.
 
Stacks said:
Don't venture far forward? Their FBs? Is this satire? Kyle Walker literally only offers "bombing forward". Mandy is an attacking FB as is Zinchenko. Delph played due to injuries. City's works because they play in their opponents half so when the ball it lost their oppo simply punts/clears it away back into their possession and the attack is recycled
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I said AS far forward, which is true:

If you watch from 4:10 to 7:00, he says himself that he and the left back are asked to tuck in closer to Fernandinho, stay back and 'focus' on their wingers to help prevent counters. City's fullbacks stay further back than other clubs' do and underlap more than overlap. He also says this improved his defence to the extent that he could play as a third CB at last year's World Cup.
 
Stacks said:
Pogba would for a manager he respects and a team he respects. He'd do it for France, Deschamps, Conte or if playing for Juve. The issue is he is the superstar prima Donna so the mindset is different at United. "Others" just win the ball so he can do the stuff that looks good
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I thought he was happy under ole, until he was hired. Then when injuries and herrera's contractual situation struck and asked to move left side of three, he again downed tools in the most important time for the club.
 
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3KDré said:
I said AS far forward, which is true:

If you watch from 4:10 to 7:00, he says himself that he and the left back are asked to tuck in closer to Fernandinho, stay back and 'focus' on their wingers to help prevent counters. City's fullbacks stay further back than other clubs' do and underlap more than overlap. He also says this improved his defence to the extent that he could play as a third CB at last year's World Cup.
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I watch them play and Zinchenko is basically a winger
 
w1thout said:
This is utter speculation on my part, but given the rumors about Fernandes, the lack of rumors about a right winger and Mata's extension - here's my take on things:

I think Pogba will stay, Fernandes will join, and we will put on hold the search for a right winger until next summer, with the hope of reaching CL and convincing Sancho to join.

Therefore we'll be utilising a 442 diamond formation, with Bruno at the tip of the diamond, Mata as his back up, and Pogba in his favored position on the left of the midfield.
James will be used from the bench, to change to 433 when needed.

I think we will go for a 2nd midfielder besides Bruno, to replace Herrera, but I have no idea who. I'm skeptic we're going to replace Matic this summer.
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That is very similar to how I see it working out this summer too. There just hasn't been any links to RW options since Sancho in April time.
 
I think Bruno will be too expensive for us to afford and we will end up with Longstaff & Tielemans. £65m in total.

Pogba - Longstaff - Tielemans

And if we switch to diamond:

——————- Pogba ————-——
Fred/McT - Longstaff - Tielemans
 
Don't see Bruno working with Pogba so if he comes I expect Pogba to be on the way out.
 
Johan07 said:
It seems like Matic will be staying this season as well, and maybe its the right decision. His position, especially in the PL, is extremely difficult to play. It requires a lot of experience. And the alternatives are few to say the least tbf.
I would be really disappointed if we are not looking for a replacement/competition for him more then anything else in CM though. Now.
We should get an understudy/competetition in for him this summer. Its going to take a year or two for any player to adapt to that position in the PL regardless how they have done in other leagues. In the PL I dont see anyone good enough yet. I was really disappointed in Ruben Neves season at Wolves, when he could have taken another step for example.
Matic legs are going to be even more gone next summer, and we should be looking at this now. Next summer is too late.
Garner is a really good prospect, but he is realistically 3-4 years away from competing at No6 in PL.
This is going to be a big issue if we dont address it sooner rather than later.
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With all the experience he has, he was still useless last season. Experience can be important but in the main is over rated. For me experience comes in to effect when playing Barca away in a semi final, not the week in week out of the premier league

I’d be happy selling Pogba and replacing with Fernandes, Tielemans and Longstaff

I’m also happy that the attitude of players we have signed/signing looks to be of a professional nature. Wan-Bissaka is a quiet lad who just gets on with it whilst James is an absolute work horse. Add Tielemans and Fernandes, who despite their relative young ages have both been captains (suggests leadership qualities) and we’d have dramatically improved not just personal, but squad attitude.
 
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Patrick08 said:
I thought he was happy under ole, until he was hired. Then when injuries and herrera's contractual situation struck and asked to move left side of three, he again downed tools in the most important time for the club.
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Why would he be happy under Ole until he was hired? Pogba always played left of the three during our run of form as well.
 
Can someone explain to me Solsjaers style? Not being sarcastic or anything but I find it hard to work out a good midfield if I don't know how Ole intends on playing next season?
 
Almost no chance of happening but IF we sell Pogba for £130-£150m we could buy a new midfield 3 of N'Dombele-Rodri-Rabiot for the same kind of outlay ?
 
Bruno should replace Pogba and then use the money from the Pogba sale on two out of Neves, Longstaff or Rabiot.
 
Wish we would and could go for Fabian Ruiz at Napoli
No matter what we need at least one if not two players, bit bummed to probably be seeing Ndombele go to Spurs while we are being rumoured with a guy from Aston Villa and Longstaff.
 
If i was United manager. This is mine transfer target, even i should keep secret. Because im recognizing there are spies of all clubs in Europe in here. But whatever. Want is one thing, but if they sign and you get them is another. Im just hoping they are meant to work with me. The greatest and best warriors out there. Because are top leader is nothing, without the great warriors. They win the battles for you on the pitch. So here are the great warriors i want to join my squad. At this moment.

De Gea/Donnarumma from AC Milan in if he is leaving

AVB - Lindelof - De Ligt/Diop - Shaw/Kolasinac from Arsenal

Sancho/Chong - B.Fernandes/Longstaff - Rice/McTom/PogbaAgoume - Martial/James/Chiesa

Free nr.10 options : Chiesa/Fernandes/Sanches

CF : Rashford/Greenwood

In a 4411 formation. Back to United 90’s dominate, direct, aggressive quick football.

You dont get all players you want in one summer. So I will try to buy the players who are closest to the “must get category”.

I would love to get Sancho this summer, but i would go for CB, a nr.8, a nr.6 and a versatile nr.10 who can player all over the place in the attack and who are clinical.

Summer 2019 :

CB : De Ligt/Diop

Nr.6/a more defensive cm : Declan Rice. This boy looks like a dominate player. His presence. I like it. He smells dominate.

Lucien Agoume from Sochaux. 17 years old for the France u17. Buy him this summer and loan him back to Sochaux for another season and i might loan Chong to Sochaux. So they can build up the playing connection together in Sochaux.

A nr.8 cm playmaker ala the young Scholes, who was roaming all over the pitch.

A free nr.10 : Federico Chiesa. His work ethic, energy and guts. I luv it. A hard working, quick, skills full and clinical attacking player. What more do ask for?The rating in those areas and abilities. He is really close to the top notch/rating. Simply close to the must buy category.

There you have 5 more beside James and Bissaka.

So potential line up season 19/20 :

De Gea + Bissaka - Lindelof - Diop - Shaw + Chiesa - Fernandes - Rice/Pogba/Matic - Martial/James + Sanches/Lingard/Mata/Gomes + Rashford

Then maybe Kolasinac in January transfer window to boost and strength the left fullback options

Summer 2020 :

Sancho from Dortmund
Longstaff to strength the creative cm options. Then you get my first line up alternative. With Chiesa moving up as a free nr.10 behind CF. Sancho taking the right side.

And i can promise you. If Rashford start to take penalties regular. With teammates likes Sancho, Fernandes, Chiesa and Martial in the team. If Rashford will play close to 38 matches in the league. I can promise 20 goals plus. Having Sancho, Fernandes, Chiesa and Martial, include Rashford. They are too fast and skillful for premier league. Outside of top 6 cant handle them together. Average 3 goals each in those matches. If you let and push them to play on theirs max level. Let them enjoy theirs football and express themselves. Goals will running in.

They are fast and skillful and will be able to open up parking bus in premier league.

So that is my plan. For this summer transfer window and next summer. And Because if you want to buy Sancho and Fernandes. You get to buy others players that can play really quick few touches football too. Combine small area football with more direct few touches quick football. That are reasons why i want all of those fast and skillful players Sancho, Fernandes and Chiesa. And you have Martial and Rashford are been able todo that too. Together as a unit. It will be too difficult for out of top 6 to handle them together. Maybe for top 6 too. Those are on theirs level as Mane, Firminio and Salah. City Aguero, Sterling and Sane.

And back to United old great day. Rice as the aggressive Keane. Fernandes as the creative Scholes. Right foot right winger in Sancho. And left foot James or Martial if he find his highest consistent level under LVG time.
Chiesa in the free Cantona role, can both set up and scoring goals. Behind the main striker Rashford. Then you will see football close to that level again. Let them enjoy, dominate and play on the front foot. Then you will see the best of them together.

Rest of the job. Like the movie Ocean Eleven. Ring and convince them. Joining a future winning team. Our goal is trophies. Together as unit driving in the same direction. We will achieve ours goals. Believe, dedicate, hard work, lucky/things go ours way, grounded and have the skills. Then nothing human created is impossible. All the puzzles of factors/reasons/ingredients have to be in place. To make the bigger pictures...achieving ours goals/biggest trophies.

But in the end. Im planning to taking over the premier league about 2-3 years. I get the feeling its Klopp and Liverpool time. Fullbacks like Arnold and Robertson. Really good goalkeeper in Allison and Van Dijk + Salah. So im hoping Barcelona come to get Salah to replace Messi about few years. Then theirs starting line up will get weakened. Just like when Suarez was leaving. Salah will department will has same effect.
And City lost Komany, Aguero retire or on his way down about few years. David Silva last season. So theirs golden generation will might be over about few years. Lost one important will not effect much, if they are not world class. But 3 or more, you will see the different level of the team. Like Monaco or Dortmund. Like in first place. A great leader needs greatest warriors, in each positions.

So you get to realize, accept and knows your opponents teams level and your own team level. Match them or even better. The timing. A strong dynasty and kingdom do not build over a night, but over a long period. At least two years. And you get the luck, ladyluck on your sides. Things go your team most of the time. You will rise your chance a lot. All the factors, unit of reasons have to be in place. Then the result will come. Find the reasons that will follow you to the result. And i have mentioned those biggest factors above. May the most lucky and best team win. Au revoir....for this time.


Edit :

An alternative to Bruno Fernandes is the U21 player of the tournament Fabian Ruiz from Napoli. Does has the energy, guts and really good left foot and can score goals with his right foot too. A central midfield playmaker. Both of Fernandes and Ruiz are really good nr.8 creative cm options.
Fabion Ruiz like Fernandes i thin will be regular player for theirs nation. Worth a close look. Really fast ans skillful with his left foot, even he is close to 190 cm tall.
 
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Find it very worrying that it doesn’t seem like we are going to fix the holding midfield position. All the midfielders we are being linked with are more advanced.

Matic legs have gone. He can have his uses but he’s not at the level of a starter anymore.

Fred has shown nothing whatsoever, and looks more likely to be a box to box than a holding midfielder.

Andreas hasn’t done anything either, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he left.

McTominay I like him, but again I think he looks better box to box and pressing players rather than sitting and dictating.

Worrying.
 
We can't play Fred DM. His first touch is horrendous for that position, if he's the deepest lying midfield then it's just asking for trouble. Teams will press him knowing how poor his first touch is, and he will turn over possession so many times leaving the opposition in against our defence. Secondly, he doesn't seem the type to be disciplined in terms of staying in the centre of the park, he likes to press high and covers large distances which is one of his good attributes.

If we are going to get the best out of him, he will probably be best utilized as a number 8 where he can press high and if he does turn the ball over, we have protection behind him. The loss of Herrera is a shame as he was a good player and filled a good role. Hopefully we bring a DM or a number 8 in who can add to our midfield. Ndombele would have been an excellent addition but he seems Spurs bound and apart from Longstaff we haven't been linked to any other CM's.
 
i'll take Bruno Fernandes and Sean Longstaff as our midfield signings now, given the slow movement from United in the transfer market at this moment of time.

I think Pogba is going to stay for another season at least, so we'll have Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Matic as our midfield 3. McTominay, Fred and Longstaff as backups. maybe if Longstaff is that good he can replace Matic as the season goes on.
 
Would have been interesting to see who were our midfield targets if we had champions league football to offer. Think Bruno still was but the CM/DM position could well have been different
 
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