Transfer Tweets - 2017/18

[AltiUn]

I don't know why people feel an entirely new back 4 would be a good idea
Especially If it's made up of
Sandro - Brazilian from Serie A
Alderweireld - Belgian from PL
Umtiti - French from La Liga
Meunier - Belgian from Ligue 1

So If we buy Sandro, Meunier and Umtiti, we could possibly end up with 4 players from 4 different leagues coming form four different countries having never played together before. Add that to the fact that the pre season will be severely cut off due to the WC, there could be a serious lack of understanding between the defenders which atleast in the initial few months which can lead to more bad than good

Think players would be eased into the side, RB in particular would probably serve as Valencia's deputy for most of the season (although I've seen us linked with almost no RBs). I'd be surprised if we signed 2 first team CBs, we already have Bailly as starter, LB would be expected to start every game and there have been rumours of Sandro but also Tierney who speaks the language probably wouldn't have much trouble adapting.

We'd line up something like this next season:

Sandro/Tierney - Bailly - Umtiti/Alderweireld - Valencia

With a view of looking for a new RB maybe in January, I think our most likely signings will be Tierney and Alderweireld who could both settle relatively quickly due to speaking the language (Tierney) and already having played in the PL (Alderweireld).

 

[haram]

I don't know why people feel an entirely new back 4 would be a good idea
Especially If it's made up of
Sandro - Brazilian from Serie A
Alderweireld - Belgian from PL
Umtiti - French from La Liga
Meunier - Belgian from Ligue 1

So If we buy Sandro, Meunier and Umtiti, we could possibly end up with 4 players from 4 different leagues coming form four different countries having never played together before. Add that to the fact that the pre season will be severely cut off due to the WC, there could be a serious lack of understanding between the defenders which atleast in the initial few months which can lead to more bad than good

I highly doubt we will sign 2 CB's. We cannot keep going on with Young and Valencia as fullbacks. We need to make the change regardless of the short term cons.

 

[Sanche7]

Think players would be eased into the side, RB in particular would probably serve as Valencia's deputy for most of the season (although I've seen us linked with almost no RBs). I'd be surprised if we signed 2 first team CBs, we already have Bailly as starter, LB would be expected to start every game and there have been rumours of Sandro but also Tierney who speaks the language probably wouldn't have much trouble adapting.

We'd line up something like this next season:

Sandro/Tierney - Bailly - Umtiti/Alderweireld - Valencia

With a view of looking for a new RB maybe in January, I think our most likely signings will be Tierney and Alderweireld who could both settle relatively quickly due to speaking the language (Tierney) and already having played in the PL (Alderweireld).

Yeah that makes more sense.
I expect us to buy a LB and a CB with Sandro and Alderweireld being top priorities.
I think we are monitoring Umtiti but cautiously as we have been used before by players for better contracts. I wouldn't be complaining if we get Umtiti or Alderweireld, they both are better than any other CB in the league.

I don't think Mou will go for another youngster in Tierney, I think he will go all out for Sandro. Maybe he will buy a young LB because we have been linked with Tierney and Sessegnon. A young LB makes sense if we are not buying a new RB,we can shift Young as back up to Valencia, but I don't think Tierney would be happy to be back up

As for outgoings, I would happily sell Blind, Jones Darmian and Shaw
That should fetch us 15+25+15+20 = 75 million at least.

 

[Ramshock]

I hope we raise funds from either Blind Rojo Shaw Darmian Herrera Mata first before contemplating selling Martial (plus we are going to shed serious wages in Carrick Zlatan and Fellaini). I hope we do buy a left back a central defender a midfielder and most importantly a winger for the right but that’s probably one player a stretch too far. But I feel unless Jose is moving towards Lukaku and Sanchez off him through the middle as a two up top I really think we need a right winger or our play is going to be much the same and could lead to the masses not putting up with this brand of football much longer than next season.

Here is four realistic targets I think would improve us and give our squad depth, balance and add a bit more reliability and quality. We can manage our right back slot with any of Valencia TFM Young Bailey Jones lindelof Tunzabe and even Smalling if needed yep quality needs upgraded but least of our problems just now.

Tierney £20m
Maguire £40m
Majhrez £50m
Dier £60m

= £170m

That’s a really big ask plus we just bought Sanchez so think we might have to sell as these prices could be very conservative considering last summer prices and this years World Cup going on and inflating them even more.

Theres no way Celtic let Tierney go for £20M

 

[Ramshock]

I really dont see the defense as a whole being the issue but we do need better full backs and we also need a right sided attacker.

 

[Sanche7]

I just cannot see us buying a RW. Have we been linked with any?
I don't think we will be buying youngsters anymore, we have two struggling for time time plus the likes of Chong coming through.
The latest thing we need Is another youngster.

And the links to SMS seem to have does down.
Also I feel we are looking at Fred rather than Jorginho. I feel Fred suits us more, he more mobile and agile, covers a lot of ground and is a workhorse. At the same time, he is good technically and can play as a hard working playmaker. Also somehow I feel we are going to sign Vidal.

So Incomings :
Sandro - 60 mill
Alderweireld - 45 mill
Vidal - 25 mill
Fred - 40 mill
That's 170 mill and covers almost all the weak spots except for RB and RW

 

[Zoo]

Alderweireld is obviously on the move. I hope we’re in for him.

 

[Sanche7]

I really dont see the defense as a whole being the issue but we do need better full backs and we also need a right sided attacker.

I think Mourinho does.If you look at his previous teams, they were all defensively solid.

We have good stats but I feel our CBs are a bit meh.
Smalling although a good CB, he always has a mistake in him and is not very good with the ball
Jones - almost the same plus more injury prone
Rojo - impulsive and again prone to Mistakes
Blind - Meh
Bailly - very good, potentially world class, has a few flaws like the others but has time on his side

We lack a real leader at the back, a real top Class star and someone who is good on the ball.
Luckily for us, there seems to be a chance for us to get Alderweireld or Umtiti, both players can bring in everything we lack and IMHO we should do all we can to land one of them.

 

[Cassidy]

Alderweireld is obviously on the move. I hope we’re in for him.

After signing Sanchez I imagine we are all over this one

 

[Art Vandelay]

I just cannot see us buying a RW. Have we been linked with any?
I don't think we will be buying youngsters anymore, we have two struggling for time time plus the likes of Chong coming through.
The latest thing we need Is another youngster.

And the links to SMS seem to have does down.
Also I feel we are looking at Fred rather than Jorginho. I feel Fred suits us more, he more mobile and agile, covers a lot of ground and is a workhorse. At the same time, he is good technically and can play as a hard working playmaker. Also somehow I feel we are going to sign Vidal.

So Incomings :
Sandro - 60 mill
Alderweireld - 45 mill
Vidal - 25 mill
Fred - 40 mill
That's 170 mill and covers almost all the weak spots except for RB and RW

I can't see us being in for Fred or Vidal, but I like the other two options or Tierney instead of Sandro. £170m is an awful lot to spend and still be weak down one flank. Shows the mess LVG made of the squad and the issues with ripping up and starting again essentially 3 times since Sir Alex left.

 

[Cassidy]

I can't see us being in for Fred or Vidal, but I like the other two options or Tierney instead of Sandro. £170m is an awful lot to spend and still be weak down one flank. Shows the mess LVG made of the squad and the issues with ripping up and starting again essentially 3 times since Sir Alex left.

Vidal seems like Jose signing to me. Experienced and quality players.

Problem is we will need a brand new midfield in 2/3 years when Vidal and Matic are coming to the end.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

Apologies, but isn't this the tweets thread?

 

[Damien]

One tweet all page

Apologies, but isn't this the tweets thread?

Over a month left to go of the season. Transfer tweets aren't going to be posted much and there'll naturally be more discussion of the few tweets that are posted as a result. If either of you have tweets to post to bring the thread back on track, feel free.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Vidal seems like Jose signing to me. Experienced and quality players.

Problem is we will need a brand new midfield in 2/3 years when Vidal and Matic are coming to the end.

Agreed, but I like to think we'd have more sense than to pay what Bayern would be asking at his age given how physical he is. We can't keep signing players that are 29/30+ for big money and then having to replace them again in a couple of years. It's not really sustainable unless we really believe in someone that's only a couple of years away from first team.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

Over a month left to go of the season. Transfer tweets aren't going to be posted much and there'll naturally be more discussion of the few tweets that are posted as a result. If either of you have tweets to post to bring the thread back on track, feel free.

Yeah, i get that but the general feeling one gets when there are new messages in this thread is that there must be a tweet or some news.

There are many other transfer related threads where the discussion can go on. Maybe the mods can enable the tweets tab so that we won't have to scroll through the pages to check the actual tweet?

 

[AltiUn]

I hope we raise funds from either Blind Rojo Shaw Darmian Herrera Mata first before contemplating selling Martial (plus we are going to shed serious wages in Carrick Zlatan and Fellaini). I hope we do buy a left back a central defender a midfielder and most importantly a winger for the right but that’s probably one player a stretch too far. But I feel unless Jose is moving towards Lukaku and Sanchez off him through the middle as a two up top I really think we need a right winger or our play is going to be much the same and could lead to the masses not putting up with this brand of football much longer than next season.

Here is four realistic targets I think would improve us and give our squad depth, balance and add a bit more reliability and quality. We can manage our right back slot with any of Valencia TFM Young Bailey Jones lindelof Tunzabe and even Smalling if needed yep quality needs upgraded but least of our problems just now.

Tierney £20m
Maguire £40m
Majhrez £50m
Dier £60m

= £170m

That’s a really big ask plus we just bought Sanchez so think we might have to sell as these prices could be very conservative considering last summer prices and this years World Cup going on and inflating them even more.

That'd be some really poor business, we should be nowhere near Dier and Maguire especially for upwards of £40m, need to be setting our sights much higher if we ever want to realistically challenge for the PL/CL. Mahrez could be a nifty signing but at this point I think we'd be better off looking at an out and out winger, we sorely lack width in this team. Tierney I like but doubt we'd get him for £20m.

 

[Sanche7]

Agreed, but I like to think we'd have more sense than to pay what Bayern would be asking at his age given how physical he is. We can't keep signing players that are 29/30+ for big money and then having to replace them again in a couple of years. It's not really sustainable unless we really believe in someone that's only a couple of years away from first team.

How much do you think Bayern would ask for him?
He's in the last year of his contract, he has said that he's looking for a move, Bayern have an abundance of midfielders plus all the off field problems Vidal had or has.
I don't expect him to cost more than 25 million and I don't think Bayern would ask for more than that.

Why Vidal? Because he is special and almost exactly what we need.I can't think of another player who would compliment out midfield as well as Vidal Would.
To put it simply, at 30 if he comes to the PL, he would probably be the best B2B in the league, provided he settles in well
Mobile, hard working, technically good, great shot, good defensively and more importantly he is experienced, a leader,a fighter
Also he would help bring the best out of both Pogba and Sanchez.

Also he would be a cheap but experienced and quality option who would give us 2-3 years of top to very good performance.
This would give us funds to buy the CB, FBs and another CM that we badly need.
And maybe next year we can worry about buying a few youngsters to slowly replace Vidal and Matic. Maybe we can mold McTominay into a mini Matic.

Edit : just checked WhoScored.com, and Vidal is in the team of the season with a rating of 7.5 for the season. He has 7 goals and two assists so far.

 

[Art Vandelay]

How much do you think Bayern would ask for him?
He's in the last year of his contract, he has said that he's looking for a move, Bayern have an abundance of midfielders plus all the off field problems Vidal had or has.
I don't expect him to cost more than 25 million and I don't think Bayern would ask for more than that.

Why Vidal? Because he is special and almost exactly what we need.I can't think of another player who would compliment out midfield as well as Vidal Would.
To put it simply, at 30 if he comes to the PL, he would probably be the best B2B in the league, provided he settles in well
Mobile, hard working, technically good, great shot, good defensively and more importantly he is experienced, a leader,a fighter
Also he would help bring the best out of both Pogba and Sanchez.

Also he would be a cheap but experienced and quality option who would give us 2-3 years of top to very good performance.
This would give us funds to buy the CB, FBs and another CM that we badly need.
And maybe next year we can worry about buying a few youngsters to slowly replace Vidal and Matic. Maybe we can mold McTominay into a mini Matic.

Edit : just checked WhoScored.com, and Vidal is in the team of the season with a rating of 7.5 for the season. He has 7 goals and two assists so far.

I think they'd be looking for £40m+ given the way the market is. He is a very good player, but he's 30 and coming from several years of playing for teams that easily won their leagues at a stroll, would he really be able to deal with having to actually fight to win every week? Combined with his off field problems(weren't there rumours he had a drink problem?) and our history of poor signings from the Bundesliga I just wouldn't fancy chancing it with him.

 

[Sanche7]

I think they'd be looking for £40m+ given the way the market is. He is a very good player, but he's 30 and coming from several years of playing for teams that easily won their leagues at a stroll, would he really be able to deal with having to actually fight to win every week? Combined with his off field problems(weren't there rumours he had a drink problem?) and our history of poor signings from the Bundesliga I just wouldn't fancy chancing it with him.

What I can tell you is that the guy is a fighter.
He was not very motivated under Ancelotti but that was the case of half the bayern squad. But under Heynckes he has been really good. I think Mou will sign him only if he feels he can motivate him and get him to perform. Also having Sanchez in the team would help him

 

[Nostradamus]

How much do you think Bayern would ask for him?
He's in the last year of his contract, he has said that he's looking for a move, Bayern have an abundance of midfielders plus all the off field problems Vidal had or has.
I don't expect him to cost more than 25 million and I don't think Bayern would ask for more than that.

First of all, Vidal has the same contract situation as Martial, so 1 year left + 1 year option means that reason to reduce the price is invalid: https://fcbayern.com/de/news/2015/07/vidal-unterschreibt-vier-jahres-vertrag

"signs a four year contract until 2019 plus option for another year."

Therefore, I think its reasonable to suggest that 25m wont cut it. If Bayern decide to sell, then IMO he would cost around 40m€..maybe even more.

He has also not said, that he wants to move..his latest statements were about being open to extend. If I have missed something, then feel free to post the source.

There were also no off-field probs with him at all since Heynckes and nothing of note before..its just some internet myth with clueless posters writing the same nonsense..like sheep. Same with his injuries..the always injured alcoholic

 

[Sanche7]

First of all, Vidal has the same contract situation as Martial, so 1 year left + 1 year option means that reason to reduce the price is invalid: https://fcbayern.com/de/news/2015/07/vidal-unterschreibt-vier-jahres-vertrag

"signs a four year contract until 2019 plus option for another year."

Therefore, I think its reasonable to suggest that 25m wont cut it. If Bayern decide to sell, then IMO he would cost around 40m€..maybe even more.

He has also not said, that he wants to move..his latest statements were about being open to extend. If I have missed something, then feel free to post the source.

There were also no off-field probs with him at all since Heynckes and nothing of note before..its just some internet myth with clueless posters writing the same nonsense..like sheep. Same with his injuries..the always injured alcoholic

Well he did say this is January :

Speaking to German publication Kicker about his future, the 30-year-old said: “I'll stay here until the summer, then we'll see what happens.”

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/talksport.com/football/chelsea-transfer-news-arturo-vidal-refuses-commit-future-bayern-munich-180122269526?amp

Although he did say this in Feb :

“I do not think about a change, I feel really good here.
“Of course I would like to extend. This is an option and my children are very happy here.”

So yeah it's pretty much up in the air.

But they have way too many CMs.
They have Martinez, Tolisso, Vidal, James, Rudy, Alcantara with Goretzka to come in at the end of the season.You can even add Muller to that list as he sometimes plays as RCM
That's 7/8 players for 3 positions with all except Rudy being top class
I can't see how they can possibly keep all of them happy.
Also Bayern could be looking for a new winger this year, which would mean they might possibly sell one of them excess CMs.

And he has had some off field problems, although they are often blown out of proportion.
Vidal turns up for training with Alcohol on his breath

http://www.90min.in/posts/2924537-b...rns-up-to-training-with-alcohol-on-his-breath

 

[Nostradamus]

Well he did say this is January :
Speaking to German publication Kicker about his future, the 30-year-old said: “I'll stay here until the summer, then we'll see what happens.”

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/talksport.com/football/chelsea-transfer-news-arturo-vidal-refuses-commit-future-bayern-munich-180122269526?amp

Although he did say this in Feb :

“I do not think about a change, I feel really good here.

“Of course I would like to extend. This is an option and my children are very happy here.”

So yeah it's pretty much up in the air. But they have way too many CMs.
They have Martinez, Tolisso, Vidal, James, Rudy, Alcantara with Goretzka to come in at the end of the season.You can even add Muller to that list as he sometimes plays as RCM
That's 6/7 players for 3 positions with all except Rudy being top class
I can't see how they can possibly keep all of them happy.
Also Bayern could be looking for a new winger this year, which would mean they might possibly sell one of them excess CMs.

Thx for posting the quotes and I had them in mind..as you said up in the air. He did not say that he wants to leave.

I also agree with the rest and my prediction has been since several months, that Vidal is going to be sold. If somebody like Kovac becomes Bayern coach, then I can see them even trying to extend..Kovac must love him too. Sigh.

 

[United_We_Stand]

 

[izec]

Wants that higher salary from the Barca board so badly. Give it to him already

 

[andersj]

How much do you think Bayern would ask for him?
He's i his last year of contract, he has said that he's looking for a move, Bayern have an abundance of midfielders plus all the off field problems Vidal had or has.
I don't expect him to cost more than 25 million and I don't think Bayern would ask for more than that.

Why Vidal? Because he is special and almost exactly what we need.I can't think of another player who would compliment out midfield as well as Vidal Would.
To put it simply, at 30 if he comes to the PL, he would probably be the best B2B in the league, provided he settles in well
Mobile, hard working, technically good, great shot, good defensively and more importantly he is experienced, a leader,a fighter
Also he would help bring the best out of both Pogba and Sanchez.

Also he would be a cheap but experienced and quality option who would give us 2-3 years of top to very good performance.
This would give us funds to buy the CB, FBs and another CM that we really need.
And maybe next year we can worry about buying a few youngsters to slowly replace Vidal and Matic

Vidal is prime example of a type of player we will buy post-Ferguson while the likes of Liverpool, City and Spurs buy mainly players at the age of 20-25. Player who has yet to reach their peak, are hungry and often demands a lower wage structure. Prime examples like Salah, Mane, Firmino and soon Keita. Or Eriksen, Dele Alli, Dier, Alderweireld and Son. Sane, Laporte, Mendy, B. Silva, Sterling, Stones.

Man Utd have spent a lot of money on players like past their peak like Zlatan, Schweinsteiger and Falcao. We can now add Matic and Sanchez to that list.

We can go wrong with players aged 20-25 too, but we then have a good chance of getting our money back. That is why a significant percentage of Fergusons purchases was in this age group.

There are a lot of good young midfielders out there. I hope we consider them rather than Vidal.

 

[Adisa]

Certainly playing his part in getting that contract.

 

[Velvet Revolver]

Vidal is prime example of a type of player we will buy post-Ferguson while the likes of Liverpool, City and Spurs buy mainly players at the age of 20-25. Player who has yet to reach their peak, are hungry and often demands a lower wage structure. Prime examples like Salah, Mane, Firmino and soon Keita. Or Eriksen, Dele Alli, Dier, Alderweireld and Son. Sane, Laporte, Mendy, B. Silva, Sterling, Stones.

Man Utd have spent a lot of money on players like past their peak like Zlatan, Schweinsteiger and Falcao. We can now add Matic and Sanchez to that list.

We can go wrong with players aged 20-25 too, but we then have a good chance of getting our money back. That is why a significant percentage of Fergusons purchases was in this age group.

There are a lot of good young midfielders out there. I hope we consider them rather than Vidal.

While I agree with your statements of buying young(ish) players, I see some value in buying experienced players too. They might not be able to give 100% on the pitch but the value they provide by their experience and knowledge is definitely invaluable. And our 'old' players transfers involved only those whom you mentioned. Matic and Sanchez still are important cogs in the team with at least 2 years of good football.

Zlatan - Was a great success if you ask me for his old age!
Tiger - This was a Loss but we paid only 7M so I guess not that big a loss
Falcao - was a loan to buy option so no qualms there

 

[carvajal]

Bayern have decided to buy James,paying 43m

 

[Ajaxsuarez]

So which Kluivert are we interested in ? The middle one or the small one?

The small one's actually the bigger talent! (and 8-year old vlogging chef personality)

 

[Rozay]

While I agree with your statements of buying young(ish) players, I see some value in buying experienced players too. They might not be able to give 100% on the pitch but the value they provide by their experience and knowledge is definitely invaluable. And our 'old' players transfers involved only those whom you mentioned. Matic and Sanchez still are important cogs in the team with at least 2 years of good football.

Zlatan - Was a great success if you ask me for his old age!
Tiger - This was a Loss but we paid only 7M so I guess not that big a loss
Falcao - was a loan to buy option so no qualms there

As always, it’s about a balance. Sir Alex also bought a 29 year old Persie I seem to recall.

 

[andersj]

As always, it’s about a balance. Sir Alex also bought a 29 year old Persie I seem to recall.

Yes, but Ferguson was here for close to 30 years. He very rarely spent a significant sum on players best 28. He even came to an agreement with Gill and the board that Man Utd would focus on younger players.

 

[andersj]

Bayern have decided to buy James,paying 43m

What a brilliant deal that was. James has been by far their best player as an eight ina 433 the few times I have seen him play.

I remember one guy in here made a big deal about James only being able to function as a 10 and that he did not contribute enough defending to be a midfielder in a 433. (Think the same guy argued Matic was past it.)

 

[Lawman]

This is what Mourinho said in December:



So seems original plan would have been to bring in two midfielders and possibly a leftback in (I'm going to assume that by then he had a good idea we were going to sign Sanchez). Since then the links to another CB and a right winger have increased albeit with McTominay's breakthrough it might have reduced the number of midfield incomings to one.


Getting those would come into our budget if those prices were true but I think Mahrez would cost more and we've not been linked that much to any of them. More likely we'll try going for the likes of Sandro and a couple of midfielders to take the spending to over £150m before signing a CB or RW.

Yeah I think you’re spot on and the guys I mentioned are just my fancy although budget will be tight and a bit unrealistic he’ll have a couple of cheaper options i have probably never saw (Tierney instead of Sandro although I know about Tierney but you get my drift). I’m guessing we may need more than he thought at that time as a few have pushed themselves nearer out the door since imo (Shaw, Jones I think he likes, Rojo, Blind, Herrra even Fellaini and also Carrick and Zlatan are virtually gone).

 

[Lawman]

Theres no way Celtic let Tierney go for £20M

I’m not so sure about that it’s a lot of money for Celtic and who has commanded more from the Scottish league?

 

[Lawman]

That'd be some really poor business, we should be nowhere near Dier and Maguire especially for upwards of £40m, need to be setting our sights much higher if we ever want to realistically challenge for the PL/CL. Mahrez could be a nifty signing but at this point I think we'd be better off looking at an out and out winger, we sorely lack width in this team. Tierney I like but doubt we'd get him for £20m.

I couldn’t disagree more Maguire looks potentially top class and better than Stones for me who although classy on the ball a bombscare in defence.
Dier is exactly what we need someone who will come in and be a leader and give us a platform to play with or without Matic who has been great.
Mahrez would unlock that horrible part of the field for us the right wing. Apart from Sane I don’t see anybody better than one on one and beating a man and by Jesus we lack that.
Tierney wouldn’t be much more than 20m when you take into consideration VVD Forster Ki Kayal etc that have trodden that path before him. I’d be shocked if it was for more than Shaw went for simply down to English player tax.

Another great thing is these guys are usually all available for selection with little to no fitness issues that would obviously be a minimum requirement but nonetheless a new one for United for ages.

 

[DWelbz19]

Bayern have decided to buy James,paying 43m

Unsurprising. Fix the team around him and he’s a mega player. Contributes in the final third like a number 10 with some defensive grittiness of a number 8.

 

[golden_blunder]

I like Maguire, reminds me of Pally.

 

[Devil may care]

Would be a bit of both. If we're signing players like Sandro and SMS (though that has gone quiet) then signing Bale as well would make it our most expensive window ever. From the LW options he's most dispensable and would bring in a chunk of money if we activate the option on his contract.

He shouldn't be the most dispensable as within a year or 2 he will be the best of the 3 IMO, he's already the second best and in a United shit the best as Sanchez has been poor, but yes, he'll be seen as the one to cast off because he's not the experienced guy on mega wages or the academy kid, which is sad and something I feel we'll regret.

 

[Velvet Revolver]

Yes, but Ferguson was here for close to 30 years. He very rarely spent a significant sum on players best 28. He even came to an agreement with Gill and the board that Man Utd would focus on younger players.

Yes, but he had a core of players who were playing for him for a long time! He already had players who knew what it is to play for United and what success means. SAF had the luxury ( all to his credit only) to buy younger players and blood them into the team gradually while still winning trophies. The current and the next managers will never have that, unfortunately, so based on that context managers have to buy tactically.

 

[andersj]

Yes, but he had a core of players who were playing for him for a long time! He already had players who knew what it is to play for United and what success means. SAF had the luxury ( all to his credit only) to buy younger players and blood them into the team gradually while still winning trophies. The current and the next managers will never have that, unfortunately, so based on that context managers have to buy tactically.

But he did not spend big amounts on «older players» in his first years either when he had a bigger challenge than what Mourinho or any future manager will have.

He spent big on quite a few occasions that I can remember, but very rarely on players past 28. It was usually on young, hungry players like Rio, Keane, RvN and Rooney he was willing to spend big bucks.

RvP was an exception. Thinking back, he did not really cost a fortune either.