I don't see that being left footed is a necessity. Evans is more than comfortable on his left side and can play that LCB position perfectly well.
Van Gaal wants new defender
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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.
Never seen him, but is it reasonable? Guys were getting pissed off on here for spending £27m on Shaw who's a year younger and played more top flight games.
It has to be Benatia. I feel apprehensive about going for Vermaelen, it would be really underwhelming not to mention a huge risk.
£60 million for Benatia + Strootman?
£60 million for Benatia + Strootman?
IMO it's very reasonable. He was one of Athletic's best players last term with Ander and Aduriz, voted into La Liga's team of the season and was generally a notch above Varane through 2013-2014. Considering that he's just 20 and already one of the better centrebacks around Europe regardless of age, I'd say it would be an excellent investment for the future. It's hard to find a single flaw in his overall game.
Much like jones smalling Evans and rafeal, yea let's add another one to the scrap heap
Agree about Laporte. He's very good, still young and he's left footed.
If we're going to sign a defender just to have a left footed option, lets make it someone who can also reach a level near Rio and Vidic and tick two boxes instead of one.
At the same time Bilbao will do anything they can to waste our time so it wouldnt be easy. But he's worth it
If we're going to sign a defender just to have a left footed option, lets make it someone who can also reach a level near Rio and Vidic and tick two boxes instead of one.
At the same time Bilbao will do anything they can to waste our time so it wouldnt be easy. But he's worth it
Van Gaal will want a left footed centre half, it suits his idea of how the team should play. People should not be using Kermit the frog as the benchmark of signings for Louis Van Gaal: he is not a transfer muppet. Van Gaal has a very clear idea of how his team should play, I'm betting Hoeness would say an overly rigid idea, and he won't deviate from that.
I'm surprised Barcelona never followed up their initial interest in Laporte, maybe they decided the price was too steep?
I'm surprised Barcelona never followed up their initial interest in Laporte, maybe they decided the price was too steep?
Hmm yes maybe they thought Mathieu was a better investment at half the price..
Agreed. Superb prospect.
I agree. I also think Shaw would play that role quite well, and he's a lefty.
I was a little disappointed to hear LVG comments, unless we are going to stump up some serious cash for Hummels I think Blackett, Jones, Smalling, Evans and Keane are doing a brilliant job at the back, we've only conceded once in open play in three games, that's outstanding even for a pre season friendly. Look at City, Pool, Madrid all fecking up at the back.
I also agree on this. With his size, defensive qualities, mobility and pace (relative to your normal CB) he'd be a beastly LCB and would be comfortable enough at bringing the ball forward too from his time at LB.
But this guy's foreign so he's obviously not over priced and well worth it...
Laporte would be a dream signing, that's not realistic unfortunately but he fits the bill. That's a United transfer, young, bags of talent, already a full season behind him as regular starter in a top league.
Shaw and Jones at the back would mean we lack height as both are only 185cm. Could cause problems defending set pieces and aerial duels in general
Shaw and Jones at the back would mean we lack height as both are only 185cm. Could cause problems defending set pieces and aerial duels in general
Laporte would be brilliant business. In a year or two he will have every top club chasing his signature.
The only problem would be him leaving for the Spanish giants in 2-3 seasons.
I always (well...) thought that Barca would be in for him.
They're were rumors of them being interested.
He'll end up at one of them regardless may as well get him for a few good years and sell for double
Not enough experience there and we'd be in deep trouble if 1 or 2 of our main defenders were out for a prolonged period - which is highly possible given their injury records. The intensity of pre-season friendlies is much lower too which makes it easier for young defenders to cope.
I think we will end up digging deep in Arsenal's trash can
Hey that's a rather unfair assessment. Rio wasn't foreign and worth the outlay, as were Rooney or Carrick and hopefully Jones and Shaw in the future. Nationality has nothing to do with it.
do people really think that a club would buy 2 Atheltic players in one summer? Just as realistic as Hummels. Absolutely no need for him to leave now, he will stay a year or 2 and then move on, still is very young. For me Benatia, Miranda or Inigo Martinez the best out there that are gettable. Van Gaal said he buys for the future, so that leaves Miranda out with his 29 years. Martinez is interesting though, 23 years and left footed, wouldnt be as expensive as Benatia and is a good defender. Benatia would be perfect and is experienced enough to lead the backline, but in the end it will be Vermaelen.
Whoever we get it has to be a tier 1 player that will make a statement or a young potentially world class defender.
No Vermaelen plz.
No Vermaelen plz.
I think we'll end up getting Vermaelen. Hopefully he can stay injury free though.
I think Vermaelen is nailed on really. Seems like we'll get him and promote Blackett and Keane and that'll be that (for defence anyway).
Vermaelen, Shaw, Herrera? Is this our genius strategy to get back to the CL?
Add another midfielder and we'll be back in the CL anyway.Vermaelen, Shaw, Herrera? Is this our genius strategy to get back to the CL?
Vermaelen, Shaw, Herrera? Is this our genius strategy to get back to the CL?
I think Herrera and Shaw are great signings. Vermaelen wouldn't be my choice but you just have to look at that dutch side to see how playing in a three can help a defender shine.
I wish we'd taken a gamble on someone like Balanta personally.
They were, but Laporte himself said he wasn't leaving Bilbao this summer. He wants first team football to develop his skills (a wise decision).
I'd take Vermaelen tbh, mainly because i'm confident Smalling and Jones can step up now that they will likely be getting consistent runs at the CB spots, injury permitting. With those two, Vermaelen and Evans all fighting it out for the 3 spots, and the younger lads ready to slot in when we are short, and I think we would be fine.
I'm much more concerned about our midfield right now, as I imagine we all are.
I'm much more concerned about our midfield right now, as I imagine we all are.
Vertonghen?
Is that you Davey boy?!
He came out a few days ago that he'll be staying at Tottenham.
Varane
A muppets dream.Varane
Did we really need his confirmation on this? We're playing 3-5-2 and have three CB's in the first-team squad (plus Michael Keane, maybe). Of course we're looking for defenders. At least two, I hope, if we're planning on sticking with this formation.
LVG, Vermaelen, Shaw, Herrera? Is this our genius strategy to get back to the CL?
Fixed it for you - now do you see the plan??
What, is he a transformer or something?
Laporte? Dealing with feckin Bilbao again? No thanks 
They must think we are taking the piss.
Woody on the phone: "Ya we want Laporte as well lads, sorry about Herrera and all"
Bilbao:
They must think we are taking the piss.Woody on the phone: "Ya we want Laporte as well lads, sorry about Herrera and all"
Bilbao: