We need 2 new CMs. Who do we sign?

Rojofiam said:
I know we have Mainoo for the #8 role already...but I want us to hoard elite talent and Joao Neves is the player I really really want to see sign for us.

Not sure who the ideal DM would be for us. Need someone who can play single pivot but feels like we've missed out on anyone bar Palhinha, but he would cost way too much considering he's 29 at the start of next season.
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Mainoo should be a no 6 because of his ability to beat the high press allow us to play from the back with fluidity and be the link from the defense to no 8 or to the attacking players. Athletic article mentioned that in the first summer of ten Hag, ten Hag requested midfielder in frenkie de Jong‘s mould but instead of getting someone who is similar to Frenkie de Jong, ten Hag got a player who plays differently like Casemiro who isn’t very good in beating high press. I think Mainoo is the frenkie de Jong type of player that ten Hag wanted.
 
Have there been any news regarding Rabiot? His contract is due to expire this summer, maybe he’ll be less greedy this time
 
United888 said:
Mainoo should be a no 6 because of his ability to beat the high press allow us to play from the back with fluidity and be the link from the defense to no 8 or to the attacking players. Athletic article mentioned that in the first summer of ten Hag, ten Hag requested midfielder in frenkie de Jong‘s mould but instead of getting someone who is similar to Frenkie de Jong, ten Hag got a player who plays differently like Casemiro who isn’t very good in beating high press. I think Mainoo is the frenkie de Jong type of player that ten Hag wanted.
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Exactly. Having said that, if you look at how ten Hag set up in the 20/21 season, he had a midfield three of Alvarez (ball winner) Gravenberch (box to box) and Berghuis (advanced playmaker).

Now, I wouldn't say Alvarez is any better on the ball than Casemiro. Actually, they are both at their best when winning the ball back from the opposition. However, I think where Ajax had the advantage over our current set up in regards to possession, was their back four and Gravenberch, who would often drop into the deeper areas and use his dribbling skills to carry the ball up the pitch ala de Jong, as you mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, we haven't got a player like that. I believe ten Hag bought Mount to adapt to that role, but he simple hasn't got the attributes to do it. Along with that, we could do with a right centre back in the mold of Martinez, who has been a massive miss in regards to building from the back.

I think when everyone is back, I'd like to see a midfield three of:

Mainoo (Gravenberch) Bruno (Berghuis)
Casemiro (Alvarez)
​
The above midfield, with Eriksen instead of Mainoo, is the three we more or less played for the majority of last season which, on the whole, worked pretty well. Eriksen struggled at times, but all in all, we controlled most games.

Going forward, potentially drop Mainoo into the 6 role. I think it's so important that we get a midfielder who can progress with the ball, though.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Exactly. Having said that, if you look at how ten Hag set up in the 20/21 season, he had a midfield three of Alvarez (ball winner) Gravenberch (box to box) and Berghuis (advanced playmaker).

Now, I wouldn't say Alvarez is any better on the ball than Casemiro. Actually, they are both at their best when winning the ball back from the opposition. However, I think where Ajax had the advantage over our current set up in regards to possession, was their back four and Gravenberch, who would often drop into the deeper areas and use his dribbling skills to carry the ball up the pitch ala de Jong, as you mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, we haven't got a player like that. I believe ten Hag bought Mount to adapt to that role, but he simple hasn't got the attributes to do it. Along with that, we could do with a right centre back in the mold of Martinez, who has been a massive miss in regards to building from the back.

I think when everyone is back, I'd like to see a midfield three of:

Mainoo (Gravenberch) Bruno (Berghuis)
Casemiro (Alvarez)
​
The above midfield, with Eriksen instead of Mainoo, is the three we more or less played for the majority of last season which, on the whole, worked pretty well. Eriksen struggled at times, but all in all, we controlled most games.

Going forward, potentially drop Mainoo into the 6 role. I think it's so important that we get a midfielder who can progress with the ball, though.
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Mainoo or Frenkie is different type of player to Gravenberch. 20/21 is obviously different to 18/19 because it’s rare to find someone who can be like Frenkie de Jong so ten Hag had to adjust his tactic in 20/21. It’s fair to say, ten Hag ideal midfield set up is to have someone who can beat high press like Frenkie de Jong as his no 6 and I believe he has found one in Mainoo.

If we are playing Mainoo as no 8 and playing Casemiro as no 6, we will find ourselves in trouble to play from the back because these days teams will do high press and Casemiro isn’t a press resistant to beat the press.

If it’s true he wanted Frenkie de Jong and Eriksen last summer, while Casemiro only signed as a panic buy to please the fans by the board because they couldn’t find midfielder in the mould of Frenkie de Jong, then I think his original set up was to play Frenkie Eriksen and Bruno in his midfield.
 
Zed is not dead said:
Have there been any news regarding Rabiot? His contract is due to expire this summer, maybe he’ll be less greedy this time
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I think we should go for younger midfielder because we already have Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno.
 
We have Bruno, Mainoo, Mount, Eriksen Casemeiro. Do you realize they were injured all season except Bruno so I would say one world class midfielder.
Miretti would be ideal signing along with Mainoo playing beside him, You can't get more excited with Mainoo, Miretti, Bruno, Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.
The future is looking bright.
 
United888 said:
Mainoo or Frenkie is different type of player to Gravenberch. 20/21 is obviously different to 18/19 because it’s rare to find someone who can be like Frenkie de Jong so ten Hag had to adjust his tactic in 20/21. It’s fair to say, ten Hag ideal midfield set up is to have someone who can beat high press like Frenkie de Jong as his no 6 and I believe he has found one in Mainoo.

If we are playing Mainoo as no 8 and playing Casemiro as no 6, we will find ourselves in trouble to play from the back because these days teams will do high press and Casemiro isn’t a press resistant to beat the press.

If it’s true he wanted Frenkie de Jong and Eriksen last summer, while Casemiro only signed as a panic buy to please the fans by the board because they couldn’t find midfielder in the mould of Frenkie de Jong, then I think his original set up was to play Frenkie Eriksen and Bruno in his midfield.
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Gravenberch probably pushed forward a bit more, but in terms of having the responsibility to start play and progress with the ball was very reminiscent of de Jong.

We also need to remember that De Jong didn't really play as a 6. Yes, he played in a pivot, but he was more of an 8, in that he was the link player. When ten Hag was asked a question about whether De Jong is a 6, he responded, "he leaves the middle of the pitch too often for that. And if you don’t give him the freedom to go forward, you won’t get the best out of his game". Yes, he would drop into the defensive line and start attacks, but lets not forget he had Schone supporting him. This player was defensively very sound, and without that type of player next to de Jong, it would have left the midfield very open. In short, De Jong (deeplying playmaker) and Schone (box to box) was akin to Gravenberch and Alvarez, albeit a slightly different set up.

Now, recent evidence suggests ten Hag, as you said, wants to play Mainoo in that 6 role, and to be fair to him, he's been fantastic there. I think Mainoo is slightly different to de Jong, though, in that, he actually is a 6 and very disciplined too. This was further evidenced by the amount of trust ten Hag put in young Mainoo to hold against an in form Villa side, with Eriksen and Bruno ahead.

As I said in my previous post though, we still need to sign a de Jong type player.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Gravenberch probably pushed forward a bit more, but in terms of having the responsibility to start play and progress with the ball was very reminiscent of de Jong.

We also need to remember that De Jong didn't really play as a 6. Yes, he played in a pivot, but he was more of an 8, in that he was the link player. When ten Hag was asked a question about whether De Jong is a 6, he responded, "he leaves the middle of the pitch too often for that. And if you don’t give him the freedom to go forward, you won’t get the best out of his game". Yes, he would drop into the defensive line and start attacks, but lets not forget he had Schone supporting him. This player was defensively very sound, and without that type of player next to de Jong, it would have left the midfield very open. In short, De Jong (deeplying playmaker) and Schone (box to box) was akin to Gravenberch and Alvarez, albeit a slightly different set up.

Now, recent evidence suggests ten Hag, as you said, wants to play Mainoo in that 6 role, and to be fair to him, he's been fantastic there. I think Mainoo is slightly different to de Jong, though, in that, he actually is a 6 and very disciplined too. This was further evidenced by the amount of trust ten Hag put in young Mainoo to hold against an in form Villa side, with Eriksen and Bruno ahead.

As I said in my previous post though, we still need to sign a de Jong type player.
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in ten Hag system, Gravenberch was never given tasked to drop very deep to collect the ball like de Jong did, Gravenberch is not a press resistant like de Jong and Mainoo. When Gravenberch played, it was Blind the one who was left back but played like the deeplying playmaker not Gravenberch. in 18/19 Tagliafico covered the width area, but in 21/22 Blind was the one who played the inverted role to push Gravenberch. Gravenberch was the box to box and I don’t feel Mainoo should play that role.

That wasn’t the question he was asked. The question was whether de Jong can play as ‘’lone no 6’’. So the question indicates that Frenkie played as no 6 but not as lone no 6 because Ajax 18/19 played two off no 6. Deeplying playmaker is considered as a no 6 though.

I don’t disagree with you that Mainoo is slightly different to de Jong. However, Mainoo has some aspects that de Jong has to play in ten Hag‘s ideal no 6 which being composed on the ball, press resistant and ability to be able to beat press while facing the ball with opponents behind your back, I think that was the actual criteria when athletic mentioned ten Hag wanted midfielder in the mould of Frenkie de Jong in 2022 summer transfer window.

I don’t believe ten Hag‘s plan was to play Frenkie as no 8 and pair him with someone like Casemiro. I’m sure ten Hag plan was to play Frenkie, Eriksen and Bruno in his midfield 22/23 given the amount of games he played Eriksen, Eriksen was definitely signed for his starting XI player in 22/23. And based on the athletic article, Casemiro signing was board’s panic signing because they failed to sign Frenkie de Jong and we had bad results, which they had to do something. That indicates ten Hag‘s ideal no 6 to be someone who has the capability to beat press and I don’t believe it’s Casemiro.

Schone wasn’t actually defensive sound player as much as what you thought. Based on stats, Frenkie still had more defensive contribution than Schone. See link below:
https://ibb.co/KK2s3D5
 
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bosskeano said:
hell no...we're already old enough
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He’s only 28, he’s both a physical and technical player and would be a free agent.

I had my reservations about his mentality but He seems to have really matured in the last couple of years.

I don’t see why we shouldn’t at least try.
 
United888 said:
in ten Hag system, Gravenberch was never given tasked to drop very deep to collect the ball like de Jong did, Gravenberch is not a press resistant like de Jong and Mainoo. When Gravenberch played, it was Blind the one who was left back but played like the deeplying playmaker not Gravenberch. in 18/19 Tagliafico covered the width area, but in 21/22 Blind was the one who played the inverted role to push Gravenberch. Gravenberch was the box to box and I don’t feel Mainoo should play that role.

That wasn’t the question he was asked. The question was whether de Jong can play as ‘’lone no 6’’. So the question indicates that Frenkie played as no 6 but not as lone no 6 because Ajax 18/19 played two off no 6. Deeplying playmaker is considered as a no 6 though.

I don’t disagree with you that Mainoo is slightly different to de Jong. However, Mainoo has some aspects that de Jong has to play in ten Hag‘s ideal no 6 which being composed on the ball, press resistant and ability to be able to beat press while facing the ball with opponents behind your back, I think that was the actual criteria when athletic mentioned ten Hag wanted midfielder in the mould of Frenkie de Jong in 2022 summer transfer window.

I don’t believe ten Hag‘s plan was to play Frenkie as no 8 and pair him with someone like Casemiro. I’m sure ten Hag plan was to play Frenkie, Eriksen and Bruno in his midfield 22/23 given the amount of games he played Eriksen, Eriksen was definitely signed for his starting XI player in 22/23. And based on the athletic article, Casemiro signing was board’s panic signing because they failed to sign Frenkie de Jong and we had bad results, which they had to do something. That indicates ten Hag‘s ideal no 6 to be someone who has the capability to beat press and I don’t believe it’s Casemiro.

Schone wasn’t actually defensive sound player as much as what you thought. Based on stats, Frenkie still had more defensive contribution than Schone. See link below:
https://ibb.co/KK2s3D5
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We'll have to agree to disagree on that one then. Did Gravenberch drop as much as de Jong did? No, but that was simply down to the system change, as you mentioned. However, if there was a number 8, out of he and Berghuis to help with the build up play, then it was Gravenberch. It was similar to what we saw Eriksen do last season, when he was in a midfield three with Casemiro and Bruno. Whilst he pushed high up at times, he'd sometimes drop to help in the build up phase.

I'm not sure what ten Hag was planning, but if it was to play a midfield three of de Jong, Eriksen and Bruno, I personally feel that would have been too open. Eriksen isn't a Schone type, where he could cover for de Jong if/when he gets forward. Yes, you mentioned de Jong has very good defensive stats, and I understand that, but Schone was also defensively sound, and the both of them worked very well in tandem. Would that have happened with a pivot of de Jong and Eriksen? I'm not sure it would have.

You may argue that it worked with a midfield three of Mainoo, Eirksen and Bruno, but this is where I pointed out how both Mainoo and De Jong differ. Mainoo is a number 6 in the mold of Busquets, Rodri, Carrick, etc. He starts attacks, but doesn't really venture from that holding position, whereas de Jong is more of a roaming plamaker, if you like, ala Modric, Scholes, Gundogan, etc, and needs someone with the runner power to cover him, as mentioned above with Schone.

Now, a midfield of Mainoo, de Jong and Bruno would be perfect, in my opinion, especially if we were to set up how ten Hag set up in 18/19.

Bruno
de Jong - Mainoo

However, we've moved on from that, and recent evidence and signings have suggested ten Hag wants to play with a single pivot, as opposed to a double, with two more adventurous number 8's.

During pre season, we saw ten Hag experiment with two midfields:

Mount Bruno
Mainoo

Against Madrid:

Mainoo Mount
Casemiro

Unfortunately, Mainoo had to go off very earlier in that game, so we didn't get to see how that midfield three would fare, but I think it was something ten Hag had in his head for the so called 'tougher' games.

We see Arteta sometimes doing it, with Rice pushing into the 8 role and Jorginho coming in as the 6.

Next season, as much as people won't like it, I think we'll mainly see a midfield of Mainoo, Mount and Bruno.

Now, I agree Mainoo has replaced de Jong in terms of his calmness and the fact that he's press resistant, but de Jong has the ability to carry the ball up the pitch. There's no one in our current squad who can do that, hence why we should still be after a de Jong type player to play as the deeper 8, with Mainoo as the 6 and Bruno/Mount as the advanced 8.
 
Your thoughts on going French in the midfield with a pairing of Khephren Thruam and Maxence Caqueret.
Their chemistry would be superb because of national friendlies, Euros and World Cups.

Caqueret-Thuram
----------Bruno----------

Would be serious business.
 
Red_Orchestra said:
Your thoughts on going French in the midfield with a pairing of Khephren Thruam and Maxence Caqueret.
Their chemistry would be superb because of national friendlies, Euros and World Cups.

Caqueret-Thuram
----------Bruno----------

Would be serious business.
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No Idea about the quality of Thuram and Caqueret but I have seen enough of Bruno and don't know how to put this politely but Any midfield combination that has Bruno as integral part can't be serious business at the highest level .
 
gajender said:
Any midfield combination having Bruno as integral part can't serious business at the highest level to put it politely .
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You're right, but we're not moving Bruno. So.....Mount it is.

Caqueret-Thuram
---------Mount---------
 
Red_Orchestra said:
You're right, but we're not moving Bruno. So.....Mount it is.

Caqueret-Thuram
---------Mount---------
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Though Mount has lot of question marks himself but with our season more or less over I would like him to replace Bruno in the starting 11 once he is fit and see whether he is upto the task or not .

Infact integrate more and more youngsters to find out their level in next 6 months So that we have better idea for the Summer in terms of what's needed .
 
I think if everyone’s fit, our best midfield would be a 4231 with Bruno, Casemiro & Mainoo.

We need someone who can rotate in those deeper roles with Casemiro & Mainoo. Bruno is covered by Mount/Amad etc.
 
Palhinha, all day every day! Miles better than any midfielder we have.. Except for Casemiro but he isn't going to be able to play every single week.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
We'll have to agree to disagree on that one then. Did Gravenberch drop as much as de Jong did? No, but that was simply down to the system change, as you mentioned. However, if there was a number 8, out of he and Berghuis to help with the build up play, then it was Gravenberch. It was similar to what we saw Eriksen do last season, when he was in a midfield three with Casemiro and Bruno. Whilst he pushed high up at times, he'd sometimes drop to help in the build up phase.

I'm not sure what ten Hag was planning, but if it was to play a midfield three of de Jong, Eriksen and Bruno, I personally feel that would have been too open. Eriksen isn't a Schone type, where he could cover for de Jong if/when he gets forward. Yes, you mentioned de Jong has very good defensive stats, and I understand that, but Schone was also defensively sound, and the both of them worked very well in tandem. Would that have happened with a pivot of de Jong and Eriksen? I'm not sure it would have.

You may argue that it worked with a midfield three of Mainoo, Eirksen and Bruno, but this is where I pointed out how both Mainoo and De Jong differ. Mainoo is a number 6 in the mold of Busquets, Rodri, Carrick, etc. He starts attacks, but doesn't really venture from that holding position, whereas de Jong is more of a roaming plamaker, if you like, ala Modric, Scholes, Gundogan, etc, and needs someone with the runner power to cover him, as mentioned above with Schone.

Now, a midfield of Mainoo, de Jong and Bruno would be perfect, in my opinion, especially if we were to set up how ten Hag set up in 18/19.

Bruno
de Jong - Mainoo

However, we've moved on from that, and recent evidence and signings have suggested ten Hag wants to play with a single pivot, as opposed to a double, with two more adventurous number 8's.

During pre season, we saw ten Hag experiment with two midfields:

Mount Bruno
Mainoo

Against Madrid:

Mainoo Mount
Casemiro

Unfortunately, Mainoo had to go off very earlier in that game, so we didn't get to see how that midfield three would fare, but I think it was something ten Hag had in his head for the so called 'tougher' games.

We see Arteta sometimes doing it, with Rice pushing into the 8 role and Jorginho coming in as the 6.

Next season, as much as people won't like it, I think we'll mainly see a midfield of Mainoo, Mount and Bruno.

Now, I agree Mainoo has replaced de Jong in terms of his calmness and the fact that he's press resistant, but de Jong has the ability to carry the ball up the pitch. There's no one in our current squad who can do that, hence why we should still be after a de Jong type player to play as the deeper 8, with Mainoo as the 6 and Bruno/Mount as the advanced 8.
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I believe one of the no 1 reason ten Hag wanted Frenkie because he’s press resistant and he’s the ideal player that ten Hag needs to allow his team playing from the back without losing possession.

Regarding Mainoo and de Jong being different or not is not really relevant. It’s about where Mainoo should play. Mainoo should be playing as no 6 imo and I think that’s the position ten Hag rates him because he is press resistant to allow United playing from the back without losing possession. Casemiro has capability to score goals in him and we had seen him running to the penalty box to score goals, if anything he’s more suitable to play box to box or no 8 than Mainoo in a team that wants to play from the back.
 
chicha14 said:
Palhinha, all day every day! Miles better than any midfielder we have.. Except for Casemiro but he isn't going to be able to play every single week.
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No value. Too expensive, wrong age profile. Turning 29 before the next season and we are not challenging inside 1-2 years, at least. Just rebuild with players like Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund and buy younger players to play with them. We have lost our chances with Bruno's generation.
 
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Walters_19_MuFc said:
However, we've moved on from that, and recent evidence and signings have suggested ten Hag wants to play with a single pivot, as opposed to a double, with two more adventurous number 8's.

During pre season, we saw ten Hag experiment with two midfields:

Mount Bruno
Mainoo

Against Madrid:

Mainoo Mount
Casemiro

Unfortunately, Mainoo had to go off very earlier in that game, so we didn't get to see how that midfield three would fare, but I think it was something ten Hag had in his head for the so called 'tougher' games.

We see Arteta sometimes doing it, with Rice pushing into the 8 role and Jorginho coming in as the 6.

Next season, as much as people won't like it, I think we'll mainly see a midfield of Mainoo, Mount and Bruno.

Now, I agree Mainoo has replaced de Jong in terms of his calmness and the fact that he's press resistant, but de Jong has the ability to carry the ball up the pitch. There's no one in our current squad who can do that, hence why we should still be after a de Jong type player to play as the deeper 8, with Mainoo as the 6 and Bruno/Mount as the advanced 8.
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I agree with this.

Unfortunately I just don't think the Mount/Bruno combination will work in ether system. Both are just two attack minded.

In hindsight I wish we'd signed Ward-Prowse instead of Mount. It would have given us more balanced options. He could play in double pivot alongside either Mainoo or Casemiro, or he could play as an advanced 8 and give more balance than Mount/Eriksen/McTominay. Also seems like he'd have been content with a squad role.

People turn their nose up at such an unexciting name but he'd have been extremely solid for us, plus he's always fit and would have transformed our threat from set pieces. Could also cover as an inverted RB in emergencies.
 
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Zed is not dead said:
Have there been any news regarding Rabiot? His contract is due to expire this summer, maybe he’ll be less greedy this time
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He’s available to talk to clubs outside of Serie A as of today as he only signed a 12 month contract, much like I said last year on a free I’d 100% bring Rabiot in.

Rarely injured, technically good on the ball, tall, physically strong, good in the air, tactically astute, good positional sense, good range of passing and can pop up with a goal whilst being in his prime.

I’d bring in Rabiot and Thuram whilst moving on McTominay, VdB permanently and letting go of Amrabat. If we can bring in a quality younger defensive midfielder (aged between 23 and 27 ideally) I’d also let Casemiro go as well.
 
luke511 said:
@LuckyScout78 you’re going to have to save the thread for me
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I think Ten Hag will go for 433, in the future. Because lately He has used : Bruno - Mainoo - Eriksen

So let us take it at a starting point = United team building.

But since Mainoo had just came back from long time injury. I could observed his is not up to max speed, energy and intensity of the top level of premier league. And are not used and fit to play max intensity 3 games a week. Reason Ten Had said he took off Mainoo in the last game.
But this break with FA cup shall be positive for Mainoo to build up top speed, energy and intensity = top fitness level. To get the best out of the rest of the season.

So conclusion is i think and believe we could see a better and more dominate Mainoo. And it mean if he is good enough for a regular starter in a team chasing for the premier league title in the future? As a deep lying cm playmaker in a proactive football system?

The answer is yes. So let us set up a potential future line up 433.

A proactive and dominate 433 (Against teams United shall dominate) :

CDM/6 = Mainoo

RCM/8 = Bruno good enough for a regular starter? I think he will still be Ten Hag captain. So yes

LCM/8 = Eriksen? This can be a hard question. I am not sure sure. Even a fully fit Eriksen will dominate a lot against team United shall dominate. Because we all not Eriksen is not as his peak of his career. His intensity, work rate and energy are not the same compare to his peak, good old days. When he was at Spurs.
It his here i think Ten Hag shall find a replacement. Because i think and believe Mason Mount is not the regular answer too. In a team chasing to dominate and win premier league. United and Ten Hag need simply a peak close to Iniesta, Gudogan and David Silva level. Closest to top and world class level.

So here i will suggest and recommend United and Ten Hag go all in for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. This boy is only 20 years of age. But he is that kind of player that will make his team look like day and night with or without him. And i am talking about the attack, build up, creative , creating chances and scoring goals.
And Florian Wirtz is the real deal. When it come to creating and scoring goals. So United shall make a 100 £ mill bid for him this summer. And make his the first prior. Just look at last year and this year United struggling with creating chances and scoring goals. Bring this boy to Old Trafford then he will solve a lot of that problems.
Wirtz = one of the best attacking playmaker out there in the football market and world. And it match his 100 mill euros market value.

New LCM/8 = Florian Wirtz

Combine those 3 it will be like this :

Bruno - Mainoo - Wirtz

+ Now a more squad, depth and counter set up 433 :

CDM/6 = Casemiro still here after next summer? Amrabat still here after his loan period? Both of Amrabat and Casemiro is a more defensive CDM than Mainoo. Set up more for sitting back, break up opponent teams and counter attack. Against top teams like City, Liverpool, Bayer and Arsenal. Amrabat is younger and cover more area than Casemiro, but Casemiro has goals in him when it come to set pieces for United. A potential goalscorer there.
Casemiro was a top attack break up in his best. But at this current moment Amrabat might suit that role better.
It's difficult for me. So i will not make a end decision here. Let Ten Hag figure it out. Who he will prefer.

LCM/8 = Here we have Mason Mount. Who Ten Hag just bought last summer. So i think Mount will stay and be a part in United squad. But for me personally. Only as a squad, roate and depth player. And with that, he is good enough.


RCM/8 = Here we have McTom. Box to box player. Good enough as squad and depth player? Not in a proactive set up. Maybe in a more counter attack set up. Break up opponent attack in the midfield area. Then counter attack with full speed forward. He might suit that role.
But here i will go for a new and younger RCM. That will push Bruno for the starter.
The name and player i will go for is Arthur Vermeeren, soon 19 from Belgium. I think and believe this boy is a the real deal and i think he has the conistent mentality to make it at a top premier league club. Consistent top fighting mentality is important. When buying new player.


So set up this squad, depth and pushing for a starter line up :


Wermeeren/McTom - Casemiro or Amrabat? - Mount


So sum up of all i have written. I will conclude. Personally. I think and believe 2 new cm shall be enough. 2 really good ones. Upcoming really good CM player. Who both will strenght Uniteds creative and scoring goals ability.


Full squad in a 433 formation :

Bruno/Wermeeren/McTom - Mainoo,Casemiro or Amrabat - Wirtz/Mount/Eriksen


New CM players :

- Florian Wirtz. Current MV = 100 mill Euros. Best with ball = creative, creating and scoring goals part of the team and football. = summer transfer target.

- Arthur Wermeeren. RCM = 30 mill Euros. Clearly better with the ball than without. But not clearly as Wirtz. Wermeeren has better or more defensive ability in him than Wirtz.
I think and believe United and Ten Hag shall buy Wermeeren this January transfer window.
Buy him in this transfer window and let him back to RA rest of the season to keep play regular for his club. Or if Ten hag feel he needs Wermeeren for rest of the reason then keep him.
The most important is. Get his signature before others big clubs get him.

That is mine opinions for this thread and cm topic.
 
LuckyScout78 said:
I think Ten Hag will go for 433, in the future. Because lately He has used : Bruno - Mainoo - Eriksen

So let us take it at a starting point = United team building.

But since Mainoo had just came back from long time injury. I could observed his is not up to max speed, energy and intensity of the top level of premier league. And are not used and fit to play max intensity 3 games a week. Reason Ten Had said he took off Mainoo in the last game.
But this break with FA cup shall be positive for Mainoo to build up top speed, energy and intensity = top fitness level. To get the best out of the rest of the season.

So conclusion is i think and believe we could see a better and more dominate Mainoo. And it mean if he is good enough for a regular starter in a team chasing for the premier league title in the future? As a deep lying cm playmaker in a proactive football system?

The answer is yes. So let us set up a potential future line up 433.

A proactive and dominate 433 (Against teams United shall dominate) :

CDM/6 = Mainoo

RCM/8 = Bruno good enough for a regular starter? I think he will still be Ten Hag captain. So yes

LCM/8 = Eriksen? This can be a hard question. I am not sure sure. Even a fully fit Eriksen will dominate a lot against team United shall dominate. Because we all not Eriksen is not as his peak of his career. His intensity, work rate and energy are not the same compare to his peak, good old days. When he was at Spurs.
It his here i think Ten Hag shall find a replacement. Because i think and believe Mason Mount is not the regular answer too. In a team chasing to dominate and win premier league. United and Ten Hag need simply a peak close to Iniesta, Gudogan and David Silva level. Closest to top and world class level.

So here i will suggest and recommend United and Ten Hag go all in for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. This boy is only 20 years of age. But he is that kind of player that will make his team look like day and night with or without him. And i am talking about the attack, build up, creative , creating chances and scoring goals.
And Florian Wirtz is the real deal. When it come to creating and scoring goals. So United shall make a 100 £ mill bid for him this summer. And make his the first prior. Just look at last year and this year United struggling with creating chances and scoring goals. Bring this boy to Old Trafford then he will solve a lot of that problems.
Wirtz = one of the best attacking playmaker out there in the football market and world. And it match his 100 mill euros market value.

New LCM/8 = Florian Wirtz

Combine those 3 it will be like this :

Bruno - Mainoo - Wirtz

+ Now a more squad, depth and counter set up 433 :

CDM/6 = Casemiro still here after next summer? Amrabat still here after his loan period? Both of Amrabat and Casemiro is a more defensive CDM than Mainoo. Set up more for sitting back, break up opponent teams and counter attack. Against top teams like City, Liverpool, Bayer and Arsenal. Amrabat is younger and cover more area than Casemiro, but Casemiro has goals in him when it come to set pieces for United. A potential goalscorer there.
Casemiro was a top attack break up in his best. But at this current moment Amrabat might suit that role better.
It's difficult for me. So i will not make a end decision here. Let Ten Hag figure it out. Who he will prefer.

LCM/8 = Here we have Mason Mount. Who Ten Hag just bought last summer. So i think Mount will stay and be a part in United squad. But for me personally. Only as a squad, roate and depth player. And with that, he is good enough.


RCM/8 = Here we have McTom. Box to box player. Good enough as squad and depth player? Not in a proactive set up. Maybe in a more counter attack set up. Break up opponent attack in the midfield area. Then counter attack with full speed forward. He might suit that role.
But here i will go for a new and younger RCM. That will push Bruno for the starter.
The name and player i will go for is Arthur Vermeeren, soon 19 from Belgium. I think and believe this boy is a the real deal and i think he has the conistent mentality to make it at a top premier league club. Consistent top fighting mentality is important. When buying new player.


So set up this squad, depth and pushing for a starter line up :


Wermeeren/McTom - Casemiro or Amrabat? - Mount


So sum up of all i have written. I will conclude. Personally. I think and believe 2 new cm shall be enough. 2 really good ones. Upcoming really good CM player. Who both will strenght Uniteds creative and scoring goals ability.


Full squad in a 433 formation :

Bruno/Wermeeren/McTom - Mainoo,Casemiro or Amrabat - Wirtz/Mount/Eriksen


New CM players :

- Florian Wirtz. Current MV = 100 mill Euros. Best with ball = creative, creating and scoring goals part of the team and football. = summer transfer target.

- Arthur Wermeeren. RCM = 30 mill Euros. Clearly better with the ball than without. But not clearly as Wirtz. Wermeeren has better or more defensive ability in him than Wirtz.
I think and believe United and Ten Hag shall buy Wermeeren this January transfer window.
Buy him in this transfer window and let him back to RA rest of the season to keep play regular for his club. Or if Ten hag feel he needs Wermeeren for rest of the reason then keep him.
The most important is. Get his signature before others big clubs get him.

That is mine opinions for this thread and cm topic.
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Glorious.
 
It won't happen but I'd sell Bruno, Mount, McT and let Amrabat go back to Florence. But we shouldn't sign anyone until we have the right football people in above ETH.

Eriksen can still be a squad player here in the short term but while we continue to focus our team around Bruno and him being the creative force, I don't see us making the step back to elite level on the pitch. Not saying he's shite, albeit I don't think he's been great this season, but the way he plays means systematically we're floored before we start.

Also Bruno will be 30 this year so really isn't part of our future, I reckon the Saudis would pay a pretty penny for him too!
 
mikeyt said:
It won't happen but I'd sell Bruno, Mount, McT and let Amrabat go back to Florence. But we shouldn't sign anyone until we have the right football people in above ETH.

Eriksen can still be a squad player here in the short term but while we continue to focus our team around Bruno and him being the creative force, I don't see us making the step back to elite level on the pitch. Not saying he's shite, albeit I don't think he's been great this season, but the way he plays means systematically we're floored before we start.

Also Bruno will be 30 this year so really isn't part of our future, I reckon the Saudis would pay a pretty penny for him too!
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What's the biggest outlay on transfer fee for Saudi Clubs , no disrespect to Bruno but I don't think he has the profile or standing in the game which could prompt Saudi to spend big on him in term of transfer fees .

I don't see them offering more than 40 m to be honest .
 
McFred said:
Kimmich looks to be available according to Sky, but PSG seems likely.

Good player, intelligent and press resistant, and can also play RB. Out of Utds reach financially right now though
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Absolutely the wrong age profile to target right now. We need to move on from signing players who earns a lot and has no resale value.

I would still keep Casemiro for another season, while letting go McTominay and Eriksen. Add one in Onana and Moscardo (or another prospect). That would leave us with Bruno, Mount, Mainoo, Onana, Casemiro and Moscardo/other youngster.
 
Svartzonker said:
Absolutely the wrong age profile to target right now. We need to move on from signing players who earns a lot and has no resale value.

I would still keep Casemiro for another season, while letting go McTominay and Eriksen. Add one in Onana and Moscardo (or another prospect). That would leave us with Bruno, Mount, Mainoo, Onana, Casemiro and Moscardo/other youngster.
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With Casemiro, Varane, Maguire, Eriksen, Evans and others all looking like they're on their way out, it could be beneficial to have a 28 year old to come in and help guide the likes of Mainoo, Garnacho, Holjund, Gore, Kambwala, Amad and we will undoubtedly sign another young talent or two who will be in the squad.

We need to figure out the right blend of experienced players in their prime and younger players who can offer something now if we want to challenge for titles.
 
Saw us linked with Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough. What's he like? Does anyone know?
 
Redivy said:
With Casemiro, Varane, Maguire, Eriksen, Evans and others all looking like they're on their way out, it could be beneficial to have a 28 year old to come in and help guide the likes of Mainoo, Garnacho, Holjund, Gore, Kambwala, Amad and we will undoubtedly sign another young talent or two who will be in the squad.

We need to figure out the right blend of experienced players in their prime and younger players who can offer something now if we want to challenge for titles.
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If we lose Casemiro this summer, I agree with the sentiment of buying a more experienced player in the middle of the park. I’d prefer we go for Barella though personally, as I can’t think of any Bayern key players that they have agreed to sell on that have gone on to do well at their new club + I think Barella will suit the prem like a glove + he’s a year younger.
 
Let’s make things clear , if Sir Jim is allowing a £250-300m spend after he’s inserted his own DOF and Head of scouting then rest assured young British talent will be top of the shopping list.

Ineos Summer Targets will look like this ;
Jared Branthwaite, Dominic Solanke, Alex Scott, R Sesseghnon, E Ferguson, M Olise, Eberchi Eze, Marc Gheui, Morgan Gibbs White, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and maybe Ivan Toney.

There will be one or two max players not from the PL, maybe Todibo and Frimpong.
He’s clearing out Casemiro, Eriksen, Martisl and Varane to clear £1.1m off the wage bill and hopefully get £40m back in transfer fees.
 
Arthur Vermeeren (18)
Martin Zubimendi (24)

Young, dynamic national players of Belgium and Spain respectively. Vermeeren, we should try to get in this winter. With nothing to play for it would be a good period to introduce him to the team and PL.
 
Onerealunited said:
Arthur Vermeeren (18)
Martin Zubimendi (24)

Young, dynamic national players of Belgium and Spain respectively. Vermeeren, we should try to get in this winter. With nothing to play for it would be a good period to introduce him to the team and PL.
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I like both of these players but can't see either coming in until the summer, I can definitely see Vermeeren being bought but not sure about Zubimendi.
 
honirelandboy said:
We have Bruno, Mainoo, Mount, Eriksen Casemeiro. Do you realize they were injured all season except Bruno so I would say one world class midfielder.
Miretti would be ideal signing along with Mainoo playing beside him, You can't get more excited with Mainoo, Miretti, Bruno, Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.
The future is looking bright.
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Transfer fans always exaggerate how many signings are needed and how many will actually happen. There's likely to be other threads of "We need 3 new defenders", "we need a whole new set of forwards" and "the bench should be completely replaced". Basically everyone but Martinez, Mainoo and Garnacho will be talked about as needing replacing.
 
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