Seeing how well Rafael played at the weekend (yes, it was only QPR) reminds of the value of having a proper right-back playing rather than the usual players out of position/Valencia out of position options we have to deploy. If we do any business in January then a proper back-up right-back would be high on my list for when Rafael is out, particularly with Varela having gone to Madrid.
What approach would you like to see from us in coming transfer windows?
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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.
Hopefully we go back to buying on the cheap and keeping the next Cleverley and Welbeck around for 3-5 years while our rivals buy the best talent in the world.
Id like us to buy two or three teenagers Ive never heard of who have been creating ripples of excitement across the lower leagues, but who are unlikely to be ready to step up to the PL level for several years, if ever.
2 center halves, a right back, a couple of young wingers and the sale of Evans, Felliani, Valencia and Young.
Is the EXACT thing I would like to see in the next window.
In general though, I'd like us to see looking at genuine exciting young talent rather than just seeing what sticks.
Is the EXACT thing I would like to see in the next window.
In general though, I'd like us to see looking at genuine exciting young talent rather than just seeing what sticks.
Two centre halfs? Do you not think 6 would be overkill?
I'm not counting Rojo as a center half at the moment, rather as a left back.
Selling Evans.
So it would be 5, for the second half of the season, then making a decision on Smalling and Jones future in the summer.
I dont think 2 first choice, 2 replacements and 1 youth player is over staffing in that area.
Rojo is definitely a CB once Shaw is fit and selling Evans would be daft, you'd be hard pushed to find a better centre back around his age. Our current lot all just need to settle and mature a bit and stop being such fannies.
Evans is 27 years old in in january , what are we saying, there are no better Center backs available than Evans?
That is effectively what its saying, you would be hard pushed to find a better center back at all than Jonny Evans.
Which is a bit silly, because you are probably a better Center back than Evans is.
Oh, you're one of those that don't rate him, well this is a pointless argument, best to stop here it'll be circles.
If I rated him, I wouldn't be advocating getting shot of him would I?
Game of opinions and all that, some people think he is great, some people think he is garbage, I've always thought he is garbage but that does not mean someone else cant think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
I'm pretty much in agreement with the policy of buying 2-3 big names next Summer, A strong CB, A Defensive Midfielder and a Right Back along with Falcao granted everything works out.
If I was to throw names out there I would say for CB i'd be in for Hummels and be monitoring the situation of Varane at Real Madrid, If you wanted to throw a wildcard in I would say Eder Balanta from River Plate, He is young and has massive potential. For DM I think it's pretty much in the stars to be Strootman granted everything goes well in his recovery and at RB I think Cuardrado would be the best choice.
Going forward after that I would go with the policy we had prior to the last 5 years in signing World Class players when needed surrounded by young talented players. When we are talking about scouting one thing that I often think is that why the club (or any major club for that matter) has not tried to poach the scouts from FC Porto, Who seem to be streets ahead in terms of finding top class young talent who become world class players
If I was to throw names out there I would say for CB i'd be in for Hummels and be monitoring the situation of Varane at Real Madrid, If you wanted to throw a wildcard in I would say Eder Balanta from River Plate, He is young and has massive potential. For DM I think it's pretty much in the stars to be Strootman granted everything goes well in his recovery and at RB I think Cuardrado would be the best choice.
Going forward after that I would go with the policy we had prior to the last 5 years in signing World Class players when needed surrounded by young talented players. When we are talking about scouting one thing that I often think is that why the club (or any major club for that matter) has not tried to poach the scouts from FC Porto, Who seem to be streets ahead in terms of finding top class young talent who become world class players
It wouldnt make any sense to employ the scouts of porto, because most talents that make it big would never achieve the same at a club like United (or any other top club).
My only (fairly vague) expectation is, that Woody/LvG dont randomly buy available players, but identify exactly what they need and act accordingly. Big name, small name, cheap, expansive, star or talent. All is fine as long as he exactly fits the bill. I also prefer players that are nailed on for one role instead of "versatile players", who cant convince in any role.
My only (fairly vague) expectation is, that Woody/LvG dont randomly buy available players, but identify exactly what they need and act accordingly. Big name, small name, cheap, expansive, star or talent. All is fine as long as he exactly fits the bill. I also prefer players that are nailed on for one role instead of "versatile players", who cant convince in any role.
Porto (and other Portuguese clubs) provide many South Americans with an entry to Europe. They wouldn't get the work permit if you brought them directly to the club.
I think we should work on our feeder club situation though.
I'd actually go for one more box-to-box CM to supplement Herrera and that's it..the Sahin, Pogba, Bender kind of players.
January, I wouldn't want us to do any business - but in the summer, we have to to sign atleast 2 top players, not Real Madrid style, but something closer to what Chelsea is doing, yes, like or loathe them, they've been impressive in the transfer market recently. In the summer, I'll like us to try and get Khedira, who will be available on a free transfer and break the bank for either Hummels or Varane. Every summer, we have to make sensible additions to the squad to continually refresh it. United should be able to make 1 top class addition to the squad every single summer.
How would you fit Falcao, Rooney, Di Maria, Mata, Herrera, Blind, Another CM in one team?
I was thinking of rotation, not a regular starter.
Sven Bender looked very good last night.
Very generally speaking - Di Maria & Januzaj
IE Pay top dollars for the best available and rely on our youth team for the occasional addition.
Next summer - sign Ronaldo, Reus, Hummels, Strootman, sell Young, Valencia, Fellaini...
IE Pay top dollars for the best available and rely on our youth team for the occasional addition.
Next summer - sign Ronaldo, Reus, Hummels, Strootman, sell Young, Valencia, Fellaini...
Think by the end of season we will be in same situation as cfc were last year - have 9 or 10/11 of a title winning first 11 in place and know exactly what we need to complete the jigsaw and get it done. Then we can spend rest of the summer focussing on getting best youth players in Europe and seeping backup options.
I'd like to see us bringing in a world class player each summer of the same ilk as Di Maria along with an exciting prospect with world class potential. We can use our financial muscle to get these players and we can look to promote from within, we seem to have sorted our scouting and youth policy so we can hope to see quality like Pogba, Morrison and Januzaj coming through a little more regularly.
I think Chelsea set a good example on the right way to go about doing things. Have a philosophy and formation and then assess the squad and buy players who are an upgrade on what we already have or what we need. If we can buy a better CB than what we have like Hummels then go for it. But I don't want us to repeat the mistake of buying for the sake of it which leads to us stockpiling average players by just going for someone adequate like Vlaar for example. If we do need to add depth, I'd prefer we target young players with potential or promote from within if we have anyone good enough.
In regards to superstar signings, I got muppet in me to, but I don't think we should sign players because of their status if there's no room for them. A good example would be Reus. If LVG decides that this 4-4-2 diamond is what we're going to play from now on, then I don't see the point considering he'd either play in Mata's role or Di Maria's role, so he's not really needed as things stand. You could argue that we could keep them happy, but Real Madrid who has proven itself to have more pulling power than us, can't seem to keep top players who are relegated to squad players happy, so I don't see us doing the same.
In regards to superstar signings, I got muppet in me to, but I don't think we should sign players because of their status if there's no room for them. A good example would be Reus. If LVG decides that this 4-4-2 diamond is what we're going to play from now on, then I don't see the point considering he'd either play in Mata's role or Di Maria's role, so he's not really needed as things stand. You could argue that we could keep them happy, but Real Madrid who has proven itself to have more pulling power than us, can't seem to keep top players who are relegated to squad players happy, so I don't see us doing the same.
I agree
I do not get going for strootman now, when di maria herrera and blind are filling those positions now, we do not really need strootman or a vidal. Justafter the season ended, we needed in midfield, 2 CM players and a world class winger, we have got all 3 required. Has for rues, why waist more money on rues, when mata can play that role perfectly.
I think we are fine for midfielders this season, and in blind herrera di maria and mata in a diamond is a really good balance
It depends (if we are talking about next summer). If our defenders do the job i finally show that they can do it for us, then why should we buy any new CB/LB, while we do need an RB (back up).
If they don't make it, then we will need another CB.
But I would go for another midfielder, or two, again it depends the midfielders do this season.
What I am worried are our strikers, not for next year, or maybe 2, but then we will suddenly need 2 new strikers and that if Wilson makes it.
If they don't make it, then we will need another CB.
But I would go for another midfielder, or two, again it depends the midfielders do this season.
What I am worried are our strikers, not for next year, or maybe 2, but then we will suddenly need 2 new strikers and that if Wilson makes it.
Yeah, I'd really like this too. Or a Bayern Munich approach of buying the best national talent in the league (we'll have a bit more trouble with this than they do) and ruthlessly and efficiently improve positions we need to - RB cover/competition for Rafael, a top CB etc...
If we really want to spend big on at least one signing every year then I would love us to break the world transfer record for Koke if that's what it takes to get him. If Chelsea get him (and he is such a Mourinho type player) their team really will be unbeatable!
I think Strootman would be a good signing because if Herrera or Di Maria was to get injured, it would mean Anderson, Fellaini or Fletcher would have to deputise and I don't think they are upto scratch. I do think Strootman would be in direct competition with Herrera for the starting spot and I think that is a good thing to keep players on their toes.
As regards Mata, I hope he gets to cement his place in the 4-1-2-1-2 and we don't start to see Rooney taking his place with Van Persie and Falcao ahead of him.
I don't think we need a lot unless we really are going all out every year Real Madrid style.
Backup right back and another midfielder for next season would be good. Hopefully we will get in the a Champions League, if so we probably want another winger. CB positions just need monitoring. We haven't seen Rojo there yet, Jones has been doing well, Smalling & Evans need to up their current levels but both are capable and of course we have Blackett coming through.
Tbh I wouldn't want to see us turning the squad upside down every year. That's when you do lose the identity of a club.
Backup right back and another midfielder for next season would be good. Hopefully we will get in the a Champions League, if so we probably want another winger. CB positions just need monitoring. We haven't seen Rojo there yet, Jones has been doing well, Smalling & Evans need to up their current levels but both are capable and of course we have Blackett coming through.
Tbh I wouldn't want to see us turning the squad upside down every year. That's when you do lose the identity of a club.
Top CB, a talented young RB and another CM, in the Herrera/Koke mould, in the next two windows. If we lose one of Di Maria and Herrera or both then we'd be in a spot of bother because the fall in quality would be huge. For the wing I think Januzaj, Lingard and a rehabilitated Nani with the addition of Di Maria in certain games will do for this and next season unless someone tries to snap up Depay, we don't need to sign one, or if Reus becomes a possibility.
top class CB talent (preferably Hummels/Varane, pipe dreams or not)
top class defensive midfield signing (preferably Vidal/Strootman, although I'm guessing the Vidal ship has sailed)
get rid of Anderson, Young, Valencia, Fletcher, Fellaini and keep an eye on Carrick's inevitable decline.
after that I'd like us to focus a bit more on bringin youth players through, but first thing's first.
I don't necessarily like the "Madrid mentality" but it had/has to be done, atleast to stop the freefall.
top class defensive midfield signing (preferably Vidal/Strootman, although I'm guessing the Vidal ship has sailed)
get rid of Anderson, Young, Valencia, Fletcher, Fellaini and keep an eye on Carrick's inevitable decline.
after that I'd like us to focus a bit more on bringin youth players through, but first thing's first.
I don't necessarily like the "Madrid mentality" but it had/has to be done, atleast to stop the freefall.
For the following window I would like to see us focus on English players and the very best established internationals from around the world.
the reason for this is as follows.
1/ the FA have said that they want to more strictly enforce the work permit rules meaning that players must have played in 75% of their teams internationals in the last two years - they also want to strictly limit / stop the number of players coming through on special talent / appeal as such I believe it prudent to be focusing on players who fulfil this criteria.
2/ We have been promised an in / out referendum on Europe dependent on the next election and I can see that becoming a reality - as unfortunately (IMO) I can see the out votes winning. If that does happen then the right of free movement / work becomes an issue and the likes of Janauzj, Herrera, De Gea and Mata suddenly wouldnt as the rules stand qualify for a work permit! - now there may be special dispensation for people working over here, but then again there may not - one thing is for sure if it does happen all English players premium goes up so perhaps its prudent to invest in the talent now rather than risk it? The ramifications for English clubs being able to compete at the top in Europe could be pretty serious as I imagine all of us could potentially loose the right to field some of our first team and certainly it would impact on numerous young players we all have coming through the ranks. So paying big bucks for players like Barkley, Hughes, Stones, Clyne, Butland might be a good insurance policy - afterall if my nightmare scenario did not come to pass then we could sell them on at probably no great loss but on the other hand they could be vital should things become very messed up post a refferendum
the reason for this is as follows.
1/ the FA have said that they want to more strictly enforce the work permit rules meaning that players must have played in 75% of their teams internationals in the last two years - they also want to strictly limit / stop the number of players coming through on special talent / appeal as such I believe it prudent to be focusing on players who fulfil this criteria.
2/ We have been promised an in / out referendum on Europe dependent on the next election and I can see that becoming a reality - as unfortunately (IMO) I can see the out votes winning. If that does happen then the right of free movement / work becomes an issue and the likes of Janauzj, Herrera, De Gea and Mata suddenly wouldnt as the rules stand qualify for a work permit! - now there may be special dispensation for people working over here, but then again there may not - one thing is for sure if it does happen all English players premium goes up so perhaps its prudent to invest in the talent now rather than risk it? The ramifications for English clubs being able to compete at the top in Europe could be pretty serious as I imagine all of us could potentially loose the right to field some of our first team and certainly it would impact on numerous young players we all have coming through the ranks. So paying big bucks for players like Barkley, Hughes, Stones, Clyne, Butland might be a good insurance policy - afterall if my nightmare scenario did not come to pass then we could sell them on at probably no great loss but on the other hand they could be vital should things become very messed up post a refferendum
The problem with trying to adopt a 'Buying English' approach similar to what Bayern do is that unfortunately there just isn't the high standard of young English players coming through to be able to do that, Hence why the national team is failing. You could argue that when we have done that it hasn't really worked out in recent times with Young, Smalling and Jones (although the latter 2 could still make it, The progress has been slow from them). When you think about young English players who would genuinely improve our squad at the moment I think apart from Sterling then the only 2 obvious candidates are Ross Barkley and John Stones, I would be very happy if we got Stones as he is a capable RB and an excellent CB with the ball at his feet, Barkley would also be great cover from the bench to provide energy and drive, He wouldn't come cheap at all though, For the price it would cost to get him we could easily buy the likes of Vidal, Hummels etc.
I don't think that Barkley would improve us at all, while Blackett would be the new deal if just he would be an Everton player, if you know what I mean.
Box to box player, with presence and power to help dominate. Someone along the lines of Pogba/Strootman/Schweinstieger. Back up right back.
Get rid of more of the dross, I.E. Young, Valencia etc.
Get rid of more of the dross, I.E. Young, Valencia etc.
To be honest, yes. What is the current world transfer fee in £'s, about £85 million? You seriously think Koke is worth that amount of money? Astounding.
Yes I do! THE complete midfielder, 22 year old, never injured, made for the Premier League. If we could possibly spend around 50 mil for a 28 year old Falcao with injury record or 30 year old Ronaldo, then we can add another 35 mil for such a young and unique player if we have the money anyway.
Atletico are my 2nd team, I watch them week in, week out and even go to the Calderon quite a bit and even I can admit Koke is not worth 85million, Yes he a good player now and will get even better but to say he should break the World Transfer record is ludicrous, He needs to establish him in the Spain team before anything like that can even be considered
Unfortunately for Evans, he always seems to have at least 1 bad mistake in him every game. And those mistakes always get punished. Personally, I'm always nervous when he gets the ball.
I'm in somewhat of agreement with that. Which is a shame really, considering Young had a great pre-season, showing promise, but will be tough to sell without losing money on him. Fellaini, well a guaranteed loss of money. Valencia had some great seasons here, but he's just turned so predictable. And Evans, well it's academy player again, it's always sad to see them not fulfil potential here.