What approach would you like to see from us in coming transfer windows?

[JustAFan]

A few players with some guts who do not fall to pieces would be the best approach

 

[Pexbo]

Two top quality defenders and nothing less, oh and Strootman.

 

[JoaquinJoaquin]

Besides Hummels or Subotic, can anyone name a top centre back who would be available because I'm finding it very hard to think of one. They are like rare commodities these days.

That's the problem right there, Aside from those 2 we are probably going to have 'take a chance' on a player slightly below that tier or players who have the potential to get there, On top of my head the only ones that spring to mind is maybe Vertonghen and Eder Balanta as the 'potential star' choice.

Vertonghen is adaptable across the back 4 and I think in a better team he would stand out to, Now the problem with him is that he is prone to mistakes which he would need to cut out and plus Spurs are a nightmare to deal with.

Balanta is young and has huge potential, is strong in the air, can read the game and is quite quick on his feet to, The problems with him is that he doesn't speak the language (although might not be an issue with the amount of Spanish speakers we now have) and that again we would be gambling with the 'potential' aspect, something that hasn't really been successful with Smalling and Jones thus far

 

[simonhch]

I'd like us to build the squad to a point where we have two quality players in every position and add players who are tactically versatile. Continuing to cut the weak and meek is also essential.

We need to:

Sign a right back or promote Varela (assuming he doesn't leave).
Sign a commanding centre half. (Critical)
Sell one of Smalling or Evans.
Sign a midfielder who can play DM and box to box.
Assuming Carrick comes back fine, probably release Fletcher (hurts me to say it).
Sell Fellaini.
Sign a wide forward with pace. Ronaldo or Reus.
Sell Young.
Sell Valencia.
Promote Pereira, Pearson and Wilson.

I believe we could raise over 85m from the permanent sales of Smalling (10) , fellaini (15), Chicharito (15), Nani (10), zaha (7.5), Powell (5), young (5m), Valencia (5m), henriquez (5m) and Keane x 2 (10). And those are based on very low prices. I would expect Smalling to fetch 15m in today's market for example, but I've listed him at 10.

So all fringe players gone. Then we spend on Hummels (35m), Ronaldo (60m), strootman (30m). Net is about 35m. Plus Falcao, another 25-35m. Add to that two more squad players, a RB as back up and a punt on another cm or an emerging talent like Depay.

Alternative targets to the three mentioned would be Chiellini (15-20m), Reus (25-30m), Pogba (60m).

4-3-3

De Gea - Lindegaard
Rafael - signing
Shaw - Blackett
Jones - Evans
Hummels - Rojo
Blind - Carrick
Herrera - strootman
Di Maria - Januzaj
Rooney - mata
Ronaldo - Van Persie
Falcao - Wilson

+ Thorpe, McNair, pereira, Pearson, lingard

The first xi list is purely hypothetical. This is assuming champions league participation, so I'd expect Rojo, Carrick, strootman, Januzaj, mata, RVP and Wilson to be getting lots of starts. It also allows us LVG to expose the talented youngsters to his methods and really bring on their development.

After what we saw this summer, I think it entirely plausible that we could execute this over two/three windows.

 

[Devil may care]

I always thought we'd gravitate towards 4-3-3 but no I am starting to think the diamond will be here to stay for quite a while with at least 2 of Rooney, RvP and Falcao likely to be around for some time yet. If so I think we need another pacey forward player to add to the options and we need two more CM's, one box to box and one #6.

I think the fact we need at least 1 top CB goes without saying, but I guess I said/typed it anyway.

 

[NoPace]

I always thought we'd gravitate towards 4-3-3 but no I am starting to think the diamond will be here to stay for quite a while with at least 2 of Rooney, RvP and Falcao likely to be around for some time yet. If so I think we need another pacey forward player to add to the options and we need two more CM's, one box to box and one #6.

I think the fact we need at least 1 top CB goes without saying, but I guess I said/typed it anyway.

I think Wilson and Januzaj will cover the pacey forward part.

Definitely agree we need another CM to rotate with Herrera and Di Maria and allow us to play Di Maria further up the pitch as a winger at times when LVG wants that option.

Basically:
1) Fellaini, Cleverley and Anderson go and a more mobile, intelligent CM who can play the wide-ish roles Di Maria and Herrera play comes in. Ideally, Koke.

2) CB signed unless 3 of our 4 current ones look the part by the end of the year, which at this point looks unlikely. More likely, Evans or Smalling goes and we sign a CB, giving us Signing-Rojo-Jones-Evans/Smalling as our main 4 and then 2 of McNair, Thorpe, Blackett or some young CB prospect we sign isn't loaned out and is 5th choice.

That would do me fine.

In terms of long-term approach, we need to stop signing central attacking players, keep spending money and we'll be great again.

 

[Ramshock]

I wish people would get over Hummels already. Depending on injuries we may not move for anyone. I think if someone unexpectedly becomes available and we want him we may bring someone in but apart from that it will be slim pickings

 

[kundalini]

Let go of old players and those whose contracts are up in the summer. Promote youth. Incoming transfers kept to a minimum.

Do not buy anyone 27 or older, or anyone with serious injury concerns.

We have done our radical change. Now we need continuity.

 

[Devil may care]

I think Wilson and Januzaj will cover the pacey forward part.

Definitely agree we need another CM to rotate with Herrera and Di Maria and allow us to play Di Maria further up the pitch as a winger at times when LVG wants that option.

Basically:
1) Fellaini, Cleverley and Anderson go and a more mobile, intelligent CM who can play the wide-ish roles Di Maria and Herrera play comes in. Ideally, Koke.

2) CB signed unless 3 of our 4 current ones look the part by the end of the year, which at this point looks unlikely. More likely, Evans or Smalling goes and we sign a CB, giving us Signing-Rojo-Jones-Evans/Smalling as our main 4 and then 2 of McNair, Thorpe, Blackett or some young CB prospect we sign isn't loaned out and is 5th choice.

That would do me fine.

In terms of long-term approach, we need to stop signing central attacking players, keep spending money and we'll be great again.

I should have actually said a pacey and versatile forward, I think Wilson seems to have a good all round game but isn't a wide attacker. I was thinking someone like Reus or Memphis.

I think we can clear out all of the previous CM's including Fletcher and maybe even Carrick who will be 34 next season, it depends on how he plays when he comes back. Then buy in a physical CM and another versatile CM to give depth of options and competition for Blind and Herrera.

Agreed on the CB's, my guess is one slightly older, top quality one brought in and hopefully the continued development of Jones, Rojo, Blackett and McNair.

 

[Bwuk]

A name that doesn't get mentioned much but if Gundogan does manage to recover this year at Dortmund, break the bank for him. World class.

Just got to see how he gets on with his back though.

 

[Devil may care]

A name that doesn't get mentioned much but if Gundogan does manage to recover this year at Dortmund, break the bank for him. World class.

Just got to see how he gets on with his back though.

I agree, apparently he only signed a one year extension with Dortmund so if he shows he has fully recovered over the course of the season I'd love to see us go in for him next summer, he was on his way to becoming one of the best CM's in the world.

 

[ryan_forlan]

If we make it in to the CL we have to take care of the following things by the end of the next Summer transfer window:
1. Lose one out of RvP, Rooney, Falcao and Mata
2. Have Nani back in the squad, competing with Adnan for the first back-up spot as a CAM or wide-forward.
3. Buy one starting winger/wide-forward etc
4. Sell Fellaini, Young, Evans
5. Sell Cleverley, Chicharito
6. Buy a starting CM. Some one to partner Herrera. In a midfield two who will play behind Rooney. I am not sure if the CM has to be a box-to-box hardman like or a pass master like Xavi/Kroos.
7. Buy a starting CB
8. Buy an experienced RB to share the role with Rafa.

I feel we should start working towards this plan in the coming transfer window.

 

[Glanville95]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people still clamouring for Nani to have a future here. Despite his obvious talent, he hasn't performed for nigh on three seasons at the club and you can interpret that for any reasons that you like, but that is practically indisputable. I doubt the player sees any future here and probably lacks the motivation to compete and find his top level at the club (which seems pretty apparent when you watch his most recent displays here). He's a player just like Anderson who has been here long enough and from his own perspective, should take on a different challenge.

We really need to sever ties with Nani and I highly doubt we will see him play for United ever again.

 

[Hellboy]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people still clamouring for Nani to have a future here. Despite his obvious talent, he hasn't performed for nigh on three seasons at the club and you can interpret that for any reasons that you like, but that is practically indisputable. I doubt the player sees any future here and probably lacks the motivation to compete and find his top level at the club (which seems pretty apparent when you watch his most recent displays here). He's a player just like Anderson who has been here long enough and from his own perspective, should take on a different challenge.

We really need to sever ties with Nani and I highly doubt we will see him play for United ever again.

True. Nani needs to be the main man, which he won't be at United for different reasons. Hopefully his performances will fetch a decent fee for him.

 

[ryan_forlan]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people still clamouring for Nani to have a future here. Despite his obvious talent, he hasn't performed for nigh on three seasons at the club and you can interpret that for any reasons that you like, but that is practically indisputable. I doubt the player sees any future here and probably lacks the motivation to compete and find his top level at the club (which seems pretty apparent when you watch his most recent displays here). He's a player just like Anderson who has been here long enough and from his own perspective, should take on a different challenge.

We really need to sever ties with Nani and I highly doubt we will see him play for United ever again.

1) I feel he was given a contract and sent out on loan, with us paying all of his fee, cause LvG wants to give him a chance. He realizes that Nani can't help the starting XI much with the kind of mentality and form he is in. But LvG thinks he has it in him to make it at United as a useful player.
2) The loan move can bring his confidence, form and continuity back. That is what he needs.

I really believe that a good season at Sporting will do him wonders. He can be a great threat from the bench. If we have UCL next year, he will get enough games, no doubt.

 

[Glanville95]

1) I feel he was given a contract and sent out on loan, with us paying all of his fee, cause LvG wants to give him a chance. He realizes that Nani can't help the starting XI much with the kind of mentality and form he is in. But LvG thinks he has it in him to make it at United as a useful player.
2) The loan move can bring his confidence, form and continuity back. That is what he needs.

I really believe that a good season at Sporting will do him wonders. He can be a great threat from the bench. If we have UCL next year, he will get enough games, no doubt.

Perhaps I'm taking a more cynical stance here, but Nani's was offered a new contract, because he had less than a year remaining on his current one and the club wanted to add to his market value. It isn't as if prior to the new contract he was some indispensable and integral player in superb form. I'm not sure whether van Gaal sees a future for him either. He stated his desire to judge players after playing under him and Nani was utterly atrocious on tour even if it was in a new role.

The loan move might see Nani find his level. I haven't exactly followed his progress at Sporting, as I'm really not interested, but even if he does play well with more confidence, it isn't set in stone that he translates that form over to United next season. Plus, he might not have the same motivation knowing he's returning to a superior club with far greater competition and one that he hasn't excelled and been given much of a chance for three years.

Personally, I am fed up of seeing the club cling to players and fail to show any ruthlessness when it comes to offloading players. It's not that I think Nani is a bad player, but like Anderson, he has been here far too long and certainly hasn't justified his tenure over the past few years. I want to see us sell out of principle, because it gets to stage whereby in spite of a players talent they clearly won't succeed here and need a fresh challenge.

 

[sullydnl]

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people still clamouring for Nani to have a future here. Despite his obvious talent, he hasn't performed for nigh on three seasons at the club and you can interpret that for any reasons that you like, but that is practically indisputable. I doubt the player sees any future here and probably lacks the motivation to compete and find his top level at the club (which seems pretty apparent when you watch his most recent displays here). He's a player just like Anderson who has been here long enough and from his own perspective, should take on a different challenge.

We really need to sever ties with Nani and I highly doubt we will see him play for United ever again.

This. It'd be better for both us and him if we let him go and gave someone else a shot.

 

[Manucho the boss]

I'd like to see us invest in these drones that can carry flags. Maybe follow Ronny around Madrid until he agrees to come back, more cost effective and more visible than the plane banners.

 

[orangeboom999]

Attack... Attack... Attack, Attack, Attack...

 

[ryan_forlan]

I understand the doubt that people can have with regards to Nani. I get your point.
But in my opinion, if he can stay fit and maintain this form at Sporting. He will be a very useful player next season for us. There are not that many wingers who are very good and realistically available. Plus Nani is one of the few wide players these days, who don't come with the excuse that "he plays better through the middle".

 

[JustAFan]

A good 150 to 200 mil at least in total in the next two windows with a continuation of the clear out of players who no longer are up to snuff. Have a feeling we are going to have to replace De Gea this summer also.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

A good 150 to 200 mil at least in total in the next two windows with a continuation of the clear out of players who no longer are up to snuff. Have a feeling we are going to have to replace De Gea this summer also.

DDG will sign a new contract. Don't see him leaving.

 

[McMarmite]

I would like LVG to take charge of iur first team players and have someone separate completely dealing with youngsters. Have a 30 million budget for youngsters who go straight to our reserves or loan them back.

 

[wiz4231]

I would like LVG to take charge of iur first team players and have someone separate completely dealing with youngsters. Have a 30 million budget for youngsters who go straight to our reserves or loan them back.

Yeah agree. If LVG is going to play in 4-3-3 formation, a Winger and CM are desperately needed. Our CB's have till Jan to stake a claim it the starting line up if not then we also need a CB. Other than that I'd like to see us go in for some youngsters like Depay and Tielemans.

 

[McMarmite]

Yeah agree. If LVG is going to play in 4-3-3 formation, a Winger and CM are desperately needed. Our CB's have till Jan to stake a claim it the starting line up if not then we also need a CB. Other than that I'd like to see us go in for some youngsters like Depay and Tielemans.

We are going to struggle if we buy a team of just top namea. We need a balance of key players, youngsters and squad players. Roght now, if we can add one more key player preferably in defence or midfield, and add some youngsters i would be much more confident of our future than buying every 27 year old playing at a top club.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

We should make it our business to snap up a certain class of player early.

We have the financial muscle to do this properly if a clear strategy is in place. Snap up the Vidals in the market before they hit their prime, take punts and spend money on said punts. That combined with a focus on the academy (as always) is a much better strategy than spending huge amounts on established names.

 

[wiz4231]

We are going to struggle if we buy a team of just top namea. We need a balance of key players, youngsters and squad players. Roght now, if we can add one more key player preferably in defence or midfield, and add some youngsters i would be much more confident of our future than buying every 27 year old playing at a top club.

Agree, i didn't state anything different. We do a CM and a winger for sure, maybe a CB if we don't find a solid partnership between the CB's we have. Your right we cant buy all the best 27 year old because when LVG leaves whats left over for Giggs? Ageing stars, that's not good. We have to look at the next generation of players at UTD and we need to work on that asap.
we have talented youth players coming through, Janko, McNair, Blackett, Pearson, Pereira, Wilson, januzaj, Henriquez and a few others. Their not all going to be star players but some will make it at UTD. we still need to look at some other young players who have potential to be stars like i said Depay and Tielemans.

 

[McMarmite]

Agree, i didn't state anything different. We do a CM and a winger for sure, maybe a CB if we don't find a solid partnership between the CB's we have. Your right we cant buy all the best 27 year old because when LVG leaves whats left over for Giggs? Ageing stars, that's not good. We have to look at the next generation of players at UTD and we need to work on that asap.
we have talented youth players coming through, Janko, McNair, Blackett, Pearson, Pereira, Wilson, januzaj, Henriquez and a few others. Their not all going to be star players but some will make it at UTD. we still need to look at some other young players who have potential to be stars like i said Depay and Tielemans.

I went on to the reus transfer page and got shunned for saying this. I love reus and he is one of the best players on the planet but if we do not get him or target him, we should be looking at depay. Reason being that he would then have time on and off the bench to improve. Getting another ready made player simply stops us from having a rotatable first xi.

 

[wiz4231]

I went on to the reus transfer page and got shunned for saying this. I love reus and he is one of the best players on the planet but if we do not get him or target him, we should be looking at depay. Reason being that he would then have time on and off the bench to improve. Getting another ready made player simply stops us from having a rotatable first xi.

Fair point, I don't disagree with you on that. We also need 2 look at what were try to do, getting back into CL. We are going to need a big squad, a mix of starting XI, squad and young players will be needed like you said. Players like Depay will be valuable with what we want to achieve, he did pretty well in WC and played his part to get his team into the semis.
We need chop a few players from the squad, a few will be out of contract anyway. I don't mind a 1 or 2 players in their mid 20's but I also want to see some top quality young players that will be here for the future.
I wouldn't mind Valdes either, I know he's old but he's still a good keeper. Hopefully we've got De Gea for years to come, Valdes would make an ideal back up to him (better than Lindegaard anyway) While 1 of youth GK step up.

 

[Adebesi]

We should make it our business to snap up a certain class of player early.

We have the financial muscle to do this properly if a clear strategy is in place. Snap up the Vidals in the market before they hit their prime, take punts and spend money on said punts. That combined with a focus on the academy (as always) is a much better strategy than spending huge amounts on established names.

Isn't that exactly what we were doing with Fergie when we signed the likes of Smalling, Jones, Chicharito and Powell, while reserving places in the squad for the likes of Cleverley and Welbeck? Seems like that strategy is the reason our squad got into the state it did.

I don't disagree though, I think the point is too much of any one strategy is a problem, be it ramming the squad full of superstar mercenaries or unproven youngsters. I think after years of the latter and then one summer of the former (I'm probably overstating the point here with superstars) we probably don't have a bad balance now but we don't want to focus our transfer activity too much on one to the exclusion of the other.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Isn't that exactly what we were doing with Fergie when we signed the likes of Smalling, Jones, Chicharito and Powell, while reserving places in the squad for the likes of Cleverley and Welbeck? Seems like that strategy is the reason our squad got into the state it did.

I don't disagree though, I think the point is too much of any one strategy is a problem, be it ramming the squad full of superstar mercenaries or unproven youngsters. I think after years of the latter and then one summer of the former (I'm probably overstating the point here with superstars) we probably don't have a bad balance now but we don't want to focus our transfer activity too much on one to the exclusion of the other.

Yes - to a degree. Now, if we can snap up that sort of player from the continent or from across the Atlantic (from a much broader pool), then we're in business. My main point is this, though: We can use our financial muscle to secure such players - which is an edge we have over most of our rivals (and an edge which could be even more pronounced when/if FFP kicks in properly). It all depends on a top notch scouting network, obviously - but that should be doable. We still got all them Ipads from Moyesie, after all.

Wealth can be a curse if it makes you lazy - where we're at right now we might be tempted to buy our way out of squad deficiencies by simply paying grotesque amounts for established top players. i.e. the Di Marias and the Falcaos of the world. I don't fancy United adopting that as a default strategy, so to speak. We should be smarter than that.

 

[Wade3]

We don't need another massive summer like the one we just had. Stick to buying a few players that fill needs, such as a CB for now, but keep on promoting youth.

 

[Yorkeontop]

Get Paul Pogba!

 

[Pexbo]

We don't need another massive summer like the one we just had. Stick to buying a few players that fill needs, such as a CB for now, but keep on promoting youth.

I'd be happy with:

Reus
Strootman
Centreback
Right Back

I'd say that is a complete squad that should compete for the League next season.

 

[No11]

In:Coleman, Barkley, Hummels, Garay, Vidal and Reus.
Out: Any 2 of Smalling, Jones and Evans, Fletcher(sadly), Anderson, Young, Valencia. Mata will probably go and never been convinced that Rooney, RVP and Falcao will all fit.

 

[Catt]

I know he only moved this summer but could Garay be an option in january?

 

[Igor Drefljak]

This window needs 3 players.
Good RB: Options - Coleman, Clyne
Good CB: Options - Hummels. Honestly cannot think of anybody else
Good pacey attacker: Options - Reus, Behrahino

Not saying these are all realistic, but these are the type of players we need

 

[Devil may care]

In an ideal world:

January - Garay, Memphis and a fullback, maybe the Italian lad who can cover both flanks.

Summer - One of Strootman/Gundogan/Schniederlin and Laporte.

I'd also love for us to buy Tielemans and loan him back to Anderlecht for another season.

I know he only moved this summer but could Garay be an option in january?

Given how little they paid for him if we offer the right price they might do business and I imagine he'd push for it despite Moyes disrespecting him.

 

[Stadjer]

In an ideal world:

January - Garay, Memphis and a fullback, maybe the Italian lad who can cover both flanks.

Summer - One of Strootman/Gundogan/Schniederlin and Laporte.

I'd also love for us to buy Tielemans and loan him back to Anderlecht for another season.




Given how little they paid for him if we offer the right price they might do business and I imagine he'd push for it despite Moyes disrespecting him.

PSV won't sell Mephis or the offer has to be really really big. They already refused 20 million euros in the summer and he signed a new contract. Also he promised his teammate Wijnaldum he will stay because everyone at PSV wants to win the league after many years of not winning it. PSV has a good chance to win it this year so i don't think Mephis is an option in january.

 

[matherto]

Defenders, defenders, defenders.