What do we still need? Aka The never ending story

Anustart89 said:
I agree with most of this, but I can't shake the feeling you're just @LuckyScout78 's articulate alter-ego where he goes to get actual input on his ideas and not just green smileys.
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:lol::lol: As much as I admire his contribution to this place, I mostly skip on his posts as I find them very difficult to read and/or understand.

As for similar players mentioned but by other posters, that just shows that a level of understanding of a game and what ETH is trying to do is, despite some shocking exceptions, very high here.
 
This is who I want. Feel like he'd complement Casemiro brilliantly in midfield and allow Eriksen to provide cover for Bruno at number 10. Would probably allow us to recoup some money from DVB too as Eriksen is more of a like for like with Bruno than Van de Beek.

Enzo is a brilliant progressive passer, is secure in possession and in passing and great in build up which you'd have to think have been weaknesses in United's midfield. He's also a better defender than Eriksen too.
 
Short-term and long-term needs are two different topics. I'm going to focus on the short-term:

A center forward. End of, simple as.
 
Bojan Djordjic said:
This is who I want. Feel like he'd complement Casemiro brilliantly in midfield and allow Eriksen to provide cover for Bruno at number 10. Would probably allow us to recoup some money from DVB too as Eriksen is more of a like for like with Bruno than Van de Beek.

Enzo is a brilliant progressive passer, is secure in possession and in passing and great in build up which you'd have to think have been weaknesses in United's midfield. He's also a better defender than Eriksen too.
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Enzo is complete as you can get. Both really good with and without the ball. How close and far he is from the top level of as a complete cm player is the question.
 
croadyman said:
Got anyone in mind?
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It’s a fair question, one has been asked many times here despite having Martial and he’s whose name shall not be spoken hoovering up 325k/week (due to missing out on the CL) on board.

Ronaldo’s head has been fekked ever since we missed out on the CL and the events of this week are what they are. I’d love to see Martial play like a man so that we could bring in an apprentice but it appears that’s not possible. We desperately need a CF in January but we may have to settle for a goal scoring wide forward instead and wait until June for…Harry Kane.

Harry is no pressing monster though. He scores for fun and his link up play is excellent. If anyone is aware of a 9 who has it all please let me know. Harry will cost us a fortune; but surely he will be looking to leave for another PL club. City is off the table. Without question he’s not going to Arsenal. Probably not Liverpool. Maybe Chelsea, but I just don’t see that happening either. It will have to be United.

But we do have a hole now.
 
lex talionis said:
It’s a fair question, one has been asked many times here despite having Martial and he’s whose name shall not be spoken hoovering up 325k/week (due to missing out on the CL) on board.

Ronaldo’s head has been fekked ever since we missed out on the CL and the events of this week are what they are. I’d love to see Martial play like a man so that we could bring in an apprentice but it appears that’s not possible. We desperately need a CF in January but we may have to settle for a goal scoring wide forward instead and wait until June for…Harry Kane.

Harry is no pressing monster though. He scores for fun and his link up play is excellent. If anyone is aware of a 9 who has it all please let me know. Harry will cost us a fortune; but surely he will be looking to leave for another PL club. City is off the table. Without question he’s not going to Arsenal. Probably not Liverpool. Maybe Chelsea, but I just don’t see that happening either. It will have to be United.

But we do have a hole now.
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Yeah I think a wide forward in January is looking like the best bet and all in for Kane next summer. I agree with you that Chelsea are our biggest threat for him having had interest before.
 
For the CF strenghtened. With Martial and Rashford as CF options. Theirs age.

I got the feeling. United need a "SUPER sub CF" A new Ole. Not a gap CF. But a really good CF that accept sitting on the bench. But still be positive. Like Ole. As positive, sharp and good as Ole as a CF.

No top player with high high ambitions will accept being a benchwarmer. They shall be disapointed if a manager and coach start them on the bench.

How Ole can stay so positive and start most of his United career on the bench. Was unbelievable. If i think i a good CF, but that getting start. Of course i will get frustrate and not happy.


United need a really good and sharp CF that will accept "A super sub role". Because i think ETH will not use 2 CFs. I think most of the time ETH will use only one CF upfront.

That is why i got this feeling. United need a new super sub Ole.
 
With Ronaldo now definitely gone, we surely need to get a striker as soon as January. We're fine on wings (Rashford, Garnacho on left and Antony + Sancho on right) but only have Martial as a striker (plus Rashford if needed, though he's not a natural striker obviously). Martial is also injury-prone so can't rely on him staying fit with most of the season still left to be played.
 
Lux Thunder said:
First, there are too many players that we are facing a major drop in quality when they are absent or we don't even have a decent enough backup who is natural in that position: Varane, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Bruno, Antony.

We need to address those positions in the next few windows, with hope but very unlikely doing some of the business done in January:

CF - starting option who could lead a line, prefer Osimhen, but anyone solid and reliable forward available in January like Thuram would be upgrade to current options.

CM - starter/rotation option, a ball progressor who can pick a ball deep and progress through carrying the ball or dribbling, preferred choice: if FDJ is not available then go for Lobotka. There are also plenty of interesting young playmakers like Enzo Le Fee, Enzo Fernandez and Orkun Kökçü who are doing very well in their teams.

CB/RB - rotation option, put it together as I think Jurrien Timber is talented player who can cover both positions and is highly rated by ETH. Malo Gusto and Jeremie Frimpong are also interesting options for the RB spot with young center-back Antonio Silva and Evan N'Dicka also should be monitored closely.

GK - If we are thinking long-term with ETH we should be moving on from De Gea and signing Diogo Costa or Robert Sanchez. David Raya also could be an option.

DM - Ball winner who provides both covers to our center backs and solidity for the front five to press higher + also should be decent enough on the ball to progress play from the back. Manuel Ugarte from Sporting looks like a very interesting prospect for this position.

We desperately need to start spending money wisely, not every player should cost as £60+ m to be good enough for the United squad - it is a matter of signing players that fit the system rather than trying to fit talented players into the style.

Having been linked with both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez before they moved to Europe makes me wonder how our scouting department is treated by those who are responsible for transfer policy, have felt like their reports are overlooked while both those players would be very good additions to this squad.
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Good suggestions.

Another guy we also have been linked to (https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog-tr...united-eye-leeds-usmnt-midfielder-tyler-adams) is Leeds’ Tyler Adams.

I would compare him a bit to Kanté. Nobody will be a carbon copy of Kanté, he is unique. But Tyler Adams’ pressing ability is really really good. He has. Great engine, really quick, very good in duels for the ball.

I love that we are looking at players with that compete level (like Caicedo) besides the ability to move the ball.
 
From the perspective of what we need to take that final step and becoming an elite team in Europe, what most other top teams have that we don’t have is that really elite wing back/fullback type that can dominate basically his half of the field.

Alphonso Davis in Bayern, has been so impressive in the WC, before that they had Alaba, Achraf Hakimi, Cities full backs, Theo Hernandez can be mentioned. Reece James at times just plays so well.

One thing these guys have in common is they often are recently converted wingers/midfielders. Bayern signed Davies as a winger, Alaba as a CM.

I definitely wouldn’t mind if we started planning ahead to find a guy who can fill that role down the role.
 
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Messier1994 said:
From the perspective of what we need to take that final step and becoming an elite team in Europe, what most other top teams have that we don’t have is that really elite wing back/fullback type that can dominate basically his half of the field.

Alphonso Davis in Bayern, has been so impressive in the WC, before that they had Alaba, Achraf Hakimi, Cities full backs, Theo Hernandez can be mentioned. Reece James at times just plays so well.

One thing these guys have in common is they often are recently converted wingers/midfielders. Bayern signed Davies as a winger, Alaba as a CM.

I definitely wouldn’t mind if we started planning ahead to find a guy who can fill that role down the role.
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Yeah we definitely lack that type of full back,however a forward ideally two (wide one and number 9) is absolutely essential
 
What do you guys think about Hakim Ziyech? I’ve been pretty impressed with him the little I’ve seen of him lately. Getting to know ETH, it’s pretty obvious why he is a good fit for the Antony role.

In addition —Transfermarkt has Ziyech as being able to play CM and primarily as AMC. That kind of surprise me a bit, I’ve never seen him used anywhere other than at RW and very briefly at LW. Who have used him as a CM?
 
Lux Thunder said:
First, there are too many players that we are facing a major drop in quality when they are absent or we don't even have a decent enough backup who is natural in that position: Varane, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Bruno, Antony.

We need to address those positions in the next few windows, with hope but very unlikely doing some of the business done in January:

CF - starting option who could lead a line, prefer Osimhen, but anyone solid and reliable forward available in January like Thuram would be upgrade to current options.

CM - starter/rotation option, a ball progressor who can pick a ball deep and progress through carrying the ball or dribbling, preferred choice: if FDJ is not available then go for Lobotka. There are also plenty of interesting young playmakers like Enzo Le Fee, Enzo Fernandez and Orkun Kökçü who are doing very well in their teams.

CB/RB - rotation option, put it together as I think Jurrien Timber is talented player who can cover both positions and is highly rated by ETH. Malo Gusto and Jeremie Frimpong are also interesting options for the RB spot with young center-back Antonio Silva and Evan N'Dicka also should be monitored closely.

GK - If we are thinking long-term with ETH we should be moving on from De Gea and signing Diogo Costa or Robert Sanchez. David Raya also could be an option.

DM - Ball winner who provides both covers to our center backs and solidity for the front five to press higher + also should be decent enough on the ball to progress play from the back. Manuel Ugarte from Sporting looks like a very interesting prospect for this position.

We desperately need to start spending money wisely, not every player should cost as £60+ m to be good enough for the United squad - it is a matter of signing players that fit the system rather than trying to fit talented players into the style.

Having been linked with both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez before they moved to Europe makes me wonder how our scouting department is treated by those who are responsible for transfer policy, have felt like their reports are overlooked while both those players would be very good additions to this squad.
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Good post, agree with a lot of these (well the players I know.

Personally Bella Kotchap, Gusto, Enzo Fernandez and Omishen would be my perfect jan/summer....it a good £200m though

However there has been a lot of money saved on Ronaldos contract and there are JOne and Tuanzabe wages to be saved with contracts ending, personally I would leet Fred go free too but give DeGea a new contract, I dont think the right keeper is out there yet, not ready made number one anyway.

Also there is money to be raised: Henderson, Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Williams, VDB.....and with us having Pellestri, Elanga and Amad think one should be sold


DeGea Dubravka
Shaw Malacia
Martinez Bella Kotchap
Varane Lindelof
Gusto Dalot
Casemeiro McTominay
Fernandez Eriksen
Fernandes Hannibal
Rashford Garnacho
Antony Sancho
Omishen Martial
 
My dream January transfer window:

Out:
Donny VB — 15m
Pellestri — 10m

In:
Malo Gusto from Lyon — 50m
Logic: Gusto is a multi-talent who if you pass on now, he would be the type who you cry about losing afterwards. Absolutely perfect fit for ETH's style. He is not just that classic wing back who can storm down the wing and throw crosses across. He would look slick enough at CM, really good progressing passer. Amazing under pressure. And he can also play as a central defender (listed around 5'11/6'0).

I just think that it is this type of talents we should be aiming for. We are getting linked to a lot of players who really is -- in a sense -- second rate, but that still comes at a high cost. The top assets -- like Alphonso Davies, Achraf Hakimi and likes -- aren't available, anymore at least. And of the few top talents that becomes available, like Enzo Fernandez and Bellingham, are extremely hard to get.

Also think the flexibility is really important for us. To pull of playing the way ETH wants -- and we haven't even started trying to rotate to the back 3 with the ball and stuff like that yet -- we need players who are really poised on the ball and can fill the requirements ETH has. I can definitely see ETH putting Gusto at CB if Martinez is not available. That is exactly what he did with Timber.

I've seen some report of him costing 20-30m, but I would just guess that he would cost more. Lyon isn't in a hurry to sell him, and everyone is mentioned in relation to him on some level.

Joao Felix on loan — option to buy 65m
Logic: I have done a 180* on him. Did not really want him a while back. I have seen him be so soft on top for Athletico. Ineffective. Don't believe in him as a striker.

But I think ETH wants Felix to use as a midfielder. I think that ETH is a sucker for the player type who are world class at delivering that final ball. We know how much he loves FDJ. Felix is a master at delivering that final ball. He is not far off guys like KDB, FDJ and co. History is full of No. 10s moving back in the field.

I know ETH played with a shadow no 9 in Tadic and that Felix could function in that role for us. But I just don't buy it. Tadic played his best for Ajax when they faced the top teams in the CL. Teams that attacked full out against Ajax. The hardest part of the PL is not to play against the top 4, its to regularly beat the other 16 teams. With Felix as a shadow 9, we lose an option to play the ball up to in many situations.

Think about the timing for when we made the push for Joao Felix. It was after we lost out on FDJ. Like if you are in ETH's shoes and you see how valuable KDB is for Pep. You know how valuable that guy is who just can deliver those passes across the field to open things up. Who do you get? Joao Felix is elite in that area.


Gabriel Barbosa on loan — option to buy 17m
Logic: I am not against a stop gap signing. I have heard many raise their concerns against it, but ultimately, if we pay big money for a striker -- it must be the right guy. Is the right guy out there? Perhaps its Gakpo. I don't know. Not 100% sold on it.

Preferred lineup:
———————————Martial————————————
Rash-————————————————————Antony
——————-Bruno——————————————————
——————————————————Felix———————
——————————Casemiro————————————
Shaw———Martinez—————Varane————Dalot

Squad Depth:
———-———————Barbosa——-————————
Garnacho-————————————-———Sancho
——————Fred———————————————-
———————————————Eriksen——————
————————————McT———————————
Malacia———Lindelof———Maguire——-Gusto
 
Think we need to have a bit of clearout really

Out
Jones: (free)
Fred: (free)
Rashford: (+1 and then flog him, should be able to get 20-30m)
De Gea: (free)
Maguire: (free)
Diallo: (Sunderland will probably give 5-10m for him, bite their hand off)

Re-sign
Shaw (4 years)
Dalot (4 years)
Van de Beek (4 years)
Garnacho (4 years)

That gives us 30-40m to play with on top of whatever we have to play with in Jan by saving Ronaldo's wages plus those released above.

Priorities: ST, GK, M

For ST I think we should skip shite short term fixes like Depay or Felix (unless we can get a star like Choupo-Moting), so go all in on Ivan Toney (100m) - premiership effective, available, hopefully won't get banned for match fixing or whatever but that should work in our favour on price.

For GK I think it has to be Diogo Costa (50m) - available, best in class and bar something mad happening we won't have any competition. Bring back Dean Henderson (free) as a backup and stick him on the bench/play him in League Cup games. Gives us a very talented 1-2 combo and a great foundation for the future

For M we are running out of options purely on cost, so I would see if we can pick up N'Golo Kante if Chelsea don't re-sign him.

We probably need another CB but I don't see where the money for that is coming from sadly.
 
maverickjesus said:
Think we need to have a bit of clearout really

Out
Jones: (free)
Fred: (free)
Rashford: (+1 and then flog him, should be able to get 20-30m)
De Gea: (free)
Maguire: (free)
Diallo: (Sunderland will probably give 5-10m for him, bite their hand off)

Re-sign
Shaw (4 years)
Dalot (4 years)
Van de Beek (4 years)
Garnacho (4 years)

That gives us 30-40m to play with on top of whatever we have to play with in Jan by saving Ronaldo's wages plus those released above.

Priorities: ST, GK, M

For ST I think we should skip shite short term fixes like Depay or Felix (unless we can get a star like Choupo-Moting), so go all in on Ivan Toney (100m) - premiership effective, available, hopefully won't get banned for match fixing or whatever but that should work in our favour on price.

For GK I think it has to be Diogo Costa (50m) - available, best in class and bar something mad happening we won't have any competition. Bring back Dean Henderson (free) as a backup and stick him on the bench/play him in League Cup games. Gives us a very talented 1-2 combo and a great foundation for the future

For M we are running out of options purely on cost, so I would see if we can pick up N'Golo Kante if Chelsea don't re-sign him.

We probably need another CB but I don't see where the money for that is coming from sadly.
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Wow I hope not
 
jesperjaap said:
Good post, agree with a lot of these (well the players I know.

Personally Bella Kotchap, Gusto, Enzo Fernandez and Omishen would be my perfect jan/summer....it a good £200m though

However there has been a lot of money saved on Ronaldos contract and there are JOne and Tuanzabe wages to be saved with contracts ending, personally I would leet Fred go free too but give DeGea a new contract, I dont think the right keeper is out there yet, not ready made number one anyway.

Also there is money to be raised: Henderson, Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Williams, VDB.....and with us having Pellestri, Elanga and Amad think one should be sold


DeGea Dubravka
Shaw Malacia
Martinez Bella Kotchap
Varane Lindelof
Gusto Dalot
Casemeiro McTominay
Fernandez Eriksen
Fernandes Hannibal
Rashford Garnacho
Antony Sancho
Omishen Martial
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This would be a close to perfect window for me. Haven't seen much of Bella Kotchap but I would probably sub in Antonio Silva as a 19 year old that might be happy to learn the ropes from Raphael Varane until he's ready while also getting plenty of gametime. After tonight's performance Goncalo Ramos might also be one to watch as a Osimhen alternative although the chances of us picking up three players from Benfica is unlikely.
 
maverickjesus said:
Think we need to have a bit of clearout really

Out
Jones: (free)
Fred: (free)
Rashford: (+1 and then flog him, should be able to get 20-30m)
De Gea: (free)
Maguire: (free)
Diallo: (Sunderland will probably give 5-10m for him, bite their hand off)

Re-sign
Shaw (4 years)
Dalot (4 years)
Van de Beek (4 years)
Garnacho (4 years)

That gives us 30-40m to play with on top of whatever we have to play with in Jan by saving Ronaldo's wages plus those released above.

Priorities: ST, GK, M

For ST I think we should skip shite short term fixes like Depay or Felix (unless we can get a star like Choupo-Moting), so go all in on Ivan Toney (100m) - premiership effective, available, hopefully won't get banned for match fixing or whatever but that should work in our favour on price.

For GK I think it has to be Diogo Costa (50m) - available, best in class and bar something mad happening we won't have any competition. Bring back Dean Henderson (free) as a backup and stick him on the bench/play him in League Cup games. Gives us a very talented 1-2 combo and a great foundation for the future

For M we are running out of options purely on cost, so I would see if we can pick up N'Golo Kante if Chelsea don't re-sign him.

We probably need another CB but I don't see where the money for that is coming from sadly.
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Fair play. That is an all-time terrible transfer plan.
 
After watching the world cup matches : My new updating on recommendations.

Clearly real deal and immediately impact to United team.

GK: Diogo Costa
CM allround : Enzo Fernandez
CF = A old style nr.9 CF = Goncalo Ramos

CB = If only one. I am still consider between Kim Min Jae Napoli and Leicester City Wout Faes. A hard call and pick. Kim Min Jae is strong and good one on one. But i think Wout Faes is more composure, more calm and can make more good run forward with the ball if need and when it's right.


That is a really strong central spine. Imagine

Kim Min Jae and Wout Faes together.

United maybe in 2-3 years

Diogo Costa + Dalot - Kim Min Jae/Faes - Wout Faes/Martinez - Malacia +

Sancho/Antony - Eriksen/Mainoo - Fernandez - Rashford/Garnacho + Bruno/Martial + Ramos/Martial/Rashford


There you have. 4 new really strong additions = A strong premier leauge title contender.
 
LuckyScout78 said:
After watching the world cup matches : My new updating on recommendations.

Clearly real deal and immediately impact to United team.

GK: Diogo Costa
CM allround : Enzo Fernandez
CF = A old style nr.9 CF = Goncalo Ramos

CB = If only one. I am still consider between Kim Min Jae Napoli and Leicester City Wout Faes. A hard call and pick. Kim Min Jae is strong and good one on one. But i think Wout Faes is more composure, more calm and can make more good run forward with the ball if need and when it's right.


That is a really strong central spine. Imagine

Kim Min Jae and Wout Faes together.

United maybe in 2-3 years

Diogo Costa + Dalot - Kim Min Jae/Faes - Wout Faes/Martinez - Malacia +

Sancho/Antony - Eriksen/Mainoo - Fernandez - Rashford/Garnacho + Bruno/Martial + Ramos/Martial/Rashford


There you have. 4 new really strong additions = A strong premier leauge title contender.
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Thank god you had time to post between your world cup reports.

What is your obsession with Wout Faes btw? is it the curly hair?
 
Adam-Utd said:
Thank god you had time to post between your world cup reports.

What is your obsession with Wout Faes btw? is it the curly hair?
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The composure on the ball. Still he is really aggressive. Calm with the ball as his feet. Aggressive without the ball. + Plus he is really good to make run forward with the ball. Full control of the ball on high speed forward.

Wout Faes is the so call "the real deal" peoples are using.

Belgium and Martinez could use Wout Faes. But he didn't = early exit for Belgium
 
So Diego Dalot is possibly hurt and he is our only RB and at striker we only have a healthy Antony Martial — who has a tendency to get injured all the time. This when going into a period where we sit 5th in the standings, and are chased by Pool and Chelsea who are behind us and surely will spend in January.

We had 25m on the bank account heading into Q2 (October-December), which will have non-Covid record low match day incomes, and can draw 50m on our credit line. We could negotiate additional room on the credit line with the banks, I recon, but normally that is a fairly big deal. 60m is probably max for what we can pay in January.

If we look at our depth chart only listing players in their natural position, it looks like this:
ST: Martial — 1/1
LW: Rashford, Sancho, Martial, Garnacho, Elanga — 5/1
RW: Antony — 1/1
AMC: Bruno, Donny, Eriksen — 3/1
CM: Eriksen, Casemiro, Fred, McTominay — 4/2=2/1
LB: Shaw, Malacia — 2/1
Ball playing CB: Martinez — 1/1
Supporting CB: Varane, Lindelof, Maguire — 3/1
RB: Dalot — 1/1

Our depth chart is really tilted. And it can be divided even more, we really don’t have a back up for Eriksen either.

Desperate times calls for desperate measures. I think we are entering desperate times. Glazers won’t make a capital contribution.

What do we need? We need more transfer cash funds than we have — in January. The only way we can get that, is if we sell players — in January.

Who should we (look to) sell in January? Donny has been discussed. Maybe he should go in January rather than in the summer. But honestly, with 3 games a week for 5 months, with injuries and suspensions. I am not against selling Donny, but if we do, I think we must get a player that at least can fill in at AMC (like a Gakpo or Felix).

But what sticks out from my point of view is:

(1) Is it really realistic that we should carry a roster with 4-5 natural LWs when we have 4-5 positions without any real depth? We don’t have any depth at ST, RW, Eriksen, Ball playing CB and RB.

I think it’s hard. If Jadon Sancho told ETH that “he had it” in Manchester and wanted to be sold sooner rather than later and would never dress for us again — how big of a blow for the rest of the season would that be for us? Like, if wouldn’t be a particular big blow, would it? Could we get 40-50m for him in January?

And like sure, if we are certain that Jadon Sancho is our guy who just need more time, why keep Garnacho?

(2) Is it really realistic that we — in January — keep both Harry and Lindelof who can fill in for Varane — somewhat at least — while we do not have a single ball playing CB besides Martinez and a bunch of holes elsewhere in the lineup?

Several teams are looking for CBs. AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Roma in Italy are looking for CBs, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea and Wolves are actively shopping for CBs in England. West Ham and Everton has been mentioned.

Shouldn’t either Lindelof or Maguire be sold — in January?

My pick would be Maguire.

Honestly, I think that Lindelof originally was a pretty overrated signing. It is seen like we more or less paid market value for a solid young D, who haven’t quite panned out. He was seen as a modern all around CB who could pass the ball, had some speed, had some physicality, and of course had great character. But I think that his ball playing ability was pretty overrated and that his defensive positioning was pretty flawed. But — that Lindelof himself actually has developed well. Ie, he should have been a disaster given how poor the signing was — but has managed to keep it together and progress. We have invested a lot in him, and I think we now are seeing the product of that and that Lindelof is getting by pretty OK. You also don’t nearly get the same type of drama as you do with Maguire.

It is already reported that we will sell Maguire in the summer. Why wait?
 
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Right now I’m concerned about our budget, I don’t think we will have much to work with whilst the club us for sale.

I would love Enzo Fernandez, that Croatian CB with the facemask, a young CF and a RB to challenge Dalot. I was quite impressed with the Moroccan keeper too
 
i know this guy is on the Atletico Madrid roster but for all the talk about needing a RB....this kid Nahuel Molina from Argentina has been absolutely brilliant all tournament

Defensively he's been excellent but he's been just as impressive going forward from the RB spot
 
We have a decent first 7/8 players I feel, but still feel there is a lot of back up players and expensive players could be improved on:

Definately Out
Henderson
Bailly
Jones
Telles
Williams
Tuanzabe
Van de Beek

Tuanzabe is a contract, as is JOnes ending and a lot depends on the other contracts as there is DeGea, Fred, Dalot, Shaw, Garnacho, Rashford (minus a year extension) and Dubravka.

Personally and sure many will disagree I give if possible DeGea, Shaw and Garnacho new contracts, extend by a year RAshford but sell him if he doesnt sign a new one and I release Fred who has offered little in his time here and Dalot who I dont see as the long term number one right back. Also. has to be kmentioned but if guilty, Greenwoods is ripped up. Heaton goes, Dubravka gets a contract.

Alsoas he hasnt performed well, shouldnt be captain, cost a fortune, big contract, isnt working out and contrary to what others are saying, still bring a good fee, Maguire goes

Thats quite a few players gone, we are talking double figures. For that reason Mengi,, McTominay and Martial stay, so the squad is:

GK: De Gea - Dubravka
RB:
LB: Shaw - Malacia
LCB: Martinez -
RCB: Varane - Lindelof
DM - Casemeiro
CM - McTominay - Eriksen
AM - Fernandes
LW - Garnacho - Sancho - Rashford
RW - Antony - Elanga
CF - Martial

We also have some talented youngsters doing ok in Laird, Pellestri, Amad, Hannibal. Dont think Laird has done enough to go into the squad and Elanga performs a team role, but there is too much talent stacked on the wings, I would sell him too to make way for Pellestri/Amad to fight it out for second choice on the right. Hannibal I think can go in as a Fernandes back up or in midfield with an older Eriksen as Fernandes back up.


So for me, looking at the side the weaknesses are:

a) Right back - We would have none
b) CB - Isnt real genuine compeititve quality to compete wth Varane who is injured a lot
c) DM - Casemeiro is the only defensive midfielder we have
d) A real quality partner in midfield for Casemeiro
e) An obvious one, a striker

SO for me:

RB: Vanderson (Monaco) - Not really seen Frimpong much who seems to have burst on to the scene from being a City youngster and good at Celtic, I really rate Gusto who has a big future I feel, but also feel he has a lot to do development wise tactically. Vanderson I have only seen a couple of times after a youtube video of him before moving...and not seen much of him defending....but he is so exciting going forward. World cup was maybe a little early but think he should have gone, be a really exciting signing I feel and cost similar fee to the other two.

RB: Sergio Dest (barcelona) - Seems unwanted at Barcelona, isnt doing much at Milan. I think he is over rated personally, but good going forward and good pace and I dont think he costs too much in the summer

CB Lukeba (lyon) - I think he is the best of the young French centre backs not at a big club and potentially good enough to start for France over the next few years

DM: Enzo Fernandez (Benfica) - Two for the price of one. I think he is the perfect partner for Casemeiro, he is good with and without the ball, defensively and offensively. So he can play Casemeiros role as well if he is injured/rested as well as partnering him

CF: Osimhen or Vlahovic - Only two I think look good enough and both expensive, but not sure see anybody else out there at the moment attainable

I would hav eliked a second midfielder (Caqueret) but I think those player cost well over £200m which seems unrealistic but we have saved a good £30-40m on ROnaldos contract and we also save on Fred and Dalots contracts, bring in some good money from the transfers and may have new owneres, new squad:

GK DeGea - Dubravka
RB Vanderson - Dest
CB Varane - Lukeba
CB Martinez - Lindelof
LB Shaw - Malacia
DM Casemeiro - Enzo Fernandez
CM Eriksen - McTominay
AM Fernandes - Hannibal
LW Rashford - Garnacho - Sancho
RW Antony - Pellestri - Amad
CF Omishen - Martial

Only weaknesses are maybe DeGeas feet, CM (but Fernandez plays there with Hannibak as deputy and Eriksen competes with Fernandes) and an injury to Omishen, but Rashford can also be a third hoice striker.

I think its a strong young squad with experiencethrough the spine, there are two good sides in amongst that lot so not a huge drop in quality which I feel we still suffer from off of a big bench at the moment and bar Lindelof and McTominay, all the players are good on the ball as well from back to front
 
jesperjaap said:
We have a decent first 7/8 players I feel, but still feel there is a lot of back up players and expensive players could be improved on:

Definately Out
Henderson
Bailly
Jones
Telles
Williams
Tuanzabe
Van de Beek

Tuanzabe is a contract, as is JOnes ending and a lot depends on the other contracts as there is DeGea, Fred, Dalot, Shaw, Garnacho, Rashford (minus a year extension) and Dubravka.

Personally and sure many will disagree I give if possible DeGea, Shaw and Garnacho new contracts, extend by a year RAshford but sell him if he doesnt sign a new one and I release Fred who has offered little in his time here and Dalot who I dont see as the long term number one right back. Also. has to be kmentioned but if guilty, Greenwoods is ripped up. Heaton goes, Dubravka gets a contract.

Alsoas he hasnt performed well, shouldnt be captain, cost a fortune, big contract, isnt working out and contrary to what others are saying, still bring a good fee, Maguire goes

Thats quite a few players gone, we are talking double figures. For that reason Mengi,, McTominay and Martial stay, so the squad is:

GK: De Gea - Dubravka
RB:
LB: Shaw - Malacia
LCB: Martinez -
RCB: Varane - Lindelof
DM - Casemeiro
CM - McTominay - Eriksen
AM - Fernandes
LW - Garnacho - Sancho - Rashford
RW - Antony - Elanga
CF - Martial

We also have some talented youngsters doing ok in Laird, Pellestri, Amad, Hannibal. Dont think Laird has done enough to go into the squad and Elanga performs a team role, but there is too much talent stacked on the wings, I would sell him too to make way for Pellestri/Amad to fight it out for second choice on the right. Hannibal I think can go in as a Fernandes back up or in midfield with an older Eriksen as Fernandes back up.


So for me, looking at the side the weaknesses are:

a) Right back - We would have none
b) CB - Isnt real genuine compeititve quality to compete wth Varane who is injured a lot
c) DM - Casemeiro is the only defensive midfielder we have
d) A real quality partner in midfield for Casemeiro
e) An obvious one, a striker

SO for me:

RB: Vanderson (Monaco) - Not really seen Frimpong much who seems to have burst on to the scene from being a City youngster and good at Celtic, I really rate Gusto who has a big future I feel, but also feel he has a lot to do development wise tactically. Vanderson I have only seen a couple of times after a youtube video of him before moving...and not seen much of him defending....but he is so exciting going forward. World cup was maybe a little early but think he should have gone, be a really exciting signing I feel and cost similar fee to the other two.

RB: Sergio Dest (barcelona) - Seems unwanted at Barcelona, isnt doing much at Milan. I think he is over rated personally, but good going forward and good pace and I dont think he costs too much in the summer

CB Lukeba (lyon) - I think he is the best of the young French centre backs not at a big club and potentially good enough to start for France over the next few years

DM: Enzo Fernandez (Benfica) - Two for the price of one. I think he is the perfect partner for Casemeiro, he is good with and without the ball, defensively and offensively. So he can play Casemeiros role as well if he is injured/rested as well as partnering him

CF: Osimhen or Vlahovic - Only two I think look good enough and both expensive, but not sure see anybody else out there at the moment attainable

I would hav eliked a second midfielder (Caqueret) but I think those player cost well over £200m which seems unrealistic but we have saved a good £30-40m on ROnaldos contract and we also save on Fred and Dalots contracts, bring in some good money from the transfers and may have new owneres, new squad:

GK DeGea - Dubravka
RB Vanderson - Dest
CB Varane - Lukeba
CB Martinez - Lindelof
LB Shaw - Malacia
DM Casemeiro - Enzo Fernandez
CM Eriksen - McTominay
AM Fernandes - Hannibal
LW Rashford - Garnacho - Sancho
RW Antony - Pellestri - Amad
CF Omishen - Martial

Only weaknesses are maybe DeGeas feet, CM (but Fernandez plays there with Hannibak as deputy and Eriksen competes with Fernandes) and an injury to Omishen, but Rashford can also be a third hoice striker.

I think its a strong young squad with experiencethrough the spine, there are two good sides in amongst that lot so not a huge drop in quality which I feel we still suffer from off of a big bench at the moment and bar Lindelof and McTominay, all the players are good on the ball as well from back to front
Click to expand...
Dubravka is only a loan
 
jesperjaap said:
We have a decent first 7/8 players I feel, but still feel there is a lot of back up players and expensive players could be improved on:

Definately Out
Henderson
Bailly
Jones
Telles
Williams
Tuanzabe
Van de Beek

Tuanzabe is a contract, as is JOnes ending and a lot depends on the other contracts as there is DeGea, Fred, Dalot, Shaw, Garnacho, Rashford (minus a year extension) and Dubravka.

Personally and sure many will disagree I give if possible DeGea, Shaw and Garnacho new contracts, extend by a year RAshford but sell him if he doesnt sign a new one and I release Fred who has offered little in his time here and Dalot who I dont see as the long term number one right back. Also. has to be kmentioned but if guilty, Greenwoods is ripped up. Heaton goes, Dubravka gets a contract.

Alsoas he hasnt performed well, shouldnt be captain, cost a fortune, big contract, isnt working out and contrary to what others are saying, still bring a good fee, Maguire goes

Thats quite a few players gone, we are talking double figures. For that reason Mengi,, McTominay and Martial stay, so the squad is:

GK: De Gea - Dubravka
RB:
LB: Shaw - Malacia
LCB: Martinez -
RCB: Varane - Lindelof
DM - Casemeiro
CM - McTominay - Eriksen
AM - Fernandes
LW - Garnacho - Sancho - Rashford
RW - Antony - Elanga
CF - Martial

We also have some talented youngsters doing ok in Laird, Pellestri, Amad, Hannibal. Dont think Laird has done enough to go into the squad and Elanga performs a team role, but there is too much talent stacked on the wings, I would sell him too to make way for Pellestri/Amad to fight it out for second choice on the right. Hannibal I think can go in as a Fernandes back up or in midfield with an older Eriksen as Fernandes back up.


So for me, looking at the side the weaknesses are:

a) Right back - We would have none
b) CB - Isnt real genuine compeititve quality to compete wth Varane who is injured a lot
c) DM - Casemeiro is the only defensive midfielder we have
d) A real quality partner in midfield for Casemeiro
e) An obvious one, a striker

SO for me:

RB: Vanderson (Monaco) - Not really seen Frimpong much who seems to have burst on to the scene from being a City youngster and good at Celtic, I really rate Gusto who has a big future I feel, but also feel he has a lot to do development wise tactically. Vanderson I have only seen a couple of times after a youtube video of him before moving...and not seen much of him defending....but he is so exciting going forward. World cup was maybe a little early but think he should have gone, be a really exciting signing I feel and cost similar fee to the other two.

RB: Sergio Dest (barcelona) - Seems unwanted at Barcelona, isnt doing much at Milan. I think he is over rated personally, but good going forward and good pace and I dont think he costs too much in the summer

CB Lukeba (lyon) - I think he is the best of the young French centre backs not at a big club and potentially good enough to start for France over the next few years

DM: Enzo Fernandez (Benfica) - Two for the price of one. I think he is the perfect partner for Casemeiro, he is good with and without the ball, defensively and offensively. So he can play Casemeiros role as well if he is injured/rested as well as partnering him

CF: Osimhen or Vlahovic - Only two I think look good enough and both expensive, but not sure see anybody else out there at the moment attainable

I would hav eliked a second midfielder (Caqueret) but I think those player cost well over £200m which seems unrealistic but we have saved a good £30-40m on ROnaldos contract and we also save on Fred and Dalots contracts, bring in some good money from the transfers and may have new owneres, new squad:

GK DeGea - Dubravka
RB Vanderson - Dest
CB Varane - Lukeba
CB Martinez - Lindelof
LB Shaw - Malacia
DM Casemeiro - Enzo Fernandez
CM Eriksen - McTominay
AM Fernandes - Hannibal
LW Rashford - Garnacho - Sancho
RW Antony - Pellestri - Amad
CF Omishen - Martial

Only weaknesses are maybe DeGeas feet, CM (but Fernandez plays there with Hannibak as deputy and Eriksen competes with Fernandes) and an injury to Omishen, but Rashford can also be a third hoice striker.

I think its a strong young squad with experiencethrough the spine, there are two good sides in amongst that lot so not a huge drop in quality which I feel we still suffer from off of a big bench at the moment and bar Lindelof and McTominay, all the players are good on the ball as well from back to front
Click to expand...

Dest over Dalot? What season have you been watching? 19/20?
 
daba said:
Dest over Dalot? What season have you been watching? 19/20?
Click to expand...

Second choice right back over Bissaka. Vanderson is Dalot replacement as he has been starting right back this seasson in case you missed it.....maybe its you watching 19/20
 
One question looming is whether Rash wants PSG. Also he has asked to play 9 under ten Hag. So I could see them agree to let him go and/or as part of that plan he slides into the 9 role in place of Ronaldo to finish the season. Striker would then be added in the summer.

Is that enough at striker? Maybe, if Martial stays healthy and Rash keeps working hard on his form and headers.

Doing that means Joao comes into play. He adds flexibility too. He can play up front or be worked into midfield roles to give Eriksen or Bruno time off. Joao also might not be that pricey, he would be a buy low for a player of his talent at 80ish.

Only question from there is do they want more offense at RB. Does EtH want the converted winger as a sub or to replace Dalot. I am no longer so certain Dalot is in his plans which saddens me.

But overall this combination of moves would be Joao addition plus depth for RB plus depth for CB. Not ideal for striker needs but I think is possible as a January approach.
 
jesperjaap said:
Second choice right back over Bissaka. Vanderson is Dalot replacement as he has been starting right back this seasson in case you missed it.....maybe its you watching 19/20
Click to expand...
Why would you get rid of the better fullback who is only 23
 
Messier1994 said:
My dream January transfer window:

Out:
Donny VB — 15m
Pellestri — 10m

In:
Malo Gusto from Lyon — 50m
Logic: Gusto is a multi-talent who if you pass on now, he would be the type who you cry about losing afterwards. Absolutely perfect fit for ETH's style. He is not just that classic wing back who can storm down the wing and throw crosses across. He would look slick enough at CM, really good progressing passer. Amazing under pressure. And he can also play as a central defender (listed around 5'11/6'0).

I just think that it is this type of talents we should be aiming for. We are getting linked to a lot of players who really is -- in a sense -- second rate, but that still comes at a high cost. The top assets -- like Alphonso Davies, Achraf Hakimi and likes -- aren't available, anymore at least. And of the few top talents that becomes available, like Enzo Fernandez and Bellingham, are extremely hard to get.

Also think the flexibility is really important for us. To pull of playing the way ETH wants -- and we haven't even started trying to rotate to the back 3 with the ball and stuff like that yet -- we need players who are really poised on the ball and can fill the requirements ETH has. I can definitely see ETH putting Gusto at CB if Martinez is not available. That is exactly what he did with Timber.

I've seen some report of him costing 20-30m, but I would just guess that he would cost more. Lyon isn't in a hurry to sell him, and everyone is mentioned in relation to him on some level.

Joao Felix on loan — option to buy 65m
Logic: I have done a 180* on him. Did not really want him a while back. I have seen him be so soft on top for Athletico. Ineffective. Don't believe in him as a striker.

But I think ETH wants Felix to use as a midfielder. I think that ETH is a sucker for the player type who are world class at delivering that final ball. We know how much he loves FDJ. Felix is a master at delivering that final ball. He is not far off guys like KDB, FDJ and co. History is full of No. 10s moving back in the field.

I know ETH played with a shadow no 9 in Tadic and that Felix could function in that role for us. But I just don't buy it. Tadic played his best for Ajax when they faced the top teams in the CL. Teams that attacked full out against Ajax. The hardest part of the PL is not to play against the top 4, its to regularly beat the other 16 teams. With Felix as a shadow 9, we lose an option to play the ball up to in many situations.

Think about the timing for when we made the push for Joao Felix. It was after we lost out on FDJ. Like if you are in ETH's shoes and you see how valuable KDB is for Pep. You know how valuable that guy is who just can deliver those passes across the field to open things up. Who do you get? Joao Felix is elite in that area.


Gabriel Barbosa on loan — option to buy 17m
Logic: I am not against a stop gap signing. I have heard many raise their concerns against it, but ultimately, if we pay big money for a striker -- it must be the right guy. Is the right guy out there? Perhaps its Gakpo. I don't know. Not 100% sold on it.

Preferred lineup:
———————————Martial————————————
Rash-————————————————————Antony
——————-Bruno——————————————————
——————————————————Felix———————
——————————Casemiro————————————
Shaw———Martinez—————Varane————Dalot

Squad Depth:
———-———————Barbosa——-————————
Garnacho-————————————-———Sancho
——————Fred———————————————-
———————————————Eriksen——————
————————————McT———————————
Malacia———Lindelof———Maguire——-Gusto
Click to expand...

You seem like a nice fella, but my god your posts are long!
 
bosnian_red said:
Why would you get rid of the better fullback who is only 23
Click to expand...

Maybe buying into press reports a bit too much as feel he may wish to leave if someon elike Barcelona come in for him.

Ive never liked him personally though he has been good this season, dont personally see him as the starting right bak in our future....and if other clubs are interested, he wont want to be number two anyway
 
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