What do we still need? Aka The never ending story

A competitive two flank winger to push Rashford & Garnacho (i.e Neto or N. Williams)
An alternate striker (i.e Toney)
A starting rcb (i.e Todibo)
A pacy back up cb (i.e Adribayo/Murillo)
A starting defensive midfielder (i.e Koopmeiners)
A box to box 8 who can operate at 6 (i.e Joao Neves/A. Onana)
An attacking fullback. (i.e Frimpong)
 
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Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
A competitive two flank winger to push Rashford & Garnacho (i.e Neto or N. Williams
An alternate striker (i.e Toney)
A starting rcb (i.e Todibo)
A pacy back up cb (i.e Adribayo)
A starting defensive midfielder (i.e Koopmeiners)
A box to box 8 who can operate at 6 (i.eA. Onana)
An attacking fullback. (i.e Frimpong)
Click to expand...

Why would you bring a player who is no longer playing in the position you want him here for .
 
Not sure where else to write this but who would you pillage from Brighton and Bournemouth, given half a chance?
 
What is frightening is that we may have around 10 players leaving this summer with 5 sure to leave (end of contract) and other 4 that want out. Which means 9 players that will leave our professional group and that we need to replace in terms of number.

And if we receive some offers for other, it can easily go to 13/14 players leaving the club, almost half of the professional squad.

The guy out of contract will leave, the other one like Eriksen, Lindelof and Sancho will push for a move, but I am not sure we'll do our best to sell the likes of Wan Bissaka, Maguire etc.

It will be a tough work to replace in the group, the likes of Varane, Casemiro, Lindelof, Eriksen, Altay and we'll not push for the massive exodus everybody hope.

Sure to be leaving :
Varane
Brandon Williams
Amrabat
Van De Beek
Martial

Almost sure :
Bayindir
Lindelof
Eriksen
Sancho

Leaves if there is a correct offer :
Wan Bissaka
Maguire
Casemiro
Pellistri
Mc Tominay
Hannibal
Greenwood

Leave if a big offer arrives :
Rashford
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
A competitive two flank winger to push Rashford & Garnacho (i.e Neto or N. Williams)
An alternate striker (i.e Toney)
A starting rcb (i.e Todibo)
A pacy back up cb (i.e Adribayo/Murillo)
A starting defensive midfielder (i.e Koopmeiners)
A box to box 8 who can operate at 6 (i.e Joao Neves/A. Onana)
An attacking fullback. (i.e Frimpong)
Click to expand...

I really do think we need 3 CB's considering Martinez's injury issues this year, but mostly agree with this to varying degrees of importance each spot (will also depend on departures and prices obviously)
 
Frimpong for rb is a no-brainer if we can convince him to come with his release clause (sell AWB, leaving Dalot, Shaw and Malacia for lb position, Dalot can also play rb)
Left footed cb (Branthewaite, Hincapie or Kilman would be my preference, leaving new cb and Martinez)
Right-footed cb (Todibo because easy to get done, good enough level and we can adapt the financial structure as we need, sell Lindelof and release Varane, leaving Todibo and Maguire)
Dm/cm (Joao Neves if have funds, Alan Varela if not, I'd keep Casemiro because if we sell him we'd need to sign 2 dms which I doubt happens, leaving Cas and Neves/Varela)
Squad player/rotational cm (release Eriksen, leaving Mainoo, McTominay and squad cm)
New striker that can be relied on to play (Toney or Sesko or other player found by scouts, leaving Hojlund and 2nd striker, these players would rotate throughout the season based on form)

That's how I'd see it personally. Bruno plays every game and is never injured, so I don't think we need any squad backup for him. Mount can play there if needs be. Very happy to continue with Garnacho. I'd ideally want Rashford to continue on the left and hopefully he can rediscover his form. If Tuchel takes over, Mount could potentially deliver on the left/right since he played well there under Tuchel at Chelsea.

Possible squad:
Onana, Bayindir, 3rd keeper
Frimpong, Dalot, Todibo, Branthewaite/Hincapie/Kilman, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Malacia
Bruno, Mainoo, Neves/Varela, Casemiro, McTominay, new squad player
Garnacho, Rashford, Mount, Diallo, Antony (unlikely anyone will buy with his wages)
Hojlund, Toney/Sesko/other striker

Maybe the likes of Amass, Hannibal, Pellistri, Kambwala, Lacey, Shoretire, Wheatley could step up to help balance the squad a bit too.
 
Every club in their right mind should want Frimpong right now, and if the rumors about his release clause are true, pretty much every club can afford the fee.

He will have his pick of the litter when it comes to where to go, and he's not going to choose a Europa League (or Conference League) club over a Champions League club, unless we inflate his wages to such an extent that he cannot say no and decides to value money over football. And us doing that will just reset a trend of overpaying for players and putting the club in a bad financial position.
 
Todd said:
Every club in their right mind should want Frimpong right now, and if the rumors about his release clause are true, pretty much every club can afford the fee.
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Any team that signs Frimpong should...
  • Play him as a winger, and bear in mind that he's quite direct as a ball-carrier (not a passing-playmaker type).
  • Switch to a 3—4—3 shape (or an analogue), with him operating as an ultra-offensive wingback.
  • In a 4-man defense, have him play behind a very conservative and spatially perceptive winger (who will cover for him).
Additional United-specific concern...
  • Account for the height of Martínez and Frimpong (average of 5'8", at best, between the duo), if they are played together in a 4-man defense. Height is not everything, of course, but the best defenses in the Premier League are tall and imposing for a reason (including the best one this season, Arsenal with 6'4" Saliba, 6'2½" Magalhães, 6'2½" Kiwior and 6'1" White).
He does so well at Leverkusen because he has a great degree of freedom to operate as an offensive outlet on the right flank, and is well covered by the central defensive trio (as well as Grimaldo in a more reserved passing-playmaker role on the opposite flank). If proper care is not taken and he is willy-nilly chucked in as a fullback in a 4-man defense without proper support ahead of and behind him, he could be another highly-touted underperformer at Manchester United (like loads of players that we have signed in the past, because we did not put them in favorable positions and did not try to maximize their individual strengths within the collective framework).

P.S. Heat maps don't tell the whole story, but they do give you a reasonable idea of the positions a particular player likes to occupy...

fTrg3Be.png


Sofascore link.
 
Invictus said:
Any team that signs Frimpong should...
  • Play him as a winger, and bear in mind that he's quite direct as a ball-carrier (not a passing-playmaker type).
  • Switch to a 3—4—3 shape (or an analogue), with him operating as an ultra-offensive wingback.
  • In a 4-man defense, have him play behind a very conservative and spatially perceptive winger (who will cover for him).
Additional United-specific concern...
  • Account for the height of Martínez and Frimpong (average of 5'8", at best, between the duo), if they are played together in a 4-man defense. Height is not everything, of course, but the best defenses in the Premier League are tall and imposing for a reason (including the best one this season, Arsenal with 6'4" Saliba, 6'2½" Magalhães, 6'2½" Kiwior and 6'1" White).
He does so well at Leverkusen because he has a great degree of freedom to operate as an offensive outlet on the right flank, and is well covered by the central defensive trio (as well as Grimaldo in a more reserved passing-playmaker role on the opposite flank). If proper care is not taken and he is willy-nilly chucked in as a fullback in a 4-man defense without proper support ahead of and behind him, he could be another highly-touted underperformer at Manchester United (like loads of players that we have signed in the past, because we did not put them in favorable positions and did not try to maximize their individual strengths within the collective framework).

P.S. Heat maps don't tell the whole story, but they do give you a reasonable idea of the positions a particular player likes to occupy...

fTrg3Be.png


Sofascore link.
Click to expand...

I really like Frimpong but if we expect him to have anything close to his attacking output you have to give him licence to go forward as you say. This means a complete change in system to a 3 / 5 at the back fluid system.

This might sound like a scary prospect for a team that has consistently played a 4231 for however long now, however in a weird way I actually think a fresh start could do these players a world of good. Feels like they are stuck in this 4231 rut and are just going through the motions. A new system where they positionally have to think might just unlock something.
 
Valencia Shin Crosses said:
I really do think we need 3 CB's considering Martinez's injury issues this year, but mostly agree with this to varying degrees of importance each spot (will also depend on departures and prices obviously)
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I agree about needing 3 cbs. Thats why personally I'd like us to target a free transfer like Tosin Adaribayo or Lloyd Kelly.
 
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Invictus said:
Any team that signs Frimpong should...
  • Play him as a winger, and bear in mind that he's quite direct as a ball-carrier (not a passing-playmaker type).
  • Switch to a 3—4—3 shape (or an analogue), with him operating as an ultra-offensive wingback.
  • In a 4-man defense, have him play behind a very conservative and spatially perceptive winger (who will cover for him).
Additional United-specific concern...
  • Account for the height of Martínez and Frimpong (average of 5'8", at best, between the duo), if they are played together in a 4-man defense. Height is not everything, of course, but the best defenses in the Premier League are tall and imposing for a reason (including the best one this season, Arsenal with 6'4" Saliba, 6'2½" Magalhães, 6'2½" Kiwior and 6'1" White).
He does so well at Leverkusen because he has a great degree of freedom to operate as an offensive outlet on the right flank, and is well covered by the central defensive trio (as well as Grimaldo in a more reserved passing-playmaker role on the opposite flank). If proper care is not taken and he is willy-nilly chucked in as a fullback in a 4-man defense without proper support ahead of and behind him, he could be another highly-touted underperformer at Manchester United (like loads of players that we have signed in the past, because we did not put them in favorable positions and did not try to maximize their individual strengths within the collective framework).

P.S. Heat maps don't tell the whole story, but they do give you a reasonable idea of the positions a particular player likes to occupy...

fTrg3Be.png


Sofascore link.
Click to expand...

I already said signing Frimpong as a true RW would be a potentially shrewd move considering the other options/prices on the market for forwards. Garnacho is the only real take on threat in the entire side as of now, and Frimpong can bring a bit of versatility to the side as well with being able to play RM or RB in a pinch.
 
Only way we buy Frimpong is if
daba said:
I really like Frimpong but if we expect him to have anything close to his attacking output you have to give him licence to go forward as you say. This means a complete change in system to a 3 / 5 at the back fluid system.

This might sound like a scary prospect for a team that has consistently played a 4231 for however long now, however in a weird way I actually think a fresh start could do these players a world of good. Feels like they are stuck in this 4231 rut and are just going through the motions. A new system where they positionally have to think might just unlock something.
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You know who plays 3-4-3? Tuchel!

Plus doubts about dealing with PL physicality and if playing against tight back lines will limit the space in behind for him, which is his true asset.

He’s a great player for a particular system and hope he doesn’t derail his career by choosing something incompatible.
 
daba said:
I really like Frimpong but if we expect him to have anything close to his attacking output you have to give him licence to go forward as you say. This means a complete change in system to a 3 / 5 at the back fluid system.

This might sound like a scary prospect for a team that has consistently played a 4231 for however long now, however in a weird way I actually think a fresh start could do these players a world of good. Feels like they are stuck in this 4231 rut and are just going through the motions. A new system where they positionally have to think might just unlock something.
Click to expand...
Dalot and Wan Bissaka pop up in the 18 yard box constantly sometimes even being the furthest forward, there is clearly a tactic where they make diagonal runs from deep between full back and Cb. This is something that Frimpong could easily do.

If also we plan to become this fast transitional team that wins the ball back high up the pitch then there is another reason to get him. If say also a Shaw is fit for most of next season, given he is better at sitting deeper and dictating play he could be not as offensive shifting the two CB’s over and him tucking in. If we buy Todibo for example who is comfortable covering the space left by a Frimpong.

Thos whole change of system is not really needed. He could do either or. Not against some sort of system change either.
 
Overhaul FC said:
Hojlund
Garnacho Fernandes Greenwood
Y. Fofana/A Onana Mainoo
New LB Martinez New CB Dalot
Onana

I believe we should be 3 top signings away from a very good starting 11 when everyone is fit.

I think the new hierarchy should identify and give Ten Hag a new LB, CB to partner Martinez and a CDM/CM to play with Mainoo.

Greenwood has to come back for next season and save us buying another random winger that would fail.

We then would need around 3 squad level players as backups to Hojlund, Mainoo and at CB. These could either be young players or personally I'd go with players with more experience as no doubt we'll be losing some senior players over the summer like Casemiro, Eriksen, Maguire or Lindelof and Amrabat.
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100% agree with you. This is what we minimum need
 
Andersons Dietician said:
Dalot and Wan Bissaka pop up in the 18 yard box constantly sometimes even being the furthest forward, there is clearly a tactic where they make diagonal runs from deep between full back and Cb. This is something that Frimpong could easily do.

If also we plan to become this fast transitional team that wins the ball back high up the pitch then there is another reason to get him. If say also a Shaw is fit for most of next season, given he is better at sitting deeper and dictating play he could be not as offensive shifting the two CB’s over and him tucking in. If we buy Todibo for example who is comfortable covering the space left by a Frimpong.

Thos whole change of system is not really needed. He could do either or. Not against some sort of system change either.
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I don’t disagree with you, but if we’re looking for Frimpong to contributes 10+ goals and 10+ assists then I don’t think he can do that from back in a back 4 as he would have to start further back out of possession.

What you say about Shaw also is true, however by him tucking in alongside Martinez and hypothetically Todibo, then the forward ahead of him won’t have him overlapping as much and thus restricting our threat down the left.

The funny thing about that too is by tucking Shaw in you are basically creating a back 3 in possession which is basically what I’m saying we need for Frimpong. The challenge is how we set up out of possession and that’s why you need 3 / 5 at the back to cover Frimpong in the defensive transition.
 
In order of preference:

GK: Kovář
RB: Tiago Santos, Kayode
LB: Gutiérrez, Locko
RCB: Todibo, Kossounou, Diomande + Tosin Adarabioyo
LCB: Hincapié, Lucumí, Calafiori, Hato, Greaves
DM: Hjulmand, Johnny
CM: João Neves, Mateus Fernandes, Palacios, Caqueret
RW: Olise, Fatawu, Bakayoko
LW: N. Williams, Eze
FW: Giménez, Brobbey, Pavlidis, David, Satriano

Obviously most of this depends on who we will manage to move on and we definitely can't address all our issues in one summmer. I'd probably want us to focus on central defence, midfield and a forward. Considering that Varane and Evans certainly won't be retained, and with Maguire's and Lindelöf's contracts ending next summer, we should probably look to bring in 2 CBs at the very least. Ideally I'd hope we let them all go, with only Martinez and Kambwala remaining, but that seems unlikely. We've been linked with Gutiérrez, who would probably be a good signing, however I'd rather see us sign a left-footed CB, who could also fill in at LB. Álvaro Fernández looks like he is finding his feet at Benfica, we could bring him back and actually give him a proper chance. With Amass potentially being in the mix next season, 4 players, coupled with a centre-back that can play there, should be more than enough.

A right winger most likely only happens, if we manage to sell Antony, similarly, one of the left wingers/midfielders only happens, if we actually mean business and sell Rashford. None of the strikers really convince me, but I think they present the best value. Most likely we aren't going to sign someone like Gyökeres or Osimhen, hence those cheaper players.
 
We have executives arriving and not yet with their feet under the table, a new ownership, a coach living on fumes and a wage bill that is utterly out of control.

You could pick 8 players who have contributed the square root of feck all to this season (be it through injury, lack of form, or being out on loan while we foot the bill) who would make up a wage bill in the top ten of Premier League clubs just on their own. Add Rashford, Antony and Casemiro to those 8 and it's probably top 6.

What we need first and foremost is to get that situation under control before we go out spunking a load more money up the wall without having a structure yet in place to ensure it's spent effectively.

I'd like to see us have a sensible summer - looking at players with reasonable release clauses, fees and wages (Bremer, Adarabioyo, Rabiot, Chiesa, Guirassy are names that come to mind, but there will be plenty of others) and then really push to move several of the top earners out of the club by whatever means necessary.

With some smart business, we could knock a million or more a week off that wage bill and start next season with a stronger, more balanced squad.
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
A competitive two flank winger to push Rashford & Garnacho (i.e Neto or N. Williams)
An alternate striker (i.e Toney)
A starting rcb (i.e Todibo)
A pacy back up cb (i.e Adribayo/Murillo)
A starting defensive midfielder (i.e Koopmeiners)
A box to box 8 who can operate at 6 (i.e Joao Neves/A. Onana)
An attacking fullback. (i.e Frimpong)
Click to expand...

Just because I enjoy these sort of thought experiments, but if you got Tuchel in which players in these positions would suit his kind of management? I imagine with the players he would inherit, it would be something pretty similar to what he's done at Bayern as opposed to Chelsea or PSG.

The winger - I think Gordon would be really good under Tuchel.
Striker - Toney is quite similar to Kane so that's plausible.
CBs - Todibo with the Nice links makes sense. Adarabioyo is pretty mistake-prone but maybe ok for a free transfer. I'd go with Guehi or Konsa though.
DM - Already know that Tuchel wanted Palhinha at Bayern, and with a manager who's not so possession-obsessed you wouldn't really need a Rodri clone in that position. Someone who's more of a destroyer would be fine.
Box to box - Another one that could be opportunistic with the Nice links is Kephren Thuram. Or a free option of Ross Barkley.
Attacking fullback - Frimpong won't leave BL and he's almost more of a winger. No way he's a right back in a back 4. Plus I think left back is a bigger issue. Alphonso Davies wants to leave Bayern so maybe Tuchel could convince him to join United if Madrid change their mind about him. Otherwise Antonee Robinson at Fulham could be a decent should too.
 
SirBillNic said:
Just because I enjoy these sort of thought experiments, but if you got Tuchel in which players in these positions would suit his kind of management? I imagine with the players he would inherit, it would be something pretty similar to what he's done at Bayern as opposed to Chelsea or PSG.

The winger - I think Gordon would be really good under Tuchel.
Striker - Toney is quite similar to Kane so that's plausible.
CBs - Todibo with the Nice links makes sense. Adarabioyo is pretty mistake-prone but maybe ok for a free transfer. I'd go with Guehi or Konsa though.
DM - Already know that Tuchel wanted Palhinha at Bayern, and with a manager who's not so possession-obsessed you wouldn't really need a Rodri clone in that position. Someone who's more of a destroyer would be fine.
Box to box - Another one that could be opportunistic with the Nice links is Kephren Thuram. Or a free option of Ross Barkley.
Attacking fullback - Frimpong won't leave BL and he's almost more of a winger. No way he's a right back in a back 4. Plus I think left back is a bigger issue. Alphonso Davies wants to leave Bayern so maybe Tuchel could convince him to join United if Madrid change their mind about him. Otherwise Antonee Robinson at Fulham could be a decent should too.
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Interesting. Not bad calls

Personally, from what I know of Tuchel I think :
He loves wingers with graft and skill. So Id expect Neto or N. Williams to be his targets. Because Gordon is out of reach financially.

He'd take defintely Toney or target Vlahovic . As a starter.

He'd like Maguire. So he'd chose pace for a partner. The likes of Guehi, Taposba, Scalvini or Konsa would interest him. Even Tah & Branthwaite. I'd expect him to have Martinez at left back. Since his more durable than Shaw and can operate wide or inverted in midfield.


A pacy back up cb. He'd take an Adaribayo on Free. Murillo too is his type

A starting defensive midfielder. He'd insist on Palinha or an Onana type. He likes battlers with bite who can pass rather than pure passers. Then he'd propably pick an Ndidi for free as direct cover. Or a Fofana/Caqueret

At fullback He'd probably prefer another two flank player like Dalot. Unless an opportunity too good to turndown like Frimpong was there. I don't believe he rates Davies very highly.
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
Interesting. Not bad calls

Personally, from what I know of Tuchel I think :
He loves wingers with graft and skill. So Id expect Neto or N. Williams to be his targets. Because Gordon is out of reach financially.

He'd take defintely Toney or target Vlahovic . As a starter.

He'd like Maguire. So he'd chose pace for a partner. The likes of Guehi, Taposba, Scalvini or Konsa would interest him. Even Tah & Branthwaite. I'd expect him to have Martinez at left back. Since his more durable than Shaw and can operate wide or inverted in midfield.


A pacy back up cb. He'd take an Adaribayo on Free. Murillo too is his type

A starting defensive midfielder. He'd insist on Palinha or an Onana type. He likes battlers with bite who can pass rather than pure passers. Then he'd propably pick an Ndidi for free as direct cover. Or a Fofana/Caqueret

At fullback He'd probably prefer another two flank player like Dalot. Unless an opportunity too good to turndown like Frimpong was there.
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I believe whole point of getting likes of Wilcox , Ashworth and basically revamping the whole recruitment structure is to move away from relying on Manager to decide which players to buy or sell .

Any way whosoever comes in they would be given role of Coach with limited input on transfers and rightfully so .
 
gajender said:
I believe whole point of getting likes of Wilcox , Ashworth and basically revamping the whole recruitment structure is to move away from relying on Manager to decide which players to buy or sell .

Any way whosoever comes in they would be given role of Coach with limited input on transfers and rightfully so .
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I agree. That is why I can't see a Tuchel being a good hire. For him he expects DOFs to get him what he demands. Not what they think is best for the club.
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
I agree. That is why I can't see a Tuchel being a good hire. For him he expects DOFs to get him what he demands. Not what they think is best for the club.
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I also get that impression from him he may not insist on specific players but he is quite clear in how he wants to shape up the team and the profile that needs to be prioritised otherwise you can expect fireworks .
 
Goalkeeping is fine and in no urgent need for upgrades.

At RB, AWB is not good enough but not critical to replace him. We can keep Dalot as a starter, bed in a youngster in the ECL/EL and the League Cup whilst having AWB as first back up.

In defense, Evans looked serviceable and has been better than Lindelof so I would sell the Swede for 10m. Maguire would earn a food fee but he has redeemed himself this season and that has to be rewarded. So him and Evans as back ups will be fine by me. I'd then sign a starting RCB and a back up CB who has the capacity to start. Todibo for 45m and an LCB for 40m, an LB for 30m would be handy. That's 100m on the defense.

In midfield we should sell Casemiro if we can, maybe for 30m and replace him with Zubimendi or A Varela at 50m. Get Barkely on a free while we are at it and sign another 6/8 in Thuram for 40m. Sell off academy graduates like Mejbri to balance the books. We are at 190m.

In attack we can sell Greenwood 25m and Sancho 30m, add the money we get for the Casemiro sale, Pellistiri 10m, Hannibal 10m and all the wage savings from outgoing free transfers and we will have money to sign Solanke at 80-100m. He is the one I think we need because besides being a scorer he is not a mere poacher he can play a bit which will greatly help Garnacho and Rashford because they need a good link up striker to play around.
 
AneRu said:
Goalkeeping is fine and in no urgent need for upgrades.

At RB, AWB is not good enough but not critical to replace him. We can keep Dalot as a starter, bed in a youngster in the ECL/EL and the League Cup whilst having AWB as first back up.

In defense, Evans looked serviceable and has been better than Lindelof so I would sell the Swede for 10m. Maguire would earn a food fee but he has redeemed himself this season and that has to be rewarded. So him and Evans as back ups will be fine by me. I'd then sign a starting RCB and a back up CB who has the capacity to start. Todibo for 45m and an LCB for 40m, an LB for 30m would be handy. That's 100m on the defense.

In midfield we should sell Casemiro if we can, maybe for 30m and replace him with Zubimendi or A Varela at 50m. Get Barkely on a free while we are at it and sign another 6/8 in Thuram for 40m. Sell off academy graduates like Mejbri to balance the books. We are at 190m.

In attack we can sell Greenwood 25m and Sancho 30m, add the money we get for the Casemiro sale, Pellistiri 10m, Hannibal 10m and all the wage savings from outgoing free transfers and we will have money to sign Solanke at 80-100m. He is the one I think we need because besides being a scorer he is not a mere poacher he can play a bit which will greatly help Garnacho and Rashford because they need a good link up striker to play around.
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Solanke for 80-100m??? Whole world would laugh at us for that.
 
Four players minimum
Striker
Winger
CM
CB

Ideally we need a LB, couple of CMs too but with FFP I don’t think we’ll be able to buy more than four.
 
Woziak said:
Spurs nearly had a £55m transfer accepted in January maximum £65m value.
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Yes, even 65m would be too much. He gives me the impression of having an extraordinary good season.. The last two seasons before this one he had scored 6 and 7 goals respectively. Watkins is different, but unaffordable and also he wouldn't miss the opportunity to play CL with Villa. Isak also unaffordable, but would be my favorite option out of these 3.
 
AneRu said:
Goalkeeping is fine and in no urgent need for upgrades.

At RB, AWB is not good enough but not critical to replace him. We can keep Dalot as a starter, bed in a youngster in the ECL/EL and the League Cup whilst having AWB as first back up.

In defense, Evans looked serviceable and has been better than Lindelof so I would sell the Swede for 10m. Maguire would earn a food fee but he has redeemed himself this season and that has to be rewarded. So him and Evans as back ups will be fine by me. I'd then sign a starting RCB and a back up CB who has the capacity to start. Todibo for 45m and an LCB for 40m, an LB for 30m would be handy. That's 100m on the defense.

In midfield we should sell Casemiro if we can, maybe for 30m and replace him with Zubimendi or A Varela at 50m. Get Barkely on a free while we are at it and sign another 6/8 in Thuram for 40m. Sell off academy graduates like Mejbri to balance the books. We are at 190m.

In attack we can sell Greenwood 25m and Sancho 30m, add the money we get for the Casemiro sale, Pellistiri 10m, Hannibal 10m and all the wage savings from outgoing free transfers and we will have money to sign Solanke at 80-100m. He is the one I think we need because besides being a scorer he is not a mere poacher he can play a bit which will greatly help Garnacho and Rashford because they need a good link up striker to play around.
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Solanke for 80 million? Christ.
 
aeh1991 said:
Yes, even 65m would be too much. He gives me the impression of having an extraordinary good season.. The last two seasons before this one he had scored 6 and 7 goals respectively. Watkins is different, but unaffordable and also he wouldn't miss the opportunity to play CL with Villa. Isak also unaffordable, but would be my favorite option out of these 3.
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Dominic Solanki was a youth star wining Youth CL with Chelsea, U20 WC with England and U19 Euros with England he was voted player of the tournament at the U20 WC, he’s always had extreme ability as much as Isak and more than Watkins.

The question mark has always been over mentality, he’s been at Chelsea and Liverpool previously, now at 26 this would be his last chance.

For £50-60m he’s worth the gamble because he can play as a 10 and a 9 and his creative side is excellent given more opportunity to thrive, he could be Old Traffords new darling. I would rather we sign Solanke over Toney, Sesco, Zirkszee
because he’s PL proven can create and score and the really is his last chance of the big time!
 
More talk over the past week about the prospect of Tuchel taking over from ETH. Originally I wasn’t that keen on the idea of Tuchel but I certainly think he would at least be an improvement on Erik whilst the managerial options are slim and I would be interested to see if he would adopt more of a 4231 or the 343 he was successful with for Chelsea.

If Tuchel were to come in, I would hope we’d go hard in the transfer window and get him the necessary squad tools to perform either tactic.

+ Versatile RB/RWB (Kadioglu - 30m)
+ Young back-up LB/LWB (Dorgu - 25m)
+ Fast & Strong RCB (Todibo - 40m)
+ Fast & Strong LCB (Lucumi - 30m)
+ Versatile CB/DM (Scalvini - 50m)
+ CM (Rabiot - 5m signing fee)
+ Versatile RW/LW (Nico Williams - 45m)
+ Rotational CF (Guirassy - 20m)

Total spend £250m roughly which is not impossible. 8 signings is a lot, but with 2 being release clauses, 1 being a free and 1 being from Nice, I don’t think it would be impossible if with a competent team in place.

The resulting squad would look sonething like this:

Onana
Bayindir
Harrison

Dalot
Kadioglu

Shaw
Malacia
Dorgu

Todibo
Martinez
Lucumi
Kambwala
Scalvini

Mainoo
Rabiot
Mount
Bruno
Hannibal/Gore

Garnacho
Williams
Amad
Antony

Hojlund
Guirassy
Wheatley


———————— Onana ———————

Dalot — Todibo — Martinez — Shaw

——— Scalvini ———— Mainoo———

Garnacho —— Bruno —— N.Williams

-——————— Hojlund ———————-

or

———————— Onana ————————

—— Todibo — Scalvini — Martinez——

—Dalot — Rabiot — Mainoo — Shaw—

———— Garnacho ——— Bruno ————

———————— Hojlund ———————


I’d be down for it!
 
I think with some clever transfers we can make our squad stronger in the next two years (get free squad players like Coufal or Guido). The high priorities in 2024 should be a RCB, a CM and a CF. On the wings I expect Mount, Diallo, as well as Lacey getting more chances, with the futures of Rashford, Antony, Sancho, Greenwood still uncertain, but at least 2 likely to stay. I personally would avoid big money transfers like Branthwaite or injury-prone players like Olise. I would even sacrifice a Joao Neves transfer if it means getting a LB and LCB instead.

2024:

LB: Miguel Gutierrez, Melvin Bard, Leif Davis
RCB: Jean-Clair Todibo, Ousmane Diomande, Leny Yoro
LCB: Piero Hincapie, Jhon Lucumi, David Hancko
RB: Vladimir Coufal*
DM: Guido Rodriguez*
CM: Joao Neves, Kephren Thuram, Youssouf Fofana, Alan Varela, Quinten Timber
CF: Artem Dovbyk, Terem Moffi, Benjamin Sesko, Jonathan David

2025:

RB: Ivan Fresneda, Vanderson, Michael Kayode, Arnau Martinez
RCB: Antonio Silva, Giorgio Scalvini, Aaron Anselmino, Sebastian Boselli
DM: Lucas Gourna-Douath, Ezequiel Fernandez, Archie Gray
LW: Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rafael Leao

*free transfers
 
None of the players currently linked inspire me with much confidence, most of the players you guys are listing are not proven in the English Premier League and this seems to be the problem going back over a decade now. Either we are trying to sign Elite Football Mercenaries like ; Angel Di Maria, Mateo Darmian, Alexis Sanchez,
R Falcao, P Pogba, A Herrera
Z Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Ronaldo, Schweinsteiger, D Blind, Memphis Depay.

With the exception of Zlatan, A Herrera and too a lesser extent Cavani and Ronaldo all of these have been huge mistakes, Daley Blind was ok for what he cost but all of them struggled with the pace and adjusting to the intensity of the PL. I know Sanchez and Ronaldo had produced exceptional stats previously but not really for us in the last 10 years.

The irony is neither Juan Mata, Morgan Schneiderlain, H Maguire, L Shaw, Lukaku, Feillani really made their mark on the club but they all adjusted quicker and probably have better value, but still nowhere near what United required. Morgan Schnederlain should have been a sure fire hit but he couldn’t hack it here and went to Everton.

I just don’t think the club can afford a scatter gun approach this summer with 9 or 10 new players coming in, especially such radically changes in defence. We know Varane going, Malacia is injured so can’t be sold and AWB is just not good enough, plus Johny Evans may well retire. That’s 4 maybe 5 defenders if we sell Lindelof, we can’t sell Maguire this summer, he’s an excellent 3rd or 4th Choice CB. If Lindelof stays the club only buys 1

In Midfield I only see the club selling Casemiro, Amrabat being sent back and Eriksen being sold on the Cheap, DVB probably released on a free and if there is a taker for Hanibal, they’ll sell him too.

The attacking positions are different because Sancho, Pellistri and Greenwood will be sold and maybe Amad too.

That means that for all the leaks that everyone at the club is up for sale, we are going through a huge upheaval and restructure above the first team and coach and I see a lot of the players actually staying. I think our squad without any new signings but absolute departures will look like this ;

Man United First Team Squad 2024/25
Goalkeepers; A Onana, A Bayinder,
T Heaton(1 year extension)

Defenders; L Shaw, D Dalot, T Malacia(not fit to sell), V Lindelof or A Anselmino, H Maguire, L Martinez, W Kambwala,
2* CB (Todibo, J Braithwaite, M Kilman)
New FB (J Frimpong, Alt Nouri, M Guiterez)

if Lindelof Is sold we will buy another but a young CB like Aaron Aselmino who is available for £15m. We’ll spend £90-100m on 3 defenders who will be on maybe £300k per week combined on 5 year so the club saves Varane, Lindelof, AWB, J Evans £630k per week on wages which is £32m per year and receives £25m for Lindelof and AWB, both players transfer fees are paid so you have about £37m per year to offset against £20m amortised in transfer if players are given 5 years and new wages of £15m per year. This is why the club need to get rid of Varane.

Midfield - The club won’t sell Bruno, it’s already struggling for goals and this would be a huge risk right now. But selling Casemiro, Eriksen, Sending back Amrabat and selling DVB and Hanibal would free up nearly £800k or £40m per year on wages and probably generate £30-35m of actual cash. Ideal scenario here is A Rabiot on a free and J Neves for £90m, I’d even take R Barkley as well on free to make up the numbers which would Mean ;
Midfield Options - A Rabiot, R Barkley, J Neves, K Mainoo, M Mount, S Mctominay and Bruno

Attacking Options - Rashford, Garnaucho,
R Hojlund, Antony, M Olise and D Solanke or I Toney.

I think the powers that be will either go mostly British, academy players from English academies that they know or general a sure thing from Europe, the risks will be mitigated this summer that’s why I see the club maybe making £150m by selling all of these players ; AWB,
V Lindelof, Casemiro, Hanibal, DVB, C Eriksen, J Sancho, F Pellistri or Amad(one will stay), Alvaro Fernandez and Mason Greenwood.

The Club will then try and buy the following;
J Brantwaite(HG/55m)
J Todibo (10m loan obligation to buy)
Or A Anselmino
J Frimpong(34m/HG)

A Rabiot (Free /10m signing on)
R Barclay (Free/ 4m signing on HG)
J Neves (85m)

M olise (55m/HG)
I Toney or D Solanki (55m/HG)

That’s a total of £310m - £150m plus the wages saved means it’s probably a net spend of £100m and mostly PL players or sure things.
 
Woziak said:
None of the players currently linked inspire me with much confidence, most of the players you guys are listing are not proven in the English Premier League and this seems to be the problem going back over a decade now. Either we are trying to sign Elite Football Mercenaries like ; Angel Di Maria, Mateo Darmian, Alexis Sanchez,
R Falcao, P Pogba, A Herrera
Z Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Ronaldo, Schweinsteiger, D Blind, Memphis Depay.

With the exception of Zlatan, A Herrera and too a lesser extent Cavani and Ronaldo all of these have been huge mistakes, Daley Blind was ok for what he cost but all of them struggled with the pace and adjusting to the intensity of the PL. I know Sanchez and Ronaldo had produced exceptional stats previously but not really for us in the last 10 years.

The irony is neither Juan Mata, Morgan Schneiderlain, H Maguire, L Shaw, Lukaku, Feillani really made their mark on the club but they all adjusted quicker and probably have better value, but still nowhere near what United required. Morgan Schnederlain should have been a sure fire hit but he couldn’t hack it here and went to Everton.

I just don’t think the club can afford a scatter gun approach this summer with 9 or 10 new players coming in, especially such radically changes in defence. We know Varane going, Malacia is injured so can’t be sold and AWB is just not good enough, plus Johny Evans may well retire. That’s 4 maybe 5 defenders if we sell Lindelof, we can’t sell Maguire this summer, he’s an excellent 3rd or 4th Choice CB. If Lindelof stays the club only buys 1

In Midfield I only see the club selling Casemiro, Amrabat being sent back and Eriksen being sold on the Cheap, DVB probably released on a free and if there is a taker for Hanibal, they’ll sell him too.

The attacking positions are different because Sancho, Pellistri and Greenwood will be sold and maybe Amad too.

That means that for all the leaks that everyone at the club is up for sale, we are going through a huge upheaval and restructure above the first team and coach and I see a lot of the players actually staying. I think our squad without any new signings but absolute departures will look like this ;

Man United First Team Squad 2024/25
Goalkeepers; A Onana, A Bayinder,
T Heaton(1 year extension)

Defenders; L Shaw, D Dalot, T Malacia(not fit to sell), V Lindelof or A Anselmino, H Maguire, L Martinez, W Kambwala,
2* CB (Todibo, J Braithwaite, M Kilman)
New FB (J Frimpong, Alt Nouri, M Guiterez)

if Lindelof Is sold we will buy another but a young CB like Aaron Aselmino who is available for £15m. We’ll spend £90-100m on 3 defenders who will be on maybe £300k per week combined on 5 year so the club saves Varane, Lindelof, AWB, J Evans £630k per week on wages which is £32m per year and receives £25m for Lindelof and AWB, both players transfer fees are paid so you have about £37m per year to offset against £20m amortised in transfer if players are given 5 years and new wages of £15m per year. This is why the club need to get rid of Varane.

Midfield - The club won’t sell Bruno, it’s already struggling for goals and this would be a huge risk right now. But selling Casemiro, Eriksen, Sending back Amrabat and selling DVB and Hanibal would free up nearly £800k or £40m per year on wages and probably generate £30-35m of actual cash. Ideal scenario here is A Rabiot on a free and J Neves for £90m, I’d even take R Barkley as well on free to make up the numbers which would Mean ;
Midfield Options - A Rabiot, R Barkley, J Neves, K Mainoo, M Mount, S Mctominay and Bruno

Attacking Options - Rashford, Garnaucho,
R Hojlund, Antony, M Olise and D Solanke or I Toney.

I think the powers that be will either go mostly British, academy players from English academies that they know or general a sure thing from Europe, the risks will be mitigated this summer that’s why I see the club maybe making £150m by selling all of these players ; AWB,
V Lindelof, Casemiro, Hanibal, DVB, C Eriksen, J Sancho, F Pellistri or Amad(one will stay), Alvaro Fernandez and Mason Greenwood.

The Club will then try and buy the following;
J Brantwaite(HG/55m)
J Todibo (10m loan obligation to buy)
Or A Anselmino
J Frimpong(34m/HG)

A Rabiot (Free /10m signing on)
R Barclay (Free/ 4m signing on HG)
J Neves (85m)

M olise (55m/HG)
I Toney or D Solanki (55m/HG)

That’s a total of £310m - £150m plus the wages saved means it’s probably a net spend of £100m and mostly PL players or sure things.
Click to expand...
These two, on a free or even for signing on fees under 20m, will be grand. Agree that we need two CBs and I think an LB is not optional, we can keep AWB as back up RB for a year - he has his issues when he is fit and confident.

I'd hold back on signing a winger, see what our options (Rashford, Garnacho, Antony and Amad) can deliver then see what we can do about it in 2026. What we need more of is a PL proven striker especially one who can bring team mates into play, Hoijlund has done reasonably well, under the circumstances, but we need more and we need it now.

So a couple of CBs 90m
Left back 30m
Barkely and Rabiot 20m
Striker 70m. Could see us coming out on the other side with a solid team that can wrestle back a top 4 finish. It's imperative that we don't do the Glazer antics of stopping the rebuild in the second summer, this is what killed the Mourinho and Ole stints here. We need continuous improvement.
 
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