Nail on the head
What do we still need? Aka The never ending story
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
I know they’re pretty much playing at walking pace but his quality and decision-making was something!
feck the next Rodri, we need find the next Carrick.
Wow that was great to see. I wonder why is there such a lack of top players of this type now?
I mean, I get why we have less world class strikers with the way football has progressed, but you'd think there would be more players like Carrick or Busquets, but nope.
Adam Wharton seems like the closest thing to a Carrick in the Prem currently. Clean and progressive passer, positionally solid, great anticipation and hard in the tackle when he needs to be. Only issue is he’ll cost a fortune in the summer, given they wanted £70m for Guehi. But given how hard these players are to find, he could be worth it?
New manager / coach the most important contribution to change.
Yeah think we will definitely be interested
I like his potential, but honestly I see more James Mccarthy than Carrick in him.
So good to watch carrick again. Finding someone like him isnt easy, but we are definitely lacking someone in his style.
Some very good choices. Hackney is an interesting one. Wonder if he can have a Wharton like impact, adapt straight to the premier league. Kva I like but do wonder if we should save the money on LW buy a cheaper player thats good enough to help Garnaacho develop into a world class player. Also think a striker might be needed. Big season for Hojlund and Zirkzee not writing them off. But they need double figures or media and fan pressure will grow.
LB - Dorgu from Lecce/Aina from Forest
LCB - Branthwaite, after Everton get relegated
CM - Gibbs White to rotate with Mainoo
Winger - Nico Williams or Eze to replace Rashford
Genuinely probably 4 signings off a complete squad, that is ready to challenge for a top 2 place in the league.
LCB - Branthwaite, after Everton get relegated
CM - Gibbs White to rotate with Mainoo
Winger - Nico Williams or Eze to replace Rashford
Genuinely probably 4 signings off a complete squad, that is ready to challenge for a top 2 place in the league.
Yeah Williams is dream winger signing
Change RW to LW, as I think Amad and Garnacho are very good options for RW and have to be seen as RW's, while our left wing is a huge question mark. Potential for Collyer to be the 6th midfielder (backup DM) and we roll with Mainoo, Wharton (or whoever for DLP), Ugarte as the main deep guys, Bruno and Mount more advanced options, Collyer backup DM.
Next after that would be addressing GK and CF, by this point you'd imagine we'll have a good idea if Hojlund and Zirkzee are up to it or not. Maybe worth going for Gyokeres if they aren't.
Sell (or sack or do not renew, come summertime)...
- Erik ten Hag (assuming he isn't let go before that.)
- Antony: underperforms on big wages.
- Victor Lindelöf: not fit for purpose.
- Bruno Fernandes: good player for specific schemes, but not what we need going forward.
- Harry Maguire: underperforms on big wages.
- Marcus Rashford: inconsistent and on big wages.
- Luke Shaw: fitness concerns.
- Casemiro: long in the tooth.
- Mason Mount: fitness concerns.
- André Onana: inconsistent and on big wages (for his position.)
- Christian Eriksen: long in the tooth.
- Tyrell Malacia: not fit for purpose.
- Young sweeper keeper with better fundamentals and better potential than the current starter: Bart Verbruggen (£40 million?) Alternatives, if we are fine with goalkeepers who are not as good in possession: Andriy Lunin (contract expires in 9 months or so) and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
- Reserve goalkeeper who will be available for free: Walter Benítez.
- Young, tall, ball-playing, left-footed centerback who will be available for free and could be developed behind senior pros: Yarek Gąsiorowski.
- Left-footed assist-making left-back/wingback who will be available for free: Leif Davis.
- Technically sound and press-resistant No. 8: Chris Rigg (£40 million?)
- Versatile, ball-carrying playmaker who could be fielded as a No. 10, as a forward or as an interior: Sverre Nypan (should be relatively cheap).
- Someone who can effortlessly dribble to transport the ball from Point A to point B and is an accomplished, technically accomplished creator (which will theoretically bring the best out of Højlund): Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (£120 million?)
- Jack Fletcher.
- Harry Amass.
- Sékou Koné.
- Bendito Mantato.
- Shea Lacey, fitness and development permitting.
- Lamine Yamal. Contract expires on 30 June 2026. Not a serious proposition if we're being honest, but strange things can happen.
- Center forward who could function as consummate tip-of-the-lance types in possession, if Højlund, Zirzkee, Wheatley aren't good fits or generally fail to impress: Francesco Camarda or Benjamin Seško (earlier would be good too, of course, but the economics might not work out.)
- Arda Güler, if he is willing to join the club (earlier would be good too, much like the aforementioned duo, but the economics might not work out.)
- Tyler Dibling, as long as the economics work out and he's reasonably priced by his current employers. Also, as the former Director of Football of Southampton, Jason Wilcox should be able to influence the negotiations?
Everton won't be relegated, however agree we should try and sign him if doesn't go in January
Would prefer this guy over Wharton any day of the week. Much better player, more secure on the ball, and will probably be way cheaper.
When was the last time we signed a player from the bundesliga and they performed anything close to the level they shown there.
If Wharton has a good season and is a price we can afford i'd much prefer to go for a known quantity.
That's on us more than anything. Other PL clubs have bought from Bundesliga, and their signings play well. Just look at Gundogan.
PL proven in a myth anyway, we have bought PL players before and they have flopped too. Mason Mount looking to be the biggest new example.
Every signing is a risk. You roll a dice on the biggest potential/best value.
Lindelof, Maguire and Evans all coming to the end of their contracts at the end of the season. Release all 3 and sign a young centre back, left back and midfielder.
Shaw, Rashford, Fernandes - Not enough consistency over a season for different reasons,these are the three positions need looking at most for me whether thatbe through our youth or signings.
Two or three others as well
Two or three others as well
We need to sell Casemiro, rashford (for himself more than us), Bruno (I love bruno but we should cash in next summer), lindelof, antony, maguire, Luke shaw, malacia. Possibly about 200mil there if we can get decent fees for Bruno and rashford.
Then we go get players that are upgrades. It will be the time to start going into the top class bracket as I feel our foundations will be in a much better place. It’s about adding them players that take us to another levels
any of these into our squad make us better:
Florian wirtz.
Kvaratskhrlia
Eze from palace.
Theo Hernandez.
Frimpong.
Ollie Watkins
Sesko
Frenkie de jong (yes I know).
Then we go get players that are upgrades. It will be the time to start going into the top class bracket as I feel our foundations will be in a much better place. It’s about adding them players that take us to another levels
any of these into our squad make us better:
Florian wirtz.
Kvaratskhrlia
Eze from palace.
Theo Hernandez.
Frimpong.
Ollie Watkins
Sesko
Frenkie de jong (yes I know).
Which are actually realistically gettable?
None of them are playing at bigger clubs than United that offer more money or challenge I don’t think? A lot will depend on ineos and their vision for players.
Also, what kind of season we have this year. Champions league football will always help the cause. Would players be interested in coming here if they no a 2bn stadium is being built along with Carrington having a make over. Ineos are showing ambition and at some point I’m sure it will be time to add some statement signings to the team. Players will definitely want to come here if we get it together, start looking like a team that can challenge.
Selling bruno and rashford and getting wirtz abd kvara would be some statement.
Would be happy to see them moved on in summer
I think we've improved depth a bit, but we obviously need :
1) a quality LB
2) a Casemiro replacement who is actually stylistically an Eriksen replacement (primary passer in the center of the park). Might have to be confident and a bit risky here and find a #10 who hasn't dropped deeper yet like Calhanoglu, Kroos or Pirlo. I don't think we're getting Zubimendi, I love Wharton's one touch passing but I think Palace would ask for an insane number. Angel Gomes on a free makes some sense if we can't find a better answer.
3) Antony out, new winger in. Preferred side is probably less important since Garnacho hasn't really shown what side he's better on yet. You would assume LW, but he seems more aggressive in his runs without the ball on the right.
If Maguire runs out his contract and we sign an LB we're fine at CB for another year. If Maguire can be sold (big wage savings) then it's probably worth doing that and just signing a proper young LCB to backup Martinez.
1) a quality LB
2) a Casemiro replacement who is actually stylistically an Eriksen replacement (primary passer in the center of the park). Might have to be confident and a bit risky here and find a #10 who hasn't dropped deeper yet like Calhanoglu, Kroos or Pirlo. I don't think we're getting Zubimendi, I love Wharton's one touch passing but I think Palace would ask for an insane number. Angel Gomes on a free makes some sense if we can't find a better answer.
3) Antony out, new winger in. Preferred side is probably less important since Garnacho hasn't really shown what side he's better on yet. You would assume LW, but he seems more aggressive in his runs without the ball on the right.
If Maguire runs out his contract and we sign an LB we're fine at CB for another year. If Maguire can be sold (big wage savings) then it's probably worth doing that and just signing a proper young LCB to backup Martinez.
No one thought like likes of Varane, Cristiano, Casemiro, De Ligt were gettable before they actually joined us...
If we manage to sell Casemiro, Rashford, Bruno next summer at the total of 150M and buy FDJ, Kvaratskhrlia and one of Wirtz/Musiala at the total of 300M, we will instantly become a title challenger with a net spend of 150M
better than buying 10 more 80-FC25-rated players
better than buying 10 more 80-FC25-rated players
Gonna go way out on a limb here and say we need someone who can stick the ball in the back of the motherfecking net.
Controversial.
Controversial.
There are still a few players that I'd like us to sell and positions that I'd like strengthened, but the most important position is a manager and coaching setup than can get the best out of the current players and improve them.
I think we have a decent bunch who are underperforming.
I think we have a decent bunch who are underperforming.
CF needs a top priority. One thing Fergie knew is that you should never boot strap on CFs. No matter how abysmal some of our other options were at the GK, CB or CM positions, he always made sure that we sign 1 world class CF. You'd think he knew a thing or two about building teams and winning trophies. Maybe we should try to emulate that?
So far I can only see that lad from Sporting, Gyorkes that looks like an absolute unit. Aside from that we need a new CF to compete with Hojlund. One injury to him, and we are looking at an entire season without a striker.
So far I can only see that lad from Sporting, Gyorkes that looks like an absolute unit. Aside from that we need a new CF to compete with Hojlund. One injury to him, and we are looking at an entire season without a striker.
Biggest problem is lack of top strikers on the market. We need to find a way to collectively score more as a team. Bar Kane and Haaland who out there can guarantee you 30 goals a season.
The amount of chances we created in the first 45mins I reckon the only difference between a 20 goal a season player and a 30 is chance creation..and we are right on the money perhaps going forward with no injuries with what we have now. We need a top striker. Surprising how much that would elevate this group.
LB: Dorgu/Netz/Cabal (Malacia leaving)
CM: Larsson/Joao Gomes/Javi Guerra (Casemiro and Eriksen leaving, Fletcher and Kone promoted)
RW: Dibling/Daghim/Quenda (Antony leaving)
CM: Larsson/Joao Gomes/Javi Guerra (Casemiro and Eriksen leaving, Fletcher and Kone promoted)
RW: Dibling/Daghim/Quenda (Antony leaving)
CM and AM: Malik Tilman, Sverre Halseth Nypan
RW: Tyler Dibling
RW: Tyler Dibling
It's time for top level players. A world class LB, one winger and a number 10.
We should be all in for players with their contracts ending like A. Davies at LB, and Musiala at number 10.
A Bruno swap deal with Musiala is a definite option. Bayern are in a bad position with Musiala too so they'd probs accept it.
Hojlund
Garnacho Musiala Amad/new winger
Ugarte Mainoo
Davies Martinez De Ligt Mazraoui
Onana
We would finally be looking like a world class team. And a very attractive lineup.
I'd sacrifice Rashford and Shaw for better motivated, younger players, who are physically near or at their peak. Both of them are declining physically and we have to sell them asap while they have any value.
Zirkzee, is a useful squad player as a minimum. We need another winger not named Rashford that will be top class like a Nico Williams who was available.
It's clearly key that we qualify for Champions League next season by hook or by crook. But we need a step change for the signings we're making to play in the starting lineup.
Squad players can be young or untested but I'd like more guarantees in those two positions to replace Shaw and Rashford.
We should be all in for players with their contracts ending like A. Davies at LB, and Musiala at number 10.
A Bruno swap deal with Musiala is a definite option. Bayern are in a bad position with Musiala too so they'd probs accept it.
Hojlund
Garnacho Musiala Amad/new winger
Ugarte Mainoo
Davies Martinez De Ligt Mazraoui
Onana
We would finally be looking like a world class team. And a very attractive lineup.
I'd sacrifice Rashford and Shaw for better motivated, younger players, who are physically near or at their peak. Both of them are declining physically and we have to sell them asap while they have any value.
Zirkzee, is a useful squad player as a minimum. We need another winger not named Rashford that will be top class like a Nico Williams who was available.
It's clearly key that we qualify for Champions League next season by hook or by crook. But we need a step change for the signings we're making to play in the starting lineup.
Squad players can be young or untested but I'd like more guarantees in those two positions to replace Shaw and Rashford.
We need to stop thinking there aren't enough options, also hesitating on the likes of Osimhen/Sesko/Gyokeres because might block Rasmus path is mad
Priorities:
Left back: Spend £40 Million if needed for a top LB. Keep Luke Shaw as squad player as will be difficult to sell. Malacia to make way if there is a buyer.
Center Midfield: £40-£50 Million. Casemiro, Eriksen possibly on the way out. Will Gore make the squad long term at this point?
Right Winger: £50-£60 million. Antony to be sold/loaned out next Summer with Sancho to Chelsea sale official. Rashford will get another season regardless.
Additional transfers:
Center back: If Maguire, Lindelöf and Evans leave, another CB needed. The one year extension for Maguire as fourth choice CB if budget is tight. We could go back in for Branthwaite also.
Center Forward: Poacher needed. Sesko would be great addition but with Rasmus and Zirkzee a third squad option more likely than an immediate. Wheatley not ready, Hugill might surprise us all as has started season well at Wigan.
I don't see us bringing in a lot of cash in sales so net spend will need to increase slightly. If we can sign one of the above in January it will be a great help towards Champions League football and a trophy.
Left back: Spend £40 Million if needed for a top LB. Keep Luke Shaw as squad player as will be difficult to sell. Malacia to make way if there is a buyer.
Center Midfield: £40-£50 Million. Casemiro, Eriksen possibly on the way out. Will Gore make the squad long term at this point?
Right Winger: £50-£60 million. Antony to be sold/loaned out next Summer with Sancho to Chelsea sale official. Rashford will get another season regardless.
Additional transfers:
Center back: If Maguire, Lindelöf and Evans leave, another CB needed. The one year extension for Maguire as fourth choice CB if budget is tight. We could go back in for Branthwaite also.
Center Forward: Poacher needed. Sesko would be great addition but with Rasmus and Zirkzee a third squad option more likely than an immediate. Wheatley not ready, Hugill might surprise us all as has started season well at Wigan.
I don't see us bringing in a lot of cash in sales so net spend will need to increase slightly. If we can sign one of the above in January it will be a great help towards Champions League football and a trophy.
I'm sure we tried to sign Sesko but he decided to stay where he is for another season.
Ohsimen wanted big bucks and we or other clubs didn't want to give it him because of his injury history.
Had we known at the start of the window, that he wouldn't get crazy offers we probably would've signed him over Zirkzee. But the price quoted by Napoli and Ohsimens agent before and at the start of the window clearly made us go for Zirkzee as the price was known.
It's a shame we didn't sign him as I felt he's the kind of striker that can create chances out of nothing, also with his physical attributes he would've scored from running in behind and from headers and volleys.
I doubt we didn't go in for the two of them or put the feelers out with the agents at the start of the window though.
Yeah definitely capable of creating chances out of nothing and can use his physical strength in the air/on ground. My gut feeling is that boat has now sailed and will join Chelsea unfortunately