Please if any footballers are watching this then have some pity on us and join us just for 2 or 3 seasons
What do we still need? Aka The never ending story
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
exactly. Sell Lukaku, sign a good DM. I don't think we really need to sign anyone to replace Lukaku. I think Greenwood/Gomes/Chong/Daniel James, etc can effectively fill that void for a new forward.
Mandzukic, Matuidi & Neres
Juv seem to be very open to player exchanges, hell maybe we might get one of them for Darmian or Rojo...Failing that i would accept 60m for Lukaku plus Mandzukic, & Matuidi, if they cant afford him fully this summer i would allow it spread over two years . Yes, i am really desperate to see the back of Lukaku
In the next few months we will have a better understanding if Pogba will be leaving next summer, if so, then preempt for Bruno in January
Juv seem to be very open to player exchanges, hell maybe we might get one of them for Darmian or Rojo...Failing that i would accept 60m for Lukaku plus Mandzukic, & Matuidi, if they cant afford him fully this summer i would allow it spread over two years . Yes, i am really desperate to see the back of Lukaku
In the next few months we will have a better understanding if Pogba will be leaving next summer, if so, then preempt for Bruno in January
Thought this interesting...
https://www.football365.com/news/manchester-united-have-mastered-the-art-of-looking-busy
https://www.football365.com/news/manchester-united-have-mastered-the-art-of-looking-busy
Good post. I agree with you. Although I would add if Lukaku leaves, he must be replaced directly now
What a mess with only 4 days remaining, this all started when they appointed Solskjear, because Woodward is oblivious to the footballing side of things he wasnt able to look at the player personnel we had on our hands and select a manager that would fit them best, instead it was the same 180 panic turn like he has done after every manager sacking he has overlooked, he's a 1st prized moron when it comes to footballing matters.
In order of importance:
1. Selling Darmian, Rojo, Matic, Sanchez, Lukaku and a couple more of Bailly, Smalling, Jones, Young, Lingard and Mata.
2. A first choice defensive midfielder. Probably a second choice one as well but on at least is vital.
3. A first choice right winger. Such an important position has been ignored for a decade at this stage.
4. A back up left back. Shaw needs competition and Young isn't good enough.
5. A back up centre back. Tuanzebe is decent back up to the first two but none of Smalling, Jones, Rojo or Bailly are and the latter 3 can't be relied on anyway.
If we sorted the defensive midfielder and sold/released half our deadwood I'd be pretty happy with the window. We could manage with what we have at left back, centre back and right wing until next summer if we fixed our first team and got rid of some of the players who are dragging down the quality of training.
By continuing to pay poor players to be at the club, we are setting an example for our good players and young prospects that mediocrity and poor performance is not just acceptable, but rewarded. For me, it's more important to root that rot out than it is to bring anyone else in.
1. Selling Darmian, Rojo, Matic, Sanchez, Lukaku and a couple more of Bailly, Smalling, Jones, Young, Lingard and Mata.
2. A first choice defensive midfielder. Probably a second choice one as well but on at least is vital.
3. A first choice right winger. Such an important position has been ignored for a decade at this stage.
4. A back up left back. Shaw needs competition and Young isn't good enough.
5. A back up centre back. Tuanzebe is decent back up to the first two but none of Smalling, Jones, Rojo or Bailly are and the latter 3 can't be relied on anyway.
If we sorted the defensive midfielder and sold/released half our deadwood I'd be pretty happy with the window. We could manage with what we have at left back, centre back and right wing until next summer if we fixed our first team and got rid of some of the players who are dragging down the quality of training.
By continuing to pay poor players to be at the club, we are setting an example for our good players and young prospects that mediocrity and poor performance is not just acceptable, but rewarded. For me, it's more important to root that rot out than it is to bring anyone else in.
L'ol at things starting with Solksjaer's appintment. Not that I wouldnt have minded missing the last 7 years also.
Anyway it has been a relatively sucessful transfer window. Maguire and Bisaka are awesome long teem signings. Midfielder definitely missing and perhaps a proven striker but overall good strengthenig of the squad.
Considering what can realistically be achieved I would be happy with letting Rom go before the deadline knowing we may well offload a couple of cheaper players like Rojo and Darmian before the continental windows close. Budgeting from that and with 4 days to go I think Eriksen to fill the number 10 role for us and Partey to replace Matic is very achievable. No confidence Ed will do this but our midfield would look a whole lot better and we can look to attack the RW position next summer.
I found this transfer window strangely stressful - I think it's because after Ole got rid of Fellaini and then came out and said 'some players have played their last game' I honestly expected a bit of a clear out. So far it seems Lukaku is definitely out the door, but I thought Jones, Matic, Sanchez, Lingard and Fred would be out the door as part of deals to bring in really strong players. I am happy with the players we have signed, but I was hoping we'd get a DM and an ACM in too. I think McT will shine this season but I don't see him, Fred and Andreas really being able to go a whole season as world beaters. I am happy to be wrong, but I thought Ole would be more lethal and astute in the transfer market. Maybe Jones + 20mil for Longstaff on deadline day? Who knows....
Ole wants to play 4-2-3-1 it seems, with a pressing game and a high defensive line, but he has a back 4 better suited to Jose's low block football as neither CB has any pace and neither fullback offers much in attack.
The midfield is just a bad joke, Pogba always struggles in a midfield 2 and he doesn't want to be here, Matic is completely finished, Fred is unreliable and erratic, and McTominay is a squad player.
Right now our likely starting front 4 are Rashford, Martial, Mata and Lingard...............Just let that sink in, 2 of those are simply not good enough, the other 2 have talent but have let us down time and again. The back-ups are a has-been on 350k a week, a championship winger and 2 kids from the academy who have barely kicked a ball in competitive senior football.
Even if you look at it from a vaguely realistic positive angle with Shaw and Wan-Bissaka developing attacking qualities, Maguire and Lindelof somehow not getting caught out for speed, and Rashford and Martial finally deliver consistantly on their promise, we are still 4 players short, needing 2 CM's, a #10 and a RW.
The midfield is just a bad joke, Pogba always struggles in a midfield 2 and he doesn't want to be here, Matic is completely finished, Fred is unreliable and erratic, and McTominay is a squad player.
Right now our likely starting front 4 are Rashford, Martial, Mata and Lingard...............Just let that sink in, 2 of those are simply not good enough, the other 2 have talent but have let us down time and again. The back-ups are a has-been on 350k a week, a championship winger and 2 kids from the academy who have barely kicked a ball in competitive senior football.
Even if you look at it from a vaguely realistic positive angle with Shaw and Wan-Bissaka developing attacking qualities, Maguire and Lindelof somehow not getting caught out for speed, and Rashford and Martial finally deliver consistantly on their promise, we are still 4 players short, needing 2 CM's, a #10 and a RW.
Depending on where we're going to play Pogba two midfielders are needed. If Pogba plays number 8 then we need atleast a proper number 10.
If Pogba is to play as a 10 then we need a number 8 to replace Herrera and Fellaini.
McTominay looks ready to start to me and is three times the player Matic is now.
If Pogba is to play as a 10 then we need a number 8 to replace Herrera and Fellaini.
McTominay looks ready to start to me and is three times the player Matic is now.
It boggles the mind that the starting 11 is so poor.
I understand why people are saying the most desperately needed change is an upgrade on Matic, but I would be willing to live with him if we could sign a "world-class" attacker. Either a right-winger or an out-and-out #9, I wouldn't care, but I have no confidence in any of our current options.
Martial and Rashford have all of the ability and more than enough athleticism, but for whatever reason I don't think it will work. Again against Milan those two, together with Mata, would repeatedly run out of ideas in the final third. They looked, as we saw last season, like strangers playing together for the first time. How many times did someone out wide look desperate to put in a cross, and the only option was Mata and Pereria? Its maddening.
And as someone above mentioned, a midget from the Championship and some teenagers are not sufficient depth. I don't even both including Alexis because he has lost his magic boots he had for a few seasons and is not a turn-over machine.
I understand why people are saying the most desperately needed change is an upgrade on Matic, but I would be willing to live with him if we could sign a "world-class" attacker. Either a right-winger or an out-and-out #9, I wouldn't care, but I have no confidence in any of our current options.
Martial and Rashford have all of the ability and more than enough athleticism, but for whatever reason I don't think it will work. Again against Milan those two, together with Mata, would repeatedly run out of ideas in the final third. They looked, as we saw last season, like strangers playing together for the first time. How many times did someone out wide look desperate to put in a cross, and the only option was Mata and Pereria? Its maddening.
And as someone above mentioned, a midget from the Championship and some teenagers are not sufficient depth. I don't even both including Alexis because he has lost his magic boots he had for a few seasons and is not a turn-over machine.
Potentially no one.
We need a DM and a RW. Mctomminay and Greenwood could fill that. Another CM is probably needed if Pogba plays #10.
We need a DM and a RW. Mctomminay and Greenwood could fill that. Another CM is probably needed if Pogba plays #10.
He can play that cdm role for us, although it’s not his preferred position, he is certainly better than matic there.
Our priority has to be an 8/10. Someone who can come in and make a difference immediately. My head says there’s no way we get it done in time though.
We badly need to pull a late in the window rabbit of the hat like we managed with Falcao in 2014 (admittedly he was injured and was only a loan) or Martial in 2015. I really don't see where that is going to come from and certainly not buying into that Mendes being in Manchester today and offering Bruno Fernandes to us either.
Fair enoough.
Stop fecking about with Eriksen and Dybala.
If we’re looking for an attacking midfielder Suso fits our needs perfectly as he’s also effective on the RW and available at 38m.
I say sell Lukaku to Inter for the 80m they’re offering and get Suso and Longstaff in.
If we’re looking for an attacking midfielder Suso fits our needs perfectly as he’s also effective on the RW and available at 38m.
I say sell Lukaku to Inter for the 80m they’re offering and get Suso and Longstaff in.
So I think given that we’ll probably sign Mandzukic and be done for this window I think we need the following if we persist with a 4-2-3-1:
CDM - I assume we will go back in for Longstaff in January/summer
CAM - Maddison/David Brooks possibly?
RW - Has to be Sancho
LB - possibly someone to rotate/cover for Shaw.
The CAM spot might be one we can avoid if Gomes ends up in that spot by the end of the season.
CDM - I assume we will go back in for Longstaff in January/summer
CAM - Maddison/David Brooks possibly?
RW - Has to be Sancho
LB - possibly someone to rotate/cover for Shaw.
The CAM spot might be one we can avoid if Gomes ends up in that spot by the end of the season.
Between the rest of this window, January and next summer the below players need to be moved on.
Out
Darmian
Young
Rojo
Jones or Bailly
Matic
Mata
Sanchez
Greenwood, James, Gomes and Lingard should be the back up front 4 with a RW and #10 brought in to join what will hopefully be a duo of Martial and Rashford who will be coming off their best scoring and most consistent season to date.
I've put Sancho in the RW slot as I am convinced he was the plan this summer had we got CL and once that was off we decided to wait until next season when the hope is we'll be back in the CL. For the #10 I'm not sure, I feel we missed the boat in not taking a risk on Felix and of course Dybala and Eriksen are no longer options, and as I thought all along Bruno wont end up at a top club, if we'd wanted him he'd already be here. Kai Havertz is probably not considered a pure #10 but I think he'd fit the role well and fits with the youth policy and Ole wanting a fluid attack as he comes off the right at times as well and Sancho might also be able to play in the hole as he develops. Of course if Maddison has another decent season I wouldn't be surprised if we grabbed the lube and bent over for Leicester again.
Midfield.......still can't believe we didn't buy a CM with Herrera going and Matic finished. I've left Pogba in there as this is a best case scenario post, but even if we have a decent season, show progress, finish 4th or even 3rd, I still think it's 50/50 whether he'll still be here next season, which raises a whole other set of questions. I think we need 2 CM's to add to Pogba, McTominay and hopefully a more settled in Fred, as Matic is dead food and Pereia isn't a CM or good enough in general. We should be getting a CM in January but multiple options moved this summer so there aren't a lot of options out there, and I know that if we use a 2 man midfield most of the time some will want Garner to get the 5th CM spot in the squad rather than buying 2.
CM - Bentancur/Saul/Neves/Ndidi/Longstaff/Rice/Tonali/Aouar/Ascacíbar/Van der Beek/Luís
#10 - Havertz/Maddison/Isco/Zaniolo
Out
Darmian
Young
Rojo
Jones or Bailly
Matic
Mata
Sanchez
Greenwood, James, Gomes and Lingard should be the back up front 4 with a RW and #10 brought in to join what will hopefully be a duo of Martial and Rashford who will be coming off their best scoring and most consistent season to date.
I've put Sancho in the RW slot as I am convinced he was the plan this summer had we got CL and once that was off we decided to wait until next season when the hope is we'll be back in the CL. For the #10 I'm not sure, I feel we missed the boat in not taking a risk on Felix and of course Dybala and Eriksen are no longer options, and as I thought all along Bruno wont end up at a top club, if we'd wanted him he'd already be here. Kai Havertz is probably not considered a pure #10 but I think he'd fit the role well and fits with the youth policy and Ole wanting a fluid attack as he comes off the right at times as well and Sancho might also be able to play in the hole as he develops. Of course if Maddison has another decent season I wouldn't be surprised if we grabbed the lube and bent over for Leicester again.
Midfield.......still can't believe we didn't buy a CM with Herrera going and Matic finished. I've left Pogba in there as this is a best case scenario post, but even if we have a decent season, show progress, finish 4th or even 3rd, I still think it's 50/50 whether he'll still be here next season, which raises a whole other set of questions. I think we need 2 CM's to add to Pogba, McTominay and hopefully a more settled in Fred, as Matic is dead food and Pereia isn't a CM or good enough in general. We should be getting a CM in January but multiple options moved this summer so there aren't a lot of options out there, and I know that if we use a 2 man midfield most of the time some will want Garner to get the 5th CM spot in the squad rather than buying 2.
CM - Bentancur/Saul/Neves/Ndidi/Longstaff/Rice/Tonali/Aouar/Ascacíbar/Van der Beek/Luís
#10 - Havertz/Maddison/Isco/Zaniolo
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Gomes needs to be given a opportunity before the likes of Havertz are mentioned. We also have Jimmy Garner who will be 19 by the start of next season and could possibly have made enough progress to be in contention for a role in the first team. I also think Brandon Williams will get a opportunity at LB at some stage in the season and it will be interesting to see how he fares.
I think we'll sign a RW (hopefully Sancho) next summer and a top quality CM. The rest will depend on what I stated above regarding the 3 academy players.
I think we'll sign a RW (hopefully Sancho) next summer and a top quality CM. The rest will depend on what I stated above regarding the 3 academy players.
I dont think Martial will last 2 more years.
A DM a box to box midfielder, and a goalscoring RW.
Gomes has potential but even if he has some good performances we should still be looking at one of the players I've listed IMO as the alternatives are Mata and Pereira who should be gone next season, and the other one is Lingard, who I have left in the front 4 back-up list purely because he has a get out of jail free pass due to being from the academy. As for Garner, if he can get some games this season and looks comfortable at senior level then I agree, use him as the 5th CM instead of buying 2. I didn't mention an LB back-up as I figure this season Dalot will be covering both LB and RB at times and I've seen a few academy watchers mention Brandon Williams as an option, and I figure that AWB and Shaw are seen as the long term starters given their ages so the cover will most likely not be a buy unless absolutely necessary.
To me the #10 and RW are essential in the summer if Ole continues to use this system, even if Gomes has some good games at #10 and Greenwood has some good games at RW. Our front 4 starting options have question marks, our back-ups are 2 has-beens and 2 players that aren't good enough, the depth needs to be there as substitutions in attack are the most common in games to try and change things. We agree on midfield as I said above, but I'd like to see us try and get it done in January, right now we are a Pogba or McTominay injury away from being in the shit, and when McTominay is being used as a benchmark of a United starting CM it tells you where we are at, and that's not a knock, he's a decent player but we should have better starting at Manchester United.
It'll be interesting to see how Ole deploys Gomes this season. I think he has the potential to play as the #6 #8 and even as the #10. With Pogba possibly leaving next season we may have to look at Havertz who IMO is a player that is a cross between a #8 and #10 but will face competition from Bayern for his signature and I assume they'll be favourites unless Voller tells them to feck off.
I also think Tahith Chong will add to the strength in depth to the side especially on both wings. Then add Havertz, Sancho and a #6 like Fabian Ruiz and I feel we're in business with Gomes and Garner as back ups in midfield with Garner potentially playing in a pivot with Ruiz in some games which will relegate McTominay to the bench.
Let's say we have a moderately successful season, ie - top 4, a decent cup run, and we play well.
A well-run football club, next summer, would prioritise the following as our must-have signings if we truly want to show ambition and challenge for the title the next season:
1 - new LB (either to start or to provide competition because Shaw is not a title-contender LB. He's a 7/10 player at best and can be upgraded on if we have ambition).
2 - new DM (starting 11 player, top drawer).
3 - new CM (box to box).
4 - RW.
If Pogba leaves, which I think he will, that's our 'marquee signing' - a replacement for Pogba as a creative world-class midfielder.
So in my opinion, next summer we're going to need 4 x first team signings plus a potential first team LB, if not a solid squad option.
That's not taking DDG into consideration.
A well-run football club, next summer, would prioritise the following as our must-have signings if we truly want to show ambition and challenge for the title the next season:
1 - new LB (either to start or to provide competition because Shaw is not a title-contender LB. He's a 7/10 player at best and can be upgraded on if we have ambition).
2 - new DM (starting 11 player, top drawer).
3 - new CM (box to box).
4 - RW.
If Pogba leaves, which I think he will, that's our 'marquee signing' - a replacement for Pogba as a creative world-class midfielder.
So in my opinion, next summer we're going to need 4 x first team signings plus a potential first team LB, if not a solid squad option.
That's not taking DDG into consideration.
Until the next summer transfer window, we should:
1) Offload Darmian, Rojo, Baily, Young, B.Jackson, F.Mensah, Matic, Sanchez and Mata. We should also get rid off at least one of Fred and Pereira and if Pogba still insists he wants to leave, then sell him too.
2) Buy Rice, Sancho, Kroos (Pogba swap). I would say Tierney but Arsenal got him for 25m. So a left back is necessary to compete with Shaw. I'm not sure about Fernandes, but I think his creativity would be needed if Pogba is sold.
3) Promote the youngsters and give them more minutes.
1) Offload Darmian, Rojo, Baily, Young, B.Jackson, F.Mensah, Matic, Sanchez and Mata. We should also get rid off at least one of Fred and Pereira and if Pogba still insists he wants to leave, then sell him too.
2) Buy Rice, Sancho, Kroos (Pogba swap). I would say Tierney but Arsenal got him for 25m. So a left back is necessary to compete with Shaw. I'm not sure about Fernandes, but I think his creativity would be needed if Pogba is sold.
3) Promote the youngsters and give them more minutes.
For next summer (assuming we don’t do anything in January)
Replace Matic
Buy Sancho
Replace Pogba IF he goes
Replace DeGea IF he goes
This is assuming that McT has a good season and effectively has replaced Herrera and also assumes that Gomes has been given playtime in first team and Garner to be introduced next season fully
Replace Matic
Buy Sancho
Replace Pogba IF he goes
Replace DeGea IF he goes
This is assuming that McT has a good season and effectively has replaced Herrera and also assumes that Gomes has been given playtime in first team and Garner to be introduced next season fully
1. Firstly we need to address our Midfield. This is our weakest area now, and we MUST get the right players in for here. Pogba most likely will go next summer, so we will need the best out there to replace him. We also need a Top DM and a Box to Box midfielder. We need to be able to control games in this area. McTominay and Garner(Still not tried) are squad players at best, Fred and Pereira are just not good enough and Matic is slower than slow now.
2. I still think that we need that goal scoring RW that we have planned to get for the last 6 years.
3. Maybe a prolific CF if neither of Rashford or Martial reach the 23/28 mark, this season. Greenwood is a prospect but still has to fill out, before taking up this position.
That about 4/5 players short of being the top team again. If we can bring in the right ones between January and next Summer then our future looks bright.
But they have to be TOP players and want to play for the badge.
2. I still think that we need that goal scoring RW that we have planned to get for the last 6 years.
3. Maybe a prolific CF if neither of Rashford or Martial reach the 23/28 mark, this season. Greenwood is a prospect but still has to fill out, before taking up this position.
That about 4/5 players short of being the top team again. If we can bring in the right ones between January and next Summer then our future looks bright.
But they have to be TOP players and want to play for the badge.
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LB, DM, AM and RW. Ship out the likes of Mata, Matic, Sanchez, Young, Darmian and one or two CBs.
You think Gomes will end up as our No 10?
I would hope so
Looks about right. Maybe also a left-back to compete with Shaw, assuming this is Young's last year with us (never a safe assumption).
The big question really is if Rashford/Martial can step up and score enough goals this season. If they don't, then the club will surely be forced into buying a goalscorer at some point.
Yeah I actually forgot about the LB conundrum. Still hoping Shaw can nail it
I’m quite confident that with a more fluid attack this season we can score enough
X2 CM (3 if Pogba goes)
RW - Sancho
LB is optional but is not as big a priority like the above 2 positions are. Vital we sort the midfield and the RW out.
RW - Sancho
LB is optional but is not as big a priority like the above 2 positions are. Vital we sort the midfield and the RW out.
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Doubt this is possible but.
DDG
Bissaka Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Saul Pogba
Sancho Havertz Rashford
Martial
The one thing I want to see is a Matic replacement I just can’t decide who or what would be best and as much as I Hope McT is the answer I’m willing to give him time but at the same time I just don’t think he is a DM or will be good enough to be a 1st team player. Just put Saul in as I’m convinced he would do a good job but he’s very unlikely so Sangare, Roca, Ruiz, Rice, Ndidi someone like that is probably a more realistic signing.
The chances of getting both of Havertz and Sancho are probably about the same as me winning the Euro lottery 3 weeks in a row but that team
DDG
Bissaka Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Saul Pogba
Sancho Havertz Rashford
Martial
The chances of getting both of Havertz and Sancho are probably about the same as me winning the Euro lottery 3 weeks in a row but that team
Looking at the profile of players (young, lots of promise/talent) we're apparently trying to sign:
1. Declan Rice (DM)
2. Carlos Soler (RM/CM)
3. Jadon Sancho (RW)
would be my top choices.
Futhead-Squad Builder
It would be a great team.Doubt this is possible but.
The one thing I want to see is a Matic replacement I just can’t decide who or what would be best and as much as I Hope McT is the answer I’m willing to give him time but at the same time I just don’t think he is a DM or will be good enough to be a 1st team player. Just put Saul in as I’m convinced he would do a good job but he’s very unlikely so Sangare, Roca, Ruiz, Rice, Ndidi someone like that is probably a more realistic signing.
DDG
Bissaka Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Saul Pogba
Sancho Havertz Rashford
Martial
The chances of getting both of Havertz and Sancho are probably about the same as me winning the Euro lottery 3 weeks in a row but that team
If we can't buy Havertz, we could also sign Eriksen and Werner for free.
Do you prefer Saul instead of Kante to play next to Pogba?
I don’t know. I think Kante is brilliant, but I think he works better with someone who is a deep lying playmaker and I would fear at United with the way Ole wants to play he might get dragged about a bit trying to put out fires but I really don’t watch enough of Chelsea or France to make a decision.
I like Eriksen, I like Werner but I think Eriksen will go abroad or stay at Spurs and I’d like to see how Martial Greenwood and Rashford do this year before moving for a striker and if we do we might be best moving for a different type of striker.
Actually watching Ceballos today, if he keeps up those kind of performances throughout the season he might be worth trying to bring in for the central role in the 3 behind the striker.
I know a lot of the avid academy followers say Gomes can play as a #8 or a #6 and I'm not saying I'm against trying it, but I get the feeling Ole and the staff are going to favour a more physically robust partnership in that double pivot. Agreed on Havertz, we'll be relying on our financial strength, Leverkusen's hatred for Bayern and hopefully the players will, but I'd be lying if I said that I don't think we'll most likely end up paying absurd money for Maddison.
Chong has never impressed me much to be honest, obviously I hope you're right but I don't think he'll cut it at United long term. Fabian Ruiz is an interesting choice for midfield, I remember @Invictus thought we should have moved for him when he was at Real Betis and had a fairly low buyout clause, he was very good for Napoli last season and if he shows consistency by following up with another good season he could be an option in the summer, the one snag being Napoli who are a nightmare to deal with.