What do we still need? Aka The never ending story

laughtersassassin said:
Cause make no mistake while our 11 is good 1 or 2 injuries and it is very quickly back to a team that will be as useless as we where early in the season.
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This is the part I'm looking at, as this is probably our first and second string assuming we sign Sancho as soon as possible:

de Gea
Wan-Bissaka Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Pogba Matic
Bruno
Sancho Martial Rashford

Romero
Dalot Bailly Tuanzebe Williams
McTominay Fred
Mata
Greenwood Ighalo James​

Other than Ighalo's loan ending, is anyone else really going to be an absolute must to replace in the next two windows (Summer/Winter)?
 
Our defence has been great but I can’t shake the feeling that we need a centre back partner for Maguire. It’s not urgent, but I’d be in the market for one if the right player was there. Lindelof would be a great backup.

Shaw should probably be given next season to prove he’s the answer at left back, I wouldn’t be rushing out right now to replace him but it’s an area which should be monitored. He’s not setting the world alight but I think deserves a bit more time.

Matic has been fantastic since he’s had a rest, but I’d be looking at DM options. We don’t really have specialist cover for him.

I’d also be looking at a creative midfielder. We might still lose Pogba, and without him and Bruno we look devoid of any spark. McTominay and Fred are great but not exactly creative, so Grealish would fit the bill here.

Sancho is a no brainer, and if we get him I’d also put off looking for a new centre forward for another 12 months. Greenwood deserves his chance in my opinion, and between him, Martial and Rashford if necessary I think we’re ok there for now.

So yeah. This summer I’d be looking at a CB, DM, RW and CM. I don’t expect us to sign all of those this year, but they’re the areas I think need addressing the most.
 
Havak said:
Other than Ighalo's loan ending, is anyone else really going to be an absolute must to replace in the next two windows (Summer/Winter)?
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Mata and James, but it may be done after we sort out current immediate needs
 
Havak said:
This is the part I'm looking at, as this is probably our first and second string assuming we sign Sancho as soon as possible:

de Gea
Wan-Bissaka Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Pogba Matic
Bruno
Sancho Martial Rashford

Romero
Dalot Bailly Tuanzebe Williams
McTominay Fred
Mata
Greenwood Ighalo James​

Other than Ighalo's loan ending, is anyone else really going to be an absolute must to replace in the next two windows (Summer/Winter)?
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That's why I think Grealish is a must. Back up defenders are not as important especially since our starting defenders aren't injury prone.

DM Mctom and Fred can do a job for a season imo.

Then the attack.

Greenwood perfect he can play anywhere across the front 3 and even start over one of the others without a drop in Quality

James Not Great, can't rely on him too much.

Igalho will do to bide us more time to plan

That leaves Mata/Lingard/Andreas

None are good enough to warrant any real minutes.

Yet you sign Grealish and you have a player that can cover Pogba, Bruno, Rashford and Sancho if needed. All to a high level. One player would improve our depth so so much.

He'll he could easily displace one of them.

No brainer to me. Sancho and Grealish and I think we have had a very good summer.
 
Think one would need around 17-20 players of a certain quality relative to what the aim and the type of football to claim to have squad depth and the rest can be filled by younger players of a certain quality or a veteran on a cheap contract.
4-2-3-1/4-3-3: Bold is good enough for top 4, not bold is a player of a quality that would not be an obvious limitation to how the team will play and italic is a talented/capable youngster/veteran.
GK: 1 + 1 + 1
Fullbacks: 2 + 1/2 + 2/1
Centrebacks: 2 + 1/2 + 2/1
CAM/CM/CDM: 3 + 2/3 + 2/1
RW/LW/ST: 3 + 1/2 + 2/1

If the squad struggles with injuries, or important players have a bad injury history, then the need for more players of a certain quality would increase. And if all the players in the squad were only able to function in one position or role, the need for more players would be obvious. Since we have some players (PP and Bruno) that are more than good enough to be classified as "top 4 material" one does not need "top 4" players in every position.

Our current players and how they fit with my classification:
*Injuryprone or not able to handle a number of games over a short period due to age.
GK:
DDG
Romero/Henderson
Grant
Fullbacks:
AWB
Shaw
Dalot/Williams/Laird
Centrebacks:
Maguire
Lindelof/Smalling/Bailly*
Tuanzebe*
CAM/CM/CDM:
Pogba/Bruno/Matic*
Fred OR McT (need a player that can pass or operate as a CAM)
Garner/Levitt
LW/RW/ST:
Rashford/Martial/Greenwood (If he continues on the level he has shown since the break)
Ighalo
James

As it is, our first 11 is good enough for top 4, but one or two long term injuries on one of the players in bold, and we would not be the same. I think that if the choice is between spending it all on Sancho and not getting another player in, or getting 3/4 players in that would improve our starting 11/squad depth, we should opt for the latter. The likes of Jones, Rojo, Lingard, Pereira, Mata and one of the centrebacks should be let go/sold due to lack of ability/prone to injury/enough options in the position.

Getting a RW(Willian?), CB(Ake if relegated), LB (Someone capable on the ball) and a CM/CAM(Grealish if relegated) should be prioritized before the next season. Giving us enough quality in the squad to be, on paper, a shoo-in for top 4. Sancho and other top-class players should be signed next summer when we are more than just top 4 candidates.
 
Willian? Are you kidding me? I know he has had a decent couple of games but feck me I'll be clawing my eyes out if we sign him.

The way I see we haven't had an actual right winger since Nani. Stop being cheap and get Sancho. No real excuse not to.
 
Fosu-Mens said:
Think one would need around 17-20 players of a certain quality relative to what the aim and the type of football to claim to have squad depth and the rest can be filled by younger players of a certain quality or a veteran on a cheap contract.
4-2-3-1/4-3-3: Bold is good enough for top 4, not bold is a player of a quality that would not be an obvious limitation to how the team will play and italic is a talented/capable youngster/veteran.
GK: 1 + 1 + 1
Fullbacks: 2 + 1/2 + 2/1
Centrebacks: 2 + 1/2 + 2/1
CAM/CM/CDM: 3 + 2/3 + 2/1
RW/LW/ST: 3 + 1/2 + 2/1

If the squad struggles with injuries, or important players have a bad injury history, then the need for more players of a certain quality would increase. And if all the players in the squad were only able to function in one position or role, the need for more players would be obvious. Since we have some players (PP and Bruno) that are more than good enough to be classified as "top 4 material" one does not need "top 4" players in every position.

Our current players and how they fit with my classification:
*Injuryprone or not able to handle a number of games over a short period due to age.
GK:
DDG
Romero/Henderson
Grant
Fullbacks:
AWB
Shaw
Dalot/Williams/Laird
Centrebacks:
Maguire
Lindelof/Smalling/Bailly*
Tuanzebe*
CAM/CM/CDM:
Pogba/Bruno/Matic*
Fred OR McT (need a player that can pass or operate as a CAM)
Garner/Levitt
LW/RW/ST:
Rashford/Martial/Greenwood (If he continues on the level he has shown since the break)
Ighalo
James

As it is, our first 11 is good enough for top 4, but one or two long term injuries on one of the players in bold, and we would not be the same. I think that if the choice is between spending it all on Sancho and not getting another player in, or getting 3/4 players in that would improve our starting 11/squad depth, we should opt for the latter. The likes of Jones, Rojo, Lingard, Pereira, Mata and one of the centrebacks should be let go/sold due to lack of ability/prone to injury/enough options in the position.

Getting a RW(Willian?), CB(Ake if relegated), LB (Someone capable on the ball) and a CM/CAM(Grealish if relegated) should be prioritized before the next season. Giving us enough quality in the squad to be, on paper, a shoo-in for top 4. Sancho and other top-class players should be signed next summer when we are more than just top 4 candidates.
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I am absolutely certain we are going all in for Sancho on the RW, my gut feeling is that we will look at a cheaper CB option once we have got rid of Rojo & Smalling. In regards to LB I expect us to keep faith with Shaw and Williams to remain as backup. Like you say the CAM situation will depend on whether or not Villa get relegated which looks even more likely after West Ham's shock win last night.
 
laughtersassassin said:
Willian? Are you kidding me? I know he has had a decent couple of games but feck me I'll be clawing my eyes out if we sign him.

The way I see we haven't had an actual right winger since Nani. Stop being cheap and get Sancho. No real excuse not to.
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If we are able to strengthen other parts of the squad while at the same time signing Sancho, yes of course we should go for him. But if we are not able to, then my personal opinion would be to improve other positions and make us able to handle injuries on certain key players.

Willian on a free for 2 years would be good business. Can create, score and does his job. He is far better than our options on the right-wing (Mata, Pereira, James, Lingard) bar Greenwood.
 
croadyman said:
I am absolutely certain we are going all in for Sancho on the RW, my gut feeling is that we will look at a cheaper CB option once we have got rid of Rojo & Smalling. In regards to LB I expect us to keep faith with Shaw and Williams to remain as backup. Like you say the CAM situation will depend on whether or not Villa get relegated which looks even more likely after West Ham's shock win last night.
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Yeah, it seems like it. The midfield and the defence would struggle if we get injuries on some of the players though.
 
Fosu-Mens said:
If we are able to strengthen other parts of the squad while at the same time signing Sancho, yes of course we should go for him. But if we are not able to, then my personal opinion would be to improve other positions and make us able to handle injuries on certain key players.

Willian on a free for 2 years would be good business. Can create, score and does his job. He is far better than our options on the right-wing (Mata, Pereira, James, Lingard) bar Greenwood.
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Yeah I would take him on a free alongside Sancho for the experience factor, however reports seem to suggest that he wants to stay in London so expect him to reunite with Mourinho and finally join Spurs albeit 8 years too late in the eyes of their fans.
 
This would be my ideal, completely unrealistic (given how we operate and especially with Covid) summer transfer window that I think would give us a good chance of challenging within 2 years:

Outs:
Sell: Lingard, Pereira, Sanchez (please lord), Smalling, Jones, Rojo
Loan: Henderson, Dalot or Laird, Garner, Levitt, Bernard

Ins:
Top RW, i.e. Sancho who can also play across the forward line at a high level. I'm very high on Sancho as not only is he insanely productive and one of the top talents in the world, but his creativity, vision and decision-making from wide will add an entirely new dimension to our attack. James moves back to backup LW and we have 4 great/promising players for 3 attacking positions which is perfect imo.

Backup attacking midfielder: I prefer Grealish over VDB as I'm a big fan but either is fine. Will get plenty of games in the cup and Bruno/Pogba will need rests in the league as well. Will stop our creativity/control over the game completely disappearing after subbing our stars off. Grealish can play on the left as well

Good, fairly young DM in the Matic mold. Matic is such a unique player in today's game that it's hard to think of direct replacements but I'd love a player who can rotate with Matic who we know can't play every week at this point in his career, and eventually replace him. A quality DLP shield that is calm in possession and can break lines with his passing would be ideal. Have only seen Koopmeiers in youtube compilations and we haven't been linked at all but he looks the most similar player out there. Rice is growing on me, but I'm worried about his price if West ham stay up.

Top CB to partner Maguire. This one might be controversial, especially as Lindelof has been performing well, but to reach the top level and be one of the best teams in Europe again I think we need to find a fast, commanding centre back who's good on the ball to play the way Ole wants to. Those are few and far between on the market currently, and I don't think we're looking for a CB this summer anyways, so maybe it's one that'll be left for next year. Upamecano maybe? I've not been convinced by his post-lockdown form, but if he can become more consistent he fits the bill. If all goes according to plan, Mengi could be this player within 2-3 years. Maybe shortsighted to sign a CB now, but if we want to challenge immediately I think it's important.

The depth chart would then look like this (some players can be depth in multiple positions):
PositionFirst ChoiceSecond ChoiceThird Choice
GKDDGRomeroGrant
RBAWBDalot/Laird (whoever isn't loaned)Williams
RCBNew CB (ideally)LindelofMengi
LCBMaguireBaillyTuanzebe
LBShawWilliamsSome academy lad??
DMMaticNew DM (Koopmeiers? Rice? Zakaria?)McTominay
CMPogbaMcTominayFred (Mejbri might get some minutes too here)
RWSanchoGreenwoodJames
CAMBrunoGrealish/VDBMata
LWRashfordJamesSancho
CFMartialGreenwoodIghalo

The area that starts to get a bit congested is central midfield with Fred and McTominay being relegated to depth spots, but neither can play pure DM like Matic. I feel for them as I think they've both had good seasons but I don't think they can be automatic starters in a team with title aspirations, but they're fantastic squad players if they can recapture their midseason form. We've seen how quickly our depth can go to shit with injuries so I'm not toooo worried about their minutes, though I hope Mejbri can start breaking into the first team as well.

I know lots of people have LB as one of their top priorities but it really isn't that pressing for me. Shaw is definitely one of the 'weak links' on paper in our best lineup currently but given his improvements I'd like to see him as the starter for another season. If he's poor next season then get in a new left back.

Don't know how much all this would cost and it's almost definitely impossible for us, but a boy can dream.
 
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If Pogba stays, then go all out for Sancho.

If Pogba goes, buy Sancho and a MF, perhaps Grealish.
 
I just think we need someone in attack at the class of Bruno and Pogba. All best teams have that, if we want to challenge the League and back to the top.
I don't know if Sancho is the one. But I just think our attackers: Rashford, Martial, Greenwood, and (probably) Sancho are all too young to shoulder this responsibility. And there will be inconsistencies also with young players.

There should be a mix of older first teamer player(s) in attack, even as short-term (~2 years) fix if long-term is not possible.
 
laughtersassassin said:
RW is a must. Anything else is really depending what we are looking for.

Id personally go and sign Grealish and call it a day if that's all our money.

Worry about LB and DM next Jan or summer.

Grealish and Snahco add so much quality and depth as they are both capable of displacing starters in our new found best 11.

We need to start to build that city quality depth so when we have an injury or two we don't fall off a cliff.

Cause make no mistake while our 11 is good 1 or 2 injuries and it is very quickly back to a team that will be as useless as we where early in the season.

For me signing a DM or left back won't fix that issue which is why I'd go big or go home on Sancho and Grealish.
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Yeah they should definitely be the top priority this window. We can continue to monitor the DM situation and if still available should look at a Camavinga/Tonali/Zakaria if still on the market next summer.

In regards to LB situation I think we will give Shaw a chance to improve attacking output,if he doesn't show enough then expect Ole to upgrade this position next year.

Certain we will be in the running for Haaland when that release clause is activated,mind you so will about another ten teams too.

I could see us maybe getting a cheap young CB this window if we can get rid of Rojo & Smalling,would like Ake at Bournemouth if they went down but more likely to target a Rodon/Salisu.
 
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This summer could really be one where we can make up some ground on the Top 2. It's just a case of whether we can take on that financial burden when the economic reality is so uncertain.

If I had a blank check, I'd sign the following this summer:

Sancho
Ruben Neves
Koulibaly

Now Koulibaly is the only one where I have to justify it to myself, and doesn't fit our current style under Ole. But he's 29, and Napoli coming off the back of a poor season could be worth a punt at a cut deal. Should still have 3 years at his prime.

Sancho, speaks for itself.

Neves, I really like him. I'm not sure what it is about him, but he strikes me as really mentally strong, and a leader in that Wolves squad. Looks like a proper United player to me. CDM is such a crucial position, and I feel there's no room to bed in in the PL, and he could slot in seamlessly and replace Matic for years.

Would also like Grealish, but wouldn't be a starter for me, so would fall into the category of quality squad player but not a priority like the three I have named. They would slot into the starting 11 from the get go and make us title challengers I feel.
 
After Masons performances and AWB becoming very good on the right of the attack...I am thinking: invest in the best CB in the world who’s name is not van Dijk. Do it at all costs, sell deadwood, smartly buy competent back ups...And here we are with a major trophy next year!
 
ThinkTank@Cafe said:
After Masons performances and AWB becoming very good on the right of the attack...I am thinking: invest in the best CB in the world who’s name is not van Dijk. Do it at all costs, sell deadwood, smartly buy competent back ups...And here we are with a major trophy next year!
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Cannot see us prioritising Koulibaly over Sancho & Grealish,confident we could sign a young CB once Smalling & Rojo get sold.
 
Priority wise:

RW - We have been playing with out a genuine RW since the days when Valencia was shunt out to RB. Greenwood has shown that he can be right side forward. But even then I would like to sign Sancho as he can play in multiple positions. United looks like favorites to sign to Sancho and he will be missing puzzle in the Jigsaw. Signing Sancho is the most important thing in this transfer window.

CB - Maguire needs to be paired along with a CB who is fast, aggressive and one who can compliment Maguire. Problem with playing Lindelof & Maguire together is that, both of them have similar traits and are slow. Bailly is fast, aggressive but he is injured frequently and probe to errors due to lack of concentration. Tuanzebe is not proven at this level and can be used as a rotational option for the next season. We need to buy a fast, aggressive CB like Konate who can complement Maguire well. If not we can try to buy Upamaceno who is fast, aggressive & can play from the back.
Maguire, Konate (Upamaceno), Lindelof, Bailly and Tuanzebe as the CBs going on for next season could give us good squad rotational options.

CDM - An inform Matic playing along side with Pogba & Bruno showed that midfield is no issue,until and unless Matic can keep his form and is not injured. But he is in the 30s and can not play week in week out and we need a young back up who can understudy from him. Garner from our academy can be brought in to the team next season. Signing someone like Denis Zakaria or Camavinga would be a nice statement of intent from the club that United are building a youth team who can challenge for titles in two to three years. On the other hand, Thomas Partey seems like a readymade option available to replace Matic.

ST/CF:
Martial & Greenwood will be the main forwards going on to next season. Would like to have a good backup forward in his early 30s & one who would be a good option to start from the bench. There are not many options out there. So it is better to make Ighalo deal a permanent one.

LB:
2020/21 will be a defining season for our LBs. Shaw off late has been good and Williams is a good back-up option going for the next season. If Shaw & Williams don't perform well, we need to move to a new LB.
 
reddevilchennai said:
Priority wise:

RW - We have been playing with out a genuine RW since the days when Valencia was shunt out to RB. Greenwood has shown that he can be right side forward. But even then I would like to sign Sancho as he can play in multiple positions. United looks like favorites to sign to Sancho and he will be missing puzzle in the Jigsaw. Signing Sancho is the most important thing in this transfer window.

CB - Maguire needs to be paired along with a CB who is fast, aggressive and one who can compliment Maguire. Problem with playing Lindelof & Maguire together is that, both of them have similar traits and are slow. Bailly is fast, aggressive but he is injured frequently and probe to errors due to lack of concentration. Tuanzebe is not proven at this level and can be used as a rotational option for the next season. We need to buy a fast, aggressive CB like Konate who can complement Maguire well. If not we can try to buy Upamaceno who is fast, aggressive & can play from the back.
Maguire, Konate (Upamaceno), Lindelof, Bailly and Tuanzebe as the CBs going on for next season could give us good squad rotational options.

CDM - An inform Matic playing along side with Pogba & Bruno showed that midfield is no issue,until and unless Matic can keep his form and is not injured. But he is in the 30s and can not play week in week out and we need a young back up who can understudy from him. Garner from our academy can be brought in to the team next season. Signing someone like Denis Zakaria or Camavinga would be a nice statement of intent from the club that United are building a youth team who can challenge for titles in two to three years. On the other hand, Thomas Partey seems like a readymade option available to replace Matic.

ST/CF:
Martial & Greenwood will be the main forwards going on to next season. Would like to have a good backup forward in his early 30s & one who would be a good option to start from the bench. There are not many options out there. So it is better to make Ighalo deal a permanent one.

LB:
2020/21 will be a defining season for our LBs. Shaw off late has been good and Williams is a good back-up option going for the next season. If Shaw & Williams don't perform well, we need to move to a new LB.
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My gut feeling right now is the only other signing we will make in this window other than Sancho is Grealish, yes I know we have issues at both CB and CDM that need addressing but think we will take our time to find the best player for these positions that would fit the system we are trying to play.

The only way things might change is if West Ham go down and then I could see us moving for Rice as he would be able to deputise for Matic at CDM but also would be able to offer cover at CB as well. Interesting that Chelsea are looking to sign him to play there rather than at DM so be interesting to see which position he prefers to play out of the two.
 
I really don't get the grealish links. Are we really that happy with our main options that we go and spend mad money on a backup?

I could see him providing some options to play ahead of rashford sometimes at LW, which I understand is where he has played the most, but sancho also does that.

I think Pogba Bruno Fred and McSauce as four players for 2 spots is reasonable, of course we could add one more there but top priority seems a bit much

I do like Grealish btw, especially off the left in that half space
 
Crashoutcassius said:
I really don't get the grealish links. Are we really that happy with our main options that we go and spend mad money on a backup?

I could see him providing some options to play ahead of rashford sometimes at LW, which I understand is where he has played the most, but sancho also does that.

I think Pogba Bruno Fred and McSauce as four players for 2 spots is reasonable, of course we could add one more there but top priority seems a bit much

I do like Grealish btw, especially off the left in that half space
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Fair point. I think I agree. Maybe we could get Emiliano Buendia + Ake for that money. No idea what Emiliano would go for but they are saying 20 for Ake so 30 for him?
Buendia, Ake and Sancho would be good business. Upamecano and Grealish are better players of course but I presume we dont have 200 mill plus and maybe would they would be better suited.
 
Of the relegation candidates, if we can snap up Grealish and Ake for under £60 million we'll have done very well. Add Sancho to the mix, whilst offloading Mata, Lingard, Pereira, Jones, Rojo and Smalling and we'll have had an exceptional transfer window.
 
Attacking left back, right sided forward, dominating centre back. Ship out 7-8. Then we're good to go.
 
Its amazing how this has changed. All of a sudden we look fantastic in the final 3rd and Greenwood is probably one of the first names on the teamsheet, meaning we're less desperate for an attacker of some sort, although its still needed and for me Grealish is a really good option.

Our midfield also looks sorted, with McT and Fred unable to get a game, earlier in the season we were crying out for more depth but with Bruno signing, Pogba returning and Matic finding his form, we look well set.

Earlier on, i wouldn't have gone for a LB as i thought we were setup with Shaw and Williams, however it looks the area we are lightest. Similarly at CB, i dont think Lindelof is a bad player and is useful, i'm also not totally sold on Maguire, but it does look as though we'll need to invest in that area. Its a shame we havent seen Axel yet and buying a CB would likely spell the end of the line for him IMO.
 
Firstly, we need to get rid of Sanchez, Smalling, Jones, Rojo and Lingard. Then, you could make the case to cash in on Dalot and Pereira.
Buy Sancho and an attacking midfielder for depth. And maybe centre back also if the club has finances.
 
If we do buy Grealish, that's the third captain we've bought under Ole.
Add Rashford and imo McTominay we've got at least five quality captain-type players having emerged these two seasons.
That's some transformation from seasons before were I can't really think of anyone, except maybe Zlatan. Would have to go back to the days of Rio/Vida/Giggs/Scholes/Carrick/Evra/Fletcher to better this. Ole seem to want an end to the days of the manchilds
 
Looking at our fixtures, I do still expect us to finish in the top 4, so this post is going into that with this in mind.
With that being said, I think the team has 4 problem areas that need to be sorted which I'll rank in order:
1. Pogba
2. Sancho
3. Centre Back
4. Grealish

Our squad is currently overflowing with deadwood, which is amazing considering the amount we've removed over the years, but we need to sort out:
Smalling, Jones, Rojo, TFM, Dalot Pereira, Mata, Lingard and Sanchez, so my post will be going in without these in mind, although I don't expect it to happen that way!

So I fully expect us to get top 4. I was a big supporter in getting rid of Ole, but he's done well so for me, deserves next year.
I still don't think he's the right man for the job in all honesty and think Bruno has had the bigger effect, but for this season, top 4 being the target, him reaching it gives him another year for me.

Next year, my expectations would be higher, so just a top 4 push wouldn't be good enough to be honest. Finishing 4th but being much closer I'd be fine with as long as we're making progress

We're in a tough spot here. I still trust De Gea for now and like the fact that Henderson is getting great experience at Sheff Utd. If he's happy to be loaned out for another season, I think this is perfect for us. Romero is still a top back up

These aren't really a concern for me next season. Wan Bissaka has had a rough start after the break, but I'm still happy with him. With Dalot gone, I'd promote Laird as the backup. Williams can also play here so I think we have enough cover on both flanks.
It's a position we could reassess at the end of next season, but I'm happy with what we have here

We need a better partner for Maguire. Lindelof and Bailly are good backups to have, but thats what they should be, the backups. Who that defender is, I don't know. I like Ake etc but I think we need to go bigger than him. He could end up just yet another rotational defender.

I think Maguire gets more stick that deserved. He's a good defender who would get in the sides in the Prem at current, but I think he needs a more reliable partner.

On top of that we've still got Tuanzebe who has looked good, just unfortunate with injuries and Mengi also. I'd like to see one of these go on loan and one stay and get some experience in the first time. The odd sub appearance etc. Hopefully displacing Bailly at some point. As much as I like Bailly, he can be rash and a mistake waiting to happen, and I'd like to move on from that

This is were it gets a bit tricky.
First think we need to sort out is Pogba. Does he sign a new contract. We need to get that sorted, and hopefully he does!
I'll start with Bruno. Since coming in, he's been the heartbeat of this side and has changed our fortunes massively, but he needs competition and somebody who can come in to give him a rest.
Grealish has been played at LW mostly for Villa, but I don't think thats his best position. I think he can comfortably play there, as well as the Pogba role, charging from a deeper position but also where I think he'd be best and thats as the number 10. This is why I think we get him. He can offer a lot of versatility while also being good in these areas.

Matic right now is our best defensive midfielder. I'd like to upgrade on him, but he's just signed a new deal, yet I think maybe at the end of next season, this is a position we look at.

McTominay and Fred are both what I'd consider solid squad players. I like them both, I like their work rates, but I do consider them jack of all trades, with us only need one going forward. For next season, I'd definitely have them both and assess them again, but I think they'd deserve more game time than we'd give them, but rather than one replacing Matic, I'd much rather get a proper defensive midfielder.

I'd like to see Garner go on loan as I can't see him breaking that midfield yet. I'd like to see Mejbri get the odd sub appearance and cup game

Martial, Rashford, Sancho, Greenwood, Ighalo and James

More than happy with that. I think Martial Sancho and Rashford are the starting trio. I think Greenwood can play in any of the positions. Sancho can go left if we need to give Rashford a rest. Ighalo being on loan is perfect as it gives some depth without committing much. James I'm not sold on, but I see him as a player being happy to be hear for now, with a lesser role and can be moved on when requested.

Martial is still learning in that role up front, but he's doing a good job, so I think the main 4 is a frightening prospect.
Not sold on Chong to be honest

De Gea
Romero
Grant

Bissaka - Someone - Maguire - Shaw
Laird - Lindelof - Bailly - Williams

Pogba - Matic
Fred - McTominay

Sancho - Bruno - Rashford
Greenwood - Grealish - James

Martial
Ighalo
Cool! Another long post I've done while sat, bored that nobody will read :lol:
 
DomesticTadpole said:
Depth.
Click to expand...

I would also add a leftback of starting quality that can contribute in the buildup. The ease at which Southampton stopped us from progressing the ball through the middle showcased our need for fullbacks that can contribute in this area. Given that AWB is so good as an isolation defender, it is more difficult to find an upgrade to him than Shaw... Chilwell functions like a wide playmaker for Leicester and I wonder how much he would cost if they don't get CL qual.
 
Fosu-Mens said:
I would also add a leftback of starting quality that can contribute in the buildup. The ease at which Southampton stopped us from progressing the ball through the middle showcased our need for fullbacks that can contribute in this area. Given that AWB is so good as an isolation defender, it is more difficult to find an upgrade to him than Shaw... Chilwell functions like a wide playmaker for Leicester and I wonder how much he would cost if they don't get CL qual.
Click to expand...
Agree about AWB, if we replaced him people would soon be moaning that the new RB can't defend. As you say that could be why Chilwell bane is coming up.
 
For this window.

Sell - Lingard Jones Rojo Smalling
Buy - Sancho, Ake, Grealish
Loan Dalot and Garner and promote Laird


----------------------------De Gea--------------------------

Awb--------Lindelof-----------Maguire-----Shaw

-----------------Pogba-----------Matic------------------

Sancho----------------Bruno-------------Rashford

----------------------------Martial--------------------------

Bench: Romero, Williams, Ake, Fred, Grealish, Tuanzebe, Greenwood, James Ighalo

It's a complete team and we would have decent cover for each position

Gk - De Gea, Romero
RB - Awb, Williams, Laird
LB - Shaw, Williams
CB- Maguire Lindelof Ake Tuanzebe Baily
DM - Matic Ake
CM - Pogba Fred Mctominay
AM - Bruno Grealish
LW - Rashford James
RW - Sancho Greenwood
ST - Martial Ighalo
 
Igor Drefljak said:
Looking at our fixtures, I do still expect us to finish in the top 4, so this post is going into that with this in mind.
With that being said, I think the team has 4 problem areas that need to be sorted which I'll rank in order:
1. Pogba
2. Sancho
3. Centre Back
4. Grealish

Our squad is currently overflowing with deadwood, which is amazing considering the amount we've removed over the years, but we need to sort out:
Smalling, Jones, Rojo, TFM, Dalot Pereira, Mata, Lingard and Sanchez, so my post will be going in without these in mind, although I don't expect it to happen that way!

So I fully expect us to get top 4. I was a big supporter in getting rid of Ole, but he's done well so for me, deserves next year.
I still don't think he's the right man for the job in all honesty and think Bruno has had the bigger effect, but for this season, top 4 being the target, him reaching it gives him another year for me.

Next year, my expectations would be higher, so just a top 4 push wouldn't be good enough to be honest. Finishing 4th but being much closer I'd be fine with as long as we're making progress

We're in a tough spot here. I still trust De Gea for now and like the fact that Henderson is getting great experience at Sheff Utd. If he's happy to be loaned out for another season, I think this is perfect for us. Romero is still a top back up

These aren't really a concern for me next season. Wan Bissaka has had a rough start after the break, but I'm still happy with him. With Dalot gone, I'd promote Laird as the backup. Williams can also play here so I think we have enough cover on both flanks.
It's a position we could reassess at the end of next season, but I'm happy with what we have here

We need a better partner for Maguire. Lindelof and Bailly are good backups to have, but thats what they should be, the backups. Who that defender is, I don't know. I like Ake etc but I think we need to go bigger than him. He could end up just yet another rotational defender.

I think Maguire gets more stick that deserved. He's a good defender who would get in the sides in the Prem at current, but I think he needs a more reliable partner.

On top of that we've still got Tuanzebe who has looked good, just unfortunate with injuries and Mengi also. I'd like to see one of these go on loan and one stay and get some experience in the first time. The odd sub appearance etc. Hopefully displacing Bailly at some point. As much as I like Bailly, he can be rash and a mistake waiting to happen, and I'd like to move on from that

This is were it gets a bit tricky.
First think we need to sort out is Pogba. Does he sign a new contract. We need to get that sorted, and hopefully he does!
I'll start with Bruno. Since coming in, he's been the heartbeat of this side and has changed our fortunes massively, but he needs competition and somebody who can come in to give him a rest.
Grealish has been played at LW mostly for Villa, but I don't think thats his best position. I think he can comfortably play there, as well as the Pogba role, charging from a deeper position but also where I think he'd be best and thats as the number 10. This is why I think we get him. He can offer a lot of versatility while also being good in these areas.

Matic right now is our best defensive midfielder. I'd like to upgrade on him, but he's just signed a new deal, yet I think maybe at the end of next season, this is a position we look at.

McTominay and Fred are both what I'd consider solid squad players. I like them both, I like their work rates, but I do consider them jack of all trades, with us only need one going forward. For next season, I'd definitely have them both and assess them again, but I think they'd deserve more game time than we'd give them, but rather than one replacing Matic, I'd much rather get a proper defensive midfielder.

I'd like to see Garner go on loan as I can't see him breaking that midfield yet. I'd like to see Mejbri get the odd sub appearance and cup game

Martial, Rashford, Sancho, Greenwood, Ighalo and James

More than happy with that. I think Martial Sancho and Rashford are the starting trio. I think Greenwood can play in any of the positions. Sancho can go left if we need to give Rashford a rest. Ighalo being on loan is perfect as it gives some depth without committing much. James I'm not sold on, but I see him as a player being happy to be hear for now, with a lesser role and can be moved on when requested.

Martial is still learning in that role up front, but he's doing a good job, so I think the main 4 is a frightening prospect.
Not sold on Chong to be honest

De Gea
Romero
Grant

Bissaka - Someone - Maguire - Shaw
Laird - Lindelof - Bailly - Williams

Pogba - Matic
Fred - McTominay

Sancho - Bruno - Rashford
Greenwood - Grealish - James

Martial
Ighalo
Cool! Another long post I've done while sat, bored that nobody will read :lol:
Click to expand...

I read it! :D Agree with the bulk of it, I think we all know Sancho is the attacking priority but if we get him he can play in Bruno's role as well as either wing and Pogba can also play more advanced of the midfield 3 if Bruno is out with Fred or McTominay coming in as a box to box to make up the midfield 3.

So i don't think Grealish is as needed as another proper holding midfielder and a CB, as we are seeing teams getting at our goal more with the lack of ground coverage and mobility we have at DM and CB to cover when we play Pogba and Bruno together.
 
Buy
RW - Sancho
CB - Konate
AM - Grealish

Sell/Release
GK - De Gea, Grant
RB - Dalot
CB - Fosu-Mensah, Smalling, Jones, Rojo
AM - Pereira, Lingard, Mata
LW - Sanchez

Squad
GK - Henderson, Romero, J.Pereira
RB - AWB, Laird
CB - Konate, Maguire, Lindelof, Tuanzebe, Bailly
LB - Shaw, Williams
DM - Matic, McTominay, Garner
CM - Pogba, Fred
AM - Bruno, Grealish
RW - Sancho, Greenwood, Chong
LW - Rashford, James
CF - Martial, Ighalo
 
Devil may care said:
I read it! :D Agree with the bulk of it, I think we all know Sancho is the attacking priority but if we get him he can play in Bruno's role as well as either wing and Pogba can also play more advanced of the midfield 3 if Bruno is out with Fred or McTominay coming in as a box to box to make up the midfield 3.

So i don't think Grealish is as needed as another proper holding midfielder and a CB, as we are seeing teams getting at our goal more with the lack of ground coverage and mobility we have at DM and CB to cover when we play Pogba and Bruno together.
Click to expand...

I think we will bring in a CB after the sales of Smalling & Rojo,however my gut feeling is that it will be a cheap CB who we can develop.
 
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