What do we still need? Post Summer 2016 edition

Griez makes a lot of sense. He can play AM or RW along with Miki but also as no 9 which removes the reliance on Zlat and provides cover.

It would say a lot to Rash if we went out and bought a top quality striker and anyone with ability wouldn't play 2nd fiddle to Zlat.

We'll definitely bring in a CM, without a doubt, we're paper thin in that department. Although Carrick needs to be retained.

I can't see anything further, I suspect we'll make do with Blind/Rojo at LB with a plan to reintegrate Shaw. Mou isn't daft and knows he's got ability so isn't going to just bin him.

I would have said we'd bring in a new CB 6 weeks ago but since Smalling/Jones/Rojo stepped up, I don't think it's needed.

Id like to see some of the older lads moved on (which I think will be the case, Basti, Young) with a few youngsters given a shot.
 
MrSingh2002 said:
I think it all hinges on us getting into the champions league. Last years plan was to take all of Mino Raiolas clients while we were out of Champs league to then sign Jorge Mendes clients when we get back into the top 4. So far so good but I think Mendes had his fingers bitten with the Di Maria deal and wants to ensure were in the champs league before he brings his stars here again for Mourinho.

Anyone know who Jorge Mendes clients are?
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Don't agree at all. I don't know the inner workings of a football club but I refuse to believe it's a boys club and we specifically buy from a particular agent vs another. I presume we buy the players we need/want not based on the agent.
 
What good LBs are there atm?

We'll buy one in the summer (unless things completely change with Shaw) but I don't remember us being linked with anyone.
 
M Bison said:
Don't agree at all. I don't know the inner workings of a football club but I refuse to believe it's a boys club and we specifically buy from a particular agent vs another. I presume we buy the players we need/want not based on the agent.
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Even though Mourinhos own close friend and agent is Jorge Mendes, you don't believe they would have had that conversation?

I estimate we sign Mendes clients if all things are equal with the players we're targeting.
 
MrSingh2002 said:
Even though Mourinhos own close friend and agent is Jorge Mendes, you don't believe they would have had that conversation?

I estimate we sign Mendes clients if all things are equal with the players we're targeting.
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I'm sure they talk but hopefully Mourinho behaves in a professional manner and goes after the players he believes will be best for the club. If those players are represented by Mendes I would imagine that's a coincidence rather than anything else.
 
settembrini said:
What good LBs are there atm?

We'll buy one in the summer (unless things completely change with Shaw) but I don't remember us being linked with anyone.
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I'd be surprised if we did buy a LB. Shaw has the ability and I think Mou will sort him out.
 
M Bison said:
I'm sure they talk but hopefully Mourinho behaves in a professional manner and goes after the players he believes will be best for the club. If those players are represented by Mendes I would imagine that's a coincidence rather than anything else.
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Bernardo Silva
Thiago Silva
Coentrao
William Carvalho
James Rodriguez

Some useful players of his. Could be beneficial to us in the summer.
 
MrSingh2002 said:
Bernardo Silva
Thiago Silva
Coentrao
William Carvalho
James Rodriguez

Some useful players of his. Could be beneficial to us in the summer.
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I'm not disputing he acts for decent players, simply that I don't believe he would go after a player simply because they share the same agent!
 
M Bison said:
I'd be surprised if we did buy a LB. Shaw has the ability and I think Mou will sort him out.
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I like Shaw and hope you are right but he is running out of time. We're soon to enter the business end of the season where results are paramount and Mourinho seems to have zero confidence him. He's probably fourth choice for the position atm and the players that are ahead of him range from okay (Blind) to awful (Darmian). He needs to turn that around quickly if he wants to still be here next season.
 
First name that comes to my mind to replace Carrick is Weigl from Dortmund, players from the Academy who are loaned I am interested to know if Mourinho will keep anyone.
 
settembrini said:
What good LBs are there atm?

We'll buy one in the summer (unless things completely change with Shaw) but I don't remember us being linked with anyone.
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Mendy from Monaco and Kolasinac from Shalke would be good options. I would have said Ricardo Rodriguez from Wolfsburg but I've not watched them much this season and the general view is he's regressed.
 
I still think it's one attacking midfielder/winger (Griezmann), a CM/DM and then probably one defender. My guess is an LB since Shaw is often hurt or out of favour with Mourinho andhe probably figures we can just run Valencia into the ground next year and get him some competition in 2018, along with a Zlatan replacement.
 
With Mata and Martial getting back to their best and Mkhitaryan showing his wares, I've come to the conclusion that Griezmann is the only forward we'll get.
RF: Mkhitaryan, Mata
CF: Zlatan, Griezmann
LF: Martial, Rashford.
That's fine by me.
 
If you decide to overlook Griezmann I think you should consider Riyad Mahrez for your vacancy at RW.
Whether Leicester stay or go there will surely be a mass exodus at the end of the season and Mahrez who wanted a move before the start of this term will surely be granted his wish.
He's still only 25, PL proven and likely to be available for a realistic fee as Leicester will look to clear the decks.

He's underperformed this season but that's not totally his fault and he seems to retain all his ability. Just needs a change of scenery IMO.
 
Gentleman Jim said:
If you decide to overlook Griezmann I think you should consider Riyad Mahrez for your vacancy at RW.
Whether Leicester stay or go there will surely be a mass exodus at the end of the season and Mahrez who wanted a move before the start of this term will surely be granted his wish.
He's still only 25, PL proven and likely to be available for a realistic fee as Leicester will look to clear the decks.

He's underperformed this season but that's not totally his fault and he seems to retain all his ability. Just needs a change of scenery IMO.
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No thank you. I used to think he was better than our existing players. Not anymore. He might look ok in Barcelona like, system teams. But Mourinho teams rely on individual brilliance and he would look out of place. We already have better players in Mata, Mikhi and Martial for our wings. Rashford also can do well there hopefully. If we can't land Griezmann, I hope we bring a second striker/ a bit experienced CF like Defoe. Who wouldn't necessarily hamper the chances of Martial/Rashford long term.
 
mariner85 said:
No thank you. I used to think he was better than our existing players. Not anymore. He might look ok in Barcelona like, system teams. But Mourinho teams rely on individual brilliance and he would look out of place. We already have better players in Mata, Mikhi and Martial for our wings. Rashford also can do well there hopefully. If we can't land Griezmann, I hope we bring a second striker/ a bit experienced CF like Defoe. Who wouldn't necessarily hamper the chances of Martial/Rashford long term.
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OK mate, you know your personnel and formations better than me as you watch your team more than me (I do watch United a fair bit but not all games).
I just think that Mahrez will shine again if his next club is a good fit and that he may represent a bargain buy for somebody.
 
I think a top class attacking player, a DM and RB should be the priorities. Something like Griezmann, Fabinho and Sidibe maybe. I don't watch enough football outside of the PL these days to really know what I'm talking about wrt to these players, but on paper at least, signing Sidibe and Fabinho would add so much flexibility to the squad, being able to cover both fullback positions and DM/RB respectively. Signing Griezmann just seems like a no brainer if it's at all possible.

An experienced CB wouldn't go amiss either, but it looks like a less pressing issue than it did a few months back.
 
SCP said:
First name that comes to my mind to replace Carrick is Weigl from Dortmund, players from the Academy who are loaned I am interested to know if Mourinho will keep anyone.
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#Acquireme has nailed his colours to the Weigl mast already in the Griezmann thread. He pretty much implied Wiegl and Griezmann are almost done deals. I'm always skeptical about ITK's but if he gets those two right, and Weigl is by no means an obvious one, then I'll accept him as a genuine ITK. He gets no credit from me for Griezmann, any fool can see that one happening.
 
RedNed77 said:
#Acquireme has nailed his colours to the Weigl mast already in the Griezmann thread. He pretty much implied Wiegl and Griezmann are almost done deals. I'm always skeptical about ITK's but if he gets those two right, and Weigl is by no means an obvious one, then I'll accept him as a genuine ITK. He gets no credit from me for Griezmann, any fool can see that one happening.
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:lol: Weigl almost done deal..what a load of BS. If he is claiming such nonsense, then he is going to fail miserable.
 
RedNed77 said:
#Acquireme has nailed his colours to the Weigl mast already in the Griezmann thread. He pretty much implied Wiegl and Griezmann are almost done deals. I'm always skeptical about ITK's but if he gets those two right, and Weigl is by no means an obvious one, then I'll accept him as a genuine ITK. He gets no credit from me for Griezmann, any fool can see that one happening.
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Nostradamus said:
:lol: Weigl almost done deal..what a load of BS. If he is claiming such nonsense, then he is going to fail miserable.
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@Acquire Me didn't claim Weigl was almost a done deal. He said Weigl was just a target and we will be enquiring about him just like a lot of other clubs will.
 
I'd say that we need a MF who can play in a 2 with Pogba when needed, and who can be the 'defensive' part of a 3 when we are up against it, or need to change tactics too. Someone like kante would have been perfect, but of the available players out there I'm not sure who would fit the role best. I also think Greizmann is perfect for us. He can play AM/RW while Ibra is in favour/still here, but can switch to CF too. After that, we could really do with a couple of new defenders. RB isn't bad for now, but could be better and LB seems to be an area we'll be changing since Mourinho doesn't seem to rate Shaw. I'd also be looking at a CB but we can't change everything so I'd go for: Greizmann, DCM, RB, CB.
 
Nostradamus said:
Just a waste of time, as there is zero chance to get him.
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Well I would have said the same about Pogba before last summer. It will be hard yes, but I am sure we will be looking at alternatives too. We shouldn't give up without trying. If we don't get him, we will move on to the next alternative. If we get him, it would be the ideal replacement for Carrick. I agree that a policy of him or no one won't work like we did with Ramos.
 
The situation really depends on who is leaving and who is not. We definitely need to address a few more key areas RW, RB and DM being the obvious ones. Providing we keep Ibra for another season, we need more pace and movement around him in that case Griezmann makes a lot of sense. Having said that I would imagine he would be difficult to acquire. Weigl is another interesting candidate for that DM spot but would be equally difficult to get. Not sure what other options we have in the transfer market for those positions? I hear a lot of this Monaco fella Bakayoko, haven't seen him play though admittedly.
 
I was wondering why Mata's contract still is till the summer 2018. Will he leave? Could he maybe be used in a deal to get Griezmann? If so, what do you think?
 
devilish said:
CB, LB, RB, DM, LW/RW,STK
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Agreed but I think we'll only get 4 of the 6 done.

RedMaestro said:
I was wondering why Mata's contract still is till the summer 2018. Will he leave? Could he maybe be used in a deal to get Griezmann? If so, what do you think?
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I think his contract will have that additional year on it that the club can activate so it essentially runs to 2019. Mata did mention recently that he fancied playing back in Spain but I don't think it'll happen just yet.
 
RedNed77 said:
#Acquireme has nailed his colours to the Weigl mast already in the Griezmann thread. He pretty much implied Wiegl and Griezmann are almost done deals. I'm always skeptical about ITK's but if he gets those two right, and Weigl is by no means an obvious one, then I'll accept him as a genuine ITK. He gets no credit from me for Griezmann, any fool can see that one happening.
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I have the feeling that Griezmann will come to United, regarding Weigl everytime this option is mentioned Dortmund fans here say it is impossible because they will not sell him, maybe players like Auba or Reus but not him.

If that is true, and I hope so they will hire probably the best young defensive midfielder in Europe, I just say this because I had the chance to see him playing in Lisbon in the Champions League, and for me he can play in Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern, so if United wants to be on that level they should try it, but there are an lot of options, the truth is that Carrick needs an replacement.
 
Devil may care said:
I think his contract will have that additional year on it that the club can activate so it essentially runs to 2019. Mata did mention recently that he fancied playing back in Spain but I don't think it'll happen just yet.
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Transfermarkt list contract options amongst the details on the player profiles. For instance: the profiles of Blind, Martial, Shaw, Romero, Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Darmian, De Gea, Zlatan and Rashford all include a one year contract option. There is a similar number of profiles that do not mention a contract option: Jones, Rojo, Smalling, Herrera come in this category. United recently took up options to extend contracts on Valencia and Fellaini. Nothing on Mata's profile other than his contract is until summer 2018. http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/juan-mata/profil/spieler/44068
 
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devilish said:
CB, LB, RB, DM, LW/RW,STK
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I can see an argument for all those positions (except striker, surely Zlatan is good enough?) but didn't Jose say we're in for a quiet summer? I doubt we'll get 6 new players, or at least not 6 first teamers.

I'd like to see us get a DM (Weigl is the pipe dream but obviously difficult, would like to see us try for N'Zonzi: great defensive player, alreasy has premier league experience etc.), a rapid wide player (I've been advocating Douglas Costa but again probably not happening, so I'm out. How's Felipe Anderson doing these days?), and a young RB who can cover both full back positions while he's deputy to Valencia. Assess where Shaw is at the end of the season because it's too early to give up on him; there's little chance we'll find a more talented full back than Shaw in full flight.
 
If we go for a maximum of 4 players i would do this:

GK: de Gea, Romero, Pereira

RB: Semedo, Valencia
RCB: Bailly, Jones
LCB: Rojo, Smalling
LB: Shaw, Blind

RCM: Herrera, Tolisso/Dahoud/Goretzka
CDM: Weigl, Carrick
LCM: Pogba, Fellaini/Pereira

RW: Griezmann, Mata, Lingard
CF: Zlatan, Rashford
LW: Mkhitaryan, Martial
​
In: Semedo, Weigl, Tolisso/Dahoud/Goretzka, Griezmann

Out: Darmian, Bastian, Young, Januzaj, Rooney

4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1 for easier games and 4-3-3 for tough games.

We would lack a player with the ability to dribble past defenders out on the wings without Martial starting, but the link-up play between the players should be brilliant.
 
Lukaku, Carvalho, Semedo and Tierney and adding Pereira & Januzaj to the squad would be more than fine. Lukaku is Prem proven and clinical and often scores more than one goal in a game. Still young and the type Jose likes. Similarly Carvalho is a proper tank of a player yet a gifted passer too and would be great alongside Pogba. Semedo and Tierney would add attacking threat and goals from our full backs for the next decade. But before buying Lukaku give Rashford a good run up front.
 
As I see it, the only positions we're weak in are centre back, midfield and the wing. Obviously a lot of other factors come into play, such as whether Valencia declines any time soon, Shaw getting back into the team and some form and De Gea staying or not. But I think we'll make 2 or 3 big signings to improve these areas, plus 1 or 2 more to supplement, such as a young right back, or another striker.
 
SomeRandomPerson said:
I can see an argument for all those positions (except striker, surely Zlatan is good enough?) but didn't Jose say we're in for a quiet summer? I doubt we'll get 6 new players, or at least not 6 first teamers.

I'd like to see us get a DM (Weigl is the pipe dream but obviously difficult, would like to see us try for N'Zonzi: great defensive player, alreasy has premier league experience etc.), a rapid wide player (I've been advocating Douglas Costa but again probably not happening, so I'm out. How's Felipe Anderson doing these days?), and a young RB who can cover both full back positions while he's deputy to Valencia. Assess where Shaw is at the end of the season because it's too early to give up on him; there's little chance we'll find a more talented full back than Shaw in full flight.
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Ibra is 36. We need somebody to cover/succeed him and by the looks of it, it won't be Rashford. Mou sees the boy as a winger not as a striker. Same thing can be said about the RB position. Valencia is a beast but he's in his 30s now. A cover/successor need to be found for him.

The DM role needs to be given top priority. Carrick is ancient and we simply don't have a DM. Because of that we're being forced to either play Herrera in a deeper role or play Fellaini there. We need a more permanent solution to that problem. Our goal conversion rate is hilarious, so I think we need to add a top quality winger who can score goals.

The CB is a thorny issue. Some people still insist that Jones, Rojo and Hodor can do the job despite the fact that they have yet to win a regular first team role with us. If you ask me, this musical chairs thing need to stop and we need 2 CBs who are able to do well week in week out without any brainfarts or regular trips to the treatment room.

The least priority is LB. We've got Blind, Shaw and Rojo there so we're fine with that one. I only mentioned that role because Mou seem not quite happy with Shaw. If Shaw is sold then we need a top quality LB to replace him.

My team for next season

GK: DDG, Romero

DR: Semedo, Valencia
DL: Shaw, Blind
DC: Laporte, Rojo
DC: Bailly, Smalling, Jones (unless we find a decent buyer)

DM: Goretzka, N'diaye (loan with right to buy)
DPL: Weigl/Neves, Herrera
AMC: Mata, Pogba

RW: Bernardeschi/Griezmann, Rashford, Lingard
LW: Mkhitaryan, Martial,

STK: Ibra, Andre Silva/Gabriel Barbosa
 
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podurban2 said:
Really, why? I have never seen him, but when was the last time a CDM was untouchable? Surely, he bid north of £50M would make Dortmund think twice?
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Dortmund wouldnt even blink when offering numbers like 50m or 60m or even 70m or 80m. There is only one answer from them: NOT FOR SALE

You guys always saying that EPL have so much money and dont need to sell, but Dortmund have more money than most of them and they are financially more than just healthy.

In addidtion, Dortmund have categoiccaly ruled out plenty of transfers during the last years and they only were willing to sell when contracts were running down and players just having 1 more year.

To think Dortmund would sell Weigl, who has just extended his contract ist just laughable and I would bet all my money, that he is going to stay at least until 2018. As I said, there is literally zero chance to get him.
 
devilish said:
Ibra is 36. We need somebody to cover/succeed him and by the looks of it, it won't be Rashford. Mou sees the boy as a winger not as a striker. Same thing can be said about the RB position. Valencia is a beast but he's in his 30s now. A cover/successor need to be found for him.

The DM role needs to be given top priority. Carrick is ancient and we simply don't have a DM. Because of that we're being forced to either play Herrera in a deeper role or play Fellaini there. We need a more permanent solution to that problem. Our goal conversion rate is hilarious, so I think we need to add a top quality winger who can score goals.

The CB is a thorny issue. Some people still insist that Jones, Rojo and Hodor can do the job despite the fact that they have yet to win a regular first team role with us. If you ask me, this musical chairs thing need to stop and we need 2 CBs who are able to do well week in week out without any brainfarts or regular trips to the treatment room.

The least priority is LB. We've got Blind, Shaw and Rojo there so we're fine with that one. I only mentioned that role because Mou seem not quite happy with Shaw. If Shaw is sold then we need a top quality LB to replace him.

My team for next season

GK: DDG, Romero

DR: Semedo, Valencia
DL: Shaw, Blind
DC: Laporte, Rojo
DC: Bailly, Smalling, Jones (unless we find a decent buyer)

DM: Goretzka, N'diaye (loan with right to buy)
DPL: Weigl/Neves, Herrera
AMC: Mata, Pogba

RW: Bernardeschi/Griezmann, Rashford, Lingard
LW: Mkhitaryan, Martial,

STK: Ibra, Andre Silva/Gabriel Barbosa
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Do you think that plan is actually realistic? Laporte and Griezmann alone would match any spending we've made in the last few seasons. Silva and Semedo would probably both require bids exceeding 30 million £, Weigl would probably require far more than that.

Neves can't stake a claim for himself at Porto and neither can Barbosa at Inter yet they're good enough for us, how?
 
JohnnyLaw said:
Do you think that plan is actually realistic? Laporte and Griezmann alone would match any spending we've made in the last few seasons. Silva and Semedo would probably both require bids exceeding 30 million £, Weigl would probably require far more than that.

Neves can't stake a claim for himself at Porto and neither can Barbosa at Inter yet they're good enough for us, how?
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We never expected United to spend as much as we did last season but they did. However you're probably right. Its going to be difficult to get some of those players.

Hence we need to take risks. Works in progress like Goretzka, Bernardeschi, Nevez and Barbosa would add quality to the side and they shouldn't cost a bomb. I wouldn't be too critical towards the latter TBH. We're speaking about Inter after all, a club who gave the boot to the likes of Roberto Carlos and Coutinho. I am no scout mate, so please use that as an indication of the type of player we need rather then the actual player.
 
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