What do we still need? Post Summer 2016 edition

A lot.

Not convinced Ibra will hang around for two seasons. So a new striker or two.

Got a feeling DeGea could leave. So a new keeper.

Need speed in our line up.

Carrick replacement.

Some help out wide.

Midfield depth we actually use.

Some better defenders.
 
id be looking to replace the players who can't be relied upon to produce....they won't all leave but I'd like to see the departures of
Rooney, Fellaini, Young, Schweinsteiger, Lingard, Darmian and one of the CBs. Ibra has been excellent overall but I hate the idea of players being untouchable in the team and I suppose there is a chance he will leave.

I'd like to see a strong CB, a full back, someone in the Verrati/Modric mould for midfield as a long term placement for Carrick , a strong midfielder who plays deep, at least 2 top attacking players including a striker who we can rely on to produce. Bring the kid Periera back from Spain.
 
Forward... probably griezman if we can get close football and convince him to leave Spain
Right back... cover / competition for valencia
centre back... Jones can't be relied on and Mike does not seem to have convinced Jose
Midfielder... Basically a Carrick replacement

We could in theory see quite a few go
Darmain
Rojo or blind
Carrick
Schweinstiger
Young
Rooney
Best part of £1m a week in wages off the books
 
I'm starting to think we'd be best off letting Zlatan go. His output has been great, and in general he's been good, but I just think we'd be so much more fluent and dynamic with a more mobile, active striker that stays up front leading the line rather than dropping deep all the time. Kind of similar to when Saha replaced Ruud.
 
A midfielder who can tackle and break up play. Some creativity on the right wing/forward, and central defenders with some brains.
 
Will be very tough to get Alexis but he's exactly what we need; he's the man that can comfortably replace Zlatan upfront should his form dip, can press very well with Mkhitaryan and Ander, he can play across the front 4 positions, and financially we can offer him what he wants.

We need someone to compete with Shaw, not sure if we can trust him as our LB for another season yet. Southampton won't be too difficult to buy Bertrand from, who's been pretty impressive.

Danilo Pereira is a monster, but at the same time he's very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Always liked what I've seen from him.

Should offload the likes of Darmian, Rooney, Schweinsteiger.

Easier Games:

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Rojo Bertrand
Herrera Pogba
Alexis Mkhitaryan Martial
Ibrahimović

Top 6 Games:

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Rojo Bertrand
Danilo
Herrera Pogba
Mkhi---------------Martial
Alexis
​
 
sun_tzu said:
Forward... probably griezman if we can get close football and convince him to leave Spain
Right back... cover / competition for valencia
centre back... Jones can't be relied on and Mike does not seem to have convinced Jose
Midfielder... Basically a Carrick replacement

We could in theory see quite a few go
Darmain
Rojo or blind
Carrick
Schweinstiger
Young
Rooney
Best part of £1m a week in wages off the books
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Of those you list, I'd only consider keeping Carrick as 4/5th choice. Blind has no position under Jose so might as well go. I'd also add Fellaini as Mourinho only seems to use him when he has to.

So that's 7 out. I'd say we need 6 in.

2 CM/DM
1 FB
1 RW
1 CF
1 CB

That's a hell of a lot of change again. Something I'm sure the club would have preffered to avoid.
And, we'd still only have 3 fullbacks and a lack of competition for Martial.

At least not all of those 6 would be needed to fill starting places. The 2 midfielders would only need to be alternative option/cover level. The central defender needs to be top drawer though, so too the striker and winger, if we are to win the league next year. That's a big ask.

I worry that if Griezmann is one to come, unless it's intended he'll be our CF, he'll be another player that doesn't quite fit in a wide role, like Mkhitaryan or Mata.
 
Griezmann will be the spearhead. Not a traditional #9, but what he lacks in size and ball protection, he makes up for with speed and skill. His balance, pace and vision allow him to pose significant threat even if he finds himself isolated.
 


The 3 empty spots are where I see us buying starters.

The complete lack of composure at CB has been evident in several of our recent games, most noticeably in the last 2 games and we were only playing against mediocre forwards. Jose needs a salty bastard that can lead the back 4 and keep things calm when we face sustained pressure. Bonucci is the dream but highly unlikely, so fingers crossed Jose has a target that's under the radar.

The need to find a new #6 is the most talked about topic on the Caf, Weigl is the best but after him Danilo Pereira, N'Zonzi and Fabinho are all options who are more limited but still decent in the role.

Adding another goal scorer is as obvious a signing as there is, we need a player capable of adding another 20 to our season tally. Griezmann remains the most likely target.

Beyond those 3 we need to look at the striker situation and I think a fullback is needed, I'm a fan of Semedo for RB but a player like Heinrichs or Sidibie would offer us cover for both flanks.
 
Devil may care said:


The 3 empty spots are where I see us buying starters.

The complete lack of composure at CB has been evident in several of our recent games, most noticeably in the last 2 games and we were only playing against mediocre forwards. Jose needs a salty bastard that can lead the back 4 and keep things calm when we face sustained pressure. Bonucci is the dream but highly unlikely, so fingers crossed Jose has a target that's under the radar.

The need to find a new #6 is the most talked about topic on the Caf, Weigl is the best but after him Danilo Pereira, N'Zonzi and Fabinho are all options who are more limited but still decent in the role.

Adding another goal scorer is as obvious a signing as there is, we need a player capable of adding another 20 to our season tally. Griezmann remains the most likely target.

Beyond those 3 we need to look at the striker situation and I think a fullback is needed, I'm a fan of Semedo for RB but a player like Heinrichs or Sidibie would offer us cover for both flanks.
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Danilo's passingly is very underrated on this forum, I'd rather have him than Weigl
 
Devil may care said:
Why? He's not nearly as good Weigl as an all round footballer.
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Iv seen both quite a bit of both this season, Danilo seems more suited to how we play and what we need. He'd sit deep, soak up the pressure and be able to hold himself when Pogba roams forward. He isn't a slouch and would easily cope with the physical aspect of the PL. He isn't just a destroyer, he connects the defence to midfield for Porto well and could play in a midfield 2 or 3 for us.

Weigl is has a better footballing brain but couldn't play in a Midfield 2 with Pogba, which is what I think Mourinho's 2017/18 team will most likely be. I just think Danilo would be the better player for United than Weigl.
 
Cheekiey said:
Iv seen both quite a bit of both this season, Danilo seems more suited to how we play and what we need. He'd sit deep, soak up the pressure and be able to hold himself when Pogba roams forward. He isn't a slouch and would easily cope with the physical aspect of the PL. He isn't just a destroyer, he connects the defence to midfield for Porto well and could play in a midfield 2 or 3 for us.

Weigl is has a better footballing brain but couldn't play in a Midfield 2 with Pogba, which is what I think Mourinho's 2017/18 team will most likely be. I just think Danilo would be the better player for United than Weigl.
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Weigl wouldn't have much more difficulty playing with Pogba in a 2 than Danilo, Weigl is often left on his own in Dortmund's midfield as they use two attacking CM's in front of him. Truth is Pogba in a 2 is a headache no matter who we put in there, but Weigl is equally as good as Danilo positionally if not as physical, but technically he protects the ball under pressure better and is a much better passer to instigate attacks after breaking up play.
 
I agree with those saying we'll be replacing Carrick this summer with more of a defensive machine of a midfielder - Herrera and Pogba will be given the complete freedom to roam and do the passing, the new guy will clean up any mistakes and protect the back four. Wouldn't be completely surprised if another CM is bought as competition for Herrera, too.

A new CB, a new RB (possibly a LB depending how Shaw finishes the season). And a winger. So, a busy summer with outgoings too.
 
A set piece specialist like Eriksen or Payet. God, I wish we had some one to whip balls in during corners and leather the ball from 25 yards out during fk. Ibra taking 25 fks to put one in really gets on my nerves.
 
Devil may care said:
Weigl wouldn't have much more difficulty playing with Pogba in a 2 than Danilo, Weigl is often left on his own in Dortmund's midfield as they use two attacking CM's in front of him. Truth is Pogba in a 2 is a headache no matter who we put in there, but Weigl is equally as good as Danilo positionally if not as physical, but technically he protects the ball under pressure better and is a much better passer to instigate attacks after breaking up play.
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True, I just think we need a Matic in our team, someone who has a presence, who can sit back and take the pressure which allows Herrera to do the bulldog work and Pogba to roam freely. Weigl will cost over what Danilo would cost and thats if Dortmund was to sell, yes we can afford it, but I cant see Dortmund selling unless a stupid offer is made in the £50-£60m mark. Danilo would cost max £35m.

Either one would be great but my preference for the team is Danilo
 
I think a top class CB someone like a Ferdinand, who along with Bailly (whos more a Vidic type of CB) would compliment one another. None of our CB's fill me with confidence for different reasons. Tuanzebe may come into the reckoning.
We may need cover at RB, Darmian doesnt get tried there over Valencia, but could look at the youth or buy an up and coming. LB hoping Shaw will come back into form, and with Blind as backup, but hopefully not Rojo.
A strong DM/Anchor like a Keane with an eye for a pass like Carrick, to allow the 2 CM in a 3 to get forward, or Pogba in a 2. Carricks too old now, and cant see any other suited at the club really. TFM has a chance if Jose tries him. Dont know if he has the passing range though.
A proper LW someone who can beat a player and put a decent cross in 80% of the time. A fast mobile CF someone who is a proven goalscorer in their prime. 4 as a minimum. I know we have Martial and Rashford, but they havent exactly set the world on fire, but have time on their side.
We have Mata/Miki for the right side or behind the striker so also with Lingard who Mourinho likes, we seem ok there.
Obviously players will leave, and can see quite a few going (Rooney Fellaini Young Darmian Blind Rojo Smalling Jones Carrick De Gea Schweinsteiger Ibra, all potentials, but not all will go) so it may be we get 5-6 players in. If De Gea goes expect a bid for Donnarumma
 
How many of the first team 11 since JM took over will be replaced during his 3 year plan ?

He bought 4 players last last summer who are more or less starters and he's looking at buying another 3,that's 7 out of our first 11 replaced.

Will he buy another 2 in summer 2018 ?

Out of the players he initially took over it seems only DDG and Valencia are the only ones he will keep in the first 11 so that would be approx 9 out of the first 11 replaced.

I get that he had to replace old players but is he also replacing players that wont adjust to his playing style or just not good enough ?

If he does replace all these players,then is it a case of we as fans have some what over rated these players ?
 
royboy16 said:
How many of the first team 11 since JM took over will be replaced during his 3 year plan ?

He bought 4 players last last summer who are more or less starters and he's looking at buying another 3,that's 7 out of our first 11 replaced.

Will he buy another 2 in summer 2018 ?

Out of the players he initially took over it seems only DDG and Valencia are the only ones he will keep in the first 11 so that would be approx 9 out of the first 11 replaced.

I get that he had to replace old players but is he also replacing players that wont adjust to his playing style or just not good enough ?

If he does replace all these players,then is it a case of we as fans have some what over rated these players ?
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Ibra will be retired or moved on by then so that would be 8.
 
wolvored said:
I think a top class CB someone like a Ferdinand, who along with Bailly (whos more a Vidic type of CB) would compliment one another. None of our CB's fill me with confidence for different reasons. Tuanzebe may come into the reckoning.
We may need cover at RB, Darmian doesnt get tried there over Valencia, but could look at the youth or buy an up and coming. LB hoping Shaw will come back into form, and with Blind as backup, but hopefully not Rojo.
A strong DM/Anchor like a Keane with an eye for a pass like Carrick, to allow the 2 CM in a 3 to get forward, or Pogba in a 2. Carricks too old now, and cant see any other suited at the club really. TFM has a chance if Jose tries him. Dont know if he has the passing range though.
A proper LW someone who can beat a player and put a decent cross in 80% of the time. A fast mobile CF someone who is a proven goalscorer in their prime. 4 as a minimum. I know we have Martial and Rashford, but they havent exactly set the world on fire, but have time on their side.
We have Mata/Miki for the right side or behind the striker so also with Lingard who Mourinho likes, we seem ok there.
Obviously players will leave, and can see quite a few going (Rooney Fellaini Young Darmian Blind Rojo Smalling Jones Carrick De Gea Schweinsteiger Ibra, all potentials, but not all will go) so it may be we get 5-6 players in. If De Gea goes expect a bid for Donnarumma
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Not many of them in the world
 
We need a world class dribbler for out wide. Bernardo silva's been mentioned a few times.
 
I think most people are on the same page. We're decided we need a CDM and RW. Bonuses would be a proper centre back to add to the squad and a left back if Shaw isn't going to be 100% by next season.

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Rojo Shaw
CDM Pogba
RW Mkhitaryan Martial
Zlatan​

Along with a CB and LB if required and I think we're all set to play 4231.​
 
Rooney, Schweinsteiger, Fellaini, Young, Darmian out with 5 coming in not including the loan players

we need another summer like last with 4 top quality players coming in to properly challenge
 
Jose has tinkered with a few formations this season and I think he's surely realized that Pogba in a set up that requires him to be a defensively astute CM in a 2 is not going to be sustainable. Whether he chooses to go 4-3-3 or evolve the 3 at the back system we've tried in the last 2 matches I don't know, but I think we need to be looking at one or the other.

Everyone and their Aunt knows we need a holding CM but I think we need to look at box to box options as well, we can't continue with Fellaini as the first back-up to Herrera, he's so immobile and poor technically, we need better options in midfield, not just for cover either, we bneed to be able to rest Herrera and Pogba more as well.
 
Issues to sort out in the summer / immediate future:

Right Back: I was originally very disturbed that Valencia was picked over Darmian but he's won me over massively....but he's 31 iirc and surely he can't keep it going much longer. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if Darmian goes in the summer.

Looks like Semedo could be coming.

CB: Smalling seems to be proving the LVG improvement was only temporary. Jones has been stepping up but still can't be relied upon to be a title winning CB. Bailly looks like he will be great but still a bit raw / prone to mistake and I can't believe that Rojo atm is our best CB. TFM and Tuanzebe look like the future but we need an experienced hand at the back.

Don't know off the top who could come, Manolas?

CM: BFS will be gone in the summer along (most likely) with Carrick and (hopefully) Fellaini. I would say we need both a "destroyer" and a "deep playmaker" in order to have options for different opposition.

Would love Verratti but it won't happen. Personally like the look of Kimmick at Bayern but that won't happen. Would Weigl and Kessie (although the ACON would be a bitch to lose half our spine to along with Bailly) be decent options?

Wide Players: Lingard, as good as he is at Wembley, simply isn't a United level player. As much as I like him Mata won't be here for much longer.

Clearly Griezmann is priority #1 but others like Pulisic and Ousmanne Dembele could be looked at, maybe even Douglas Costa?

Striker: Safe to say Rooney will go in the summer, leaving Ibra and Rashford. Ibra may decide to go to MLS so hypothetically it could just be Rashford as central striker.

I think, in spite of the first touch, we should go in hard for Lukaku (especially if Ibra goes).

So I would say this summer we need a CB, CM, wide forward and Striker, with RB and another CM in Summer 2018.
 
If we can bring in a top quality RB, CB, CM, RW, and ST to upgrade turds like Rooney, Lingard, Fellaini, Darmian, and Jones, we'll have done well.
 
JustAFan said:
A lot.

Not convinced Ibra will hang around for two seasons. So a new striker or two.

Got a feeling DeGea could leave. So a new keeper.

Need speed in our line up.

Carrick replacement.

Some help out wide.

Midfield depth we actually use.

Some better defenders.
Click to expand...

I think this is closer to the reality than a lot want to think.
 
It will be interesting to see if we play 3 at the back again tomorrow, if Jose sees that as the way forward it would certainly benefit Pogba, Rashford and Martial.
 
Devil may care said:
It will be interesting to see if we play 3 at the back again tomorrow, if Jose sees that as the way forward it would certainly benefit Pogba, Rashford and Martial.
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Hmm, interesting that. It's obvious that it's been difficult to accommodate Pogba
 
dichinero said:
Hmm, interesting that. It's obvious that it's been difficult to accommodate Pogba
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I think Jose has been resistent to allowing Pogba a more free attacking role due to his size, but hopefully he's coming around to it, and if Rashford is going to play as a striker for him it will have to be in a partnership system IMO.
 
Monaco's scouts
 
I still think United need a lot to become title challengers

Smalling and Jones aren't good enough

We need someone else in midfield to keep its balance

Forward(s) to help contribute to goals

Possibly a left back and GK if DDG leaves too
 
out: limited players like Rooney, Schweinsteiger, One of Smalling or Jones, Darmian, Young - wouldn't break my heart if Zlatan went too

Carrick probably has another year in him and Fellaini/Lingard probably done enough to earn a squad role

assuming De Gea stays I'd sign 5/6 players

a fullback
a strong partner for Bailly at CB
a dominating midfield player Fabinho?
a long term replacement for Carrick - a playmaker
2 special attacking players


thats a lot of ins and outs but we need a facelift and getting rid of players who are taking up squad space without contributing much
 
buckooo1978 said:
out: limited players like Rooney, Schweinsteiger, One of Smalling or Jones, Darmian, Young - wouldn't break my heart if Zlatan went too

Carrick probably has another year in him and Fellaini/Lingard probably done enough to earn a squad role

assuming De Gea stays I'd sign 5/6 players

a fullback
a strong partner for Bailly at CB
a dominating midfield player Fabinho?
a long term replacement for Carrick - a playmaker
2 special attacking players


thats a lot of ins and outs but we need a facelift and getting rid of players who are taking up squad space without contributing much
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Don't you think he's been good the few games he's played? I've actually changed my mind and would like him to stay - sure he earns a bit too much for a "squad player", but still...
 
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