It's amazing that people are saying that pass up on the chance to sign the likes of Alex Sandro because Luke Shaw has had a handful of decent games.
What do we still need? Post Summer 2017 edition
- Thread starter Devil may care
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Its amazing to me that people want to spend 60 million on a LB who may not even adapt to the premier league when we've already invested 30mil on a young LB who has the potential to be 1st choice for many years.
Amazing we don't want to focus on areas of the team that are desperate for additions, like the CM role as Matic is over worked, Herrera has been hit and miss, Pogba has missed games through injury and Fellaini/Carrick likely to leave.
And the fact that even with Sanchez coming in, we still have no natural wide right forward.
But lets sign Sandro, another LB. that'll fix everything
We need to address the CM. Competition for Matic/Pogba is vital.
Fellaini and Carrick are going, so they need replacing. 2 CM additions are a must.
I'd also like to sign a RB in the summer.
For the summer, I can see Blind, Mata & Darmian being sold.
I'd take an out and out wide right player also, but feel we may play Sanchez/lingard out there.
Fellaini and Carrick are going, so they need replacing. 2 CM additions are a must.
I'd also like to sign a RB in the summer.
For the summer, I can see Blind, Mata & Darmian being sold.
I'd take an out and out wide right player also, but feel we may play Sanchez/lingard out there.
Couple of fullbacks
#6 to backup/rotate with Matic (Carrick replacement)
#8 (Fellaini replacement)
Versatile attacking midfielder
They'd be my priorities. Too much to do in a single window, of course.
#6 to backup/rotate with Matic (Carrick replacement)
#8 (Fellaini replacement)
Versatile attacking midfielder
They'd be my priorities. Too much to do in a single window, of course.
How quickly people will rue this missed opportunity the moment Shaw picks up an injury. Honestly, I'm enjoying his run, and hoping he starts delivering on some of this promised potential, but it just seems that when the lad picks up a knock, it's for more than a game or two. And if we want to pull out a run like City, we need consistent team selections, or at least quality depth to cover injury/fatigue.
We wont be signing a wide right player or anyone else that plays in the front third.
Sanchez coming in will have concluded our business in that department.
I still think that Shaw is on trial till the end of the season, when a decision will be made whether or not to make a move for Sandro.
I doubt that we'll be looking at the RB berth.
CM is the area that all of our efforts will be focused on I'm sure, with Carrick & Fellaini unlikely to be here next season.
Sanchez coming in will have concluded our business in that department.
I still think that Shaw is on trial till the end of the season, when a decision will be made whether or not to make a move for Sandro.
I doubt that we'll be looking at the RB berth.
CM is the area that all of our efforts will be focused on I'm sure, with Carrick & Fellaini unlikely to be here next season.
What a stupid post. How about we sign more than just a left back in the summer? Like a left back and a central midfielder? Does that sound like a good idea to you? Signing more than one player sounds like a good idea to me.
Loads of people talking about a Wide Right Winger but I don't see us being linked to any. I don't think we are in for a Winger and even if we are its not going to be the hugger or bylines,the deliverer if crosses that everyone want.
The only attacker I see us signing is someone like Ozil or maybe Dybala. Even Malcom who we were linked to is a wide forward.
There are very few proper old school wingers around, maybe Leon Bailey is one. There's more chance of us getting a RB who can cross.
We realistically need 2 CMs - #8 and #6 and LB, RB
But looking at how much Mou trusts Valencia,I don't think we will be getting one. But LB yes , Jose doesn't seem to trust Shaw that much and young is a bit meh defensively. We are clearly looking for someone with good crossing ability and Sandro /Ghoulam fits the bill. So I expect us to sign a CM or Two and a LB
Two CM - 120 MILL
Sandro - 60 mill
About 150 net spend with sales
The best part about the Sanchez transfer is we still have the 150 mill budget untouched l, which makes it even sweeter
Edit - exactly what @Ikon said above
The only attacker I see us signing is someone like Ozil or maybe Dybala. Even Malcom who we were linked to is a wide forward.
There are very few proper old school wingers around, maybe Leon Bailey is one. There's more chance of us getting a RB who can cross.
We realistically need 2 CMs - #8 and #6 and LB, RB
But looking at how much Mou trusts Valencia,I don't think we will be getting one. But LB yes , Jose doesn't seem to trust Shaw that much and young is a bit meh defensively. We are clearly looking for someone with good crossing ability and Sandro /Ghoulam fits the bill. So I expect us to sign a CM or Two and a LB
Two CM - 120 MILL
Sandro - 60 mill
About 150 net spend with sales
The best part about the Sanchez transfer is we still have the 150 mill budget untouched l, which makes it even sweeter
Edit - exactly what @Ikon said above
The same Luke Shaw that cant get into the first team ahead of Ashley Young?
I think we’ll need to see how this group of attacking players does before the end of the season. Martial and Lingard are in the form of their lives, we’d have expected it with the former but even still we need to see them both sustain it. Lukaku needs to put in a few performances in big games otherwise I do think we may have to look at getting another striker in to compete. I think all of them will prove to be good enough and the focus will probably end up elsewhere.
Midfield is the obvious area that needs addressing. Herrera’s form collapsing has hurt us badly – Without Pogba lack anyone who can link with the attack from midfield and that’s seriously concerning. I’m not necessarily focused on a “type” per say as Mourinho’s midfields tend to include all sorts but there should be a few attainable targets that could slot in and start right away. Milinkovic-Savic, Fabinho, Kovacic – All different sorts of players but I think all could walk into our XI. I’d be expecting us to be in for two CM’s with Fellaini and Carrick on the way out. Hopefully their both of that sort of quality.
The defence will again be a bit of a trial until the end of the season. Shaw has impressed enough lately to believe he can secure a position here – Whether he has done enough to be considered first choice I’m not sure of, especially with Young still starting games. I expect a LB to be brought in one way or the other – Either an Alex Sandro type who will instantly start in that position or a Sessegnon/Tierney type to provide cover and competition for Shaw. I’d probably favour the latter. With CB it’s more about proving fitness as it always is with Jones and now Bailly. I’m pretty happy with those two and the depth we have but they need to stay healthy.
And plz just keep De Gea.
Midfield is the obvious area that needs addressing. Herrera’s form collapsing has hurt us badly – Without Pogba lack anyone who can link with the attack from midfield and that’s seriously concerning. I’m not necessarily focused on a “type” per say as Mourinho’s midfields tend to include all sorts but there should be a few attainable targets that could slot in and start right away. Milinkovic-Savic, Fabinho, Kovacic – All different sorts of players but I think all could walk into our XI. I’d be expecting us to be in for two CM’s with Fellaini and Carrick on the way out. Hopefully their both of that sort of quality.
The defence will again be a bit of a trial until the end of the season. Shaw has impressed enough lately to believe he can secure a position here – Whether he has done enough to be considered first choice I’m not sure of, especially with Young still starting games. I expect a LB to be brought in one way or the other – Either an Alex Sandro type who will instantly start in that position or a Sessegnon/Tierney type to provide cover and competition for Shaw. I’d probably favour the latter. With CB it’s more about proving fitness as it always is with Jones and now Bailly. I’m pretty happy with those two and the depth we have but they need to stay healthy.
And plz just keep De Gea.
Yeah, because Young was out and rested in the cup. But if you are not fully convinced on who is the first choice LB, wait and see who will start tomorrow.
The same one that started 6 of the last 7 games?
How is spending 60mil on a LB when we already have one stupid?
Think you don't get my point.
I'm all for investing in the squad, whether that's 1,2 or 3 players. We need 2 CM's, a RB and a wide right forward over the next 2 windows in my opinion. Whether that's done by buying players or actually using players like Fosu-Mensah or Pereira who are currently on loan I don't mind, but they are they areas we need to address. My point is we don't need to sign a LB, because we already have one.
...Sell Blind, Darmian, get Alex Sandro. If we don't sell, then no point of getting Alex Sandro. Squad space is very important.
By selling those players we also need another young or established right back.
I'd say just give Fosu Mensah a full year run into the first team and Valencia can slowly be replaced.
Unless we sell someone, no need for Alex Sandro.
Not to mention the heir for Carrick's role and just use Andreas Pereira. Don't want to spend so much unless we are Manchester Citteh.
By selling those players we also need another young or established right back.
I'd say just give Fosu Mensah a full year run into the first team and Valencia can slowly be replaced.
Unless we sell someone, no need for Alex Sandro.
Not to mention the heir for Carrick's role and just use Andreas Pereira. Don't want to spend so much unless we are Manchester Citteh.
Give it a rest. Shaw is clearly hasn't recover 100% of his full fitness. Before his injury in 2015/2016 he was way more fit than he is right now. But the point is not that Shaw hasn't recover 100%, the point is that he has made a lot of progress and in the right track to get it back again. He even gained huge praise from Mourinho, and Mourinho had rarely even said any positive stuffs about him before.
And also let's give a credit to Young. To me he's been our top 5 player of the season so far. I can't see us signing a new left back unless if he decides not to sign a new contract.
You think we still need a wide right forward even after signing Sanchez who can play on the right? If we sign someone for the right, does that mean Martial, Rashford and Sanchez will all be competing for the left side?
I agree with your point. There's no need to sign Alex Sandro unless we sell someone.
Shaw said himself he's never been physically fitter. His injury was 2 and a half years ago, you can't use that as an excuse now.
So, if we don't sell Blind & Darmian, both Young and Shaw will play as our first choice left back but if we sell Blind and Darmian let's get 60m Alex Sandro to replace them as a backup player? Is that what you mean?
No, by selling Darmian and Blind, we can refresh things up by adding better competition and quality for rotation. Luke Shaw will compete with Alex Sandro and Young can compete with Valencia on the right.
LB if Darmian and Blind sold:
1. Shaw
2. Sandro
3. Young
4. Rojo
RB if Darmian and Blind sold:
1. Valencia
2. Young
3. Fosu
4. Lindelof
Sell both for at least 35 million, get Sandro by topping up 30 million, we got a balanced squad with better competitiveness.
Anyone who have watched Luke Shaw in 2015/2016 right before the injury knows that this current Shaw is nowhere near as fit as that 15/16 Shaw.
Sanchez could play there yes, I wouldn't use Rashford wide at all, I'd only use Rashford as a striker.
Sanchez can play anywhere, he could play as the 10, striker or ay wide position. I still think we need a RW forward even with Sanchez yes. Lingard plays best centrally, Mata is replaceable. neither really work as the RW
With a RW our front line would be full of quality options
So if we don't sell both of them, you are still confident with Shaw & Young as our left back option?
Why would Shaw be no 1 if Sandro is in his prime age and cost us twice of Shaw's price? Waste of money you know. That's pretty much like City spent huge on defender.
Because we both know that a full season of football is demanding and 2 top class left back is assured cover for any top team. If we are serious about competing on all front, signing Alex Sandro as our rotation option is a great statement.
But only if we refresh things up with letting go of Blind and Darmian.
Can we save everybody's posts saying don't sign a left back keep Shaw? I want to hear their explanations next season when Shaw gets injured and we have to play Young there again and lose the title to a City side adding absolute quality in every position on their first XI and backup XI for the second season in a row.
We had Buttner as Evra's cover by the way and Buttner was nowhere near to be called top class.
And we had O'Shea and Richardson to cover Heinze before we had Evra.
You don't spend 60m+ on defender just to rotate him unless you change your mind that you want us to spend like City. You are clearly happy with Shaw and Young as left back and you still want us to spend 60m+ on a left back. 60m+ player should be playing regularly as our XI especially when the player is in his prime age.
If Young is performing like right now, why not? City is winning right now with Delph is playing as their regular left back at the moment week in week out.
Mourinho remains hopeful Marouane Fellaini will sign a new contract but intimated he will need to sign two new midfielders in the summer if the Belgian leaves given that Michael Carrick will retire at the end of the season and join his coaching staff.
“I think in attack it’s difficult for us to improve,” Mourinho said. “Where are we going to get a better combination of players than we have? We cannot buy [Lionel] Messi, we cannot buy Cristiano [Ronaldo] – these are the best players of the last decade. Where can we get better players than Mata, Martial, Lingard, Rashford, Alexis, Lukaku? In attack we have an amazing group of players.
“It’s there in midfield where we need to get a player to compensate for the situation of Michael. If Marouane leaves, yes we have two gaps there, so let’s see what happens. In relation to Marouane the good thing is that he would like to stay with us and we would like him to stay with us. To sign a contract a person must be happy. Let’s see if we can make him happy.”
Mourinho also confirmed United had invoked a 12-month option to extend Juan Mata’s contract until the end of next season.
“Yeah, it was [extended],” Mourinho said. “Mata is very important. He is another one, a big story when I arrived one and a half years ago. ‘Mata in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’. Now he’s getting an extension of one more year. He’s an important player for me, an important player for the club, an important player for the other players.”
“I think in attack it’s difficult for us to improve,” Mourinho said. “Where are we going to get a better combination of players than we have? We cannot buy [Lionel] Messi, we cannot buy Cristiano [Ronaldo] – these are the best players of the last decade. Where can we get better players than Mata, Martial, Lingard, Rashford, Alexis, Lukaku? In attack we have an amazing group of players.
“It’s there in midfield where we need to get a player to compensate for the situation of Michael. If Marouane leaves, yes we have two gaps there, so let’s see what happens. In relation to Marouane the good thing is that he would like to stay with us and we would like him to stay with us. To sign a contract a person must be happy. Let’s see if we can make him happy.”
Mourinho also confirmed United had invoked a 12-month option to extend Juan Mata’s contract until the end of next season.
“Yeah, it was [extended],” Mourinho said. “Mata is very important. He is another one, a big story when I arrived one and a half years ago. ‘Mata in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’. Now he’s getting an extension of one more year. He’s an important player for me, an important player for the club, an important player for the other players.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...ill-targeted-everywhere-goes-earns-much-says/
Fair enough, that is sufficient enough back then but not now in this age of football. We could lose Shaw to injury and relying on Blind, Rojo and Darmian or we could sell both of them and buy someone like Sandro.
EDIT:
I don't even like the idea of 60m for a left back, but that's what 30m value now in this age. If we need that level of quality, we can't run away from inflation.
A 12 second clip of him running 60 metres?
You do realise that Shaw has been criticised his whole career for his conditioning? His purple patch just before his leg break wasn't down to being the fittest player on the field it was just because he was playing well.
The fact he's in good physical shape now is a credit to his hard work and one of the reasons he is getting praise recently so it's disingenuous to use his lack of physical condition as an excuse for the fact he's not playing at the level he perhaps could be.
That's not to say that I am writing him off or putting all the blame on him for not fulfilling his potential just yet. I'd say it's a combination of an absolutely horrendous injury that many players struggle to fully recover from but also down to him not being made of the strongest stuff mentally. By all accounts he's still got a bit of maturing to do as a person and it looks like he's done some of that recently.
Has he earned the right to put absolute faith into him at left back and turn down the opportunity to sign someone like Alex Sandro? Not for me. I'd sign Alex Sandro in a heartbeat, sell Blind and Darmian and rotate Valencia and Young at right back for a season while monitoring the market for a younger right back to sign in summer 2019.
If Rashford is only going to be used as a striker his minutes will be severely limited and I'm not convinced it will do his growth any favours.
Regarding our forwards, I don't think we need to invest in the front line this summer, our options will be:
Left: Martial, Sanchez, Rashford
10: Lingard, Sanchez, Mata
ST: Lukaku, Sanchez, Rashford, Martial
RW: Sanchez, Mata, Lingard
6 players for 3 or 4 positions is a nice number. If we had a crazy injury crisis and saw 4 of those 6 players injured we could still play Young on the right and unless it was only Mata and Lingard not injured we could still put out a strong and balanced front line.
The area we need to be looking at this summer is without question CM. I think we're going to be a lot more active than Mourinho suggests too, I think this talk of a quiet window with "2 maybe 3 players" is posturing. I don't think Woodward appreciated him revealing that he wanted 4 key signings last summer as it made the Peresic negotiations difficult.
The problem is that you want us to spend 60m+ on a player and rotate him with Shaw. 60m+ for 27 years old left back means he has to play regularly, otherwise he's a flop. Do you want us to rotate Andreas Pereira and Pogba? I doubt you want to rotate 89m Pogba in his fresh age. City has Delph to cover Mendy's injury and Delph is nowhere near "top class".
Right, that's why I said sell first to get a better value out of Sandro. Do you really think that Alex Sandro will be given 1st eleven outings right after he signed? Better play Shaw first and slowly for Sandro to learn the culture, league etc. Then you have a good quality options on the left back.
Again, I don't like the idea of 60 mil LB, but if we can get other player of the same quality for less price, I'd take that.
Seriously? 12 secs clip isn't the point, it's just an example and he did it so many times in that season. Before 2015 pre season, he used his holiday to train his fitness with our fitness coach which is why he was as fit as Valencia in that season. While now he's still nowhere near that level but he had reached that level before and right now he's on the right track to get it back again. I don't mind Sandro but he's the best one & in his prime age, 60m plus is crazy amount of money and Shaw will have no chance and sit on the bench.
You know if you actually watched the game and remember, he was running all the way from left flank to right flank and from the right flank of our own half to the opposition box area, that's surely more than you have mentioned.
But if we don't sell you are okay with Young and Shaw as left back means we can still win the league with quality of Young and Shaw as our left back. You only want us to upgrade if we sell Darmian and Blind means 60m is just crazy of money to be rotated by Shaw. Sandro is top class or world class left back man, you expect him to be regular not being rotated.
If we presume that we will recall for next season tfm, tuanzebe and pereira, sign new contract with fellaini( jose wants him) and zlatan and darmian will leave;
With alexis we are nearly complete. If shaw and young stay for next season, we need only one top top midfielder and backup lukaku type striker . For right back we will not buy for 30 mil euros backup player. We are not city ffs. I think that tfm will get chance next summer. Central defender position is covered.
I am only in dark about no10 position. Will jose want new player there? I don't think so.
With alexis we are nearly complete. If shaw and young stay for next season, we need only one top top midfielder and backup lukaku type striker . For right back we will not buy for 30 mil euros backup player. We are not city ffs. I think that tfm will get chance next summer. Central defender position is covered.
I am only in dark about no10 position. Will jose want new player there? I don't think so.
Then we should go buy a carbon copy of Darmian's quality by spending less
.Yeah I strongly believe in Shaw and I never wanted a new LB. Just giving an idea of how we could purchase Sandro.
But seriously if I'm the manager, I would rather get a cheap player there to replace Darmian/Blind and freshen things up on LB, this is just pure muppetery.
im not critizying any of them. Im just refering at the areas of the pitch that we need clear strengthening to be a force in Europe again. Young has been very good so far but he is in the latter stages of his career and never been/will be a LB for a top 4 team in Europe, and Shaw bar that few months before his injury, never been THAT awesome player who most people here want to believe (This is already his forth season at United, and his injury was about two years ago).
Nothing wrong with 2 years recovery. There are people out there even end their career because of the same injury, I remember someone posted something in RedCafe 2 years ago was talking about the same injury happened to him and he worried that Shaw might not make it. So far he has made good progress and Jose seems to be pleased with him.
I don't really agree but it was what I was expecting as regards the attack, I just hope Fellaini goes so we can get 2 CM's in and really upgrade that area of the team.