What do we still need? Post Summer 2017 edition

Man United's second half performance against Chelsea was about as good as I've seen against a top six team this season. Seems Lingard fits the second AM role in a midfield square pretty good. His movement, passing accuracy, finishing, and work ethic seem well suited for the position. Seems to fit Pogba and Matic pretty good too.

I fail to see the logic in changing schemes every match. A club as big as Man United should play a scheme that fits their personnel and make other teams adjust to United's scheme and personnel. Logic suggests that if United would play and practice a scheme that fits it's personnel every match, the performances would consistently improve for the players and the team alike. That's why I would likes to see the midfield square used against Palace tomorrow because we've had a week to identify problems and correct them. If the scheme and personnel that performed well in the second half vs Chelsea is used vs Palace, that scheme and personnel should perform even better for the whole match vs Palace after a week of preparation and practice.
 
Another centre back to go with Baily, two full backs (assuming Shaw isn't an option) and a centre midfielder to go with Pogba and Matic (someone like Herrera but ideally better).

We're top heavy so any improvement there would make a limited difference while we're weak at the back. I think it says something that in the game against Chelsea, our entire front 6 have been bought since SAF left while 4 of our back 5 were brought in before that.
 
Devil may care said:
I'd always opt for the technically gifted player as well but I doubt Mourinho will, he's more likely to sign a grinder to cover Matic's lack of engine and Pogba will be carrying the entire creative burden. In the 4-2-2-2 I see it as buying a mobile defensively strong box to box to help Matic in the base 2, and then a creative AM like Eriksen or Isco to occupy the other AM role next to Pogba.



You need someone that can control the tempo and cover for the fact Matic has a poor engine and lacks mobility, that's a hell of a hard player to find, if you just stick some workhorse in there than Pogba is still going to have all the creative burden, and if you add a more offensive CM to the 3 then Matic is still going to be isolated and get into trouble every time a team runs on us.



The problem is Sanchez is crap in that role as we saw last week, he has no positional idea of what to do in it and gives the ball away way too often. In that second AM role you need an actual AM, like City have with De Bruyne and Silva, rather than a striker shoehorned in there just so we can shove another forward in the team, it's unbalanced and disjointed, more square pegs in round holes.
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Dembele from Tottenham! Levy would probably break our balls though.
 
Devil may care said:
In that second AM role you need an actual AM, like City have with De Bruyne and Silva, rather than a striker shoehorned in there
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Yes, but then we're back to square one: Jose won't buy anyone like that - and you could argue that an actual Silva style player, on his level, is just as hard to obtain as this perfect CM fit we can't get our hands on.

Anyway, the 4-2-2-2 above was tongue-in-cheek, just to illustrate that you can interpret - and label - eleven players in various ways. The role Sanchez played against Chelsea won't be his default one, it was a custom function for that particular opponent.

Jose will never play an actual 4-2-2-2 of the kind some of you seem to have in mind, so it seems pointless enough to discuss it with regard to buying players.

You're right about our attacking options: None of them are proper right wingers or even good makeshift options. So - you don't use a (fixed) right winger. You don't play either Sanchez or Martial (or anyone else) as an actual right winger but field an attacking line capable of interchanging positions to a significant degree. This isn't a random or outlandish concept, we've actually seen something like it already: It has to gel properly, of course, but that goes for all systems.

Sanchez plays as an inside forward who covers both wide areas and the No 10 area, with Pogba pushing up into that territory as well from a deeper position. Martial is a nominal left winger who drifts inside. And Lukaku is the striker, primarily, but one who drifts wide at times. Again, we've seen the bare bones of something like this already and there's nothing fundamentally wrong with it as an attacking setup. Strengthen the midfield, buy a top class CM to work alongside Matic, and see where that gets us. Get in a fullback or two as well, by all means (we'll get the one, at least, if Jose gives up on Shaw).

The above is a realistic way to strengthen the team. There are multiple other ways, but if Jose obviously won't go for them, what can you do?
 
Chesterlestreet said:
Yes, but then we're back to square one: Jose won't buy anyone like that - and you could argue that an actual Silva style player, on his level, is just as hard to obtain as this perfect CM fit we can't get our hands on.

Anyway, the 4-2-2-2 above was tongue-in-cheek, just to illustrate that you can interpret - and label - eleven players in various ways. The role Sanchez played against Chelsea won't be his default one, it was a custom function for that particular opponent.

Jose will never play an actual 4-2-2-2 of the kind some of you seem to have in mind, so it seems pointless enough to discuss it with regard to buying players.

You're right about our attacking options: None of them are proper right wingers or even good makeshift options. So - you don't use a (fixed) right winger. You don't play either Sanchez or Martial (or anyone else) as an actual right winger but field an attacking line capable of interchanging positions to a significant degree. This isn't a random or outlandish concept, we've actually seen something like it already: It has to gel properly, of course, but that goes for all systems.

Sanchez plays as an inside forward who covers both wide areas and the No 10 area, with Pogba pushing up into that territory as well from a deeper position. Martial is a nominal left winger who drifts inside. And Lukaku is the striker, primarily, but one who drifts wide at times. Again, we've seen the bare bones of something like this already and there's nothing fundamentally wrong with it as an attacking setup. Strengthen the midfield, buy a top class CM to work alongside Matic, and see where that gets us. Get in a fullback or two as well, by all means (we'll get the one, at least, if Jose gives up on Shaw).

The above is a realistic way to strengthen the team. There are multiple other ways, but if Jose obviously won't go for them, what can you do?
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You're likely right but IMO this will just lead to more of the same, for starters in this theoretical idea Sanchez is given the right sided floating role, however everything we have seen so far indicates Mourinho will persist with everyone but him out there, and I have serious doubts about him ever coaching a real fluid front 3, especially with a big unit like Lukaku.

As for the midfield I simply don't think Matic has the engine or mobility to be a true single pivot, so Jose will opt for a grinder in the 3, leaving Pogba as the only source of creativity and leaving us unbalanced still. To play a proper 3 man midfield we'd either need a Thiago or prime Modric, or we have to switch out Matic for a more energetic and mobile DM to compensate for a less defensive #8 being added to the 3.

Ultimately you are probably going to be right on both counts, we'll buy just 2 players in the summer, we'll try to play a bastardized version of 4-3-3 and be back here by Christmas still talking about what the team needs.
 
100% still need that Carrick replacement, amazing that that's still the case having seen the arrivals of Fellaini, Herrera, Schneiderlin, Pogba & Matic since Fergie's retirement but as Gary Neville said last night regarding Mata's impact on the game we lack that player to knit the midfield and attack together (which ironically is something Neville used to say Pogba was the answer to). We have a sitter in Matic, a box to box runner in Pogba but need that Carrick/Kroos/Silva/De Bruyne type

Still needing to replace Carrick despite all those arrivals does raise the question of how other teams find success without their own Carrick though? Chelsea didn't have one last year when they won the title. Liverpool dont have one. Spurs dont have one (though they do have Eriksen). I guess their style of play (counter attacking, high press and high defence) means they can play without one, brings us back to the Mourinho style debate :(
 
I can't see a Carrick replacement coming in the more I watch this team, with Pogba being so poor defensively and Matic lacking the engine and mobility I think Mourinho will focus on the mobility and ground coverage of the 3rd CM, we are just too easy to run through even against mediocre sides and I can't see Mourinho allowiing that to continue.

If Mourinho is legit when he says only 2 signings then I think a robust CM and a LB will be the 2, it still leaves us lacking craft and having a lopsided front 3 and no attacking threat at RB, but he can call it another transition season I guess.
 
Devil may care said:
I can't see a Carrick replacement coming in the more I watch this team, with Pogba being so poor defensively and Matic lacking the engine and mobility I think Mourinho will focus on the mobility and ground coverage of the 3rd CM, we are just too easy to run through even against mediocre sides and I can't see Mourinho allowiing that to continue.

If Mourinho is legit when he says only 2 signings then I think a robust CM and a LB will be the 2, it still leaves us lacking craft and having a lopsided front 3 and no attacking threat at RB, but he can call it another transition season I guess.
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He said that he needs 2 CM to replace Fellaini and Carrick so we will get 2 CM for sure but don't know about other signings cos we bring Sanchez in which he never mentioned that we'd be likely to sign an attacking player.
 
A Weigl/Jorginho type of player, a box-to-box like Saul/Kante, left-back and right-back. A right-winger if we go with a 4-3-3.
 
The problem at the minute is Pogba. He is a very good player when going forward, but lacks the drive and positional awareness in defense. I would like to see Mourinho adopt a 3-5-2 formation, not the norm for United, but will get the best out of Pogba. With a summer addition like Toni Kroos, who can control the tempo of the game as Scholes did in the later stages of his career. Still think for United to play 3 at the back they will need to bring in another more experienced defender. Think we missed the boat on Bonucci last year, Alderweireld would be a good signing to sit in the middle of Bailly & Lindelof, who I believe are the future CB pairing. The third singing I would like to see is Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio. He looks to be a great player from what i have seen from his in Lazio. Strong on the ball, great awareness, skill and has a great range of passing. In the mould of a Mourinho player given that he is 6ft 3".

I also agree with Gary Neville at the weekend, Sanchez need to play further forward alongside Lukaku. Mata should be the number 10 sitting in behind, he is calm on the ball and very good at linking up in the hole behind the forwards. In an ideal world we would sign Dybala as well, but i think with Kroos, Alderwereld and Milinkovic-Savic we will be the guts of £150M if not more.

Summer Outs:
Smalling - can be good on his day, but feel he makes too many mistakes and does not lead the defensive line well
Blind - Never really had a chance under Mourinho, lacks the legs for midfield and have better CB's in Bailly & Lindelof
Young - would not be used in a 3-5-2 system, better players in Rashford & Martial
Fellaini - Never really thought he was a Man Utd player, can be brilliant playing off the forwards, but it is not the football we should be playing
Ibrahimovic - Unfortunately think his time is up at Utd, with injuries and the fact we have quicker players in Martial, Rashford, Lukaku and Sanchez that can all play up top

Future Team and Formation:
Sanchez Lukaku

Mata

Pogba Milinkovic-Savic


Matic Kroos

Bailly Alderweireld Lindelof

De Gea

Big, strong formation, that Jose likes. But with more balance and protection removing Pogba from that holding role. Thoughts?
 
That’s awful mate. You can’t play 3-5-2 without wingbacks.
 
JBoi said:
The problem at the minute is Pogba. He is a very good player when going forward, but lacks the drive and positional awareness in defense. I would like to see Mourinho adopt a 3-5-2 formation, not the norm for United, but will get the best out of Pogba. With a summer addition like Toni Kroos, who can control the tempo of the game as Scholes did in the later stages of his career. Still think for United to play 3 at the back they will need to bring in another more experienced defender. Think we missed the boat on Bonucci last year, Alderweireld would be a good signing to sit in the middle of Bailly & Lindelof, who I believe are the future CB pairing. The third singing I would like to see is Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio. He looks to be a great player from what i have seen from his in Lazio. Strong on the ball, great awareness, skill and has a great range of passing. In the mould of a Mourinho player given that he is 6ft 3".

I also agree with Gary Neville at the weekend, Sanchez need to play further forward alongside Lukaku. Mata should be the number 10 sitting in behind, he is calm on the ball and very good at linking up in the hole behind the forwards. In an ideal world we would sign Dybala as well, but i think with Kroos, Alderwereld and Milinkovic-Savic we will be the guts of £150M if not more.

Summer Outs:
Smalling - can be good on his day, but feel he makes too many mistakes and does not lead the defensive line well
Blind - Never really had a chance under Mourinho, lacks the legs for midfield and have better CB's in Bailly & Lindelof
Young - would not be used in a 3-5-2 system, better players in Rashford & Martial
Fellaini - Never really thought he was a Man Utd player, can be brilliant playing off the forwards, but it is not the football we should be playing
Ibrahimovic - Unfortunately think his time is up at Utd, with injuries and the fact we have quicker players in Martial, Rashford, Lukaku and Sanchez that can all play up top

Future Team and Formation:
Sanchez Lukaku

Mata

Pogba Milinkovic-Savic


Matic Kroos

Bailly Alderweireld Lindelof

De Gea

Big, strong formation, that Jose likes. But with more balance and protection removing Pogba from that holding role. Thoughts?
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:wenger: That team would get annihilated defensively.
 
Getting this United side to play a proper 4-3-3 is going to be difficult and pricey, we can add two new fullbacks and even an upgrade at CB, but the midfield is still going to struggle as we have a DM who doesn't have the stamina or mobility for the single pivot role and really needs to be in a double pivot, and another CM that really only suits being in the LM role in a midfield 3, so whether we get an energetic box to box or a playmaking #8 chances are we are going to be shortchanging the midfield.

Then with the attack we have 3 players that all want to play LWF and 2 that want to play off the striker, which is not a role in a 4-3-3, and no RWF which is an important role in said system. This can partly be solved by Mourinho makinmg Sanchez play on the right, but that doesn't feel like it's on the cards.
 
JBoi said:
The problem at the minute is Pogba. He is a very good player when going forward, but lacks the drive and positional awareness in defense. I would like to see Mourinho adopt a 3-5-2 formation, not the norm for United, but will get the best out of Pogba. With a summer addition like Toni Kroos, who can control the tempo of the game as Scholes did in the later stages of his career. Still think for United to play 3 at the back they will need to bring in another more experienced defender. Think we missed the boat on Bonucci last year, Alderweireld would be a good signing to sit in the middle of Bailly & Lindelof, who I believe are the future CB pairing. The third singing I would like to see is Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio. He looks to be a great player from what i have seen from his in Lazio. Strong on the ball, great awareness, skill and has a great range of passing. In the mould of a Mourinho player given that he is 6ft 3".

I also agree with Gary Neville at the weekend, Sanchez need to play further forward alongside Lukaku. Mata should be the number 10 sitting in behind, he is calm on the ball and very good at linking up in the hole behind the forwards. In an ideal world we would sign Dybala as well, but i think with Kroos, Alderwereld and Milinkovic-Savic we will be the guts of £150M if not more.

Summer Outs:
Smalling - can be good on his day, but feel he makes too many mistakes and does not lead the defensive line well
Blind - Never really had a chance under Mourinho, lacks the legs for midfield and have better CB's in Bailly & Lindelof
Young - would not be used in a 3-5-2 system, better players in Rashford & Martial
Fellaini - Never really thought he was a Man Utd player, can be brilliant playing off the forwards, but it is not the football we should be playing
Ibrahimovic - Unfortunately think his time is up at Utd, with injuries and the fact we have quicker players in Martial, Rashford, Lukaku and Sanchez that can all play up top

Future Team and Formation:
Sanchez Lukaku

Mata

Pogba Milinkovic-Savic


Matic Kroos

Bailly Alderweireld Lindelof

De Gea

Big, strong formation, that Jose likes. But with more balance and protection removing Pogba from that holding role. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Yeah a 32212, basically unheard of in all of world football. Perfectly plausible.
 
De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - NewSigning - NewSigning
Matic
NewSigning - Pogba
NewSigning - Lukaku - Sanchez
​
Our priority is a top midfielder to play with Matic and Pogba.
Valencia, Young, TFM, and even Lindelof/Bailly can play as rightbacks, so we are covered at least next season.
Young is just decent as our main left back, I like Shaw, but it seems he wont be in the first eleven anytime soon.
I would like to see Alexis as RW, but for some reason I dont understand, he will be use as LW/CAM for us.

If Alderweireld and Sandro are available, we should get them to improve our back 4. Or even De Vrij (free) and Ghoulam if we dont want to spend a lot.
Also, we need a BIG SIGNING to our midfield and young talent (Pulisic/Bailey/Dembele/Malcom/...) to compete with Mata in the right wing.

Who would you sign in those positions?
 
I understand that this is a thread asking what do we need but why are people suggesting we'll sign 4 players in the summer.

Mourinho said 3 and that was before we signed Sanchez. I feel like he knew Sanchez was coming though so expect 3 in the summer.

It's either 2 full backs and a cm, retaining Pereira or 2 CMs and a full back with Valencia still starting.
 
P-Nut0712 said:
I understand that this is a thread asking what do we need but why are people suggesting we'll sign 4 players in the summer.

Mourinho said 3 and that was before we signed Sanchez. I feel like he knew Sanchez was coming though so expect 3 in the summer.

It's either 2 full backs and a cm, retaining Pereira or 2 CMs and a full back with Valencia still starting.
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Most probably two CMs and a LB
 
De Gea
Valencia/TFM - Bailly/Tuanzebe - Jones/Lindelof - Shaw/???
Matic/McTominay - Pogba/??? - ???/Herrera
???/Sanchez - Mata/Lingard - Martial/Rashford
Lukaku/???

Yes, I realise that's 12 players, but that's so we can play both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3.
​
It all depends on how our loanees fare untill the end of the season. IMHO Pereria still hasn't proven himself to be a United player yet. Maybe we should offload him. TFM has been decent but his positioning isn't all that (for which he compensates with his speed) and offensively I don't think he's good enough yet. Especially his passing leaves something to be desired. He's talented but still a bit raw. I think Tuanzebe could be our fourth CB. He deserves a chance. Offload Smalling. Either get someone to compete with Shaw for leftback or use Rojo there as back-up to Shaw and as back-up CB. CM is where we need strengthening the most. At least two new players are needed there, especially with Fellaini and Carrick leaving.

Then there's the attack. We need a long-term solution for the right wing position, and I don't think Martial and Rashford have what it takes to play as a striker for us. They're better on the left wing. With Ibra probably leaving that leaves just Lukaku as our only out-and-out striker. There's just no balance there. 3 players prefer the left wing position. 1 prefers striker and 0 prefer right wing. I've listed Sanchez there but he also prefers the left. We've got Mata and Lingard as #10 but honestly they still haven't convinced me they're up to it. To be fair though that could well be down to the inconsistency we've shown as a team.

To summarize:
IN: 2 CM's + 1 RW +/ 1 LB +/ 1 RB = at least 3 players in, possibly more. Tuanzebe and TFM to stay with us next season.
OUT: Smalling, Blind, Darmian, Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira, Ibrahimovic
 
septic said:
Yeah a 32212, basically unheard of in all of world football. Perfectly plausible.
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Well the formatting didn't come out as planned....

Essentially playing 3 at the back 2 holding midfielders with Pogba Milinkovic-Saviv and Mata playing the 10 role. Sanchez and Lukaku up top...
 
Fer said:
De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - NewSigning - NewSigning
Matic
NewSigning - Pogba
NewSigning - Lukaku - Sanchez
​
Our priority is a top midfielder to play with Matic and Pogba.
Valencia, Young, TFM, and even Lindelof/Bailly can play as rightbacks, so we are covered at least next season.
Young is just decent as our main left back, I like Shaw, but it seems he wont be in the first eleven anytime soon.
I would like to see Alexis as RW, but for some reason I dont understand, he will be use as LW/CAM for us.

If Alderweireld and Sandro are available, we should get them to improve our back 4. Or even De Vrij (free) and Ghoulam if we dont want to spend a lot.
Also, we need a BIG SIGNING to our midfield and young talent (Pulisic/Bailey/Dembele/Malcom/...) to compete with Mata in the right wing.

Who would you sign in those positions?
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The atmosphere at Milan seems a bit better now but I was going to say Bonucci would be great at heart of our defence if he could be persuaded to leave. That was before Alderweireld was mentioned as an option - I agree that he would be excellent alongside Bailly. I'd like to see Shaw given a run of games and instead us change right back. I'm a big Fosu fan and wouldn't mind him playing there - he would also be excellent on the right of a back three if required, with Jesse and Shaw at WB possibly for the odd game? Would definitely sign Sessegnon though and hope Lee O'Connor comes through in next season or two in addition.

Ruben Neves or Weigl look like good young midfielders but we do need an established player to slot straight in - Kovacic at Real? Although he had a great game earlier this week so Real may be less likely to let him go! Can't help but think the scousers may have got a gem in Keita.

Pulisisc, I agree, is pacy and versatile and fits what we need.
 
One of the best prospects coming out of Porto's academy is the 18y old right back Diego Dalot.

Due to injuries he's been forced to the senior team for the left back role but and even though Alex Telles is unreplaceable, the kid has been doing just fine.

6"1, fast and agile, good technique and the maturity of an established senior player, being able to pick right decisions throughout the game while venturing himself in advanced positions naturally.

I don't get too much excited about youngsters these days because they will always leave the club before becoming a legend here but having it as a given that he will go I'd like him to join United. You would be sorted for over a decade. Keep your tabs open on this guy.
 
We need to bring 2 midfielders in, and make sure our team keeps firing even if Pogba is injured or if he is out of form. Pogba needs to earn his place, and be much better than he has been.
 
broccoli said:
One of the best prospects coming out of Porto's academy is the 18y old right back Diego Dalot.

Due to injuries he's been forced to the senior team for the left back role but and even though Alex Telles is unreplaceable, the kid has been doing just fine.

6"1, fast and agile, good technique and the maturity of an established senior player, being able to pick right decisions throughout the game while venturing himself in advanced positions naturally.

I don't get too much excited about youngsters these days because they will always leave the club before becoming a legend here but having it as a given that he will go I'd like him to join United. You would be sorted for over a decade. Keep your tabs open on this guy.
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Are you working for Porto to promote their player? :rolleyes:
 
JBoi said:
Well the formatting didn't come out as planned....

Essentially playing 3 at the back 2 holding midfielders with Pogba Milinkovic-Saviv and Mata playing the 10 role. Sanchez and Lukaku up top...
Click to expand...

That is so narrow. No width in that team whatsoever.

Would jus mean players drift out wide to cover opposition fullbacks/wingers.......bit disjointed for me.

If you go 3 at the back, you HAVE to play with natural wide players
 
We should buy Basel wingers especially the left one who had the beating of city fullbacks ..time after time. Went by Danillo like he wasn't there.
 
Our players on loan really will determine what business we do (in & out)

If Periera s to be used around the squad, then we'd need to go into the market for 1 midfield player, if not we need 2.

If TFM is going to be used at RB/CB, then we wont need to sign a RB as Valencia/TFM/Young is enough there (Darmian will be sold)

If Tuanzebe is to be used more, I don't think we need to look at another CB. I can however see 2 going, Blind/Jones/Smalling (any 2 from these 3). If Tuanzebe is not used, and we sell 2. I think Jose will look for a CB.

On paper we have enough attacking players, but its not working right now and the balance still seems a bit off for me. If we play 4-3-3, Lukaku is obviously nailed on for the central role. Then you have Martial (prefers LW, can play centrally, is poor from the right), Rashford (Inconsistent from LW/RW, better centrally but wont start ahead of Lukaku) Sanchez (Can play LW/RW/striker, prefers the left and Jose seems to favour this) Mata (RW, is a natural #10 but the position does not exist in this formation) Lingard (See Mata).

All good players, all capable but I really think we have an issue with the RW. I think Lukaku and Sanchez are probably undroppable for Jose, which isn't great for Martial/Rashford/Lingard. Football is ruthless, maybe its time for Mata to be sold, with a natural RW coming in?

Midfield as discussed is so problematic due to various issue's. I'd expect a big change in our midfield. TFM can also play DM.

Likes of TFM, Pereira and Tuanzebe could be valuable next year as that could free up some budget to sign a top drawer RW and CM rather than lots of signings to shape the squad overall.
 
JBoi said:
Well the formatting didn't come out as planned....

Essentially playing 3 at the back 2 holding midfielders with Pogba Milinkovic-Saviv and Mata playing the 10 role. Sanchez and Lukaku up top...
Click to expand...

you've just described a 32212?

who is going to defend opposition wingers? either Bailly and Lindelof will have to be pulled wide, which isn't their natural positions, with Matic dropping deep to cover, which isn't his natural position, or you're going to have to ask Pogba and Savic to do so, and there's even less chance of that happening. why not just sign some proper fullbacks?
 
Fer said:
De Gea
Valencia - Bailly - NewSigning - NewSigning
Matic
NewSigning - Pogba
NewSigning - Lukaku - Sanchez
​
Our priority is a top midfielder to play with Matic and Pogba.
Valencia, Young, TFM, and even Lindelof/Bailly can play as rightbacks, so we are covered at least next season.
Young is just decent as our main left back, I like Shaw, but it seems he wont be in the first eleven anytime soon.
I would like to see Alexis as RW, but for some reason I dont understand, he will be use as LW/CAM for us.

If Alderweireld and Sandro are available, we should get them to improve our back 4. Or even De Vrij (free) and Ghoulam if we dont want to spend a lot.
Also, we need a BIG SIGNING to our midfield and young talent (Pulisic/Bailey/Dembele/Malcom/...) to compete with Mata in the right wing.

Who would you sign in those positions?
Click to expand...

With there parameters:

LB - Sandro/Bernat/Telles
CB - Alderweireld/Umititi
CM - Kovacic/Jorginho/Fabian Ruiz/Weigl
RW - Eriksen/Dybala/Pulisic
 
Savic would probably be the safest signing when it comes to midfield, if I had to pick only one player. One of these universal midfielders that could do both Carrick's and Fellaini's job plus got potential for much more.

Craig Ward said:
Likes of TFM, Pereira and Tuanzebe could be valuable next year as that could free up some budget to sign a top drawer RW and CM rather than lots of signings to shape the squad overall.
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In terms of overhauling the squad with fresh quality, these three are definitely the key. Not to mention, they can be exceptionally quick. If Mourinho could find so many minutes of game time for Rashford, he'll definitely find some for them.

If by any chance Pereira can solve some of our centre midfield problems then it will save the club even more time & money.
 
I'm completely fine with not going for another forward unless someone like Pulisic or Dybala became available. But my main focus would be to strengthening the midfield to play fluid attacking football. I like 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3 for that matter. Matic may have scored a wonder goal but that doesn't take away the fact that we were playing a team battling relegation and Matic is too slow for our midfield. We lack urgency in our passes and energy on the field.

We cannot be playing counter attacking football all the freaking time. We are Manchester United and need to play a possession based game where we need creativity on the ball and urgency to penetrate any defense.

What is wrong with our players? No one presses when we lose the ball? We let the other teams pass the ball with ease. The reason why most teams like City and Barcelona are so successful is because they win the ball higher up the pitch in the final third of the pitch.

Kovacic would be good and would probably cost us 50m or so.
Jorginho looks good but has not proven himself at the highest level.
Milinkovic Savic is a good midfielder but have questions on whether he's replicate his Serie A form in the PL. He would be a huge risk at 90m. Nabi Keita would have complimented Pogba pretty well. Unfortunately, he's off to Liverpool.
Thiago Alcantara would be a great coup as well. Bayern will probably not sell but we could test their resolve.
Kroos is too valuable to Real and would probably be difficult and we could possibly lose De Gea

Either way, we need two world class midfielders if we are compete with City next season and pose any form of challenge in Europe as well.

Kovacic as a long time replacement for Matic and Thiago to complement Pogba would be immense. Both are technically sound and are quick as well. Thiago would probably cost around 80m but would be worth it since they are both proven at the highest level.
 
The way we switch formations seemingly every game makes this an in flux question, but one thing that becomes more and more apparent is that Matic needs a CM square of him, he looked shagged out since Christmas but the games where he's had McTominay square of him he's looked much better, he's a big player for Mourinho so I think that will factor in, need to get a #6 in next to him that can offer more on the ball from deep while being capable of sitting deep.

With Pogba maybe we can try him in the position that Capello used Zidane in at Real Madrid, that makes Sanchez the pseudo #10, not ideal as he's not that creative and loses the ball too much, but he's got to go somewhere. The entire right side isn't great but it'll probably have to do for another season.


 
Devil may care said:
I can't see a Carrick replacement coming in the more I watch this team, with Pogba being so poor defensively and Matic lacking the engine and mobility I think Mourinho will focus on the mobility and ground coverage of the 3rd CM, we are just too easy to run through even against mediocre sides and I can't see Mourinho allowiing that to continue.

If Mourinho is legit when he says only 2 signings then I think a robust CM and a LB will be the 2, it still leaves us lacking craft and having a lopsided front 3 and no attacking threat at RB, but he can call it another transition season I guess.
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God I hope we dont have a 6th transition season on the trot
 
Devil may care said:
The way we switch formations seemingly every game makes this an in flux question, but one thing that becomes more and more apparent is that Matic needs a CM square of him, he looked shagged out since Christmas but the games where he's had McTominay square of him he's looked much better, he's a big player for Mourinho so I think that will factor in, need to get a #6 in next to him that can offer more on the ball from deep while being capable of sitting deep.

With Pogba maybe we can try him in the position that Capello used Zidane in at Real Madrid, that makes Sanchez the pseudo #10, not ideal as he's not that creative and loses the ball too much, but he's got to go somewhere. The entire right side isn't great but it'll probably have to do for another season.


Click to expand...

No room for Martial or Rashford though
 
3 new defensive starters (2 fullbacks, 1 centre-back) and at least 2 midfielders to replace the departing Carrick and Fellaini.
 
It depends on what formation we are going to play.

Are we going to play 4231 or 433?
Is Sanchez going to play on the right wing or we need to sign a new winger?
 
We could do with taking City's approach and going big on a couple of full backs.
We surely cannot spend another year waiting to see if Shaw will come through, and we can't use Young as a main starter for another season.
 
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