Has anyone seen Max Meyer play? Leaving on a free and has played a decent amount of matches for Schalke who've been quite good in Bundesliga. We probably need two midfielders so would be a cheap option too.
Still only 22.
Still only 22.
What do we still need? Post Summer 2017 edition
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
Not good enough for us.
I don't often comment in threads like these but sod it, here goes:
In: Two centre midfielders, centre back, left back and a winger.
Out: Smalling, Andreas Pereira, Carrick (Retiring) Blind, Herrera, Shaw, Fellaini, Johnstone, Darmian, Tuanzebe (Loan) and Borthwick-Jackson.
In: Two centre midfielders, centre back, left back and a winger.
Out: Smalling, Andreas Pereira, Carrick (Retiring) Blind, Herrera, Shaw, Fellaini, Johnstone, Darmian, Tuanzebe (Loan) and Borthwick-Jackson.
Watching Lingard play in the #10 role, it has made me wonder what would happen if we had a player like Dybala in that role. No offense to Lingard, who has been very good this season, but Dybala is on a different level as a talent. Terrific dribbling, technique, flair, good work rate, link up play, and positional versatility. I also do believe that if Dybala is played off the right wing in a role similar to what Mata plays right now, Dybala would thrive in that role as well. I know it's not a realistic target, more so from the sense that Mourinho is unlikely to do another high profile attacking signing this summer. But I can't help but entertain the thought of having Dybala alongside Alexis and Lukaku in the team. Contrary to what Mourinho thinks, we do need to improve our attack. You look at the likes of Liverpool (Firmino-Salah-Mane), Spurs (Eriksen-Kane-Alli-Son), and City (Sane-Aguero/Jesus-Sterling with Silva-KDB behind), they all have better attacking players than us. We still need that one great attacking player to complete our attack and I think Dybala can be that player if we were to make a move.
Aside from that, getting starting options for both fullback positions should be a priority. I'd be delighted with Kieran Tierney. Not sure who would be the best RB option out there but wouldn't be opposed to Fabinho who also works as DM cover. And then obviously a midfielder to partner Pogba and Matic in a midfield 3. We can always improve our CBs as well but I think focus should be on these other targets and we should probably wait another season to make decisions on our CBs.
So 4 targets for me (world class attacking player who can play right wing and centrally, a starting leftback, a starting right back, a starting midfielder to complement Pogba and Matic).
Dybala
Kieran Tierney
Fabinho
CM
Aside from that, getting starting options for both fullback positions should be a priority. I'd be delighted with Kieran Tierney. Not sure who would be the best RB option out there but wouldn't be opposed to Fabinho who also works as DM cover. And then obviously a midfielder to partner Pogba and Matic in a midfield 3. We can always improve our CBs as well but I think focus should be on these other targets and we should probably wait another season to make decisions on our CBs.
So 4 targets for me (world class attacking player who can play right wing and centrally, a starting leftback, a starting right back, a starting midfielder to complement Pogba and Matic).
Dybala
Kieran Tierney
Fabinho
CM
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Really hope we go for Eriksen and Alderweraid.
How much is Eriksen's contract release fee clause? Eriksen has been terrific last few seasons, and would suit our play. Will the amount in the range of 65M turn Levy's head into selling him to us?
Eriksen does not have a release clause. No Spurs players do apart from Alderweireld ... and even that doesn't come into effect until the summer after this one.
Spurs will not sell you Eriksen.
What a shame.
65m ? Will be lucky if they sell his cleats for that. At the minimum , he will cost Coutinho money.
We need an entire new defence. Sell Smalling and Jones - sick to the teeth with how many chances they have got. Valencia is totally past it. Young should not be a starter for a top team.
Sidibe for RB
Alderweireld for CB
Sandro for LB
That's a £140m overhaul on 3 defenders.
Bailly to partner Alderweireld.
Sidibe for RB
Alderweireld for CB
Sandro for LB
That's a £140m overhaul on 3 defenders.
Bailly to partner Alderweireld.
a new manager for starters
then a couple of fullbacks, a CB and an exciting right sided attacking player
then a couple of fullbacks, a CB and an exciting right sided attacking player
How many overhauls will this be since Fergie left? Four? Five?
We'll fluke one eventually.
We'll fluke one eventually.
Where do you start? Valencia and Young need replaced so that's 2. We need a CB, 2 CM and potentially a RW aswell.
We need quality aswell, not any more mediocre.
We need quality aswell, not any more mediocre.
We need someone to get the best out of our players.
Look at what Klopp, Pochettino and Pep gets out of their players, about every attacking player they coach for a duration of time improves. Our attacking players stagnate or regress, with the exception of Lingard.
Sorry, but I just can't see it anymore.
Look at what Klopp, Pochettino and Pep gets out of their players, about every attacking player they coach for a duration of time improves. Our attacking players stagnate or regress, with the exception of Lingard.
Sorry, but I just can't see it anymore.
It doesn’t matter who we sign anyone does it? Pogba came with the best reputation of any young player in the world when he arrived and he’s garbage. So many others are the same. We need a manager who can find an actual system to accommodate these players, and who believes in entertaining football and not dull pragmatism that is compelrelt outdated now.
Does it matter?
We need someone who can build an actual team. We have been splashing the cash now for 4 years and have nothing to show for it.
Defenders! How can our attack even begin to play when they're needed to cover holes in our defence?
City can push up or make angles for a pass, we have to be in position in case Valencia turns on his right foot facing our goal.
Is it any wonder we shut up shop v the big sides away from home?
City can push up or make angles for a pass, we have to be in position in case Valencia turns on his right foot facing our goal.
Is it any wonder we shut up shop v the big sides away from home?
I really don't know anymore how many players and what kind of players we should get. This united team, how its playing and what kind (quality wise) of players it has is really kind of an mystery to me right now. I can't see us being much better next season with this style of play and only 3-4 players comin in. Hopefully im wrong because I highly doubt that Mou will get more players than that. Sad.
A manager like Pochettino or Klopp.
A new manager
Au revoir Smalling.
I would not be upset if any of our players left in summer. If they don’t want to be here they can feck off.
2 full backs and one defender. All world class. If we bring only that i will be delighted. I don't want atackers, wingers, midfielders... just splash all budget on 3 defenders.
It doesn't matter when you can't use players in their best positions and allow them to succeed. Think about what we are watching,
The point is our manager refuses to use common sense and follows a rigid tactic that is outdated and won't evolve. He's got a terrible ego, can't identify players with the best potential, and develop them properly. Pogba, Martial, Rashford, Shaw all have world class potential, yet we've seen little development and instead are all linked to leaving the club with the exception of Rashford, who's just sitting on the bench mostly.
Obviously Matic can't play DM and we need to strengthen our depth in the midfield (though TFM and Pereira would be good options to have), but most importantly we need a competent manager first. You have lots of young players, keep the game simple, press, counter attack, score, dominate.
- We are watching big strong slow tall players chase around agile quick short players using fluid formations. The ball moves faster than players can. On top of that he's trying to man mark. Not surprising that our defense looks like it sucks...
- Why are you man marking the opposition on corners when they only have 2 tall players and you have like 6...
- Why is your best creative midfielder risking flicks and tricks in your own half then losing the ball... Doesn't take a genius to figure where Pogba should be playing.
- Why do we have a left back who can't cross seeing a lions share of responsibility delivering the final ball
- Why is our best dribbler/forward on the bench
- Why isn't Lingard playing in the midfield chasing around players, something he's good at... Sanchez could play on the RW far more effectively
- Why are we still playing a 6-1-3 down 2-0 and still looking like we are closer to conceding a goal than scoring.
The point is our manager refuses to use common sense and follows a rigid tactic that is outdated and won't evolve. He's got a terrible ego, can't identify players with the best potential, and develop them properly. Pogba, Martial, Rashford, Shaw all have world class potential, yet we've seen little development and instead are all linked to leaving the club with the exception of Rashford, who's just sitting on the bench mostly.
Obviously Matic can't play DM and we need to strengthen our depth in the midfield (though TFM and Pereira would be good options to have), but most importantly we need a competent manager first. You have lots of young players, keep the game simple, press, counter attack, score, dominate.
Any of you lads have a slight change of heart now? Baldiola in tears, Jose's winning us the league next year with a few more signings 
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Think some might have changed their tune now...Any of you lads have a slight change of heart now? Baldiola in tears, Jose's winning us the league next year with a few more signings
Fullbacks are a need but the notion that the current personnel aren't good enough to challenge is a myth. Many were suggesting to sell today's MotM just 24hours ago
Today's second half was great but it doesn't alter what the team needs.
Getting a left footed left back will help a lot .. give the side natural width.
Another top CB is also a must as the Lindelof signing just hasn't worked in the short term and is more of a long term punt.
CDM cover and a starter level CM I.e. Verratti/Thiago level playmaker.
One more winger who can dominate the right wing and move Rashford or Martial into rotation option at 9 with Lukaku.
Sandro, Toby, Costa and Verratti are very high level options but the way this team plays we really do need strong individuals and that is the type of players we need to take this side to the next level.
Another top CB is also a must as the Lindelof signing just hasn't worked in the short term and is more of a long term punt.
CDM cover and a starter level CM I.e. Verratti/Thiago level playmaker.
One more winger who can dominate the right wing and move Rashford or Martial into rotation option at 9 with Lukaku.
Sandro, Toby, Costa and Verratti are very high level options but the way this team plays we really do need strong individuals and that is the type of players we need to take this side to the next level.
Sanchez Lukaku Costa
Pogba Verratti
Matic
Sandro Toby Bailly Valencia
De Gea
Pogba Verratti
Matic
Sandro Toby Bailly Valencia
De Gea
We still need a couple of fullbacks a CB and a midfielder to sustain a title challenge next season. The potential incomings have to be befitting of the ambitions the club strives for though...
Fabinho, Sandro, Nzonzi, Alderweirald, extend De Gea and Martial would be a pretty good summer.
I agree that we shouldn't just buy for the sake of it, the quality needs to be right, but we can't ignore Midfield or the fullback positions this summer, we are hopefully already making inroads on a couple of deals. I think you're right about CB as well, Mourinho has expressed his frustration recently on the lack of composed play building out of the back.
If you feel we don't need a RW then you are sadly mistaken
I didn't say that. We need that. And one mc at least. But i would sacrifice all that for new defence.
And for rw; jose said that we will not buy that. We have martial, lingard, sanchez, rashford, mata for wide positions so only if we sell someone we will buy new attacking player.
Still don't think signings are the be all and end all for next season.
Add a left back, seeing as Mourinho doesn't rate any of our legit players for that role. Give Valencia some competition (either through a youngster/prospect or transfer). Add some genuine back-up options for midfield. About it.
Maybe a striker back-up for Lukaku if available.
Add a left back, seeing as Mourinho doesn't rate any of our legit players for that role. Give Valencia some competition (either through a youngster/prospect or transfer). Add some genuine back-up options for midfield. About it.
Maybe a striker back-up for Lukaku if available.
I agree, definitely need to sign two fullbacks and a CB would be a welcome addition.
However, I’m very suprised you don’t see the need for midfielders?
We need midfielders as Carrick has retired and Fellaini looks like he’s offski.
What Jose seems to want to build some of the players we linked with I’m not fully sold on in terms of the age, but the games like city showed the squad has character and bottle which is a huge sign this team can attract those players. But Jose needs to sign players in their prime 23 to 26 years old we upgrade the RB, LB and CB positions to go alongside Bailly and DDG, that replaces smalling young and Valencia, that’s a massive upgrade on our team, at most we need 2 of the three targets in defence done this summer. We all know fellaini and Carrick will be gone, so that frees up two CM positions, blind and Darmian will also be gone, so that’s 5 players we can use those wages to build the squad again
Current team currently what’s needed when rebuilt
DDG
?? Bailly ?? ??
?? ??
Pogba
?? Lukaku Sanchez
I do think while Herrera and matic can be upgraded but do a good job in our midfield for depth, system wise 4213 we need probably 6 players in terms of positions weak. A perfect world martial would be left, Sanchez right. I do think we fix these 6 positions 5 at most, we will have a team ready to challenge. But if we can get three defenders, 2 Midfielders and maybe a right sided attacking midfielder over the next 2 summers, will have the tools over the next 2 years to really push on. 2019/20 season I expect a complete squad, with Jose hopefully has evolved the way his team plays, because DDG, Bailly, pogba, Sanchez and lukaku is a good foundation to build upon
Current team currently what’s needed when rebuilt
DDG
?? Bailly ?? ??
?? ??
Pogba
?? Lukaku Sanchez
I do think while Herrera and matic can be upgraded but do a good job in our midfield for depth, system wise 4213 we need probably 6 players in terms of positions weak. A perfect world martial would be left, Sanchez right. I do think we fix these 6 positions 5 at most, we will have a team ready to challenge. But if we can get three defenders, 2 Midfielders and maybe a right sided attacking midfielder over the next 2 summers, will have the tools over the next 2 years to really push on. 2019/20 season I expect a complete squad, with Jose hopefully has evolved the way his team plays, because DDG, Bailly, pogba, Sanchez and lukaku is a good foundation to build upon
Left back
Right back
Centre Back
Centre Midfielder
Right Winger (if an attacker leaves)
From listening to Jose's last few post match interviews, it's starting to become more clear on the positions he feels he needs to strengthen.
Centre back
Recently, Jose has spoken quite a bit about our centre backs not being brave enough on the ball and being too safe. Passing sideways or going back, etc.
Yesterday he said "I need my defenders to be a little more confident. With just a little bit of pressure by City they were kicking the ball, they were nervous, they were not bringing the ball with quality to my midfielders, so I needed improvement in terms of the confidence of the , also to bring the line up, so we could press a little bit".
I think a ball playing centre back in the summer will be a target for Mourinho. I guess Lindelof was meant to be that type of player for us, but defensively he's just not good enough. Maybe he needs more time to get used to the league, but it's clear Jose doesn't trust him at the moment, and I feel he'll be looking for a new centre back next season.
Centre midfielder
I'm not quite sure what type of midifelder Mourinho will be targeting. Could possibly be two, with the possiblity of Fellaini leaving on a free, although I feel McTominay could take up that squad place, having impressed in the last couple of months.
In terms of what I feel we need in midfielder is a playmaker. Someone to get on the ball and dictate play. However, it seems that Mourinho prefers powerful midfielder over ball playing ones. Having said that, he did purchase Modric and Fabregas - two fantastic ball players, so who knows?
What we do know is that Mourinho will be replacing Carrick in the summer.
Left Back
Top priority, in my opinion.
It seems that Shaw, Blind and Darmian will be sold in the summer, and as good as Young has been, he's not a natural left back, and will be 33 going into next season.
Right Back
Same as above really. Valencia, like Young, will be 33 going into next season. As consistent as they are, we need replacements.
Right Winger
At the moment, we only have Mata who can play on the right, and even when he does, he hardly spends any time over there. Lingard, Rashford, Sanchez and Martial are all better on the right.
Mourinho wants to play with wide forwards, rather than wingers. He wants to have his front three narrow, finding pockets of space and playing in between the lines, where they can link with the midfield. Mourinho mentioned this after the game yesterday, and wasn't particularly happy with the movement of Lingard and Sanchez saying, "I need more from Lingard and Alexis, I need them to connect our good football in midfield".
Therefore, instead of an out and out winger, which some people, including myself, were suggesting, it seems that Mourinho will be wanting to go with an inside forward. Someone who finds pockets of space and plays within the width of the 18 yard box. Preferably a left footed player.
I feel Mata does this very well. He glues everything together for us in the final third when he plays, but he lacks the acceleration to get way from someone.
Having said all of that, Mourinho did say he doesn't want anymore attacking players. However, the balance of our attack is not quite right the moment. Too many left forwards and only one right forward.
It wouldn't surprise me if Mourinho was to sell one of our left forwards (Martial) and buy a right forward (Mahrez). Probably wouldn't be a popular decision with the fans, but it would make sense, because to me, we can't go into next season having only Mata who can play on the right.
De Gea
Right Back Bailly Centre Back Left Back
Matic
Centre Midfielder Pogba
Right Forward Sanchez
Lukaku
Romero Jones Young Herrera Lingard Mata Rashford
Right back
Centre Back
Centre Midfielder
Right Winger (if an attacker leaves)
From listening to Jose's last few post match interviews, it's starting to become more clear on the positions he feels he needs to strengthen.
Centre back
Recently, Jose has spoken quite a bit about our centre backs not being brave enough on the ball and being too safe. Passing sideways or going back, etc.
Yesterday he said "I need my defenders to be a little more confident. With just a little bit of pressure by City they were kicking the ball, they were nervous, they were not bringing the ball with quality to my midfielders, so I needed improvement in terms of the confidence of the , also to bring the line up, so we could press a little bit".
I think a ball playing centre back in the summer will be a target for Mourinho. I guess Lindelof was meant to be that type of player for us, but defensively he's just not good enough. Maybe he needs more time to get used to the league, but it's clear Jose doesn't trust him at the moment, and I feel he'll be looking for a new centre back next season.
Centre midfielder
I'm not quite sure what type of midifelder Mourinho will be targeting. Could possibly be two, with the possiblity of Fellaini leaving on a free, although I feel McTominay could take up that squad place, having impressed in the last couple of months.
In terms of what I feel we need in midfielder is a playmaker. Someone to get on the ball and dictate play. However, it seems that Mourinho prefers powerful midfielder over ball playing ones. Having said that, he did purchase Modric and Fabregas - two fantastic ball players, so who knows?
What we do know is that Mourinho will be replacing Carrick in the summer.
Left Back
Top priority, in my opinion.
It seems that Shaw, Blind and Darmian will be sold in the summer, and as good as Young has been, he's not a natural left back, and will be 33 going into next season.
Right Back
Same as above really. Valencia, like Young, will be 33 going into next season. As consistent as they are, we need replacements.
Right Winger
At the moment, we only have Mata who can play on the right, and even when he does, he hardly spends any time over there. Lingard, Rashford, Sanchez and Martial are all better on the right.
Mourinho wants to play with wide forwards, rather than wingers. He wants to have his front three narrow, finding pockets of space and playing in between the lines, where they can link with the midfield. Mourinho mentioned this after the game yesterday, and wasn't particularly happy with the movement of Lingard and Sanchez saying, "I need more from Lingard and Alexis, I need them to connect our good football in midfield".
Therefore, instead of an out and out winger, which some people, including myself, were suggesting, it seems that Mourinho will be wanting to go with an inside forward. Someone who finds pockets of space and plays within the width of the 18 yard box. Preferably a left footed player.
I feel Mata does this very well. He glues everything together for us in the final third when he plays, but he lacks the acceleration to get way from someone.
Having said all of that, Mourinho did say he doesn't want anymore attacking players. However, the balance of our attack is not quite right the moment. Too many left forwards and only one right forward.
It wouldn't surprise me if Mourinho was to sell one of our left forwards (Martial) and buy a right forward (Mahrez). Probably wouldn't be a popular decision with the fans, but it would make sense, because to me, we can't go into next season having only Mata who can play on the right.
De Gea
Right Back Bailly Centre Back Left Back
Matic
Centre Midfielder Pogba
Right Forward Sanchez
Lukaku
Romero Jones Young Herrera Lingard Mata Rashford
It's ridiculous that after all this spending we still need 6 first team players and 2-3 young players as backup for LB, RB & CM!