What do we still need? Post Summer 2017 edition

I think we have to be looking at 4 in over January and sthe summer, minimum, it depends on if we decide to address RB, even with a young understudy.

There's a lot of good options around, not all of them are the finished article but that's ok as the way the market is heading there is going to be a limit on how many truly top established players you can get in a window unless you're PSG or City.

LB - Ghoulam/Jorge/Tierny/Martin/Grimaldo
CM - Dendoncker/Weigl/Goretzka/Pellegrini
RWF/RM -Pulisic/Soler/Oyarzabal/Malcom
#10/SS/AM - Dybala/Griezmann/Ozil/Fekir/Milinkovic-Savic
Give me those four, and I will gladly give-up Rashford, or Martial or even Degea.
 
Left back....Ashley youngs our best one at the minute.
Then two attacking players to play instead of mata and mickatarian/lingard,none of them are good enough by a long shot.

Jose gets a lot of stick for his tactics but they look a lot worse than they actually are when your attacking players continuously take the wrong option,give the ball away,are mentally weak and one of whom would be the most un-athletic man in a pensioners home. I know it wont be a popular opinion but i think mata and mickey have been absolute rubbish this season. Its a credit to jose that we'r doing aswel as we are.The left wing is doing fine but overal our 3 behind the striker are the worst of any of the top teams in england by a distance.
 
I think we have to be looking at 4 in over January and sthe summer, minimum, it depends on if we decide to address RB, even with a young understudy.

There's a lot of good options around, not all of them are the finished article but that's ok as the way the market is heading there is going to be a limit on how many truly top established players you can get in a window unless you're PSG or City.

LB - Ghoulam/Jorge/Tierny/Martin/Grimaldo
CM - Dendoncker/Weigl/Goretzka/Pellegrini
RWF/RM -Pulisic/Soler/Oyarzabal/Malcom
#10/SS/AM - Dybala/Griezmann/Ozil/Fekir/Milinkovic-Savic

I agree, if we were to sign 4 players next summer it should be for those 4 positions.

After that we need a new RB to cover/replace Valencia and a striker to replace Ibra (summer 2019).
 
  • A genuine playmaker. A bonafide No.10 that can only play the No.10 position, who's main job is creating an getting the ball to our forwards.
  • A Left-Back in his prime that can play left wingback when we play 352. Don't want a promising up and coming one like Tierney. Go after Ghoulam or Sandro.
  • A creative right-footed right winger that can keep width, cross the ball, create and score.
  • A back-up CM for Pogba and Matic.

I'd like to see Pereira have a go at the #10 position. He's got good pace and dribbling with the ball, perhaps not as much as Mkhi but he retains the ball alot better. Would make us tactically flexible as he can drop down to form a 4-3-3.
I'd agree about the LB position, however Blinds, Youngs and Shaws contracts are all up in the summer so unless we're bringing up Mitchell or Borthwick-Jackson we could bring in a guy like Tierney in january to deputize Blind and Young and groom him while also sorting out Ghoulam for the summer.
I think that as long as Valencia is our first choice RB or we can bring in another RB like Meunier or someone in the mould of Semedo, there's no point in bringing in a winger who hugs the line. If Darmian was going to be our first choice RB then maybe that would make sense.
Milinkovic-Savic appears to be the most obvious choice at the moment to strengthen our cm.
 
I'd like to see Pereira have a go at the #10 position. He's got good pace and dribbling with the ball, perhaps not as much as Mkhi but he retains the ball alot better.
With Pogba and Fellaini injured and Mkhi poor, I reckon he would have got a go in the 10 or 8 pos if he didn't go on loan. I doubt he would get another chance after the summer when we have strengthened. Mctominay has taken the place that could have been his, and he looks like the next De Bruyne and Lukaku to me.
Would make us tactically flexible as he can drop down to form a 4-3-3.
Getting a playmaker in the De Bruyne and Eriksen mould could help. In which case, we won't have to change the team in the big games, unless we are going 3 at the back. One of the reasons I don't want Griezmann too. We will be stuck with playing 4231.

I'd agree about the LB position, however Blinds, Youngs and Shaws contracts are all up in the summer so unless we're bringing up Mitchell or Borthwick-Jackson we could bring in a guy like Tierney in january to deputize Blind and Young and groom him while also sorting out Ghoulam for the summer.
If its up to me, I will wait till the summer, let Shaw go and bring in Ghoulam. Bringing in Tierney and Ghoulam is a no win situation. Ghoulam is 26? Knowing Mourinho, Ghoulam will likely be the No.1 and that will dampen the progress of Tierney. What we need is just a starter at LB, Blind and Young are able deputies.
I think that as long as Valencia is our first choice RB or we can bring in another RB like Meunier or someone in the mould of Semedo, there's no point in bringing in a winger who hugs the line. If Darmian was going to be our first choice RB then maybe that would make sense.
True, and thats why I said a creative right winger that can hold width. We severally lack creativity and at the same time width in the team. A playmaker won't completely solve the creativity problem just like an attacking full-back won't completely solve the width problem. The winger must not be a touchline hugging one, but he must at least stay on the flank 60percent of the game, pick up passes and beat his man. Valencia is likely to be our RB next season and he offers nothing down that wing. A creative winger will be vital next season. Pulisic is my choice.
Milinkovic-Savic appears to be the most obvious choice at the moment to strengthen our cm.
There's no point in signing Savic unless Fellaini leaves. He's IMO, a Fellaini and Pogba hybrid and Tominay looks similar too. Signing him will give us too many similar players in midfield. I think we should go for a player who's passing is his greatest strength. Without Pogba, we just keep passing sideways and lack ideas.
 
Kieran Tierney was excellent against Bayern Munich last night.

He's worth whatever it'd cost (30m?) to get him. Really think he's going to become a superstar and we'll be kicking ourselves in a few years if we don't.

Much better than Luke Shaw.
 
Tierney signed a new contract - that inflates his potential transfer value by quite a bit, apart from signalling that he probably wants to stay at Celtic to develop his game:
 
Tierney signed a new contract - that inflates his potential transfer value by quite a bit, apart from signalling that he probably wants to stay at Celtic to develop his game:

So.

Doesn't mean anything. Celtic aren't in a position to turn down what us and many others could offer him.

Unless Celtic sell him he'll end up the captain when Brown retires.
 
I have'nt posted for a while and yes I'm a bit of an fantasy football manager, but what do we need ?

1 a Left Back
2 a Right Wing
3 a number 10

Reason ?
1 Shaw is struggling and the rest are not good enough
2 we don't have a Right Wing
3 Mhiky has'st taken his chance

Answer ?
1 Rose
2 Willian
3 Griezmann

It might take some height out of the team, but we might start playing on the ground a bit more !
 
Tierney
Fabinho
Griezmann
Leon Bailey

These 4 added, and we are right to challenge anyone.
 
Tierney
Fabinho
Griezmann
Leon Bailey

I do think that these 4 would be excellent signings.
Tierney looks a real talent, a diamond in the rough. But I'd also be pleased if we managed to get Bertrand, as he is very reliable and would surely be a success here.

I like the versatility of Fabinho being able to play both RB or CM to an equally high standard, gives the team flexibility without compromise.

Griezmann is a star player, no doubt he would elevate us, and I think he absolutely has the capabilities to be a #10

Been hugely impressed with Bailey this season, he really is a player that would entertain the crowd, get you on the edge of the seat. Of all the RWs suggested, I think I would be most excited to see him at OT.
 
It seems to me that at #10 we have three main options: Özil, Griezmann or Fekir.

At left-back we have: Ghoulam (ACL injury vs City), Grimaldo, Tierney, Bertrand, Rose or Sandro (unlikely).

At wide-right we have: Malcom, Mahrez, Forsberg, Bailey, Lemar (I guess...), anybody else? Willian is surely a non-starter after the uproar that came around Chelsea selling us Matić for some reason.

Those #10 options look great but the rest not so much imo unless that Malcom or Forsberg are real talents. Lemar doesn't even play on the right so I don't think we'd bother signing him.

With regards to those wide players we must have two playmakers in the team so if we got Özil or Fekir then that wide-right player could just be a goalscoring type, but if we signed Griezmann I would insist on somebody whose speciality is to probe for gaps and create, and who demands the ball and doesn't go missing.
 
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It seems to me that at #10 we have three main options: Özil, Griezmann or Fekir.

At left-back we have: Ghoulam (ACL injury vs City), Grimaldo, Tierney, Bertrand, Rose or Sandro (unlikely).

At wide-right we have: Malcom, Mahrez, Forsberg, Bailey, Lemar (I guess...), anybody else? Willian is surely a non-starter after the uproar that came around Chelsea selling us Matić for some reason.

Those #10 options look great but the rest not so much imo unless that Malcom or Forsberg are real talents. Lemar doesn't even play on the right so I don't think we'd bother signing him.

With regards to those wide players we must have two playmakers in the team so if we got Özil or Fekir then that wide-right player could just be a goalscoring type, but if we signed Griezmann I would insist on somebody whose speciality is to probe for gaps and create, and who demands the ball and doesn't go missing.

Our need for a RW depends on if we plan to go ahead with this 3-5-2 \ 3-4-1-2 thing.

In order of importance:

1: Two new #10's, Mkhi and Mata has had their chance
2: New LB
3: Cover for Pogba and someone to play with him when we play a 3 man midfield, I like Fellaini but he will be happy on the bench as well
4: RB, Valencia getting on a bit, can be rotated with Young though as long as we get a new LB
5: RW

This is if we decide to play the aforementioned formations. If we decide to keep the 4-2-3-1 the list changes and RW becomes first priority together with LB.
 
I pretty much agree with what others have said. Mata and Mkhitaryan just aren't doing it for me in the 10 role and neither have the legs to play wide right. It really hits home when you watch someone like Eriksen at spurs.

I can't see us getting a new full back for both sides. Left back is obviously more unsettled but at Valencia's age i'd like to see us go for a right back - someone like Meunier which gives you the option to push Valencia further or at least rest him without someone like Darmian coming in who offers nothing.
 
Our need for a RW depends on if we plan to go ahead with this 3-5-2 \ 3-4-1-2 thing.

In order of importance:

1: Two new #10's, Mkhi and Mata has had their chance
2: New LB
3: Cover for Pogba and someone to play with him when we play a 3 man midfield, I like Fellaini but he will be happy on the bench as well
4: RB, Valencia getting on a bit, can be rotated with Young though as long as we get a new LB
5: RW

This is if we decide to play the aforementioned formations. If we decide to keep the 4-2-3-1 the list changes and RW becomes first priority together with LB.


1. Griezmann
2. Kieran Tierney
3. SMS / Goretzka
4. No idea
5. Want some one who has speed, can cross, explosive and potential talents
 
These threads always seem adamant we still need 4-5 players!
 
How many did we need last year, and the year before, and the year before?
The number never seems to change despite consistently bringing swathes of players in

That is because our two previous managers bought exceptionally bad, while neglecting the most pressing needs of the squad.

As an example we haven't had an actual RW for years, and we rely on two 32 year old retooled wingers as our fb's, and our two #10's have had all the chances in the world, but fails time and time again.

I'd love to know how you'd get this squad to challenge on the level we want to without investing in 4-5 players.

It isn't transfer muppetry, it is realism, our attacking options are not good enough.
 
That is because our two previous managers bought exceptionally bad, while neglecting the most pressing needs of the squad.

As an example we haven't had an actual RW for years, and we rely on two 32 year old retooled wingers as our fb's, and our two #10's have had all the chances in the world, but fails time and time again.

I'd love to know how you'd get this squad to challenge on the level we want to without investing in 4-5 players.

It isn't transfer muppetry, it is realism, our attacking options are not good enough.

Jose has got it pretty right with who he's brought in so far, with the exception of Lindelof who looks pretty dreadful. And arguably the tide seems to be going against Mhky a little at the moment.

We're certainly short of a proper consistent left back, and real star quality up front. Just those 2 signings and less injuries would be a huge boost.
 
Jose has got it pretty right with who he's brought in so far, with the exception of Lindelof who looks pretty dreadful. And arguably the tide seems to be going against Mhky a little at the moment.

We're certainly short of a proper consistent left back, and real star quality up front. Just those 2 signings and less injuries would be a huge boost.

Yeah we need a LB, but one of our most pressing needs is a #10 that is a real playmaker and not a passenger.

Do you remember the 5-10 minute spell when Mkhi decided to be a footballer against Tottenham in the second half? We looked twice as good as in the first period and created several chances in a row - that is what we should have constantly.
 
Yeah we need a LB, but one of our most pressing needs is a #10 that is a real playmaker and not a passenger.

Do you remember the 5-10 minute spell when Mkhi decided to be a footballer against Tottenham in the second half? We looked twice as good as in the first period and created several chances in a row - that is what we should have constantly.

He's a funny one, racking up tonnes of assists early season than fading to a lightweight guy who misplaces passes and spends the rest of the time on the floor having been fouled or just outmuscled.

It's difficult. Griezmann wouldn't be the playmaker some think he might.
I'm looking forward to how Ibra fits in as the next stage.
 
I think we do need another 3/4 in next Summer without question....the squad was good enough at the start of this season based on some conditions

Shaw was going to have a great season.... not happening and with Ashley Young as first choice it tells you all you need to know

We were going to be more creative and score more goals .... we have to a degree but whilst Martial and Rashford have developed - Mhiki, Mata and Lingard haven't really stepped up with any consistency

we had enough bodies to cope with injuries...to a degree yes but with Pogba out we are much less productive

I think we could use 4 players with 3 going into the first team
 
For this thread, is it a given that no United players currently on loan, getting occasional spots on the bench, or playing in the reserves will make a contribution in the first team for 2018/2019? TFM, Pereira, Tuanzebe, McTominay, and Mitchell have shown promise in their first team opportunities. It would be nice to see more before they are replaced with expensive transfers.
 
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We have two types of fullback in the squad at the moment:
  • wingers pretending to be fullbacks
  • central defenders pretending to be fullbacks
The problem is that, with no proper wingers in the team, we're using central attacking players in front of them on the wing. Those 'wingers' either spend the entire game drifting inside (Mata) or the entire game producing relatively little until counterattacks (Martial/Rashford).

What we need is playmakers at fullback. Individuals who can put their foot on the ball and dictate our passing from right or leftback. Valencia is a technically great passer, but a creatively terrible one. Young is of the same ilk. Darmian can't pass for shit. Blind is a good passer, but a terrible defender.

Ideally what I think we need is 'midfielders pretending to be fullbacks' to solve the problem. Fabinho would be great at rightback, allowing anyone we play on that wing (hopefully Rashford) to move inside without sacrificing our creativity from the right side the pitch. A similar leftback would also free Martial from the left wing, so he can focus on replicating his LvG form as a wide forward. I disagree with people thinking Rose is that man, but I don't know who might be.

A third midfielder to be the right-side version of Pogba would give sufficient cover/support defensively. 4-3-3 is the way to go, imo. Let's make the most of the world-class quality that's already here, rather than stifling it for the sake of new players who would fit a system that takes everybody else's level down a notch or two. I'm specifically thinking about Ozil here, btw.
 
Yeah we need a LB, but one of our most pressing needs is a #10 that is a real playmaker and not a passenger.

Do you remember the 5-10 minute spell when Mkhi decided to be a footballer against Tottenham in the second half? We looked twice as good as in the first period and created several chances in a row - that is what we should have constantly.
Bloody hell!!-someone who agrees with me; finally.
 
Hopefully people will agree that we need quality cover for Pogba/Matic now.
 
That is because our two previous managers bought exceptionally bad, while neglecting the most pressing needs of the squad.

As an example we haven't had an actual RW for years, and we rely on two 32 year old retooled wingers as our fb's, and our two #10's have had all the chances in the world, but fails time and time again.

I'd love to know how you'd get this squad to challenge on the level we want to without investing in 4-5 players.

It isn't transfer muppetry, it is realism, our attacking options are not good enough.

I agree with you the team needs five players specifically LB, RB, CM, RW and AM. We can't fill all those holes if we spend huge on one marquee signing like Bale or Dybala. Instead of expensive marquee signings, let's fill all the holes in the team with quality yet affordable players. I would love the club to bring in Ghoulam, Fabinho, Jorginho, Fekir and Leon Bailey. All those players are young dynamic players with technical ability and all gettable at reasonably affordable prices. I hate the clubs seeming obsession with 'marquee' signings whilst making do with rubbish in other areas of the pitch.
 
Hopefully people will agree that we need quality cover for Pogba/Matic now.

It will probably be hard to find quality players who want to sit on the bench behind every match, every minute players like Pogba and Matic. Unless they're injured, Mourinho is only going to sit those two for meaningless matches or early round domestic cup matches. That's why Mourinho needs to develop cover from within the organization for positions he doesn't rotate.
 
Honestly, if we want to seriously compete with City now, we'll need some real quality through our squad. I'd suggest moving on a couple of players who don't fit into a top class club and bringing in at least a top quality #10, a winger who can cross and regularly beat a man, a solid left back who can get forward when needed too and a backup MF player. Moving forward, I also think we could do with a CB partner for Bailly. I know our defense is good, but keeping it that way stifles our attack because while Jones, Smalling etc can do the job, they do so because of good organisation and backup. With a top class defender alongside Bailly, we'd be able to focus on attacking more.
 
Honestly, if we want to seriously compete with City now, we'll need some real quality through our squad. I'd suggest moving on a couple of players who don't fit into a top class club and bringing in at least a top quality #10, a winger who can cross and regularly beat a man, a solid left back who can get forward when needed too and a backup MF player. Moving forward, I also think we could do with a CB partner for Bailly. I know our defense is good, but keeping it that way stifles our attack because while Jones, Smalling etc can do the job, they do so because of good organisation and backup. With a top class defender alongside Bailly, we'd be able to focus on attacking more.

Can anyone actually name a top class #10 who is available or obtainable?
 
I still maintain that with 3 signings (4 if you go for a RB to replace Valencia but I don't think that's mandatory) we could compete in Europe:

Lukaku - Griezmann
Martial - Matic - Pogba - Wide Playmaker
LB - Rojo - Bailey - RB
De Gea
To me this is a team that has pace and can break down defenses, that wide-right player has to be a playmaker though, otherwise it may become too difficult to break down teams that sit back. I'd love to see us go back to 4-4-2 like we played under Fergie for all those years. The formation is not at all dead like some would say, Leicester City, Monaco and Atletico Madrid have all had success with it lately.

We could basically build our Manchester United team using the template set by Diego Simeone at Atltico, but we would basically have a significantly better midfield and attack. We also wouldn't be reliant on Griezmann because we have Lukaku who is also a good goalscorer and exactly the type of player Griezmann plays off of best.
 
We need an explosive, skilful RF. It's what we needed before Jose arrived and it hasn't been addressed. Even if we play sometimes with a formation of 3 back and 2 in front, no designated wide attackers, the option of having someone to stretch the defence or cut in to do some real damage is a necessity. I like the look of Malcom I think he'd suit us.
Whether we get a new #10 or another attacking mid will definitely depend on the formation Jose has in mind. At this stage I reckon he favors a new #10 because Pogba and Fellaini can fill the AM roles, but Mata and Mkhitaryan don't exactly inspire much faith the way they're going. I think Griezmann is the favorite here, not exactly a role model #10, but it's hard not to see him being a lethal second striker in this team.
The fullbacks? Well I have Valencia/Darmian on the right; and Young on the left. It's not going to happen, but I prefer Blind to join the contingent of CBs. Get another LB, one that can attack with intelligence and skill. I like Tierney, so that will do.
In, Tierney....Griezmann.....Malcom
Out, Carrick....Mata.....Shaw.
 
Can anyone actually name a top class #10 who is available or obtainable?

Fekir if we are on a budget or Dybala if we are prepared to spend 120m+. Savic can also play #10 as well as CM and has the physical attributes Jose would love. Lemar can play on the wing as well as #10 and is an excellent player but his price tag has risen significantly because of crazy bids from Liverpool and Arsenal. None of these players would be available in January though as they are too important to their teams so we would have to wait until the summer transfer window.
 
It will probably be hard to find quality players who want to sit on the bench behind every match, every minute players like Pogba and Matic. Unless they're injured, Mourinho is only going to sit those two for meaningless matches or early round domestic cup matches. That's why Mourinho needs to develop cover from within the organization for positions he doesn't rotate.
It's not just for injuries, it's for competition and rotation/rest.
 
Anyone that think we are the finished article right now are mistaken. Every top team keeps wanting better players every season. It's what keeps them at the top. We need a RW, LB, BtB midfielder, and a creative Number 10. IMO. Here is who I would love to see come in.:-

Tierney-------LB
Fabinho----BtB Midfielder ( Can also play RB)
Griezmann--Playmaker
Leon Baily---RW

These 4 would improve our side greatly, and we would be a match for anyone in Europe.
 
Anyone that think we are the finished article right now are mistaken. Every top team keeps wanting better players every season. It's what keeps them at the top. We need a RW, LB, BtB midfielder, and a creative Number 10. IMO. Here is who I would love to see come in.:-

Tierney-------LB
Fabinho----BtB Midfielder ( Can also play RB)
Griezmann--Playmaker
Leon Baily---RW

These 4 would improve our side greatly, and we would be a match for anyone in Europe.

I didn't think Griezmann is really a playmaker? Am I mistaken?

One idea I have been thinking about is going for Alexis Sanchez as a #10. There are 30 points at stake in games against the rest of the top 6 and I feel Özil is too much of a gamble at #10 not to go missing. Even if things don't go Sanchez' way in a game I could see him tracking back and defending us. I'd also want him central rather than wide since he has such goal threat.
 
I need to vent a bit so bare with me on this one.

Firstly I believe the club did not support Jose enough in the summer. He said he needed a 4th player and we did not get him. Despite our good start and with our injuries it is hard to argue we could not have done with another option.

Secondly, i think we MUST buy either a left back, right winger or number 10 in January. At least 1 if not 2 of them.

My reasoning is that in the summer we will only buy maybe 3 players yet it is likely we will need more than that. Hence we should get one or two in early and that way they have more time to adapt to the team as well.

I really feel like we don't use the January transfer window enough. Also if we want to compete with City we need serious investment as they are nearly at a stage where they have 2 top quality players for every position while we still have players playing in makeshift positions that they are not good enough for.

I know money isn't always the answer but being honest I think this time it is the only way we can get a team of City's quality.
 
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I need to vent a bit so bare with me on this one.

Firstly I believe the club did not support Jose enough in the summer. He said he needed a 4th player and we did not get him. Despite our good start and with our injuries it is hard to argue we could not have done with another option.

Secondly, i think we MUST buy either a left back, right winger or number 10 in January. At least 1 if not 2 of them.

My reasoning is that in the summer we will only buy maybe 3 players yet it is likely we will need more than that. Hence we should get one or two in early and that way they have more time to adapt to the team as well.

I really feel like we don't use the January transfer window enough. Also if we want to compete with City we need serious investment as they are nearly at a stage where they have 2 top quality players for every position while we still have players playing in makeshift positions that they are not good enough for.

I know money isn't always the answer but being honest I think this time it is the only way we can get a team of City's quality.
,

Honestly I don't think the board wants to compete with the best in Europe. They want to invest just enough to get CL football and that's it. We are still two fullbacks, a #10, a winger, CM away from being a top notch team. I doubt the board will give Jose the money to fill all the holes in the squad. I also think Jose was on the right track when he wanted a ball playing CB but Lindelof is a complete joke defensively. If Jose had brought in Laporte or Jonathan Tah instead of Lindelof we would be so much better. Imagine a CB that is comfortable on the ball and can bring the forward and effectively pass the ball.