What represents a good summer now?

I was hoping we sign a top class cm, and since it doesn't look like it's gonna happen I am hoping we don't sign anyone just for the sake of it. Our team is the current Champion of England so it's not the end of the world. We'll compete domestically but I doubt we will be able to compete in Europe which is ok for a Club that just lost the best manager ever.
 
IMO we only need one signing, two at the most, for it to be a "successful" summer. With three weeks to go before the window closes I think its more likely at this stage that we'll just make the one signing but I'm happy with that. There are plenty of midfielders out there beside Thiago and Fabregas who could strengthen our squad. I think the main concern would be if Carrick got injured we would be in some trouble, whether we go for a player like Fellaini or Modric I don't know, I think the most important thing is that we have cover.

Ballache said:
I was hoping we sign a top class cm, and since it doesn't look like it's gonna happen I am hoping we don't sign anyone just for the sake of it.
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I don't think we would be signing someone for the sake of it, particularly not if they are a midfielder. The obvious concern is getting cover for Carrick should he get injured, because both Cleverley and Anderson are injury-prone it would be unwise to rely on them.
 
is modric possibly available? if he is anyway he could be use as a bait to get bale. not many top class CM available at this moment.
 
ricky-romeo said:
is modric possibly available? if he is anyway he could be use as a bait to get bale. not many top class CM available at this moment.
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Modric I think would be a chance, albeit a slim one. I think a bid of 30mil or so would tempt them seeing as he's not really cemented a spot in their team. But there is no chance we're getting Bale mate, you're dreaming if you think that one is possible.
 
Don't really expect us to buy anyone decent so keeping Nani and Rooney would be a good enough summer.
 
ninety said:
Modric I think would be a chance, albeit a slim one. I think a bid of 30mil or so would tempt them seeing as he's not really cemented a spot in their team. But there is no chance we're getting Bale mate, you're dreaming if you think that one is possible.
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what i meant is that if modric is not wanted at real then it is real who will include him in a deal to sign bale from spurs. not us signing bale. haha.
 
ninety said:
Modric I think would be a chance, albeit a slim one. I think a bid of 30ml or so would tempt them seeing as he's not really cemented a spot in their team. But there is no chance we're getting Bale mate, you're dreaming if you think that one is possible.
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Isnt anchotti quite a modric fan though

If so and modric feels he will be part of the first team I cant see him being Interested
 
sun_tzu said:
Isnt anchotti quite a modric fan though

If so and modric feels he will be part of the first team I cant see him being Interested
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Indeed. I believe we have no chance in getting Modric and are probably already aware of that.
 
ricky-romeo said:
what i meant is that if modric is not wanted at real then it is real who will include him in a deal to sign bale from spurs. not us signing bale. haha.
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Ahh righto. Considering they have a new manager I can't see him leaving, which is unfortunate for us cause he's a terrific player and I think he'd suit us nicely. Wouldn't be surprised though if under Mourinho he was included in a deal to get Bale. Even if Modric is out of the question there are a number of quality midfielders out there. We don't necessarily have to buy a superstar (Fabregas/Modric) to improve our midfield. I understand people wanting a big name and certainly signing a player like Fabregas would be ideal but you look at Chelsea when they signed Essien. He wasn't a superstar and look at the player he turned out to be for them. I'd be just as happy for us to sign an up and coming player for half the price and let him develop here.
 
ninety said:
Modric I think would be a chance, albeit a slim one. I think a bid of 30mil or so would tempt them seeing as he's not really cemented a spot in their team. But there is no chance we're getting Bale mate, you're dreaming if you think that one is possible.
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Modric has started all their pre-season games and been instrumental in each one. He's been their primary playmaker in that central midfield position, dictating the tempo of their game and the likes of Ozil and Isco floating in front of him, yet he's outshone both really albeit his role is slightly different to theirs (they're mainly there to create chances). Ancellotti clearly rates him and wants to make him a focal point of the side if the pre-season is anything to go by, would be extremely surprised if Madrid were to let him go.. he's a class above their other centre-mids who are all leaning more towards the defensive side.
 
Raoul said:
It's a bit myopic to suggest the summer can be reduced to buying a particular player or not. If we win the league, we can look back and say it was a good summer because we got Moyes, he settled quickly and gave the squad a sense of continuity that allowed them march on in the post Fergie era. That, in future retrospect, could truly define this as a successful summer.
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With the greatest of respect Raoul, we are going to struggle next year without a few signings of decent quality in certain positions - not saying we should kick up a fuss, personally I would be happy to take a hit next year as long as Moyes can identify better targets for the next year and just use this one as a bedding in period but yeah if we're just talking about next season, its hard to imagine him winning the league with the current squad as it is, if he did - its a stunning achievement.
 
Raees said:
With the greatest of respect Raoul, we are going to struggle next year without a few signings of decent quality in certain positions - not saying we should kick up a fuss, personally I would be happy to take a hit next year as long as Moyes can identify better targets for the next year and just use this one as a bedding in period but yeah if we're just talking about next season, its hard to imagine him winning the league with the current squad as it is, if he did - its a stunning achievement.
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I find that highly implausible given that the current squad ran away with the league just three months ago.
 
So far it's been a perfect muppet summer. We've been linked to all the biggest names and signed none. That's how it should be. It leaves us open for more throughout this summer.
 
Raees said:
With the greatest of respect Raoul, we are going to struggle next year without a few signings of decent quality in certain positions - not saying we should kick up a fuss, personally I would be happy to take a hit next year as long as Moyes can identify better targets for the next year and just use this one as a bedding in period but yeah if we're just talking about next season, its hard to imagine him winning the league with the current squad as it is, if he did - its a stunning achievement.
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Seems a bit extreme seeing as how we were so comfortable last year. City had players under-perform and have invested true, Chelsea have Mourinho and Hazard/Oscar are fully settled now but the've not done any real business yet. We ourselves had our main creative players, the wingers massively under-perform, Kagawa should be better adapted and we have brought in two great young players who will add some good competition in Zaha and Januzaj. I'd say luck with injuries in terms of mostly Carrick as right now there's no alternative to him than we should have as good a chance as anyone at the title, we need to sign cover for Carrick imo as a safety net, but we can still win the title without getting a top midfielder in this year imo, it's not ideal of course but I don't think its gonna stop us winning the title.
 
ricky-romeo said:
is modric possibly available? if he is anyway he could be use as a bait to get bale. not many top class CM available at this moment.
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I like Modric, dating back to his Spurs days, but I get the feeling him on his own would still leave us short. We need a screening CM too.
 
Feed Me said:
I like Modric, dating back to his Spurs days, but I get the feeling him on his own would still leave us short. We need a screening CM too.
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Believe me, the way he's currently playing during pre season he's arguably even better than during his SPurs days. He just needed some time to slot into that Madrid team. He had his excellent performances for them last years as well.
No way they are letting him go
 
Ash_G said:
Seems a bit extreme seeing as how we were so comfortable last year. City had players under-perform and have invested true, Chelsea have Mourinho and Hazard/Oscar are fully settled now but the've not done any real business yet. We ourselves had our main creative players, the wingers massively under-perform, Kagawa should be better adapted and we have brought in two great young players who will add some good competition in Zaha and Januzaj. I'd say luck with injuries in terms of mostly Carrick as right now there's no alternative to him than we should have as good a chance as anyone at the title, we need to sign cover for Carrick imo as a safety net, but we can still win the title without getting a top midfielder in this year imo, it's not ideal of course but I don't think its gonna stop us winning the title.
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This team worries me because there are a few areas that need addressing. All this chopping and changing in defence doesn't help. How does our defence get any understanding, when we changing it every week? That's why Moyes has to decide what he needs to do with Vidic and Rio. Obviously at times, we had defensive crisis, which didnt help obviously. Interesting to see how many on here would say Rio or Vidic are first choice when all our defenders are fit, even though doubts remain if they can play two games a week. I don't think it helps the team changing defenders every game. Look at our team between 06-08, Rio and Vidic must have played the majority of games. With Brown filling in sometimes as CB against Barcelona. Or we had Heinze, O'Shea or Pique there the odd time. It's easy saying Ronaldos goals won us the champions league or premier league. But our defence was just as vital or even more. Hopefully we can keep them fit and find our best back four.

Centre midfielder, we all know the problems. Wide areas though has escaped a bit because of the lack of signings in the middle. I recall quite a few people wanted to sign a wide player even with Zaha coming. Obviously there is still concern that Nani could be off. Zaha has looked good during pre season. I hope Nani stays. My biggest worries are Young and Valencis though.
 
Raoul said:
I find that highly implausible given that the current squad ran away with the league just three months ago.
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Ash_G said:
Seems a bit extreme seeing as how we were so comfortable last year. City had players under-perform and have invested true, Chelsea have Mourinho and Hazard/Oscar are fully settled now but the've not done any real business yet. We ourselves had our main creative players, the wingers massively under-perform, Kagawa should be better adapted and we have brought in two great young players who will add some good competition in Zaha and Januzaj. I'd say luck with injuries in terms of mostly Carrick as right now there's no alternative to him than we should have as good a chance as anyone at the title, we need to sign cover for Carrick imo as a safety net, but we can still win the title without getting a top midfielder in this year imo, it's not ideal of course but I don't think its gonna stop us winning the title.
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Think the Fergie factor was a big reason behind us winning the title, we didn't really play all that well it was just that our competitors were that bad - even in times of supposed crisis - just having Sir Alex at the helm made you think everything would be alright (compare how effortlessly he kept his head to Mancini losing the plot at City)... this year our rivals have strengthened and our weaknesses remain. If Rooney and Nani stay and we can keep them motivated then yeah we'll be competitive but if the former throws a big hissy fit and refuses to play or plays poorly then we could struggle, especially if RVP picks up an injury.

If Chelsea get a striker they'll be favourites imo, if they don't then we're in the running alongside City but both their sides have a better midfield and can control games better than ours. One strong central midfield player of a more creative nature, with another who can provide some aggression/cover for Carrick and it could tip the title in our favour especially if Nani stays which would mean the supposed wing issue of last year would be resolved as we have the likes of Zaha and Janzuaj coming through too.
 
Feed Me said:
I like Modric, dating back to his Spurs days, but I get the feeling him on his own would still leave us short. We need a screening CM too.
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You just need to watch him for Madrid this pre-season, him alongside Carrick would be unbelievably good.
 
Bojan11 said:
This team worries me because there are a few areas that need addressing. All this chopping and changing in defence doesn't help. How does our defence get any understanding, when we changing it every week? That's why Moyes has to decide what he needs to do with Vidic and Rio. Obviously at times, we had defensive crisis, which didnt help obviously. Interesting to see how many on here would say Rio or Vidic are first choice when all our defenders are fit, even though doubts remain if they can play two games a week. I don't think it helps the team changing defenders every game. Look at our team between 06-08, Rio and Vidic must have played the majority of games. With Brown filling in sometimes as CB against Barcelona. Or we had Heinze, O'Shea or Pique there the odd time. It's easy saying Ronaldos goals won us the champions league or premier league. But our defence was just as vital or even more. Hopefully we can keep them fit and find our best back four.

Centre midfielder, we all know the problems. Wide areas though has escaped a bit because of the lack of signings in the middle. I recall quite a few people wanted to sign a wide player even with Zaha coming. Obviously there is still concern that Nani could be off. Zaha has looked good during pre season. I hope Nani stays. My biggest worries are Young and Valencis though.
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Well I think in preseason Moyes has experimented with the defence due to injuries and not knowing the players. I expect when the season starts we will see a settled defence, which pretty much picks itself now, with basically the factors being the fitness of Vidic and Rio, but with Evans able to play every week injuries permitting its not a big deal. Our defensive problems in recent times have come from mass injury issues and bedding in a new GK than quality issues imo. The only issue I can see is when fit who plays at CB as we have 3 players who all look good enough to be first choice, which is a good issue for me.

Wings are uncertain but I've been encouraged by Nani's recent comments. If he stays then I personally think we could look to move Young on depeding on what happens with Rooney. I personally think Nani and Valencia will both recover with last season being a blip, as I've said them getting better is no different that expecting Silva/Aguero to be better this season. With the addition of Zaha and emergence of Januzaj I think we're looking fine there. If Nani doesn't stay though I agree we could have an issue.

Seems to me a lot of peoples worries are that City's and Chelsea's player will improve either in general or see a recovery of form but ours won't. We've got players who should all naturally be better this season due to that extra experience, De Gea, Jones, Clev, Welbeck should all be better than last season, Kagawa should be more settled and as I said I expect Valencia and Nani to be more like the players we know.
 
Raees said:
Think the Fergie factor was a big reason behind us winning the title, we didn't really play all that well it was just that our competitors were that bad - even in times of supposed crisis - just having Sir Alex at the helm made you think everything would be alright (compare how effortlessly he kept his head to Mancini losing the plot at City)... this year our rivals have strengthened and our weaknesses remain. If Rooney and Nani stay and we can keep them motivated then yeah we'll be competitive but if the former throws a big hissy fit and refuses to play or plays poorly then we could struggle, especially if RVP picks up an injury.

If Chelsea get a striker they'll be favourites imo, if they don't then we're in the running alongside City but both their sides have a better midfield and can control games better than ours. One strong central midfield player of a more creative nature, with another who can provide some aggression/cover for Carrick and it could tip the title in our favour especially if Nani stays which would mean the supposed wing issue of last year would be resolved as we have the likes of Zaha and Janzuaj coming through too.
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But as I've said for all the players City had underperforming so did we, Aguero, Silva Nasri all underperformed for them, Rooney, Nani, Valencia and Kagawa for us. If City's players are likely to improve so are ours.

I think part of Chelsea's problems were bedding in the attacking 3 and a lack of a quality striker and so on the first issue you'd expect them to be better, but it remains to be seen if they will get a striker. Also everyone expects Rooney if he went to suddenly be amazing but we all know the reason he found himself out of the team and probs a reason we got RVP/Kagawa in the first place was that he was under performing and this was when there were no suggestions he was unhappy, so I don't see why that would suddenly change. Mourinho is a great man manager but so was Fergie. I still think Chelsea's squad lacks depth and I'm not sure how their central midfield is better than ours.
 
Was Ancelotti originally trying to sign Modric at Chelsea? If so, then yeah we could find it tough to sign him.

I'd say Khedira would be more likely.
 
Feed Me said:
From what some posters are saying, we have no chance of getting him...
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I'm one of them, he seems like he's going to be very important under the new management.

Ash_G said:
But as I've said for all the players City had underperforming so did we, Aguero, Silva Nasri all underperformed for them, Rooney, Nani, Valencia and Kagawa for us. If City's players are likely to improve so are ours.

I think part of Chelsea's problems were bedding in the attacking 3 and a lack of a quality striker and so on the first issue you'd expect them to be better, but it remains to be seen if they will get a striker. Also everyone expects Rooney if he went to suddenly be amazing but we all know the reason he found himself out of the team and probs a reason we got RVP/Kagawa in the first place was that he was under performing and this was when there were no suggestions he was unhappy, so I don't see why that would suddenly change. Mourinho is a great man manager but so was Fergie. I still think Chelsea's squad lacks depth and I'm not sure how their central midfield is better than ours.
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The thing about Rooney is that he's always had to play in front of a midfield that wasn't particularly the best for both club and country, and in the tough games he's had to learn to control his frustrations when playing up front and starved of possession hence why some used to argue he'd be better off playing as a number 10 and influencing the game himself.

In a side like Chelsea he'd face no such problem, a very good possession side and with players like Oscar, Hazard, Mata, Ramires in behind him, he'd be lethal... and guaranteed that he'd motivate himself to stay in shape for Jose 100%, cause he knows Mourinho wouldn't tolerate no shit. A slim, fit and highly motivated Rooney in a side like that would be extremely good I'm sure of it - I'd rather he goes abroad or to Arsenal where he can't really hurt us, as I can't see him being as motivated to get into shape under Wenger.

As for the City players v us... Nasri is a deadbeat - doesn't have that desire to be a top player at club level, clearly has talent though. Silva will want to prove himself in a WC year, Aguero suffered a lot with injury.. so remains to be seen how he holds up injury wise. I haven't been too impressed to be honest with the signings they've made, Fernandinho is an upgrade (possesses bundles of energy and good decision-making on the ball .. but not a £30m worth player - better than Barry et al though), Jovetic will be a good signing, Navas is similar to Valencia back when he was half decent but with more self-belief but all in all, it is Chelsea I'd be more worried about if Rooney was to go to them.
 
I reckon we'd have a good chance of signing any midfielder who's currently a surplus to requirements at a big club - trying to sign Modric and Fabregas who both have important roles to play for Madrid and Barca is pointless, someone like Khedira, Song and Gustavo should be available at the right price on the other hand. What worries me is that we've basically not been linked to any midfielders apart from the unrealistic ones in the past couple of weeks. Either we've given up or will leave it until the very end which would be unwise given our fixture list at the start of season.
 
Raees said:
I'm one of them, he seems like he's going to be very important under the new management.



The thing about Rooney is that he's always had to play in front of a midfield that wasn't particularly the best for both club and country, and in the tough games he's had to learn to control his frustrations when playing up front and starved of possession hence why some used to argue he'd be better off playing as a number 10 and influencing the game himself.

In a side like Chelsea he'd face no such problem, a very good possession side and with players like Oscar, Hazard, Mata, Ramires in behind him, he'd be lethal... and guaranteed that he'd motivate himself to stay in shape for Jose 100%, cause he knows Mourinho wouldn't tolerate no shit. A slim, fit and highly motivated Rooney in a side like that would be extremely good I'm sure of it - I'd rather he goes abroad or to Arsenal where he can't really hurt us, as I can't see him being as motivated to get into shape under Wenger.

As for the City players v us... Nasri is a deadbeat - doesn't have that desire to be a top player at club level, clearly has talent though. Silva will want to prove himself in a WC year, Aguero suffered a lot with injury.. so remains to be seen how he holds up injury wise. I haven't been too impressed to be honest with the signings they've made, Fernandinho is an upgrade (possesses bundles of energy and good decision-making on the ball .. but not a £30m worth player - better than Barry et al though), Jovetic will be a good signing, Navas is similar to Valencia back when he was half decent but with more self-belief but all in all, it is Chelsea I'd be more worried about if Rooney was to go to them.
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I don't doubt that Rooney hasn't been frustated at times having to play with some midfielders who weren't quite at the level required or needed a lot of protection, personally I think Carrick has suffered most purely cause he's had to spend the bulk of him here covering for people who needed protection. Either way both in their own ways haven't always played as they should regardless of the other midifelders.

The issues to Rooney's game aren't so much about the players around him but him, himself. He's not always been the fittest and his speed seems to have taken a further knock as has his mobility, I don't think he's looked as comfortable moving across the pitch as he should. The other point is his concentration in matches which can wildly swing, leading to some very poor touches and passing. I don't think that would change unless he changes something himself.

I'd be concerned if we sold Rooney to Chelsea and bought no one else, if we invested then provided the deal is right for us I don't have a problem with him going there, would prefer abroad, would prefer him staying if we knew he would just get over it, but if he made it clear he wasn't going to be giving his all and we had a target we knew we could get I'd let him go. He found himself out of the team because he wasn't performing so, as long as identify another top player I'd be happy to move on from him. Chelsea will find a striker eventually, selling them someone we know can be top quality but also is prone to letting his fitness/concentration be an issue is fine by me.
 
Honestly, I was nearly content with just keeping Nani and Rooney but that performance today has shown that there's plenty of space in our squad for better players than we currently have.
 
Cina said:
Honestly, I was nearly content with just keeping Nani and Rooney but that performance today has shown that there's plenty of space in our squad for better players than we currently have.
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This performance was waiting to happen, sadly. The club has really let Moyes down this summer. I said all along that Fergie's coaxed great results out of these players but Moyes wouldn't be able to do the same; he needs reinforcements.

Fergie's successor needed to be supported but I can't help but think Moyes has been hung out to dry a little.
 
It's been a terribly planned summer, probably the worst I can remember. I can't see anything happening tomorrow that would change my mind on that.
 
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