We wont give away the ball EVER
What would be the perfect Transfer Window for our rebuild?
- Thread starter MyOnlySolskjaer
- Start date
Selling one looks like a miracle never mind four
We need 4 big first XI signings minimum
We’re haggling over £10m for de Jong. But in doing so we’ll be trying to sign other players in late July and August and end up overpaying for all of them
Best way to save money is to just pay up now and start getting business done now
We’re haggling over £10m for de Jong. But in doing so we’ll be trying to sign other players in late July and August and end up overpaying for all of them
Best way to save money is to just pay up now and start getting business done now
Trouble is club probably think if they pay up it will weaken their stance for future transfers
If it was 1 I'd plump for Torres. I do think Martinez is a good buy if it's a decent price.
De Jong, Eriksen, Antony, Martinez would be a pretty dam good window with it currently feeling like we may not even get a single deal done.
Would be ideal if Martinez had that flexibility to play DM, however sounds like Ajax are pricing us out for either of them
Would just be backup to Hendo in that scenario. Since we’re inexplicably loaning Heaton out.
I actually like the players we are interested in and what I stated our transfer gameplan should be in the past on here. Players that have worked under ETH before e.g., Frankie De Jong, Antony, Timbers, and some young players along with that 3. I don't watch enough of timbers to say he would be a fantastic signing, but his flexibility will be a welcome addition to the squad. I would have pushed for Nunez and I m not surprised that Liverpool got him. Either way, I m not surprised either that we can't attract really big names at the moment. If we can get rice and maybe erikson on a free, I would say that would be a great window with the other Ajax players
Why is this even a requirement though? Your DM doesn't need to be big mean destroyer anymore, all depends on the system and how organised and technically minded your midfield is. Just look at City, they play Rodri, KDB and Bernardo Silva and completely outplay teams even away from home.
Have to say right now I agree with you, United can’t even move a player on a free
Why are we being linked with mostly every Ajax or former Ajax player ffs.
Are our scouting team and DOF that bad that all they can do is just wait for the manager of the week to come in and pick players from their old sides etc.
This club has not learnt anything from past 10 years
Are our scouting team and DOF that bad that all they can do is just wait for the manager of the week to come in and pick players from their old sides etc.
This club has not learnt anything from past 10 years
Its been mentioned a few times that the transfer list we had been planning from January was thrown out the window and are now working from what ETH wants.
Throw in comments from Arnold “ If the manager wants a player and has done his homework on him” makes me think we are going off of ETH targets. However, I’d imagine the financial power and pull of United means the targets he can shop for are very different from what he would have planned to bring in at Ajax.
Rodri is that kind of player
Rodri's passing stats on Fbref are absolutely ridiculous. His defensive numbers aren't even that much worse than someone like Fabinho, who is obviously a more defensive-minded midfielder.
Let's hope that this time, bringing in a load of Dutch based or trained players works out.... It hasn't really so far in recent history.
Martial out, Antony in. FDJ + a DM, and I'm happy. I'd be happy with fdj only at this rate ffs
The writing was on the wall when Ralf was kicked out. There is nobody at the top that can overrule the manager and recruit players for the style of play.
Nothing has actually changed. The people that were at the club before in the last regime are still there, they have just been promoted.
Yeah which is why I find many of the targets we are linked with kind of weird. Take The Evanielson rumour, unless ETH had info on him from before he moved to Porto, I doubt he was someone scouted by Ajax recently given how much he would have cost. Darwin as well.
So really feck knows what the strategy is at the moment. I’m sure Ralf has an eye for a target so it would seem strange to just neglect all his suggestions as he seems smart enough to realise it’s about building a team and structure and would only have suggested players to fit certain ideals.
I had optimism going in to this window, was Hoping unlike previous changes in manager there would have been groundwork done for the summer already other than ETH coming in and scrapping it all. Like I’m sure that was the point in Ralf and Ralf himself even said it’s about the club having a structure, staff and playing staff that managment changes shouldn’t be massive upheavals.
Yet seems like we are kind of just doing the same old. The summer could still be really successful and plenty of time to go so will see what happens.
Doesn't feel like Erik wants a DM
I expected we would sell at least 3 or 4 players but at this rate I will celebrate if we loan 2. feck sake, why is it so hard for them to act like a functional football club
Our players aren't appealing to anyone on a permanent deal just a cheap ass loan one
Frenkie, Eriksen, Antony, Martinez (& de Ligt )
Because of the recent developments:
de Jong
di Ligt
Anthony
Eriksen
£200 million and a team that can challenge for Top 3 in the first season and builds the foundation for a title challenge the next season with another £100-150 million the next season.
de Jong
di Ligt
Anthony
Eriksen
£200 million and a team that can challenge for Top 3 in the first season and builds the foundation for a title challenge the next season with another £100-150 million the next season.
Where is the Di Ligt confidence coming from, still worry about the lack of an attacking RB and that elusive DM as well
He's better than Maguire. That's a huge improvement.. i don't think folks realize how awful he is. I don't care if it's form. His attitude and statements last season are toxic. Sooner he's gone the better for the squad
de jong immediately makes both McTominay and Fred more capable in a DM role. The combination of De Ligt and FDJ gives the likes of Dalot that much more confidence to go attack
Yes Dalot will have the confidence to go forward and bruise the ankles of the opponents with his crosses.
I see De Ligt as the dutch Maguire, too slow to be a good CB in the PL.
Also I don't like the fact we are being linked with only dutch/Eredivisie players it will be shock when they come here, if they come here and struggle in a new league.
Rice and De Jong for 170
I don't think people really understand how much De Jong and Ten Hag will transform us. To have a player that can dictate tempo, retain possession and make progressive, incisive passes will be hugely significant. The biggest issue we've had for a long time is getting the ball to our attacking players in dangerous areas.
I'd be delighted with De Jong, Eriksen and one of De Ligt, Martinez or Timber this summer. Antony is way overpriced for what he is, but I do see him improving as he matures too.
I'd be delighted with De Jong, Eriksen and one of De Ligt, Martinez or Timber this summer. Antony is way overpriced for what he is, but I do see him improving as he matures too.
Look, I am pretty sure Ten Hag will bring in one or two Ajax players, but he'll look further ahead too. Frenkie de Jong would make a lot of sense and they're obviously trying to make a deal happen, and I am certain he will bring someone in from the current Ajax. Martínez makes most sense based on Utd's lacks (and his left foot), and Antony based on the most recent news could be an option as well. But it's mostly about people he really trusts and with Martínez there was a stint where he didn't (although I think that changed). In that trust sense, I wouldn't even be surprised by a Berghuis signing. But my point is that I think we will sign one or two Ajax players, not more, and that FDJ is an ex-ETH/Ajax player who seems likely at the moment.
I'm not sure if he sees De Ligt as a priority right now, even though he really admires him, I think he will focus on how to make a complete balanced squad first, and then improve on it after. In my opinion, De Ligt is better than Maguire and Lindelof, but I think Ten Hag would prefer to fix midfield first. It also depends on 'the leaders' in the squad. If Ten Hag sees Varane or Maguire as a real leader, he will not move for De Ligt. If he doesn't, chances increase. But Ten Hag looks a little differently at leaders than Solskjaer does, so we will have to wait and find out how he approaches this situation.
But at the moment I wouldn't be suprised to see us go for two CM/DM types. Based on Ajax he might go for both FDJ and Neves based on 18-19, but he could also like an anchor type and go for someone more sturdy. I honestly can't see him see McT as an anchor man, but with ETH you never know. But what I do know is that he likes 'depth' up front. He wants someone who can sprint ahead to catch potential through balls by the midfielders/defenders. That probably means he wants one of the center backs to be/get better at technical (stuff). At Utrecht he had Janssen, then at Ajax he had Frenkie, followed by Blind and later Martínez (together) for that role, and even spiced it up with Timber later (although that resulted in a more defensive and tall DM in front of them in the form of Álvarez). - Maybe that does mean at least one CB signing, because according to Ole Maguire and Lindelof are ball players, but I'm not sure if ETH sees them as such...
His midfield hasn't always looked the same, but he wants at least one midfielder who runs deep, too. That could be Donny joining the striker, could be a Bruno with more midfield duties, too. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bruno get a more Ajax-Ziyech type role on the left wing, but that's another discussion.
I do wonder if ETH really wants a new winger, though. I know about the Antony news, but with Sancho, Rashford, Elanga, Diallo and Bruno I am not completely convinced that will be his top priority in the build up. If Sancho and Bruno (and Diallo if not loaned out) act as the creative wingers (Sancho perhaps more of a hybrid option), Rashford and Elanga as the running deep wingers, you have an ETH forwards set-up at your disposal, except for a Ronaldo back-up if Martial leaves definitively. If I'm right about Bruno, I think AM might be more of a priority for ETH to have an option next to Donny/Bruno. Again, though, we will probably be suprised about ETH's utility of some of the players.
Okay so that was my thesis not answering the question. What follows is one that attempts to do so.
LCB: I'd still get Martínez. I get the Pau Torres links, but think Martínez fits more plans and is more technical. If Maguire leaves, Pau becomes an option for me, which would still be nice, with space to move Martinez to DM/LB occasionally. - Lisandro Martínez.
LCM: Frenkie. Dynamic playmaker that can help out in defense and control the midfield against tough opposition through his dribbling and composure. - Frenkie de Jong.
RCM: Neves is a more static playmaker that I think will be an asset next to someone like De Jong. While Frenkie moves around, Neves holds the fort while still moving play around and being able to hand the forwards some killer passes every once in a while. Not a defensive machine, but in my setup he will do enough together with Frenkie to get the job done, while bringing ManUtd's possession game up a few levels. If Frenkie does not come, I don't think Neves works and I don't see them as a plan A/B type deal at all. - Ruben Neves.
AM: I don't have a clear option in mind, but someone like Marcos Llorente could work very well. I don't want to see him leave but atm I can't think of another example to fill in this slot. Also don't think he wants to leave right now, but as a profile he rocks. - Marcos Llorente.
SB: This is a bonus option and I can't think of one yet, but Cancelo fills in this slot for City kinda, where there's a technical fullback who can fill in either side. Rensch was this at Ajax to some extent, but he stalled last season, so he is not close to being an option. I think AWB could still get his chance if he gets less creative responsibilities, but I understand the sentiment for a more technical/playmaking fullback to aid midfield, as well. If Martinez, FDJ and Neves all come, it's not a necessity, but the option would be cool. Perhaps that's a good reason to keep it a talent like Rensch for now, because I'm not knowledgeable enough about other options - nor the Utd youth system (or am not awake enough). I do think Shaw and Telles have a chance to improve under ETH though, but just to check - Devyne Rensch.
That would have the team look like this in my bollocksy strategy:
GK: De Gea, Henderson, other fellers.
RB: AWB, Rensch, Dalot if he stays.
RCB: Varane, Lindelof, Bailly and Axel if they stay
LCB: Martinez, Maguire, and those who did not leave.
LB: Shaw, Telles, Rensch, Williams.
RCM: Neves, McTominay, Donny, youth guy.
LCM: Frenkie, Fred, youth guy, Bruno.
AM: Llorente, Donny, Fred, Bruno.
RW: Rashford, Sancho, Elanga, Diallo.
LW: Bruno, Sancho, Rashford, youth guy, Martial.
CF: Ronaldo, Martial, Rashford, youth guy, Bruno.
Or:
De Gea; AWB, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Neves, Frenkie; Rashford, Llorente, Sancho/Bruno; Ronaldo.
Subs: Henderson, Lindelof, Maguire, Rensch/Dalot, Telles, McT, Fred, Donny, Sancho/Bruno, Elanga, Martial.
The whole midfield might be a bit much, but oh well, I think Fred, Donny and Bruno can do a job there, but I am not sure if ETH sees them as BPL level midfield players. Bruno has quality, but sometimes he slacks in being available for the midfielders and I think Fred, Matic, McT, Pogba all suffered from that in many games too. ETH can do a job with him, but I would not be surprised to see him move to the wings on a more permanent basis, and put a 10 there who allows FDJ and Neves to create something for him, instead of the other way around.
I'm not sure if he sees De Ligt as a priority right now, even though he really admires him, I think he will focus on how to make a complete balanced squad first, and then improve on it after. In my opinion, De Ligt is better than Maguire and Lindelof, but I think Ten Hag would prefer to fix midfield first. It also depends on 'the leaders' in the squad. If Ten Hag sees Varane or Maguire as a real leader, he will not move for De Ligt. If he doesn't, chances increase. But Ten Hag looks a little differently at leaders than Solskjaer does, so we will have to wait and find out how he approaches this situation.
But at the moment I wouldn't be suprised to see us go for two CM/DM types. Based on Ajax he might go for both FDJ and Neves based on 18-19, but he could also like an anchor type and go for someone more sturdy. I honestly can't see him see McT as an anchor man, but with ETH you never know. But what I do know is that he likes 'depth' up front. He wants someone who can sprint ahead to catch potential through balls by the midfielders/defenders. That probably means he wants one of the center backs to be/get better at technical (stuff). At Utrecht he had Janssen, then at Ajax he had Frenkie, followed by Blind and later Martínez (together) for that role, and even spiced it up with Timber later (although that resulted in a more defensive and tall DM in front of them in the form of Álvarez). - Maybe that does mean at least one CB signing, because according to Ole Maguire and Lindelof are ball players, but I'm not sure if ETH sees them as such...
His midfield hasn't always looked the same, but he wants at least one midfielder who runs deep, too. That could be Donny joining the striker, could be a Bruno with more midfield duties, too. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bruno get a more Ajax-Ziyech type role on the left wing, but that's another discussion.
I do wonder if ETH really wants a new winger, though. I know about the Antony news, but with Sancho, Rashford, Elanga, Diallo and Bruno I am not completely convinced that will be his top priority in the build up. If Sancho and Bruno (and Diallo if not loaned out) act as the creative wingers (Sancho perhaps more of a hybrid option), Rashford and Elanga as the running deep wingers, you have an ETH forwards set-up at your disposal, except for a Ronaldo back-up if Martial leaves definitively. If I'm right about Bruno, I think AM might be more of a priority for ETH to have an option next to Donny/Bruno. Again, though, we will probably be suprised about ETH's utility of some of the players.
Okay so that was my thesis not answering the question. What follows is one that attempts to do so.
LCB: I'd still get Martínez. I get the Pau Torres links, but think Martínez fits more plans and is more technical. If Maguire leaves, Pau becomes an option for me, which would still be nice, with space to move Martinez to DM/LB occasionally. - Lisandro Martínez.
LCM: Frenkie. Dynamic playmaker that can help out in defense and control the midfield against tough opposition through his dribbling and composure. - Frenkie de Jong.
RCM: Neves is a more static playmaker that I think will be an asset next to someone like De Jong. While Frenkie moves around, Neves holds the fort while still moving play around and being able to hand the forwards some killer passes every once in a while. Not a defensive machine, but in my setup he will do enough together with Frenkie to get the job done, while bringing ManUtd's possession game up a few levels. If Frenkie does not come, I don't think Neves works and I don't see them as a plan A/B type deal at all. - Ruben Neves.
AM: I don't have a clear option in mind, but someone like Marcos Llorente could work very well. I don't want to see him leave but atm I can't think of another example to fill in this slot. Also don't think he wants to leave right now, but as a profile he rocks. - Marcos Llorente.
SB: This is a bonus option and I can't think of one yet, but Cancelo fills in this slot for City kinda, where there's a technical fullback who can fill in either side. Rensch was this at Ajax to some extent, but he stalled last season, so he is not close to being an option. I think AWB could still get his chance if he gets less creative responsibilities, but I understand the sentiment for a more technical/playmaking fullback to aid midfield, as well. If Martinez, FDJ and Neves all come, it's not a necessity, but the option would be cool. Perhaps that's a good reason to keep it a talent like Rensch for now, because I'm not knowledgeable enough about other options - nor the Utd youth system (or am not awake enough). I do think Shaw and Telles have a chance to improve under ETH though, but just to check - Devyne Rensch.
That would have the team look like this in my bollocksy strategy:
GK: De Gea, Henderson, other fellers.
RB: AWB, Rensch, Dalot if he stays.
RCB: Varane, Lindelof, Bailly and Axel if they stay
LCB: Martinez, Maguire, and those who did not leave.
LB: Shaw, Telles, Rensch, Williams.
RCM: Neves, McTominay, Donny, youth guy.
LCM: Frenkie, Fred, youth guy, Bruno.
AM: Llorente, Donny, Fred, Bruno.
RW: Rashford, Sancho, Elanga, Diallo.
LW: Bruno, Sancho, Rashford, youth guy, Martial.
CF: Ronaldo, Martial, Rashford, youth guy, Bruno.
Or:
De Gea; AWB, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Neves, Frenkie; Rashford, Llorente, Sancho/Bruno; Ronaldo.
Subs: Henderson, Lindelof, Maguire, Rensch/Dalot, Telles, McT, Fred, Donny, Sancho/Bruno, Elanga, Martial.
The whole midfield might be a bit much, but oh well, I think Fred, Donny and Bruno can do a job there, but I am not sure if ETH sees them as BPL level midfield players. Bruno has quality, but sometimes he slacks in being available for the midfielders and I think Fred, Matic, McT, Pogba all suffered from that in many games too. ETH can do a job with him, but I would not be surprised to see him move to the wings on a more permanent basis, and put a 10 there who allows FDJ and Neves to create something for him, instead of the other way around.
Players can only do this if they have other players to pass to. Half of the issue last year was that only Fred would actually ever show for a pass or move in midfield to creat an option for someone. DeJong isn’t going to transform us. He will help but it’s going to take improvement from a lot of the already existing players and good coaching.
To me that has been the bigger issue than say a lack of vision/passing skill although they were not great either.
Yeah exactly
If, as the papers say, Wijnaldum is available, I think he'd be a very good signing as long as he's still in top shape.
I think Fred's been totally misused at Man Utd. In fact every midfielder has been totally misused, but him the most! Of all the areas on the pitch that's the one that has been most poorly planned, and it's arguably the most vital!
Which is why I said De Jong and Ten Hag will transform us, not just De Jong. Movement and overall work rate was our biggest issue last season, I agree. But it's natural to stop making runs when you don't get the ball. Our game has been safe, sidewards passing for a while because we haven't had the players capable of playing through the lines.
There's no way that Rashford, Sancho and Bruno will have a season as bad as the last if they play regularly. It may take a bit of time, but I'm confident that Ten Hag will massively improve us tactically and technically. Mclaren has a huge role to play too, and I think he'll prove to be another important signing.
I felt the work rate was there, potentially, but to no purpose. I'm not going to be convinced that Man Utd aren't producing fit enough players, they just had no idea how to use their fitness collectively to defend or attack!
I cannot get away from concern about how lightweight we look without a DM, also little to no threat down our right side
I'm terrified about the coming season. I was terrified about the midfield before but at least Pogba carried the fear factor for other teams when he came on. That current set of midfielders across a season is Europa League level at best. They could mix it in a one-off game but they'd have to be running in the red to do it.
Your point about the right-hand side - the absolute headache of what happens with Mason Greenwood now too, who had been playing there. (There are obviously more important things than football going on there, but narrowing it to a football perspective here)
Yeah have to hope Antony pushes