Which striker in the summer?

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How many teams playing with 1 striker have 2 starting quality strikers? I can't think of any

There aren't any, if we bought a top striker like Benzema then it would mean Rooney in the AM role as part of the midfield 3.
 
yeah, I don't fancy that at all. Much prefer Rooney as a striker. For all this talk that he can play in midfield, he is ultimately a goalscorer
I mostly agree although I think Rooney is best in the now defunct second striker role, where he doesn't need to have the creativity and passing of a #10 but will see more of the ball than a #9 does.
 
It's not a case of replacing Rooney. The front line will be Depay, Rooney & Herrera (in the Mata role, with more energy & tracking back ability), with a new vibrant, quicker striker in front.

Depay, Rooney & Herrera are going to be starting 11. Rooney will as he always has, help make the midfield into a three when required. Carrick & (say) Schneiderlin will be the midfield.

Di Maria, Mata & Fellaini will make up a strong bench, otherwise, who do you leave out, Herrera? Depay?

IF, we can get this new striker & CM, then we have a settled, automatic first 11 for the first time in several years.
 
It's not a case of replacing Rooney. The front line will be Depay, Rooney & Herrera (in the Mata role, with more energy & tracking back ability), with a new vibrant, quicker striker in front.

Depay, Rooney & Herrera are going to be starting 11. Rooney will as he always has, help make the midfield into a three when required. Carrick & (say) Schneiderlin will be the midfield.

Di Maria, Mata & Fellaini will make up a strong bench, otherwise, who do you leave out, Herrera? Depay?

IF, we can get this new striker & CM, then we have a settled, automatic first 11 for the first time in several years.

I quite like that idea.
 
I quite like that idea.
Sorry, I just passed out, much more used to getting slaughtered on here :D

It's just logic to be honest. The team is close to picking itself, like in the good old days. ;)
 
Sorry, I just passed out, much more used to getting slaughtered on here :D

It's just logic to be honest. The team is close to picking itself, like in the good old days. ;)

So would this be like a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rooney in the #10 role but dropping deep when needed?
 
So would this be like a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rooney in the #10 role but dropping deep when needed?

Yep, pretty much what he's always done. Now who that class striker is, is the gamble!
 
Yep, pretty much what he's always done. Now who that class striker is, is the gamble!

We would need someone with raw pace with a great all round game or someone who is excellent at playing off the shoulder. Not many of them around. Lacazette is the only one who springs to find. Very quick, athletic, stong, and ruthless infornt of goal. Not much press linking us with him so unlikely to happen.
 
Apologies for a long one. Some rambling in here too. And it's all very pie in the sky stuff because there's no strong links toward a big striker beyond the Benzema stories the other day.

Any money spent on a striker should go to Ronaldo or one of the names below if possible.

Firstly, the obvious Ronaldo issue at hand. Unless Louis is utterly convinced of a striker's prospects, then why lump on a possible (and possibly not) 20 goal man when you've got a player that has hit a minimum of 51 goals in the past 5 years and is barely injured? If he's remotely available we've got to go for it.

Secondly, all this talk of Rooney as a goal scoring striker - yeah he is to a standard - but is that standard one Man Utd should be aiming for to win the league back now or should we not be going for higher? I appreciate we've got to win the league back first but Utd should always aim for the best. Historically we've developed it or bought and nurtured it first but the best is always our target.

Rooney will be our top scorer ever through a combination of longevity and a so far career 0.44 goal to game ratio. He's hit 20 4 times but really in modern football only the 34 goals he hit twice are to standard for a top club in European football these days. The last of which was 2011/12. In the last 3 years Rooney's GTGR is 0.43.

Only Falcao this season of the names below has fallen below that in the past 4 seasons but he's not a serious mention for this list anymore. Therefore, I would argue, certainly in comparison to the likes of even the bracket beneath the worlds best that he is below the standard required of a Manchester United starting striker in this modern era.

Aguero has hit over 27 5 times since he moved to Europe. Twice over 30 at City with 28 in 13/14 too. An overall GTGR ratio of 0.51 with a GTGR of 0.68 in the Prem for the last 3 years. 0.25 better than Rooney.

Suarez has hit over 30 3 times since his move to Europe. 2 of which were at Liverpool, 1 was 49 at Ajax. Overall GTGR of 0.61. Last 3 seasons GTGR of 0.69. 0.26 better than Rooney.

Benzema has hit 30 twice, once at Lyon and once at Madrid, in the last 8 seasons but only once dropped under 20 goals in that period too. And at Madrid he's a sub servant of Ronaldo too. Overall GTGR of 0.47 while his last 3 seasons are 0.45 GTGR. The closest rival to Rooney but more consistent.

Lewandowski has hit 30 twice in last 4 years with the other 2 seasons at 28 and 25. Overall GTGR at 0.54 with last 3 years at 0.61. 0.18 better than Rooney.

I won't bring Falcao into it even though his last 3 season ratio (0.55) and career GTGR (0.61) are still better than Rooney. He blew his chance unfortunately.

Unless 1 of the aforementioned are available we are gambling on a striker to achieve the required targets. If we're going to spend money - statistically we're better off chucking it at Ronaldo even if we "overpay". If there's even the slightest chance, we've got to go for it now and monitor the likes of how Kane, Lacazette, Dybala etc develop next year.
 
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According to the Express Lacazette would like a move to United rather than the dippers. Does remind me of Thierry Henry.
 
Apparently Lacazette has agreed to move to PSG.
And apparently we are interested in Kane.
 
Apologies for a long one. Some rambling in here too. And it's all very pie in the sky stuff because there's no strong links toward a big striker beyond the Benzema stories the other day.

Any money spent on a striker should go to Ronaldo or one of the names below if possible.
.....
Ronaldo wont leave before breaking the goal-scoring record. Benzema is the only remotely attainable target on that list otherwise.
 
It's not a case of replacing Rooney. The front line will be Depay, Rooney & Herrera (in the Mata role, with more energy & tracking back ability), with a new vibrant, quicker striker in front.

Depay, Rooney & Herrera are going to be starting 11. Rooney will as he always has, help make the midfield into a three when required. Carrick & (say) Schneiderlin will be the midfield.

Di Maria, Mata & Fellaini will make up a strong bench, otherwise, who do you leave out, Herrera? Depay?

IF, we can get this new striker & CM, then we have a settled, automatic first 11 for the first time in several years.
So Depay will just waltz in and replace Young who had a great season and di Maria who is world class when in form? I don't think so.

As for strikers I would prefer Kane but Spurs are not desparate to sell, obviously. Real won't sell Benzema unless they get Kun so maybe Lacazette is our fall back option?
 
So Depay will just waltz in and replace Young who had a great season and di Maria who is world class when in form? I don't think so.

As for strikers I would prefer Kane but Spurs are not desparate to sell, obviously. Real won't sell Benzema unless they get Kun so maybe Lacazette is our fall back option?

Did you see Depay last night Cathy? He wasn't a world beater but he was exciting, direct, entertaining & 75,000
plus are going to love him. Young did have a fine season & I hope he's able to contribute more next too but Depay will start.

I'm not particularly confident about bagging Benzema but of all the top strikers that might be available, he seems to be the one we have the best chance of getting, especially if Rafa Benitez wants to get the best out of Bale, by playing him more centrally. Benzema is an old toy compared to Bale & Ronaldo isn't being show the door - Real may just feel he's the one to more on now.

;)
 
Did you see Depay last night Cathy? He wasn't a world beater but he was exciting, direct, entertaining & 75,000
plus are going to love him. Young did have a fine season & I hope he's able to contribute more next too but Depay will start.

I'm not particularly confident about bagging Benzema but of all the top strikers that might be available, he seems to be the one we have the best chance of getting, especially if Rafa Benitez wants to get the best out of Bale, by playing him more centrally. Benzema is an old toy compared to Bale & Ronaldo isn't being show the door - Real may just feel he's the one to more on now.

;)
No, but I am exited that he will play for us next season and I hope that he hits the ground running. I'm also aware of how difficult it sometimes is for young foreign players to etsablish themselves in a new demanding environment.
 
If Benzema doesn't want to come and Lacazette goes to PSG I hope we don't fund the latter by buying Cavani. It would leave Higuain, Benteke and Berahino aka we shouldn't bother.
 
If Benzema doesn't want to come and Lacazette goes to PSG I hope we don't fund the latter by buying Cavani. It would leave Higuain, Benteke and Berahino aka we shouldn't bother.
I don't think it matters if Benzema wants to leave or not if Real decide they want Aguero.

I agree though. No point buying a striker unless he's top quality.
 
I don't think it matters if Benzema wants to leave or not if Real decide they want Aguero.

I agree though. No point buying a striker unless he's top quality.

That's true but if he actually doesn't want to come to United then forcing it to happen via De Gea wouldn't be to our benefit IMO.
 
Betfair as us as favourite to sign Benteke.
He would be a great signing and probably our best no.9 since Ruud Van Nistlerooy. Rooney's best goal scoring season for United came when he played with a player who had great hold up play, as such I believe a Benteke/Rooney partnership upfront could be a potent strike force with both players capable of netting 20 goals each.


Di Maria/januzaj - Rooney/Mata - Depay/Young
Benteke/Wilson​
 
He would be a great signing and probably our best no.9 since Ruud Van Nistlerooy. Rooney's best goal scoring season for United came when he played with a player who had great hold up play, as such I believe a Benteke/Rooney partnership upfront could be a potent strike force with both players capable of netting 20 goals each.


Di Maria/januzaj - Rooney/Mata - Depay/Young
Benteke/Wilson​
if we are going to sign Benteke, we might as well get Demba Ba for much cheaper - they were on a par as far as I can recall.
 
if we are going to sign Benteke, we might as well get Demba Ba for much cheaper - they were on a par as far as I can recall.
Just checked the numbers...

Benteke has 42 in 88 for Villa
Ba had 36 in 66 for West Ham / Newcastle combined (can't really include Chelsea figures as he was bit part)

Ba's numbers actually better!
 
if we are going to sign Benteke, we might as well get Demba Ba for much cheaper - they were on a par as far as I can recall.

If you watch both play you could tell their is a difference in quality. The argument that "if we are going to sign Benteke, we might as well sign Ba for cheaper," is greatly flawed. For one, Ba is a player that is playing past his prime. He couldn't cut it at a top club, so he is now playing in the Turkish league. Benteke on the other hand is untried and their is a possibility that he could cut it at the top level. You can not compare a player who has failed in the top level with a player who has not even gotten the opportunity yet.

Moreover, stats like those are really meaningless to me. Good to know Ba has scored more than Benteke :/. If football was that simplistic, the aesthetic appeal would be lossed to such ignorance.
 
I would love Kane, but its probably a year too early for him. If we are going for someone this summer it has to be Benzema for me.
 
Good to know Ba has scored more than Benteke :/. If football was that simplistic, the aesthetic appeal would be lossed to such ignorance.
Goals scored per game is meaningless? For a striker? And, is Benteke really that much better aesthetically?
 
Benteke, Benzema, Kane etc.
It would be nice to have a new striker, somebody who leads the attack.

Personally, I would like Lacazette the most. Promising, prolific and strong.
Against lower clubs, a 4231 would be ideal, with Rooney just behind. It gives us options to switch to a 433 aswell
 
He would be a great signing and probably our best no.9 since Ruud Van Nistlerooy. Rooney's best goal scoring season for United came when he played with a player who had great hold up play, as such I believe a Benteke/Rooney partnership upfront could be a potent strike force with both players capable of netting 20 goals each.


Di Maria/januzaj - Rooney/Mata - Depay/Young
Benteke/Wilson​

I guess we're just forgetting about RVP, then?
 
So Depay will just waltz in and replace Young who had a great season and di Maria who is world class when in form? I don't think so.

I think Depay is the "shiny new toy" which many fans want to see on display (this was most evident when some fans wanted to see Valdes picked ahead of DDG, even though DDG is ranked as one of the best GKs in the World, while Valdes was so unwanted that we signed him up on Free). Depay hasnt played in the EPL yet and is certainly not going to start in place of our best outfield player (Young) or our most talented player (Di Maria).
My guess is that he will be a substitute and may come on the pitch, if his skills are better suited to the opponent. Depay is one for the future...not for the now.

As for strikers ... so maybe Lacazette is our fall back option?

I believe Lacazette is going to PSG - almost done deal.
 
I think Depay is the "shiny new toy" which many fans want to see on display.... Depay..... is certainly not going to start in place of our best outfield player (Young) or our most talented player (Di Maria). My guess is that he will be a substitute and may come on the pitch,..... Depay is one for the future...not for the now.

I'll hold you to that come August - he's going to start the first league game without a doubt & you'll change your mind if you watch the US tour.

;)
 
Goals scored per game is meaningless? For a striker? And, is Benteke really that much better aesthetically?
It is meaningless when that is the only argument presented. I do understand that for some, it is that black and white. Benteke is greater than Ba in terms of football aesthetic. He is like what giroud or benzema are to their respective team, a foundation to which the team can build their plays through. Moreover, if you have seen some of his game this season, he has shown some fancy flicks, acrobats and footwork.

I guess we're just forgetting about RVP, then?

Van Persie was fantastic in the season we won the league, but I believe Benteke can be more than a one season wonder as he has more time at a peak level to contribute something. When we would compare, would you say Henrik Larson was a better striker for United than Louis Saha? Even though, I expect Benteke contribution to vastly exceed that of Saha.
 
I think Depay is the "shiny new toy" which many fans want to see on display (this was most evident when some fans wanted to see Valdes picked ahead of DDG, even though DDG is ranked as one of the best GKs in the World, while Valdes was so unwanted that we signed him up on Free). Depay hasnt played in the EPL yet and is certainly not going to start in place of our best outfield player (Young) or our most talented player (Di Maria).
My guess is that he will be a substitute and may come on the pitch, if his skills are better suited to the opponent. Depay is one for the future...not for the now.

Simeone wanted Valdes and I believe Liverpool did aswell, I'm sure there was more interest.

Van Gaal doesn't mind age, if Memphis performs on tour he will start. He might get dropped at times and he's a great sub if that happens, but he can definately play his way into the team with good performances. Expecting him to do that is something different.
 
Young doesn't offer nearly enough in terms of goal threat and assists, I am sure LvG is hoping Memphis will be an upgrade in this regard. I think people are really getting carried away with Young, he had a decent season in what was another fruitless campaign for us, he didn't set the standard for what we should expect from a United wide player.
 
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