Woodward (old thread)

[Moriarty]

I spoke about Giggs because in your original post you implied that more hadn't been done in the transfer market due to the world cup/pre season tour and while that's true to some degree Giggs has known he's the assistant for months so surely he should have been actively focusing on first team matters the most obvious being replacements for the senior players leaving.

Of course he doesn't have the authority to act in the transfer market but he should be LVG's go to man for what the squad needs and has all summer to work with the club scouts and forming an opinion on the targets, I don't know what "holding the fort" is exactly but like I said in my previous post if he has ambitions of being a United manager then surely he should have very clear ideas on how to shape the team/squad. 90% of the Caf could tell you we need a minimum of 1 CB and a winger and that's if he's ok going into next season with Carrick/Fletcher/Cleverly as a partner for Herrera, if not another CM.

The Glazers of all people should realise that the lucrative sponsorships deals will soon dry up if we miss out on CL football again and that star players are incredibly important for brand value, Chevrolet and Adidas aren't paying fortunes to put their logo on Tom Cleverly. As for Woodward's recent comments it's hardly surprising he hasn't got a clue. Liverpool had the benefit of a United side who fell to pieces along with Suarez performing better than any other player in the world. It's unlikely any United player reaches the same level Suarez did or that any club in the current top 4 suffers such a dramatic drop off.

I wasn't attacking your post mate, I was agreeing with it. Sorry it didn't come across that way.

What I meant is that Giggs has been a stop-gap since Moyes was sacked: an interim manager with no authority to take major decisions pending the appointment of the new man. I'm pretty sure that Giggs knows as well as anyone the type of players we need and he's been advising Van Gaal accordingly. However, Giggs wasn't Van Gaal's choice as assistant and you'd have to think that he'd want to form his own opinions, absent input from a trusted aide such a Kluivert.

The bit that I've bolded sums it up for me. That's the essence of the club these days - corporate sponsorship. Van Gaal alluded to this in his first press conference when he pointedly told us that he's been made aware of United's obligations to the sponsors. Not the supporters, not the players, but the sponsors.

 

[KingMinger22]

We need a galactico style signings for ourselves once in a while. It was interesting to see at the Real v United game at theBig House, about 60% of fans were red but aged under 16 it was 90% Real.

Superstars inspire the next generation of fans. Signing Bale made so much commercial sense for us but we failed.

 

[Someone]

We need a galactico style signings for ourselves once in a while. It was interesting to see at the Real v United game at theBig House, about 60% of fans were red but aged under 16 it was 90% Real.

Superstars inspire the next generation of fans. Signing Bale made so much commercial sense for us but we failed.

I'm not fussed about signing superstars, galactico signings don't always work, we need to focus on adding quality where it's needed.

For example if we fail to add quality in midfield and defense, and ended up splashing so much money on di maria in an attempt to save face, i'd be really disappointed.

 

[goin4glory]

I wasn't attacking your post mate, I was agreeing with it. Sorry it didn't come across that way.

What I meant is that Giggs has been a stop-gap since Moyes was sacked: an interim manager with no authority to take major decisions pending the appointment of the new man. I'm pretty sure that Giggs knows as well as anyone the type of players we need and he's been advising Van Gaal accordingly. However, Giggs wasn't Van Gaal's choice as assistant and you'd have to think that he'd want to form his own opinions, absent input from a trusted aide such a Kluivert.

The bit that I've bolded sums it up for me. That's the essence of the club these days - corporate sponsorship. Van Gaal alluded to this in his first press conference when he pointedly told us that he's been made aware of United's obligations to the sponsors. Not the supporters, not the players, but the sponsors.

At the moment no one really seems sure of who is making the decisions with regards to transfers but with LVG's outspoken nature I imagine if he's asked the club to sign a specific CB and it doesn't get done we'll hear about it especially when the inevitable happens and half our defence is out injured for most of the season.

 

[Moriarty]

At the moment no one really seems sure of who is making the decisions with regards to transfers but with LVG's outspoken nature I imagine if he's asked the club to sign a specific CB and it doesn't get done we'll hear about it especially when the inevitable happens and half our defence is out injured for most of the season.

Sounds like Woodward is the one making the running. He's the one mouthing off to the press, not Van Gaal. It'll take a very big signing to replace someone of Rio's stature. For my money, he is one of the cleverest "footballing" centre halves of the Premiership era. We can't bank on Carrick lasting a full season, even without European games, and Herrera is an unknown quantity at this point. Aside from the lack of new signings this summer, it's interesting to note that there aren't too many leaving the club who we thought might. There's a lot of work to do and not a lot of time in which to do it.

 

[goin4glory]

I'm not fussed about signing superstars, galactico signings don't always work, we need to focus on adding quality where it's needed.

For example if we fail to add quality in midfield and defense, and ended up splashing so much money on di maria in an attempt to save face, i'd be really disappointed.

Sorry to pick on you for this because it's quite a common theme I see around the Caf that "spending money doesn't guarantee success" or in your case "galactico signings don't always work" and it really annoys me. Bringing through academy players doesn't always work, buying talented youngsters and hoping they develop doesn't always work and bringing in budget signings doesn't always work. There's literally no strategy which is guaranteed to bring you success otherwise everyone would do it.

The irony is when you look at the all of the most successful teams across the continent the direct correlation between the most successful sides throughout the leagues is in fact money spent on transfers and wages, the footballing purists are quick to point out sides like Dortmund or Athletico Madrid but of course you'll have a side who pops up every few years and due to excellent management and scouting challenge for honours but it's almost always very short lived. Dortmund have already lost Gotze/Lewandowski and will almost certainly lose Reus next summer. Athletico have lost Courtois/Costa/Luiz and will be lucky to hold onto Koke for much longer.

The key is to get the right balance, young players should be given an opportunity when the management deems them good enough and not shipped out elsewhere like at Madrid but when the side is in obvious need of a top quality player in specific areas we should be spending money. At the moment this side is in absolutely dire need of quality in at least 2 positions.

 

[RuudTom83]

Like has been said, the dead wood is still hanging around and it appears Woody is no closer to bringing new players in! Dithering Moyes! more like Dithering United!

You could argue the 2 summer signings so far, took close to a year to complete. United don't have that long to wait for another new face.

Also the least Woody could do is get DDG signed up on a long term contract.

 

[Amir]

The bottom line is, Van Gaal said he'd give the players a few weeks to see who is capable of fitting himself into his strategy and who isn't. That too is related to transfers because even if you have only three senior centerhalves, you may want to see them in action in order to decide of characteristics you want a new signing to have. Hopefully we can get something going now. It will certainly be massive three weeks.

 

[Someone]

Sorry to pick on you for this because it's quite a common theme I see around the Caf that "spending money doesn't guarantee success" or in your case "galactico signings don't always work" and it really annoys me. Bringing through academy players doesn't always work, buying talented youngsters and hoping they develop doesn't always work and bringing in budget signings doesn't always work. There's literally no strategy which is guaranteed to bring you success otherwise everyone would do it.

The irony is when you look at the all of the most successful teams across the continent the direct correlation between the most successful sides throughout the leagues is in fact money spent on transfers and wages, the footballing purists are quick to point out sides like Dortmund or Athletico Madrid but of course you'll have a side who pops up every few years and due to excellent management and scouting challenge for honours but it's almost always very short lived. Dortmund have already lost Gotze/Lewandowski and will almost certainly lose Reus next summer. Athletico have lost Courtois/Costa/Luiz and will be lucky to hold onto Koke for much longer.

The key is to get the right balance, young players should be given an opportunity when the management deems them good enough and not shipped out elsewhere like at Madrid but when the side is in obvious need of a top quality player in specific areas we should be spending money. At the moment this side is in absolutely dire need of quality in at least 2 positions.

I don't disagree with this, balance is the key and we've been as successful as any top European club in the past 10 years just by having the right balance.

The galactico policy implemented by real madrid is silly, irresponsible and elections control it more than the need of the team, di maria just had a great season, what's the point in selling him and signing james rodriguez? they just can't help it, it has to be done, they need change.

I'm all for signing top quality in areas desperate for quality, if we can get the likes of vidal and hummels i'd be delighted, but i certainly won't be happy if we start the season with signing luxury players just to make a statement.

 

[Brightonian]

We have a lot at stake, if presented with the possibility of signing a player like Vidal then Louis van Gaal should go for it even if it comes at the expense of coaching a talent like Cleverley.

Of course. But your post reads as if you hope he doesn't have that whole attitude to the game!

 

[Sunny Jim]

He bought Mata, Herrera, Shaw, Fellaini, got Januzej and Rooney to sign long term contracts.
It's been well documented that Moyes couldn't make a decision last summer due to lack of scouting, this summer, LVG wanted to see what the squad could do on tour before he bought players, how's it Woodwards fault exactly?

Mata-done via 3rd party with allegd support from SAF and Gill.

Lampshade- he bought a 15 mil useless lump for 30 mil.

Shaw- paid asking price.

Herrera -paid relase cluase

Rooney wouldnt have got the same money anywhere, Januzaj- only PSG were intrested. And we still pay him a lot.

So yeah Woodie has been wank to uber wank in this transfer business.

 

[Fergie's Man]

Mata-done via 3rd party with allegd support from SAF and Gill.

Lampshade- he bought a 15 mil useless lump for 30 mil.

Shaw- paid asking price.

Herrera -paid relase cluase

Rooney wouldnt have got the same money anywhere, Januzaj- only PSG were intrested. And we still pay him a lot.

So yeah Woodie has been wank to uber wank in this transfer business.

This is how I see things. But standby to be flamed with those that think him decent.

 

[OneUnited24]

He bought Mata, Herrera, Shaw, Fellaini, got Januzej and Rooney to sign long term contracts.
It's been well documented that Moyes couldn't make a decision last summer due to lack of scouting, this summer, LVG wanted to see what the squad could do on tour before he bought players, how's it Woodwards fault exactly?

Exactly.

I find it hard to believe a man who orchestrated the Adidas deal and countless others would be puzzled to agree fees with clubs regarding players. Its like people expect him to buy players that the manager doesnt approve and act as chief scout as well.

Mata-done via 3rd party with allegd support from SAF and Gill.

Lampshade- he bought a 15 mil useless lump for 30 mil.

Shaw- paid asking price.

Herrera -paid relase cluase

Rooney wouldnt have got the same money anywhere, Januzaj- only PSG were intrested. And we still pay him a lot.

So yeah Woodie has been wank to uber wank in this transfer business.

Fellaini was brought as a panic buy on the last day of the season, prices on the final day tend to be higher than what is expected. While i think Ed should shoulder some of the blame i can see Moyes pushing hard on the deal and given we had no other transfers we paid more to get someone in.

Mata, I'd agree - it was more a case with Chelsea looking to sell and our bid being too good to ignore.

Herrera - Real S are known to be stubborn regarding the transfer of their players. last season for the sake of a few million they werent willing to play ball, to the point where they were happy to have a unhappy player rather than the cash.

Shaw - Young, British talent & in a specialised position. I could only see that ending in one way.

Rooney was probably Moyes looking to keep his star pupil. Hardly Woodwards fault.

Finally regarding Herrera and Shaws transfers lets not forget we dont have UCL football. Had we not paid a bit more i'm sure Shaw would be at Chelsea right now

 

[Will Absolute]

I don't disagree with this, balance is the key and we've been as successful as any top European club in the past 10 years just by having the right balance.

The galactico policy implemented by real madrid is silly, irresponsible and elections control it more than the need of the team, di maria just had a great season, what's the point in selling him and signing james rodriguez? they just can't help it, it has to be done, they need change.

I'm all for signing top quality in areas desperate for quality, if we can get the likes of vidal and hummels i'd be delighted, but i certainly won't be happy if we start the season with signing luxury players just to make a statement.

Although they push it too far, Madrid's galactico policy has been very successful in boosting the club.

In the early 2000s, Real and United were seen as co-equals on the world football stage, with United having perhaps a slight advantage, with bigger revenues, much higher profits and higher valuation. Since then United have won more trophies; but Real have signed the biggest stars in world football, while we pursued 'value' and signed Valencia, Young and Bebe. On the field: United 1 Real 0; in the transfer market: Real 6 United 0.

The consequences are clear. The relative perception of the two club's by football fans has changed. Real have acquired an aura of glamour and are seen as the gold standard of world football - the team every top player aspires to play for. Last summer United couldn't compete with Real for the services of a superstar who lived a hundred miles down the road. Their revenues have outstripped United's, and they are now the richer club. We are now seen as a lesser club by everyone except United fans; and even they routinely acknowledge Real's superior attractions for top players.

All this happened because Real had smart people in charge who understood how the game had changed and the supreme importance of image in modern sport. While we were stuck in the mindset of the previous century. Woody's encouraging talk of his desire to bring the best players to Old Trafford shows that the penny has at least dropped with him. It remains to be seen whether he can do the business.

 

[Getsme]

Mata-done via 3rd party with allegd support from SAF and Gill.

Lampshade- he bought a 15 mil useless lump for 30 mil.

Shaw- paid asking price.

Herrera -paid relase cluase

Rooney wouldnt have got the same money anywhere, Januzaj- only PSG were intrested. And we still pay him a lot.

So yeah Woodie has been wank to uber wank in this transfer business.

How is my post funny?

Matas transfer was done via a third party so Chelsea couldn't directly make an offer for Rooney, quite a smart move, no?

Fellaini, was a panic buy by the ex manager, not Woodward, but sure blame him anyway eh.

Shaw, Woodward wasn't afraid to splash the cash on a player the manager wanted, even if it was more than he wanted to pay, however we don't know the ins and outs of the contract do we. Shaw is only 19, English and has massive potential, he could prove to be a bargain.

Herrera, paying the release clause was the only way to get the deal done, sure why bother if we can't get him cheap.

Rooney, he's a fantastic player who the club didn't want to lose, especially to a rival club, there would have been a host of clubs after Januzej if his agent had let it be known that he wanted to leave.

You're trying to find ways to blame Woodward when there's nothing there to blame, yes last season was a bit of a mess, but he's learnt from his mistakes. What do you want him to do? Buy players for the sake of it? So you can go down the pub and do a dick measuring contest with your mates?

 

[goin4glory]

I don't disagree with this, balance is the key and we've been as successful as any top European club in the past 10 years just by having the right balance.

The galactico policy implemented by real madrid is silly, irresponsible and elections control it more than the need of the team, di maria just had a great season, what's the point in selling him and signing james rodriguez? they just can't help it, it has to be done, they need change.

I'm all for signing top quality in areas desperate for quality, if we can get the likes of vidal and hummels i'd be delighted, but i certainly won't be happy if we start the season with signing luxury players just to make a statement.

Another argument that's thrown around when we miss out on a top player is "we don't want to be like Madrid" etc Yes of course we don't want to be like Real Madrid and sell quality players like Robben or Di Maria to get the newest and shiniest toy but we also don't want to be like Arsenal over the past 10 years and go on about "value in the market" when reality is what we perceive as value just depends on what the owners are prepared to pay and realistically we aren't prepared to compete with those sides.

Again the key is to get the right balance, no one wants us to be Madrid and what I expect is for those in charge to make the intelligent decision and invest for footballing reasons when it's very clear the team needs it. I'm really just fed up of these cliche arguments being used when in truth we're falling behind due to horrific ownership and bad management.

 

[MancunianAngels]

Louis van Gaal has said he will not sign player for the sake of it but only to improve his selection.

He loves coaching players therefore if he feels he could improve the likes of Cleverley then he might not see the point in signing a player for that position.

I am a little worried because Cleverley strikes me as the person who would ask Louis van Gaal to teach him how to play football and then work hard to improve himself and Louis van Gaal strikes me as the person who loves the learning process, who loves how to teach somebody to be better.

It's as if football to him is more than just winning a match or trophies, it's an art form, through it you learn about life. And so he might actually prefer somebody like Cleverley as opposed to signing the finished article and having little to show them.

Hopefully I am wrong.

Assuming we play 3 centre backs. We really need cover, could do with Michael Keane having 6 months on loan in the PL as I don't think he's ready yet.
Add onto that a midfielder that is of decent standard and we have a top 4 side.

This rebuilding process is a 2 year job, the main aim for this season (sadly) is top 4.

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

We once again look like we're going to have another underwhelming transfer window, albeit nowhere near as bad as last summer. It also looks like yet another example of us being told we had £150-£200 million to spend and then we actually spend nowhere near it. I think Shaw and Herrera are really good signings but if we don't add to it we're going to have a battle on our hands to get top 4 in my opinion.

I think the interview hasn't helped him. If you come out boasting about the money we have and then we buy nobody after it you're going to look daft. Especially after he did the same thing last year. I wouldn't trust him to be able to negotiate any tough transfer business to be honest.

 

[jaimoe]

The window has not closed yet and if something does happen we won't be surprised by it. I and others have posted this elsewhere but IF LVG has to clear out bodies to sign some of the galacticos we have been mentioned with then when will the serious clearout start?

I don't know enough about the way LVG does his business to assume we are done, or not done and being a muppet in the dark isn't fun any more, haha. Still, walking away from Vermahlen seems to be the right thing to do and being linked with two players who still may face long term injury problems in Vidal and Strootman scares the shite out of me. Maybe not as much as failing to reinforce our central defense scares me but it does make me wonder what in the world our plans are.

Pragmatic me says be patient, it will come, but caffeine me doesn't want to see us overspend to get another last minute Felaini. Feck all I hate this time of year.

I picture LVG tearing apart EW behind closed doors and the Glazers watching, bug eyed and shaking with fear as their investment falters.

 

[Im red2]

He is a Glazer man, if they allow it he will spend if they do not then he will do nothing. We need to start investing all the money the club makes back into the club and not let it disappear into the realms of interest like the money we got for Ronaldo.

 

[Sandikan]

He'd have some big explaining to do if we end up not signing anyone in the last 3 weeks of the window.

Whereas if he hadn't mouthed off they could have got away without needing an explanation beyond we were happy with the squad

 

[Im red2]

He'd have some big explaining to do if we end up not signing anyone in the last 3 weeks of the window.

Whereas if he hadn't mouthed off they could have got away without needing an explanation beyond we were happy with the squad

We cannot be happy with the squad , but I also believe that Van Gaal is also not happy with the squad. It will be added to I have no doubt about that.

 

[jaimoe]

He is a Glazer man, if they allow it he will spend if they do not then he will do nothing. We need to start investing all the money the club makes back into the club and not let it disappear into the realms of interest like the money we got for Ronaldo.

Agreed, but I cannot see LVG sitting still for no further signings regardless of what the Glazers privately inform Woodward that he is to do. I don't think anyone in their right mind expected the magical 200m war chest that the press spoke of but this squad has major holes one week from kick off.

 

[jaimoe]

He'd have some big explaining to do if we end up not signing anyone in the last 3 weeks of the window.

Whereas if he hadn't mouthed off they could have got away without needing an explanation beyond we were happy with the squad

Shades of "no value".

 

[ravi2]

Mata-done via 3rd party with allegd support from SAF and Gill.

Lampshade- he bought a 15 mil useless lump for 30 mil.

Shaw- paid asking price.

Herrera -paid relase cluase

Rooney wouldnt have got the same money anywhere, Januzaj- only PSG were intrested. And we still pay him a lot.

So yeah Woodie has been wank to uber wank in this transfer business.

This is how I see things. But standby to be flamed with those that think him decent.

Last season I was singing the same tune, but this summer I think We are seeing a new Woodward.
I have faith in him and I do believe he will deliver this transfer window.

I also have a lot of faith in LVG and I think between he and ed, they will get the job done.

 

[Speedicut75]

Agreed, but I cannot see LVG sitting still for no further signings regardless of what the Glazers privately inform Woodward that he is to do. I don't think anyone in their right mind expected the magical 200m war chest that the press spoke of but this squad has major holes one week from kick off.

Funny, I read the situation a bit differently. I actually think Ed is pretty much itching to spend the money but LVG has in fact put the mockers on him doing so. I can't believe the CEO would be as strident as he was in the infamous MUTV interview, blathering on about "no budget", "breaking records" and "watch this space" if he intended not to do something pretty substantial in the transfer market.
I'm certainly not giving Edward a free-pass, as after last year's debacle he should have exercised a measure of caution before opening his over enthusiastic pie-hole and spouting off like some sort of muppet emperor, but I just feel, from what Van Gaal has done at previous clubs, that his preference in building a team is not to embark on an immediate mass recruitment drive. I'm not saying it's right, given the clear deficiencies we have in our ranks, but if Woodward is to be criticised then I reckon it would be more appropriate to focus on his big fat mouth and the absence of any circumspection when he opens it.

 

[Sam]

All Woody's talk about no budgets and what not is just bravado to keep the 'brand' alive and kicking.

 

[Hed Zitin]

Funny, I read the situation a bit differently. I actually think Ed is pretty much itching to spend the money but LVG has in fact put the mockers on him doing so. I can't believe the CEO would be as strident as he was in the infamous MUTV interview, blathering on about "no budget", "breaking records" and "watch this space" if he intended not to do something pretty substantial in the transfer market.
I'm certainly not giving Edward a free-pass, as after last year's debacle he should have exercised a measure of caution before opening his over enthusiastic pie-hole and spouting off like some sort of muppet emperor, but I just feel, from what Van Gaal has done at previous clubs, that his preference in building a team is not to embark on an immediate mass recruitment drive. I'm not saying it's right, given the clear deficiencies we have in our ranks, but if Woodward is to be criticised then I reckon it would be more appropriate to focus on his big fat mouth and the absence of any circumspection when he opens it.

In the main I agree with that. He's a transfer muppets nightmare, but LvG's said he wants some new players and he's said the money side of things isn't his problem, that's the chairmans business, he just asks for the players.

 

[Joga Bonito]

All Woody's talk about no budgets and what not is just bravado to keep the 'brand' alive and kicking.

For one month until the window closes... Right...

 

[Sam]

For one month until the window closes... Right...

He's been talking like this ever since he took over.

 

[Fergie's Man]

Last season I was singing the same tune, but this summer I think We are seeing a new Woodward.
I have faith in him and I do believe he will deliver this transfer window.

I also have a lot of faith in LVG and I think between he and ed, they will get the job done.

I love reading your optimism and fair play to you for keeping the faith. The only difference this year is LvG.

I personally think Woodward is a Walter Mitty character.

 

[Castia]

Well he won't get away with it after this summer if he doesn't deliver. If we fail on the pitch this season after he's been given specific transfer targets and a 'budget others clubs simply can't match' then he's got to go. I'm willing to wait until the window shuts before making a judgement, he could still deliver but he needs to fecking hurry up.

 

[Joga Bonito]

He's been talking like this ever since he took over.

Last season he could afford to bs and say such things (not that I remember him doing so, Moyes perhaps) just like David Gill did in the past. That was due to the constant success that the club had trophy-wise. Poor transfer dealings could be swept under the rug. Not anymore, Ed knows what is at stake here (probably his job), his reputation has already taken a hit due to last season's disaster. Our rivals have mostly strengthened significantly and our squad has a gaping problem areas as well. He can't afford not to deliver, LVG has already stated that he acquired a broken squad and stated he needs defenders whilst optionally needing specialist wingers to play a 4-3-3. Ed simply has to deliver this transfer window or face the consequences if United has a poor season and he didn't deliver transfer-wise.

Trust me, there will be at least a couple of signings before the end of transfer window.

 

[Fergie's Man]

Soon be time to get that aeroplane flying over OT again, with a different banner.

 

[shaggy]

We really, really need to see some activity next week! Last think we want is another deadline day cluster feck. Whoever our targets are - can we at last start to bid for them?

 

[Sam]

Last season he could afford to bs and say such things (not that I remember him doing so, Moyes perhaps) just like David Gill did in the past. That was due to the constant success that the club had trophy-wise. Poor transfer dealings could be swept under the rug. Not anymore, Ed knows what is at stake here (probably his job), his reputation has already taken a hit due to last season's disaster. Our rivals have mostly strengthened significantly and our squad has a gaping problem areas as well. He can't afford not to deliver, LVG has already stated that he acquired a broken squad and stated he needs defenders whilst optionally needing specialist wingers to play a 4-3-3. Ed simply has to deliver this transfer window or face the consequences if United has a poor season and he didn't deliver transfer-wise.

Trust me, there will be at least a couple of signings before the end of transfer window.

This is the thing, everyone's hanging onto Ed's words, hanging onto the hope that surely he wouldn't come out with these things if he didn't have something up his sleeve. Talking about his job being on the line. Its just hope. And a little desperation. The truth is, Ed can say what he likes. He's a Glazer man, he's been a Glazer man for years. He's also not a DOF, but the CEO, a business man. The Glazers will want him to save them as much money as possible, and run the club like a business. Thats why we'll never be like Madrid/City/PSG just throwing money about, at least not while the Glazers are in control.

We could sign no one else, and Ed will keep his job, of that I have no doubt. Whats a bit of bad PR for the Glazers? Do we honestly think they give a toss?

 

[Castia]

But in the long run with no CL football or any serious challenge for trophies he will lose them money. We need a squad that will challenge for the biggest competitions otherwise these huge sponsorship deals and CL football money will be long gone.

 

[ravi2]

This is the thing, everyone's hanging onto Ed's words, hanging onto the hope that surely he wouldn't come out with these things if he didn't have something up his sleeve. Talking about his job being on the line. Its just hope. And a little desperation. The truth is, Ed can say what he likes. He's a Glazer man, he's been a Glazer man for years. He's also not a DOF, but the CEO, a business man. The Glazers will want him to save them as much money as possible, and run the club like a business. Thats why we'll never be like Madrid/City/PSG just throwing money about, at least not while the Glazers are in control.

We could sign no one else, and Ed will keep his job, of that I have no doubt. Whats a bit of bad PR for the Glazers? Do we honestly think they give a toss?

We are just a cash cow to the glazers.

I believe that Ed cares for the club but he also cares for his personal image a great deal. The flack he took last summer clearly got to him and he seems to be on a personal mission to make things right.

Whatever targets LVG deems necessary will be gotten, there is too much at stake, if we miss out on champions league 2 years in a row, the results will be catastrophic..... starting with Ed either losing his job or being demoted to just acquiring sponsors behind the scenes.

I think Ed likes being CEO and wants to keep it that way.

 

[Oo0AahCantona]

If we don't sign anymore players this window to bridge the gap between us and the rest of the top clubs, has he failed a second summer window in a row? we are arguably weaker as a squad than last year, regardless of how good LVG is.

 

[Sam]

Ed answers to the Glazers, not Van Gaal. He'll know if his jobs in danger.

Like you say, the club is just there to make cash for the Glazers. They're not going to start throwing money around like other clubs. They've seen us be successful without doing that, and thats what they'll continue to do. Is it really a coincidence that the two managers they've hired are notorious for not splashing the cash?