Did I moan about it?
Or did I just point it out?
Think carefully Smores, 5 seconds of my life depend on it
Wot, no transfers?
- Thread starter Sassy Colin
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Or did I just point it out?
Think carefully Smores, 5 seconds of my life depend on it
Come on. 99% of what you read on twitter and in the papers is absolute bullshit. Why haven't we figured this out yet? It's because as a fan of the sport, you live off of the great rumors and stories. Why don't clubs deny the links when they're not interested? Because it generates attention. RM denied the Neymar rumours and people are still adamant he will be a RM player by the start of the season. It's all just mind numbing bullshit.
There are a few respected journalist and social media accounts that put out truth as they know it. Follow them and ignore the rest. Even they can get it wrong sometimes.
You can bet Ed and company are doing what they can. When has big Ed ever let us down? Don't answer that.
Also, look at how much attention United get when they're linked to Neymar, Ronaldo, Bale, Griezmann, etc...
There are a few respected journalist and social media accounts that put out truth as they know it. Follow them and ignore the rest. Even they can get it wrong sometimes.
You can bet Ed and company are doing what they can. When has big Ed ever let us down? Don't answer that.
Also, look at how much attention United get when they're linked to Neymar, Ronaldo, Bale, Griezmann, etc...
We've bought Fred - A versatile midfielder here for the long-run. Pep wanted him too, so can't be that bad.
We've bought Dalot - The best-rated wing-back of his age-group/year.
We've shipped Blind, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and more deadwood. I think it's clear that our transfer-strategy looks like we're going for quality + future talents.
We've bought Dalot - The best-rated wing-back of his age-group/year.
We've shipped Blind, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and more deadwood. I think it's clear that our transfer-strategy looks like we're going for quality + future talents.
My biggest concern is I’m not sure we’ve improved our starting 11 yet.
Dalot may be an improvement on Valencia, but it’s a lot of pressure for a youngster.
We’re pinning a lot of hope on Fred being a great box to box midfielder for us, when I would say the vast majority of posters haven’t seen him play more than once or twice. Is he better than Herrera/Lingard/Fellaini as the third midfielder?
I think it’s clear we are after Bale, but I can see us not getting him and leaving it too late on to get anyone.
I don’t think our current side is good enough to win the league if I’m honest. Too much hoping that Pogba can continue his form from the World Cup, Lukaku can get more goals and Sanchez vastly improves.
Dalot may be an improvement on Valencia, but it’s a lot of pressure for a youngster.
We’re pinning a lot of hope on Fred being a great box to box midfielder for us, when I would say the vast majority of posters haven’t seen him play more than once or twice. Is he better than Herrera/Lingard/Fellaini as the third midfielder?
I think it’s clear we are after Bale, but I can see us not getting him and leaving it too late on to get anyone.
I don’t think our current side is good enough to win the league if I’m honest. Too much hoping that Pogba can continue his form from the World Cup, Lukaku can get more goals and Sanchez vastly improves.
next summer if our business isnt completed within the first day that the transfer window opens there will be a plane with banners calling for the heads of Jose and Ed.
Stopped reading at this bit
So Tottenham are "clever" for doing jack sh!t, while we're in some sort of disarray, despite making 2 transfers already, just because some guys on redcafe think we need more, and that we're finished for the summer, despite having 3 weeks left in a summer of a world cup
I swear that most fans these days get more emotional about the transfer window than they do about the actual football
I'm not worried, not yet anyway.
We've been quite good at keeping our targets quiet until we sign then, so I do believe the club are doing the right things, just behind the scenes.
I do worry about us though.
I think City will still be to hard to catch, so I really don't think we'll win the league.
I also agree with a lot who say that Liverpool have made great moves in the market. They've strengthened in the areas they have needed and I think their football, already better than ours, will be helped with better defensive players behind their attack.
We also have areas that just seem clear need to be sorted. LB, CB and RW.
We needed a RB and we've brought one in. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think Dalot improved our starting 11 right now, but I can live with a rotation of Valencia and Dalot. Hopefully this kid comes in and adapts well.
CB: We really need a leader. Our back line is filled with decent defenders that are made to look better with the worlds best GK and a defensive mentality through the team. Rojo and Jones can both go for me, leaving a new CB, Bailly, Lindelof, Smalling and potentially one or both of TFM and Tuanzebe as younger backups. Lindelof deserves another year to prove himself.
LB: Young has done a decent job, but a side fighting for titles needs better. Not much to add to that really. Well, I'd still give Shaw a contract. Even as a backup, the guy can do a job for us. I still have some faith in him, but right now we need a starter.
CM: We've brought Fred in. Don't really know much about him, but hey, he sounds a good player, so looking forward to seeing him. I honestly don't mind that we've given Fellaini another contract, as long as we still invest heavily in the areas needed. Fellaini offers a Plan B, although he should always be Plan B. Andreas P is coming back, so he may get a chance, so I'm happy with the options here.
RW: We just don't have one, and haven't had one for years. Mata and Lingard aren't good enough to play there. It's that simple. Bale? either he want's to come or doesn't. Can't be arsed with the waiting on him rumours.
I actually wouldn't even mind if the player who comes in is youthful. Whether it's Lozano, Bailey, Chiesa or Pulisic. As long as they are comfortable playing there and have shown potential I'm fine with that.
We've got Sanchez, Martial and Rashford who can play on that side if needed. I still can't believe we haven't really given Sanchez a go there with Martial on the left.
Other than that, I'm happy with the squad. Sure I'd like somebody to backup Lukaku, but I don't want to get greedy here.
On a side note. I am in the, I'd rather see somebody else in charger camp. I think we have some great attacking players and I think Mourinho and his style is what stops them playing how they've shown for other clubs.
We've been quite good at keeping our targets quiet until we sign then, so I do believe the club are doing the right things, just behind the scenes.
I do worry about us though.
I think City will still be to hard to catch, so I really don't think we'll win the league.
I also agree with a lot who say that Liverpool have made great moves in the market. They've strengthened in the areas they have needed and I think their football, already better than ours, will be helped with better defensive players behind their attack.
We also have areas that just seem clear need to be sorted. LB, CB and RW.
We needed a RB and we've brought one in. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think Dalot improved our starting 11 right now, but I can live with a rotation of Valencia and Dalot. Hopefully this kid comes in and adapts well.
CB: We really need a leader. Our back line is filled with decent defenders that are made to look better with the worlds best GK and a defensive mentality through the team. Rojo and Jones can both go for me, leaving a new CB, Bailly, Lindelof, Smalling and potentially one or both of TFM and Tuanzebe as younger backups. Lindelof deserves another year to prove himself.
LB: Young has done a decent job, but a side fighting for titles needs better. Not much to add to that really. Well, I'd still give Shaw a contract. Even as a backup, the guy can do a job for us. I still have some faith in him, but right now we need a starter.
CM: We've brought Fred in. Don't really know much about him, but hey, he sounds a good player, so looking forward to seeing him. I honestly don't mind that we've given Fellaini another contract, as long as we still invest heavily in the areas needed. Fellaini offers a Plan B, although he should always be Plan B. Andreas P is coming back, so he may get a chance, so I'm happy with the options here.
RW: We just don't have one, and haven't had one for years. Mata and Lingard aren't good enough to play there. It's that simple. Bale? either he want's to come or doesn't. Can't be arsed with the waiting on him rumours.
I actually wouldn't even mind if the player who comes in is youthful. Whether it's Lozano, Bailey, Chiesa or Pulisic. As long as they are comfortable playing there and have shown potential I'm fine with that.
We've got Sanchez, Martial and Rashford who can play on that side if needed. I still can't believe we haven't really given Sanchez a go there with Martial on the left.
Other than that, I'm happy with the squad. Sure I'd like somebody to backup Lukaku, but I don't want to get greedy here.
On a side note. I am in the, I'd rather see somebody else in charger camp. I think we have some great attacking players and I think Mourinho and his style is what stops them playing how they've shown for other clubs.
Honestly, if we do sign Bale I'd be very positive and excited for the season.
I'm still looking forward to it even with no more signings.
I'm still looking forward to it even with no more signings.
Yeah but Martial visited their training centre and was blown away. All the way to LA with United.
The World Cup finished 4 days ago. Plenty of our targets will be delayed by that, there is still plenty of time. The past few windows have shown us Woodward knows what he's doing now. Much like Levy, businessmen v football men is like men against boys off the pitch.
We should see how the youngsters perform before we start criticising the transfer policy.
There's already a thread for crap like this, can't we keep it all in one place?
Sort of understandable. The transfer window represents hope, the opportunity to do something spectacular, something that sets the tone for the season. It gives you that feeling that anything is possible if only we get our transfers right.
After it's done, you only have the Mourinho football to look forward to and lord knows that's not an enticing prospect, especially without shiny new players to get excited by.
We didn't bother with obvious targets over the years, while we signed players without a plan.
Fellaini, Kagawa, Mata, di Maria and Mkhitaryan basically all play the same position or the consensus of the caf is that their best position is as CAM/#10. I thought the intention with Schneiderlin was to use him like Khedira or Kante for Xabi Alonso and Matic (which in our case would been Carrick and Schweinsteiger). Instead we didn't know how to get the best out of him, played him as the sitting midfielder, while Carrick and Schweinsteiger had to do the work in some games. How much of that was down to Schneiderlin not being able to handle being a United player, I don't know, some of it was definitely tactical and out of his control though. We have signed 3 CBs (arguably 4, if you count Blind) since Ferguson retired and we still don't know, what our best CB pairing or trio is. We have signed 3 players since SAF retired for our left wing, while it still looks like we don't have any solution for the right side or are willing to switch to a system without wingers for the time being.
Considering all of that, I think Mourinho has done well, results-wise. He's definitely an improvement in terms of signings compared to Moyes and van Gaal, but I still wonder what he's doing or why some obvious players aren't worth bothering. Point is, I think it's fair to point out that we need to do better in terms of signings and it has been a problem for a while, even when SAF was still manager.
Well technically i didn't say you did, I'm very passive aggressive in my complaints.
@bucky i don’t disagree but there’s been a few dreamers this summer who thought we’d make 6 or more signings. Those people will be seriously disappointed.
We’ve made 4 signings if you include Fellaini recommitting.
I reckon we might see 1 more and that’s our lot. I suspect it will be a CB
We’ve made 4 signings if you include Fellaini recommitting.
I reckon we might see 1 more and that’s our lot. I suspect it will be a CB
Can't really call it 4 signings though really.. Grant won't play and Fellaini was here last season.
I just don't think thats enough
What a load of bollocks
I Don't Understand This Post
Alot of transfers finalise towards deadline day if not on the day itself. We still have a bit of time left. I expect a signing or two within the next two weeks.
Honestly though, I think we are ready to compete for it all although I'd love us to sign a well established cb ala Bonucci.
I guess this sort of discussion gives us something to talk about whilst we all eagerly await the start of the PL.
Honestly though, I think we are ready to compete for it all although I'd love us to sign a well established cb ala Bonucci.
I guess this sort of discussion gives us something to talk about whilst we all eagerly await the start of the PL.
Easier to live in dreams and hopes than watching the reality I suppose. I saw plenty of United games last season and there were very few ones to be excited about. Majority of the games Liverpool played were just too nerve racking to watch too. So it's easier to get excited about getting new quality players that close the gaps (in my unicorn world mind at least).
But the OP raises an interesting question/observation. The post Fergie United kind of profiled themselves going for and getting the real galacticos, so this summer was no different with Bale basically coming. But since that is not happening as of now I wonder of United actually just don't do knee jerk and panic buy. That in itself would indicate a change in transfer policy. Well, maybe Sanchez was the big spend...
What makes me wonder even more is the RW. I as a rival club fan will be more than happy if you lot don't fix that position or full backs. Usually the internet has been full of speculation but this summer it seems that nothing is being whispered at all. Maybe Jose is fine with the squad and means to squeeze out the max of it.
Well, yes. 6 always seemed unrealistic. If I'm being honest, I was hoping for 4 or 5. Felt we needed two midfielders and two full-backs/wing-backs most urgently, with a permanent switch to a system without wingers. I think a lot people don't trust Mourinho to develop players, instead he gets the best of out of them for a limited amount of time. Which is why, myself included, I think most were hoping for more than 3 signings and Fellaini's renewal.
Pro tip its not the end of the transfer window. Hope this helps!
Our squad is still flabby. We could afford to sign more players I'm sure, but it's not optimal.
Going in to the summer we were all thinking LB, RB, CM and RW to fill with maybe more depending on departures.
We should definitely still be in for a left back, and if we can ship Darmian at the same time, great. I think we all expected Sandro to be done by now given he wasn't at the world cup, so maybe it is dead, we'll have to see. Then again, Dalot could have been signed as a utility FB in which case our signings could be complete here.
Midfield is already strengthened with Fred & we won't be buying again as we have Fellaini retained. Plus a few players back from loan and McTominay to fit in, as it stands.
I did expect another attacker, which could have been Bale or Griezmann, but both of those look dead. I don't see an alternative that fits the bill so this may go on ice for now.
The one weird rumour that won't go away is CB. We're stacked there, and although more quality would be great we really need to sell first. That we have not heard any links to our CBs outward (other than Blind if you count him) says to me we aren't serious about it.
Going in to the summer we were all thinking LB, RB, CM and RW to fill with maybe more depending on departures.
We should definitely still be in for a left back, and if we can ship Darmian at the same time, great. I think we all expected Sandro to be done by now given he wasn't at the world cup, so maybe it is dead, we'll have to see. Then again, Dalot could have been signed as a utility FB in which case our signings could be complete here.
Midfield is already strengthened with Fred & we won't be buying again as we have Fellaini retained. Plus a few players back from loan and McTominay to fit in, as it stands.
I did expect another attacker, which could have been Bale or Griezmann, but both of those look dead. I don't see an alternative that fits the bill so this may go on ice for now.
The one weird rumour that won't go away is CB. We're stacked there, and although more quality would be great we really need to sell first. That we have not heard any links to our CBs outward (other than Blind if you count him) says to me we aren't serious about it.
We don’t have a strategy that’s the problem.
Was clearly Bale, even he himself made it clear he planned to leave at the CL final.
Ronaldo beat him too it though, and Madrid have promised to make him their main man. Unfortunately for us that ruins our plans.
Seems like we've moved back to Perisic for now, I expect us to sign a LB (sandro) a CB (Maguire) and Perisic. Add in Fred and Dalot, that's a decent window really. We've got a great squad already, we just need to start playing better football.
Definitely don't include Fellaini as a signing.....it was bad enough signing him once.
Dalot is one for the future, hopefully and Grant is a third choice goal keeper who is unlikely to ever play a first team game.
So that leaves us with one first team signing Fred, no wonder the panic is starting
How can you understand something you haven't seen, directly heard or been involved in when it's been discussed, but instead pulled your own conclusions about it on the back of journos reports who also don't have any clue?
Transfert strategy ? What ?
Since 2009, we don't have a transfer strategy
Since 2009, we don't have a transfer strategy
The strange part in this post is the World Cup hasn’t affected the targets of our main rivals. Only United are stuck in the quicksand.
Personally, I think Woodward is incompetent. He knew there was going to be the World Cup. All the deals should have been completed before the tourney started.
hear hear
Mou has a very specific and transparent transfer strategy - he even tells you the number of players he wants per window. I feel your post is more about the individual players we have signed, rather than our overall strategy.
Other teams have a better strategy because they’re LINKED with players who would suit them? We need a right back so we signed dalot, we need a centre mid so we signed Fred, we probably need a winger and so we’re being linked to some- just like everyone else.
The problem with the strategy is that no one knows what the strategy is, and as a fan that's exactly how it should be.
I'll give my thoughts on the shape of the squad as of 9th August.
I'll give my thoughts on the shape of the squad as of 9th August.
Very true but any chance of your views so far?
From my understanding we have to sell before we can buy, otherwise we have to release valuable assets without compensation. With all that in mind I think it’s fair to think that Darmian is the one who has to be sold before we buy another FB.
Regarding a new RW I think it’s common knowledge that this isn’t our priority unless we sell one of our other forwards, probably Mata or Martial. Selling Martial would be a mistake unless some club offers silly money and Mata is on a heavy salary so find a buyer for him is also unrealistic. The only other position would be a new CB, but that will also include that we sell before buying.
My expectation is that we sell Darmian and replace him with Alex Sandro or similar. Then I expect Mourinho to include one youngster from the academy in the squad. (Chong maybe... ) Then we’re done.
Regarding a new RW I think it’s common knowledge that this isn’t our priority unless we sell one of our other forwards, probably Mata or Martial. Selling Martial would be a mistake unless some club offers silly money and Mata is on a heavy salary so find a buyer for him is also unrealistic. The only other position would be a new CB, but that will also include that we sell before buying.
My expectation is that we sell Darmian and replace him with Alex Sandro or similar. Then I expect Mourinho to include one youngster from the academy in the squad. (Chong maybe... ) Then we’re done.
I don't see to many other teams moving 'hard and fast' as the OP suggests. Most top teams have bought a couple of players who maybe an improvement, including us.
Really its just a shite window so far all round and not something I see exclusive to our transfer strategy....unless a few posters are looking for (yet another) far too simplistic stick to beat Jose or Ed with.
Really its just a shite window so far all round and not something I see exclusive to our transfer strategy....unless a few posters are looking for (yet another) far too simplistic stick to beat Jose or Ed with.
We have to sell to buy?? Have we become West Brom since the season ended?
As far as I know what happens at United (what has happened since Fergie retired) is that the manager identifies a target – and then Woody buys him, or tries to.
In other words, United don't have a «transfer strategy».
As for the worries and whatnot, let's just wait until the window closes. Mourinho saying «no idea» could mean anything. He likes to play games – with the journos too. Could easily see a couple of players coming in.
My stance is identical to what it was at this point last year: You assess the team, you note the strengths and the weaknesses – and if the latter are significant, you bring someone in. United are loaded compared to most teams. Getting someone for a position that badly needs strengthening is doable. There can be no excuses. Perhaps the player doesn't work out – that happens, «that's football» (as José would say). But not addressing weaknesses at all – because, say, the one target you wanted couldn't be landed – well, that's entirely on the manager.
In other words, United don't have a «transfer strategy».
As for the worries and whatnot, let's just wait until the window closes. Mourinho saying «no idea» could mean anything. He likes to play games – with the journos too. Could easily see a couple of players coming in.
My stance is identical to what it was at this point last year: You assess the team, you note the strengths and the weaknesses – and if the latter are significant, you bring someone in. United are loaded compared to most teams. Getting someone for a position that badly needs strengthening is doable. There can be no excuses. Perhaps the player doesn't work out – that happens, «that's football» (as José would say). But not addressing weaknesses at all – because, say, the one target you wanted couldn't be landed – well, that's entirely on the manager.
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