29 May 2023 14:44:07
Ed are Fulham interested in Fred?

{Ed002's Note - Fred (CM) Will be available.}

1.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 14:56:10
Thanks Ed. I’m in two minds with Fred. Good option to have on the bench but not good enough to be a regular starter. Do you know whether the club will look to replace him with a more defensively minded player or an 8?

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have DM targets.}

2.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 15:51:33
I think ideally United would replace Fred, McTominay and Donny as none are good enough or well suited to either the EPL or EtH's style.

I'd imagine if possible the club would like to bring in two midfielders, a DM and a creative CM. Much probably depends on the budget and who leaves.

3.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 17:20:30
Donny was a ajax player don't agree with the not suited to play style part.
Its not just worked out for him here.

4.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 18:19:05
Donny will be given another chance and cover for Bruno, Mount to challenge Eriksen for the box 2 box role and Lavia will deputise for Casemiro with a long term view to replacing him. Sabitzer or Rabiot as an extra body to cover the number of games.

Kane up front, Martial will deputise because we can't sell him. Greenwood will be slowly reintroduced after media appearances showing contrition and attending rehabilition courses, don't be surprised if they send him on loan for six months, with a view to using him in the second half of the season.

Garnacho, Anthony, Rashford and Sancho will cover the wing as they did this year.

Min Jae at the back will probably be the only addition with maybe Meslier as GK backup to DDG.

Guarantee none of this will happen now.

5.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 18:38:46
Donny was indeed a machine under ten Hag at Ajax.
It's been a bit of a mystery tbh how he hasn't managed to reproduce it in any form since at club or international level.

6.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 16:47:11
Thanks Ed and Shappy - interesting rumours of Fulham looking at Fred. Could it be as a Palhinha replacement?

{Ed002's Note - Perhaps but they play different positions and they are working on another more versatile midfield player.}

7.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 16:56:49
Ed02 or can anyone else please share the DM targets that have been posted previously?

I've searched but can't find anything recent.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Khephren Thuram (DM/CM) Interest of Manchester United has returned. Interest of Newcastle and Crystal Palace remains although I would discount Crystal Palace. RBL want him as a Laimer replacement and will push following initial discussions. Liverpool asked Nice about his availability given that they looking to add a more DM player and he could become first choice. If interest grows his price will rise and the club would sell given the emergence of Alexis Beka Beka and an impressive youngster in Reda Belahyane. Player wants PSG but they have no interest at this time.
Arthur Vermeeren (DM) Barcelona have offered the well liked Royal Antwerp youngster the opportunity to join their B side. Manchester United had a long history with Royal Antwerp but would face Work Permit issues in England and would have to apply for an exception or wait until he gets a full cap.
Declan Rice (DM) There remains interest from Manchester United even having signed Casemiro. The interest of Manchester City went with the signing of Kalvin Phillips although I would not totally discount them as they are looking to upgrade Phillips - but they have preferred options. Chelsea lost out on their preferred target last summer and the club is supportive of looking again to have Declan Rice return to Stamford Bridge, something that I understand will be acceptable to the player, but I also understand Chelsea have a preferred choice. If Arsenal were to move Xhaka and Elneny on then they would have space in the squad, but they have have a preferred target, although they cannot be discounted. A wildcard would be Bayern Munich. West Ham will resist a move, but if the player were to push for it they would have to reconsider that position. The player has rejected offers to sign a new contract so the reality will bite this summer and West Ham have been looking at potential replacements. Will be significantly expensive. Liverpool have not declared an interest nor would he be an alternative to Bellingham.
Mateo Kovacic (DM/CM) I am not aware of him asking Chelsea for a move and Chelsea would rather not sell but would desire an extension be agreed before the end of the season - but that seems unlikely and they will listen to offers. Inter Milan have sustained interest but even with Nicolo Barella perhaps departing in the summer they have preferred options. Manchester United and Manchester City are talking with his representatives. Bayern Munich were expected to provide a wildcard option but Kovacic was not mentioned in a recent meeting between clubs, although Thomas Tuchel may look to a deal of some type.
Ryan Gravenberch (CM/DM/AM) Versatile midfield player who only joined Bayern Munich last summer and won't be for sale. I am not aware of any approach by Liverpool to Bayern Munich and Team Mino are certainly not offering him around, but they have had enquiries from a number of clubs, including Manchester City. The player has made it clear he would like his next move to be to Manchester United and they will provide an option if available. If Liverpool has gone directly to the player again they may want to start fearing the worst.
Manu Kouadio Kone (CM/DM) Prior interest of Milan has gone. Newcastle did approach Borussia Muenchegladbach but they will resist a sale and try and agree a new deal, but Newcastle remain keen. RBL are keen to add Kone to replace Laimer. Bayern Munich are light on DM and CM and are looking to add Kone and Laimer in the summer. Borussia Dortmund see him as a Bellingham replacement if he leaves in the summer. Not first choice for Chelsea but Vivell will push for him - which could spell the end for Ngolo Kante or Loftus Cheek. Watched by a number of other Premier League sides including West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Brighton. A wildcard maybe PSG. Player wants Chelsea move but not being in the CL could influence him further. Asking price will by €60M including add ons.}

8.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 20:38:03
Donny is a light weight and physically can't manage in the pl. can't play in midfield in pl if you pull out of every 50/ 50 challenge. He is another poor buy imo and a strange player no with major strengths, i.e shooting ability, dribbling, great turn of pace or change of direction.

Maybe in the Dutch league he played well but the step up is way beyond him. Was listening to Rijkaard about a year ago and he basically said he should go back to the dutch league and not good enough for pl. Don't even think good enough to be a squad player. Will take fred and mc all day.

9.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 22:23:46
I’d expect Donny and Fred to leave and we bring in upgrades. I also think McT will and should stay another season.

10.) 29 May 2023
29 May 2023 22:37:05
Backpass, that's why I said either doesn't suit the style or doesn't suit the league.

Donny obviously can play the way EtH would like, but I don't think he can do so in the EPL. Just doesn't suit the league.

11.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 04:27:35
@ahmad
"shooting ability, dribbling, great turn of pace or change of direction" these abilities are related to wide players like Anthony or insane no 10's like Messi or Ronaldinho. DVDB is an attacking Midfielder, a position which needs defense splitting passing, excellent ball control and not cracking under pressure as main strengths.

Luka Modric is/ was a not beast when he was playing for Spurs in PL and performed brilliantly for them.

United at the moment have Eriksen and Fernandes as first pick occupying VDB's favourite positions. It is ETH now who decides VDB's future.

12.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 07:56:20
Midfield Maestro

Attacking mids are generally guys who are expected to chip in with 8 to 10 goals. Bruno can shoot, dribble, pick crazy passes and sticks a foot in. If he is Brunos back up that's a massive drop in quality. He hardly played even before his injury with ETH running the show.

We will be lucky to get 15 to 18 million for him and move him on. Pointless to be in the squad if he hardly ever plays, i.e brandon williams and few others they all need to go and play somewhere.

In reality we have a squad of 15 players and that's not enough if you are going to compete for 4 competitions.

13.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 08:02:04
Modric can pass, shoot, turn you and find time and space on the ball and run the game for his team like scholes used. DVB not even on the same planet as Modric.

14.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 09:02:08
Donny has a very specific skillset, he's got good technique, good reading of the game, and a sound tactical knowledge. All things we have come to expect as a given for anyone coming out of the Ajax academy. What he lacks is some of the more physical aspects, he's not particularly strong or quick. He also tends to play the "safer" option rather than the riskier one.

He isn't the guy who'll pick up the ball and dribble past several players and bust into the box, he isn't the guy who'll aggressively chase down the ball and win back possession, he also isn't the guy who'll play the danger ball to unlock a defence.

How you could best describe him is as a Raumdeuter or translated "space investigator". Which is the role Thomas Muller has played so successfully at Bayern Munich.

A player much like Donny who isn't particularly strong or quick, doesn't win the ball back often and who isn't particularly creative with his passing.

What they do so well is find little pockets of space where they can either use to take a shot or to play a one two pass off to make space for others.

Realistically to be successful in this role you really need to be playing more as a second striker, given that freedom to roam in the attacking third and find those pockets of space.

I'm not sure there is space for a player in this sort of role in the EPL. It worked at Ajax because they are the biggest club in the Netherlands with relatively poor opposition. It works for Muller at Bayern where they are the biggest club in Germany and again in comparison the opposition are relatively poor. It'd probably work at PSG for similar reasons.

Yet in a more competitive league for a team that isn't miles better than the other teams in the league I'm not sure you can justify having a player who offers so little defensively.

He's the sort of player you need when you're team will have 60-65% of the ball and spend most of the game camped out in the opposition half playing against a low block. He will find those little pockets of space between the lines enabling you to create chances.

But in a game that more even and more end to end he becomes less useful.

15.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 09:33:25
DVB is a complete waste of time.
He's had numerous chances and hasn't taken them.

16.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 10:11:52
Thanks for brilliant MF update Ed002 - think lots of us were wanting to ask for info after you posted that United were looking at a more DM player!

17.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 10:33:40
ed002- thanks for your comprehensive update. If possible, have we showed any interest in milenkovic savic or are looking at his position as he doesn't have long left on his contract? thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (CM/AM/DM) Will be offered a new contract - if he refuses, which he will, they will only then look to sell. Juventus are very keen as they look to replenish their midfield, but Lazio will seek a huge fee which won't suit Juventus, but realistically his value has halved as he will only have 12 months left on his contract by the summer. Luca Pellegrini or the impressive Nicolo Rovella will be offered in part exchange with perhaps €35M to see if Lazio would be interested. Milan may also look to an agreement but it seems less likely than Juventus but the financial woes in Turin could change that. There was also a discussion with Chelsea but they have other targets. Inter may throw their hat in the ring. Arsenal offer an option but he would likely be an alternative to Declan Rice. West Ham and Newcastle will offer less tempting solutions to the player. Potentially another alternative to Bellingham for Manchester United and Liverpool. Expect Manchester United to declare an interest but Liverpool have other targets.}

18.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 10:56:45
cheers ed002 - allegedly looked at by us for a few seasons but price and dealing with lazio have been tough obstacles to overcome but at a reduced rate and 28years old I reckon he would offer us a missing piece of the jigsaw.

19.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 11:33:52
Good Morning ED002

TY for posting the summary. In your opinion who would be best suited for United's needs from the above list. the search function is not easy to navigate.

{Ed002's Note - Much would depend on what happens with Rabiot - but probably Rice.}

20.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 12:25:54
Would be great if we could bring in rice and mount and get rid of McTom and Fred.

21.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 12:39:34
I reckon we'll thankfully see the end of the McFred partnership but alas not both.

22.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 13:08:11
Would Rabiot qualify as a DM target? I assume he is separate to Mount as an AM/ CM.

23.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 19:29:25
He played a bit sitting midfield role for France in the world cup and similar at Juve. Defenitely not AM and would not think mount interest has anything to do with rabiot. I may be very wrong.

24.) 30 May 2023
30 May 2023 22:04:52
I'd imagine Rabiot is considered more of a DM/ CM whereas Mount is more of a CM/ AM.

Rabiot for example in a pinch could cover for Casemiro as well as play alongside him. Mount could play as an 8 alongside Casemiro but wouldn't be able to deputise for him if Casemiro was out injured or suspended.

So I'd expect that Rabiot is being considered as well as other more creative options.

25.) 31 May 2023
31 May 2023 21:19:26
I would say Rabiot is more of a box to box man myself. Hopefully all the circus surrounding him has died down, I like him tbh, he’s be a good addition.

26.) 02 Jun 2023
01 Jun 2023 23:58:33
If every player showed the levels of energy, commitment and enthusiasm that Fred shows, we would have been a lot better off over the last few seasons. Hard not to like the guy. But his talent doesn't match those other qualities, unfortunately. If he goes, I wish him all the best.