05 Aug 2019 07:40:59
The Fernandes situation is all a bit strange. We were interested, we’d made a bid, now we were never interested. Someone is telling porkies. We’ve signed players in 2 problem positions that will seriously improve us, and we’ve also seem the development of McTominay and hopefully the emergence of Greenwood.

Not sure what to make of the Mandzukic rumours, I guess he brings experience to a young front line so if the price is right, it will give us some of the experience Matic was talking about recently.

However, we have lost both Fellaini and Herrera so it still feels a bit light in midfield, particularly with Matic’s ageing legs and Pogba’s apparent lack of commitment to the cause. A good window so far, a top CM would make it a very good one. An interesting few days ahead? Or a damp squib?


1.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 07:58:18
It also depends whether we are going to play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Also depends whether we are serious planning to integrate the likes of Greenwood, Chong, Garner and Gomes.

I'd try Greenwood and James for the right forward role and wait for Jadon Sancho next summer.
Gomes is another terrific talent who could slot into the no 10 role.

All in all, it is upto the team management to decide whether they need a new signing or choose to give opportunities to the academy lads.


2.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 08:05:30
I still feel Fernandes would be a good purchase (if we manage to get him) . Window closes on Thursday, I think, not too sure if we have time to wrap it up.

Even in a 4-2-3-1 system, Pogba and Mctominay can play the two in the middle and Fernandes could play further forward or switch with Pogba, same 3 could play if we were to switch to a 4-3-3.

I think Greenwood will get a few games this season, I'd like Gomes to play too, he seems like he's a skilful little player, who might help us play against teams that decide to sit deeper and nullify our counter-attack.


3.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 08:12:16
If AWB and Maguire are the only big signings we make this window then it has to be a terrible one, we haven't replaced Fellaini let alone Herrera. Pogbas still wants to leave and DDG hasn't yet signed a contract and given the window don't see either changing their mind.

The milan game once again showed us that take out pogba and the midfield has no creativity, lukaku as poor as he is, is still a 20 goals a season striker, its looking like we either replace him with mandzukic or no one. So while we have a good defense if everyone's fit, the rest is just midtable and can't be salvaged by 2 kids.

Wouldn't be surprised to see OGS sacked by December and we will finish outside top 4 again because while chelsea haven't had a great window, arsenal have and none of city, liverpool or tottenham look like dropping to our level.


4.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 08:15:12
Good post AJH. In relation to Fernandes, I very much think we are keen just that we haven't made the appropriate bid. I'd follow ed002s notes on this.

In Midfield, we look a bit light and could be in a bit of trouble should we hold onto a player that has been asking for a move for quite some time. However murmurs are beginning to emerge than R Madrid will push for Pogba. If that's the case, we will have to get a replacement in.

For me, an okay window so far. There have been glaring issues over the past few seasons and we have been slow when addressing these issues and also poor at recruiting.

Time is ticking but I stick to my prediction that due to the amateurish transfer dealings, we will be flinging some cash around in the days to come.


5.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 08:48:56
Midfield is a tough one. I like the look of a midfield of McTominay and Pogba. However, unless Pogba leaves, which is looking less likely, then who would be happy to come in to play as back up?

The issue is beyond Pogba and McTominay the options aren't good enough. In many respects we have a similar issue in midfield as we do in central defence. Lots of options but the quality is lacking. In place of Smalling, Jones, Bailly and Rojo we have Matic, Andreas Pereira and Fred.

Matic looks like his legs have gone, they certainly aren't up to playing this new style Ole wants to play. he can't play in a double pivot he needs to extra legs alongside him that a three man midfield offers. Andreas and Fred clearly have talent, yet they blow hot and cold. Against PSG they were great alongside McTominay. Yet often the only time you notice them is when they are getting subbed off.

Personally I think Matic needs replacing and we need someone who can play as a deeper creative midfielder to rotate/ compete with Pogba. In theory that should be Fred, hopefully he has a better second season.

That's why signing Bruno Fernandes to me made sense, a player who can play as a No.10 in a 4231 or as a No.8 in either a 433 or even a 4231. He is versatile enough to play several roles meaning we get a top quality player who could step in for Pogba when he is unavailable yet is still in the team when Pogba is. I still think there is a good chance we sign Bruno Fernandes, but if not he isn't the only player who could play that role, James Maddison had a great season last year and is EPL proven. Fabian Ruiz could also play a similar role, although I would imagine trying to get him from Napoli would be difficult. Or we could look to Lorenzo Pellegrini who has been looked at before.

All are comfortable either playing as a No.10 or as a No.8. in Pellegrini's case he can even play at No.6.

I think we need to bring in this sort of player, creative and tactically flexible. In an ideal world we would bring in a DM as well, probably throw in a RW too. But those positions might have to wait until next summer.


6.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 09:11:58
Playing 2 in midfield risks us being overrun which we have seen happen. I’m not hung up on Fernandes, but I do think we need another body in the middle.

Csm, blimey mate, we’ve replaced 2 problem positions with good signings so that has to be an improvement. James has huge potential, Greenwood looks like he is breaking through, and McTominay looks more assured with every game. As I said above, we are probably light in midfield.

My issue is we have 3 players who appear not to want to be here and I would have down everything possible to move them on. I wouldn’t put it past Ole to make Pogba captain.


7.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 09:36:22
We have improved the team AJH but is it enough? Will we finish top 4 which is the goal, the answer for me atleast is no unless we get atleast 2 more signings in, one of whom has to be a good attacking midfielder to take the burden off pogba.

The 3 players who want to leave also happen to be the best we have in midfield, defense and attack. The ones we need to get rid the likes f rojo, jones, sanchez, we can't seem to get rid of. Our worldclass or nearly worldclass players don't want to stay, other similar talents don't want to come to utd. This definitely hasn't been a great window.


8.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 09:40:27
Tony, playing a midfield two can leave you susceptible to being over ran. Especially if as we did under Jose and invite pressure onto us. However, we seem to be pressing higher up the pitch, in order to do that successfully it is better to have four players higher up the pitch as pressing becomes more successful the more players you have working on the press.

I agree, it seems silly that the club pull out of signing Dybala because he doesn't want to play for us, while at the same time not selling players already at the club who don't want to be here. I think Lukaku will still leave, Pogba I suspect will stay and to be honest if the best offer we get for him is 27m and Rodriguez then that suggests that the teams in for him don't really want to sign him. DDG supposedly doesn't want to be here but then looks like he will sign a new deal.

I think the issue with both Pogba and DDG is the club's who could sign them aren't interested or are in a position to do so this summer. So both might have to wait it out a year. Hopefully with a happier camp they get their heads down work hard and prove to the teams interested in them that they are worth the money next summer.


9.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 09:45:26
It is amazing how people are desperate to replace Fellaini, a player they were more than happy to get rid of who they wanted nowhere near the squad when he was here, suddenly he was a vital cog that needs replacing with an amazing player. He has already been replaced with McTominay.

Herrera on the other hand, I am sure the club are desperately trying to find that player to 'replace' him.


10.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 10:11:01
GDS, money is going to flying around the next few days. Keeping the fans happy haha.


11.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 10:39:57
Personally I think there is a small chance Pogba could still leave but that depends on the arrival of another CM first and Madrid getting a suitable offer together.
This has been a fantastic window for us so far. We’ve improved in two key areas and promoted some very exciting youth.
I think one more CM will arrive, possibly a ST, and we’ll see Lukaku and one CB leave.