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15 Apr 2024 23:44:53
Evening Ed, when you're not too busy, would it be possible to get a updated departure list of players in the summer? Those out of contract and those the club is actively looking to move on.
Also, given the CEO and DOF haven't been onboarded yet, do you expect the summer targets to change when they do?
{Ed002's Note - The targets will change as players stay where they are or move elsewhere. Ashworth will have a say if he joins.
Potential Departures:
There are players who need to move on as soon as possible, but the club will be reluctant to take too much of a loss and will need to make payments to players who cannot recoup similar terms. One player has made it clear that his future will depend on the coach departing and as I have said I do not expect ten Hag to be coach next season.
Andre Onana (G) Not worked out and could be offered to Michael Emanalo as Manchester United look to upgrade - could stay as second choice as Bayindir wants out and Heaton will be out of contract.
Altay Bayindir (G) Wants out and a return to Turkey may be possible with Galatasaray.
Tom Heaton (G) Out of contract.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) Manchester United have invoked a one year contract extension as the replacement they had in mind is not interested in the move. Middle East may offer a solution. Inter Milan might be a wildcard solution.
Alvaro Carreras (LB/LW) On loan to Granada with his representative offering him around as there is no clear route to first team football at Manchester United. With Benfica offering a firm B squad place and progress based on performance, it is an attractive solution to the player. There has been a discussion with Manchester United who will be open to a deal if there is a sell on clause and their valuation is matched.
Brandon Williams (LB) Disappeared off my radar so I don't have any feelings. I expect he will be available.
Raphael Varane (CB) Future at Manchester United will depend on whether or not the coach is replaced. He will have options in Europe with Bayern Munich and the Middle East come the summer - but the club may look to a new contract on reduced terms.
Harry Maguire (CB) May be available in the Summer and West Ham may prove his only viable option in England.
Victor Lindelof (CB) Manchester United have invoked a one year contract extension – will likely stay a while longer.
Jonny Evans (CB) Will leave as a Free Agent.
Rhys Bennett (CB) May get another loan.
Casemiro (DM) Manchester United would be willing to let him leave but will take a huge loss. Michael Emanalo spoke of him as one option for Saudi clubs but will pe concerned about persistent injuries. PSG offer a wildcard option but only as cover.
Sofyan Amrabat (DM/CM) Loan has not worked out well and he will head back to Fiorentina at the end of the season. Agent is already doing the rounds and has interest in the player.
Scott McTominay (CM) If available at the right price, West Ham will be interested. I suspect he will stay.
Donny van der Beek (CM) - Eintracht Frankfurt do not want to pay the €10M option to make the deal permanent. His misfit laden agent is knocking on doors again. Wages are an issue.
Hannibal Mejbri (AM) Will be available.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) ME still beckons after an offer from Al Hilal was rejected by the player. May well depart in the summer when there will be many changes or perhaps wait one more year.
Christian Eriksen (AM) The player has a contract until 2025 but may leave in the summer to guarantee game time.
Amad Diallo (RW) Will want game time and that may be tough but he may go on loan.
Antony (RW) Available.
Facundo Pellestri (RW) will be sold ideally - but clubs may only be interested in a loan. Villareal has a declared interest. PSV may provide an option.
Jadon Sancho (W) Borussia Dortmund would take the player back but would not pay more than half of what they sold him for and will step back unless the demands of the player and club are more reasonable. Newcastle may have provided an option but signed an alternative. Agent approached Spurs but they can be discounted. Perhaps a loan to buy for Juventus, but they will not accept an obligation to buy. RBL may be open to a discussion.
Anthony Martial (W/F) Has to go but there little clear interest. Juventus had an interest but he would not be first choice now. Out of contract in the Summer with Fenerbahce keen to take a chance, else it will be the Middle East or a new contract.
Alejandro Garnacho (LW) Agent was looking to move on Garnacho and Patino after demanding game time from both Manchester United and Arsenal last summer. Garnacho was offered to Real Madrid knowing that Vinicius Junior may move on, but I am not convinced he would be a regular there. Juventus have also been offered to player as they too seek a LW replacement but I can't see they would bite. Having a good season and will stay where he is.
Mason Greenwood (F) Time to move on - offered to Lazio, Marseille and Atalanta but none seem to be biting. Turkey or the Middle East might provide permanent options. Atletico Madrid or Real Sociedad may offer an option but the fee will be too high for Getafe to buy but they will try to find a creative solution or another loan. He is on the list of Michael Emenalo, but that may not suit the player,
Marcus Rashford (LW/F) Much will depend on what happens in the summer regarding a new coach, but I am sure Manchester United will be regretting the new long-term contract. A third-party has spoken to clubs, including Juventus and Arsenal about him on behalf of Manchester United, but I am not aware of any serious interest. Suggestion that he could be a Mbappe replacement at PSG seem far-fetched given they have other clear targets in mind.
Potential Arrivals and Players known to have been subject to scouts watching them:
Mike Maignan (G) Of interest to Chelsea, but not first choice, and Milan won't look to sell but the player has not yet signed a new contract. Manchester United may be interested if Onana were to move on. Bayern have an interest in taking him to replace Manuel Neuer.
Diogo Costa (G) Manchester United need to make a decision over their goalkeepers moving forward and Costa is a player they have been looking at for some time, but so have Spurs, Chelsea and Roma. Porto will resist a sale unless and offer of €80M plus arrives.
Patrick Schulte (G) Columbus Crew goalkeeper Schulte has attracted scouts from RBL, Arsenal and Manchester United. A Work Permit may prove an issue in moving to England unless paying over the odds.
Denzel Dumfries (RB) Bayern Munich interest has gone. Inter offered him to Chelsea as a CA replacement - and that may yet be an option but Chelsea opted for another. Arsenal could be interested as they have been playing Ben White out of his natural CB position. Spurs and Manchester United offer options and he may well be first choice for Manchester United .
Miguel Gutierrez (LWB) Moved to Girona from Real Madrid who retain a nominal 50% of his rights and can buy him back for a fixed fee of double what they sold him for - so €8M total. Bayern Munich fear losing Alphonso Davies and have Gutierrez as their first choice replacement if that happens. Manchester United may yet look to an offer after sending scouts. Chelsea have spoken to Girona about the player but have preferred options and Manchester City have sent scouts.
Devyne Rensch (RB/LB/CB) No interest in joining Manchester United as cover but attracted to them if first choice. Interest in the very versatile Devyne Rensch will likely leave with ten Hag. Inter might make a declaration of interest after having him scouted as a possible Darmian replacement.
Michael Kayode (RB) Manchester United has a declared interest but Fiorentina will not wish to sell. Inter consider him a replacement for Denzil Dumfries.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB/RWB/RM/LB) Bayer Leverkusen would not be open to offers unless someone is paying well over the odds. Being versatile has made him attractive to Chelsea. 10 years at Manchester City might be against a move to Manchester United, but they have looked.
Milos Kerkez (LWB) Only joined in the summer after picking Bournemouth over Lazio for game time. Down the list for Chelsea who have a much preferred target. Manchester United have been sending scouts.
Antonee Robinson (LB) Fulham are open to selling but have priced him as €45M which Marseille see as far too high. Newcastle may offer an option. Fallback position for Chelsea - an exchange may be possible. Manchester united and Liverpool have sent scouts.
Marc Cucurella (LB) Attracting interest from Atletico and Manchester United still. Real Madrid enquired but they should now be able to secure their first choice. Wants to stay at Chelsea but he will be made available.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (LWB) Barcelona's interest in Ait-Nouri has likely moved on as they focus on another. The player is on the list of LB options Chelsea are considering but they have a far preferred option. Potential option for Arsenal who need to bolster the position or Liverpool if they look to upgrade on Robertson although his injury issues seem to now be behind him. Watched by scouts from Manchester United who are likely to start to push. PSG have declared an interest in Ait-Nouri to replace Kurzawa and it is where his agent would like him to move to - but he would not be first pick.
Alejandro Balde (LWB) Barcelona do not wish to sell but coming in to the last year of his contract are concerned that negotiations for a new contract will hinge on what Mendes may ask for in terms of wages knowing that interest in the player remains for the Chelsea Vision 2030 project after attempts to sign him over the past three years failed. He has the opportunity to take the LB position in the first team at Chelsea and it is possible a player plus cash option might be acceptable to Barcelona. The clubs will again meet to discuss potential options. A wildcard option for Manchester United.
Odilon Kossounou (CB/RB) With Tapsoba, Tah and Hincapie all attracting attention Bayer Leverkusen will not want to lose Kossounou as well. Versatility to play at both CB and RB as attracted scouts from both Manchester sides and Real Sociedad who may be forced to replace Robin Le Normand.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) Player has been happier with Tuchel as coach and will likely stay where he is when a new coach arrives in the summer, as long as he gets the playing time he desires. In the unlikely event that ten Hag is still at Manchester United he may well be interested but he would not be top of the list at all. Bayern have no interest in selling although they are persisting in chasing another CB themselves.
Giorgio Scalvini (CB/DM) Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter, Manchester United, Spurs, Juventus and Southampton have shown an interest in the young centre back who has also covered for Koopmeiners as a DM. Southampton can be discounted, and probably Spurs with the Italian management gone. Napoli and Atletico offer wildcard options. Milan are well placed to strike a deal.
Ronald Araujo (CB) Bayern Munich and Manchester United have an interest. Barcelona wants the defence rebuilt but need funds and €80M for Araujo would help but will likely opt for extending the player’s contract and looking to other sales. Bayern rejected an exchange proposal.
Edmond Tapsoba (CB) Arsenal and Leicester interest has gone. With the injury to Timber, that interest of Arsenal may return. Leverkusen are open to selling. Spurs interest will now have gone, and Newcastle interest will only return if there is a departure. Scouted by Chelsea but not a first choice option for them. West Ham interest was of no interest to the player. Manchester United have him on a shortlist of Harry Maguire replacements but the player has said he has no interest in moving to Manchester United.
Antonio Silva (CB) Benfica say that "many scouts" have been to watch the player - perhaps they are looking for someone to pay his €100M buy out clause - a move at that price seems unlikely but PSG are keen. Juventus and Napoli would want a reduction in the asking price to make any move viable. Looked at by Spurs and Manchester United. For Liverpool perhaps a Konate replacement but very unlikely. Discussed with Chelsea during a conversation about another player and perhaps number two or three on their list.
Jean-Clair Todibo (CB) Various scouts, including a very high-end independent scout and ex-PL player who has recently been helping Manchester United and Liverpool, together with scouts from Newcastle, Aston VIlla and Lyon have been looking. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Spurs, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United have declared an interest, but Nice are still looking for perhaps €50M to sell but Manchester United and Chelsea have a preferred first choice additions - and Nice would ask for the loan of Lesley Ugochukwu as part of any deal with Chelsea. Nice will look to block a sale to Manchester United fearing a backlash from their fans. Spurs might provide a wildcard option but I would expect Liverpool to look to other options first. Player has made clear his preference is for a return to Barcelona.
Gleison Bremer (CB) Juventus do not want to sell and the player wishes to stay but the club need to raise funds which has led to his representatives testing the waters with Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea to see if there is interest. He may well emerge as a first choice target for Spurs and Manchester United – will cost perhaps €70M.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB) Everton want a new contract but Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle have an interest. Ancelotti has spoken to Solari about him and scouts were sent to watch him against Newcastle, but Solari is not convinced that English players settle well on the continent. Manchester United will likely need a complete rebuild at CB with departures in the summer and so he will likely be an option. Spurs have a need for a CB. Newcastle has a compelling need to add one or two younger CBs. A wildcard would be Manchester City.
Marc Guehi (CB) Arsenal has a declared interest but prior interest of Spurs likely went with Conte. Chelsea have a first refusal but it is doubtful they would wait to invoke it and will be happy to either make a cash or part exchange offer or take funds from the sell on clause although Chelsea do see the return of Guehi as a potential long-term Silva replacement when he leaves in 2024 and may yet offer Conor Gallagher as part of the deal. Newcastle may make an offer but right now are in talks over Inacio but they will turn back to Guehi if they cannot sell their project to Inacio. Manchester United offer a wildcard option but have preferred targets. A number of Premier League and Serie A clubs have sent scouts. Crystal Palace do not want to sell.
Tosin Adarabioyo (CB) Spurs interest may remain as they struggle to sign their preferred options and are still light at CB - although they may not guarantee a starting role. Free Agent in the summer and expect MIlan and Monaco to make an approach for discussions before then. Milan fear the departure of Fikayo Tomori with Monaco being light at CB and running the chance that Guillermo Maripan will move on. West Ham will also consider making the player an offer. Wildcard may be Liverpool or Manchester United. Fulham will look to a new contract.
Joshua Kimmich (DM) Bayern Munich may now make him available, a significant fee would be sought - well beyond what interested sides Barcelona or Manchester City would pay for a 28 year old on €400k per week although Manchester City may well look to find a solution that suits everybody. A wildcard option would be Manchester United or Arsenal. New coach will have a say at Bayern Munich.
Kenneth Taylor (DM) Seen as an option to replace Luiz if he departs Aston Villa. Manchester City consider him an option to replace Phillips and Manchester United an option to replace Casemiro although interest may depart with ten Hag.
Joao Palhinha (DM/CM) Fulham will not look to sell unless a huge offer is made and the player asks for a move. All interest except that of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and possibly Newcastle will have gone with the signing of a new contract although Manchester United and Liverpool have had a will respected ex PL and high-end independent scout watch the player on their behalf - although both have other targets. Fulham will still look to replacements as they fear the player could have his head turned by Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who see him as an option to Trindade, who Fulham are also keen on.
Amadou Onana (DM/CB/CM) Only moved to Everton in 2022 and they are not looking to sell him but with troubles mounting they may have to listen to offers. West Ham interest has returned and Arsenal may look again after failing to agree alternatives, but they must now be seen as a wildcard option. Newcastle spoke with Everton in the summer and have failed to sign their primary DM/CM target but could return again this summer. Manchester United had him a long way down their list of targets but failed to sign preferred options in the summer and he may still be of interest, but I rather doubt it. Chelsea have him on a list of midfield options but not at the top, and Barcelona may look to some horse trading but they have to deal with their own financial issues. Real Madrid may look to a player plus cash deal, but he would largely be used as cover. Another wildcard could be Bayern Munich if the cannot sign Palhinho - but they will have a new coach in the summer.
Youssouf Fofana (CM/DM) An approach from Crystal Palace was rejected by Monaco who told them they will be negotiating a new contract, although that has not yet happened. Interest of Lyon has gone. Chelsea have strong ties with Monaco and the clubs have discussed him but he is not first choice for Chelsea. Nottingham Forest interest was turned away with a bid being rejected. West Ham have now replaced Rice so their interest has likely gone unless they lose Soucek or plan to use him exclusively as a CM player. Manchester United may see him as an option but he would not be a direct Casemiro replacement. However, Juventus have declared an interest and the wages would not be an issue with local tax laws being favourable but I suspect they will opt for another. I am not aware of Liverpool interest. Wages might be an issue for some clubs.
Khephren Thuram (DM/CM) Nice felt they were messed around by clubs last summer and then the player picked up an injury. Interest of Spurs and, in particular, Juventus remains but Liverpool will look to other options. Interest of Newcastle will likely of fallen away. Milan may offer an option. If interest further grows his price will rise and the club would sell given the emergence of Alexis Beka Beka regardless of impressive youngster Reda Belahyane being sold to Verona. Nice do not want to sell and again a move to Old Trafford will not be welcomed by the Nice supporters. Real Madrid have him on a list of potential additions given they are facing midfield departures in the summer - and I would not rule them, or indeed Manchester City or Barcelona, out. Player wants PSG but they have no interest at this time - but his representative is pushing PSG as well as Real Madrid and will encourage the player to wait and see what happens.
Hayden Hackney (DM) Manchester United and Spurs have sent scouts. The issue will be playing time if he moves from Middlesborough.
Joao Neves (DM/CM) Discussed with Chelsea when meeting over another player as they were seeking a replacement for Loftus-Cheek. Potential Casemiro replacement for Manchester United. Huge buy out clause and Benfica will not look to sell but recognise there will be growing interest. Versatile but falls over easily. I expect Manchester United to push.
Morten Hjulmand (DM/CM) Arrived from Lecce in the summer of 2023 - not available unless an offer that meets his huge release clause is made - and even then the player may not be interested in a move so soon after joining. Arsenal are looking at Elneny and Jorginho leaving as Free Agents in the summer and have sent scouts. He is also seen as an option for Manchester United but currently not first choice.
Frenkie de Jong (CM/DM) Barcelona will look for a new contract with reduced wages else he will be sold in the summer with possible interest remaining from Manchester United. PSG have spoken with his agent and additionally his agent has raised his availability with Chelsea whist discussing another player.
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. 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 they have other targets. Asking price will by €60M including add ons.
Taylor Booth (CM/RW) Utrecht know they will get offers in the summer with scouts from a number of sides including Brighton, Manchester United and Leicester City having attended games. A Work Permit will be difficult.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM) Manchester United could look to KDH to help refresh their midfield. Brighton are keen. Brentford, Spurs and Fulham offer options. An Everton enquiry will go no where. I suspect one for the summer but promotion and FFP issues may be relevant.
Chris Rigg (CM) Kiddie spotted by Chelsea scouts when watching another Sunderland player. Of an age where he can reach the position of being Club Developed as well as Home Grown. Liverpool and Manchester United have sent scouts.
Sebastian Szymanski (AM) Having a great season for Fenerbahce attracting the serious interest of Napoli and scouted as an option by Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs. Recommended to Liverpool last summer but moved to Fenerbahce from Dinamo Moscow after a successful loan.
Antonio Nusa (LW/RW/AM) Chelsea are looking at preferred options as well as Nusa, who they don't value as highly as the asking price and have now recalled Diego Moreira to likely end their interest. Real Madrid interest has shifted to others. Juventus, Spurs, Manchester United, Brentford and Arsenal have sent scouts with Spurs asking for a price - but it is hard to see where he would fit in without departures. Brentford agreed a price with Brugge but the player was unsure. One to watch for the future but seen as a bit of a flake.
Nico Williams (LW/RW) Young Basque winger and brother to Inaki who has eased himself in to the first team over the last two seasons. Terse response from the Spanish U21 set up (along the lines of "he does not score many goals for an attacker") when told he was changing his allegiance to Ghana, like his brother - and that led to him changing back to Spain. There was plenty of interest in him so a contract extension and buy out clause were awarded to the player at the start of 2022 and again in December 2023, pricing him out of a move to Barcelona at €50M plus a significant signing on fee. The Aston Villa coach wishes to be reunited and they will push for a deal in the summer but he may opt to stay for a year or two more after signing a new contract. Looked at by numerous Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Chelsea may look to an offer if their first choice is unobtainable.
Luis Guilherme (AM) Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona have shown an interest in the player for next summer. Chelsea discussed him during negotiations two other players. Spurs may well have noted him when scouting another Palmeiras player. However, a new contract and a €60M release clause will prove to be an issue.
Dani Olmo (AM/W) Signed a new contract but could still be sold this summer if a significant offer were made. Atletico, Spurs, Manchester City and Barcelona are interested, although Barcelona have preferred options. Chelsea considered him as a Mason Mount replacement but have preferred options. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option. Bayern Munich interest has gone.
Marcus Edwards (RW/AM) Spurs would like to re-sign the player they let leave for Guimaraes and there is interest from West Ham, but that will go nowhere. Crystal Palace have a declared interest. Discussed with Chelsea on an informal basis and on the list of RW/AM players Chelsea need - but they have a preferred options. Could prove a suitable Salah replacement for Liverpool but Sporting may still have no interest in dealing with Liverpool and they have preferred options, but with a change of coach that may change. Manchester United see him as a potential addition and have declared an interest - but much will depend on what happens in the summer with the coach. Sporting has no interest in selling and would demand his full release clause in a single payment.
Takefusa Kubo (RW/LW) Move has worked out well for him. Real Madrid may look to invoke their buy-back option which is about half his buy out clause. This season is going well for him and I doubt he would want to return to RM. Manchester United and Liverpool have sent scouts but neither has declared an interest with his club and the player has signed a new long term contract.
Rafael Leao (LW) Right footed left winger Leao signed a new contract last summer after serious interest was shown earlier in the year by Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Manchester City's interest remains. The interest of Chelsea went with the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk and even though they are still looking for another similar player they have a far preferred option. I cannot see the player moving to Newcastle who enquired in the summer but PSG have sent scouts and he is seen as an option to replace Mbappe, but not top of the list. Barcelona have him on a lengthy list of wide options for the summer but need to sell. He could also be an option for Real Madrid as they clear the decks - but they would look to including a player in a deal which will cost at least €120M and it would mean Mbappe moving elsewhere - and that is not going to happen. I am not aware of Liverpool making any approach and they have four right footed players who can play on the left side of attack - and they need a left footed right sided forward. As such it would make little sense and costs a great deal of money. A wildcard would be Manchester United. Player likely wants to stay in Milan.
Michael Olise (RW/AM) PSG and Manchester City want him as cover although the departure of Mahrez will mean more opportunities now, but the RW position is effectively Foden's. If de Bruyne or Silva were to depart, he becomes an option again. Crystal Palace has no real interest in selling but know that Chelsea want to take Olise back to Stamford Bridge and Olise has made clear that one day he wants to be playing with his brother. Down the list of AM players Chelsea want but they will again perhaps push for him. His representative has said no other clubs have made an approach for Olise - but maybe Klopp's obsession with Chelsea Academy players will continue as Liverpool have sent scouts - but they will have preferred targets to replace Salah. Manchester United have also regularly sent scouts and he may end up first choice for them. Will be available in the summer when a significant release clause will need to be met.
Kaoru Mitoma (LW) Fortunate to get a Work Permit initially and Brighton has no interest in selling him but Manchester City and Manchester United see him as an option.
Vinicius Junior (LW/S) Player was distraught after the abuse and agent has offered him to PSG and Chelsea but the arrival of Mbappe could see further interest. Then you will likely see interest of Manchester United and perhaps PSG making an offer but he is only a second or thirdd choice Mbappe replacement for them. Chelsea has a preferred option but he may not be attainable.
Raphinha (RW/LW) Has struggled to displace Dembele or Ansu Fati on a regular basis and will be sold if Barcelona can recover the fee they paid for him, else they will keep him. Manchester United or Newcastle may be an option. Even Spurs, Liverpool or Arsenal perhaps. Barcelona will look to sell to the Middle East to get the best possible price and have spoken with Michael Emenalo with Al-Hilal interested.
Jonathan David (S/AM) Lille, like many French clubs were hit hard by the loss of broadcast revenue and will need to sell some of their more valuable assets even though they do not want to. Jonathan David is valued by Lille at an unrealistic €50M but moving in to the last year of his contract will need to accept perhaps €30M. Napoli and Spurs no longer see him as a possible addition. Real Madrid have previously declared an interest but their focus has turned away as they wanted to include a player in any deal. He has been recommended to Chelsea by an ex player but they have a preferred targets. The Manchester United coach tried to take him to Ajax and could potentially look to taking him to Manchester United - and I would not discount them even if ten Hag departs. Aston Villa or Milan may offer a viable solution with Milan beginning to push.
Joshua Zirkzee (S) Manchester United had a third-party scout watch him in a game against Roma in December. Milan has declared an interest knowing Giroud is coming to the end of his contract but don't know if Zirkzee will match his goal tally. Bayern Munich have an option to buy the player back but will likely not be interested in following up on it. Napoli offer an option when Osimhen moves. Player will not move to become cover or second choice likely ruling out Juventus.
Victor Osimhen (S) Napoli made it clear to Chelsea who enquired in 2021 that even €100M would not buy the player - but they do maintain an interest and he has been first choice and expect an offer to be made in the summer - they have already assured Napoli that they will pay his release clause in full – but that may change. Al Hilal may well have offered Napoli the huge fee they were looking for, but that may not suit the player just yet. Real Madrid could look to him as an option to Haaland but Madrid would want to offer players in exchange. He has signed a new contract and, at the behest of his agent, included a release clause. Arsenal have a preferred option and see the price as too high. PSG have him on a list of potential Mbappe replacements. If Manchester City were to lose Haaland, he would be an option. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option but the change of staff could end any interest. There is a suggestion that Liverpool have negotiated directly with the player and his agent and not spoken to Napoli. Given Napoli registered a complaint against Liverpool over another player last year, it would seem unlikely, or particularly stupid. In the players hands next summer - may decide to stay but there will be a return from Michael Emanalo with a very good offer but I understand that both PSG and Chelsea have already informed Napoli that remain keen - but Chelsea have not had a positive response from the player - perhaps because of the lack of Champions League football. Chelsea are already looking at options but could make a take-it-or-leave-it offer below his release clause with discussions over two other players going on between the clubs.
Benjamin Sesko (S/F) RBL could be offered a quick profit. His agent has not stopped offering the player around since his move to RBL. Described by a well known ex-Premier League player and high-end scout as "raw but improving". Was on the list for Spurs as a potential Kane replacement and Newcastle enquired but continue to struggle to sell their project. Chelsea spoke with his agent but have preferred options – but they are struggling to sign targets so cannot be discounted. Milan offer an option as a potential Giroud replacement. A wildcard may be either Manchester United or Arsenal. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (F) Manchester United asked for a loan of the player from Bayern Munich in January. I have no idea why and I assume interest has gone.
Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining in the summer Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelsea may do that and have avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United and Arsenal with Arsenal seeing him as an option to Toney. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause.
Brian Brobbey (S) Everton interest remains but so does their financial plight. Eric ten Hag has a remaining interest but I doubt that position is supported by the club and he will leave in the summer.
1.) 16 Apr 2024 12:56:31
Holy cow. One of your best ever Ed!
2.) 16 Apr 2024 13:00:08
Ed002 thank you for your response, amazing amount of info. May I ask if there is still interest in Inacio or will he be going elsewhere? Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Yes - he should have been there:
Goncalo Inacio (CB) Watched by scouts from a number of PL sides, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, with each declaring an interest. Sporting will not be keen to do business with Liverpool although the club could potentially arrange to pay his full Release Clause in a single payment and force the situation if the player is interested - and that seems a strong possibility. The other sides to declare an interest are Newcastle and PSG, but PSG have a plan over another player but it is looking unlikely he will join - so Inacio might become the focus. Real Madrid offer a wildcard option. Sporting would rather not sell and are looking to a further new contract and an increased release clause. Newcastle have held talks with Sporting in order to be able to speak directly to the player and to understand if there is flexibility in the payment schedule – but there isn't. Arsenal interest would have departed with the signing of Timber although it has returned with the injury to Timber and impending departures. They are actively seeking talks with Sporting. The player has also been offered to Chelsea by his agent when discussing another player, but they have preferred options for a long-term Silva replacement although do have an interest in Inacio's CB partner Diomande. Arsenal have made a tentative offer that has been rejected. The player's agent has also said that Inacio is open to a move to Manchester United and they may push depending on departures.}
3.) 16 Apr 2024 13:03:21
Holy smoke that's some list.
Thanks ed002.
Loving the outs list no surprises at all there let's vote we can messiaen a lot of the difficulties and get those out who don't want to be here.
4.) 16 Apr 2024 13:08:26
Ed, brilliant as always. Thanks a lot for getting this as quickly as you did!
5.) 16 Apr 2024 13:14:21
Holy smokes thanks Ed, that’s incredible ?.
6.) 16 Apr 2024 14:20:23
Incredible work Ed002. Amazing, thank you.
7.) 16 Apr 2024 14:24:40
My word that is some response Ed. Thank you.
8.) 16 Apr 2024 14:44:10
Ed02 the GOAT as always. Thanks for that amazingly detailed and insightful breakdown!
9.) 16 Apr 2024 17:44:26
Chelsea fan here in peace as my best friends are all United fans. I'm kinda curious as to why Nice fans seem to be strongly against their player moving to United, could you perhaps explain that Ed? Or maybe anyone else who would know?
10.) 16 Apr 2024 18:02:41
Nice fans do not want another club with a financial interest from the owner of Nice to be taking their best players. }.
11.) 16 Apr 2024 18:45:23
I think it's pretty obvious Ktbffh.
On the other hand.
Can you imagine how dissatisfied they would become if we start selling our players to them? They need to look on the bright side??.
12.) 16 Apr 2024 20:40:18
Bit disappointed there is no Luke Shaw, but maybe a years time and things will hanve changed. I’m pleased to see a majority lf the squad are being discussed to be shipped out. Great news and great info.
13.) 16 Apr 2024 20:27:39
Nice one Ed002, quality that.
Unfortunately, I've forgotten was was at the top - could you repeat the first few lines please? ?.
14.) 17 Apr 2024 00:50:27
KTBBFH, I imagine it would be the same if Chelsea started buying Strasbourg players for 20% under value. That’s the sort of implication that Utd buying Nice players will have. Player A is worth 100m but was sold to Utd for 80m etc. Regardless whether true or not but say if Utd buy Todibo for 50m the Nice fans will feel cheated regardless of whether that’s the max bid or not:
15.) 17 Apr 2024 04:51:52
Out Shappy'd Shappy right there!
16.) 16 Apr 2024 21:00:35
Thanks Ed! I figured that was the reason, but it's nice to get it confirmed. Have a nice evening!
17.) 16 Apr 2024 21:17:30
Great list ed002 and thank you. the outs seem to be the difficult part and not surprised. The ins seems to have many clubs involved and everyone will improve their squads.
Is Todibo our first choice CB and what your personal view of Diomande?
18.) 17 Apr 2024 11:13:59
Yeah I agree, really appreciate all of that Ed002. You are always top mate!
19.) 17 Apr 2024 22:57:02
Thanks Ed.
16 Mar 2024 17:59:03
Evening as always Ed.
Is there any intetest in Viktor Gyokores?
If not from us, from any other PL side?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have sent scouts but they have an interest in another Sporting player. There is interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.}
1.) 17 Mar 2024 12:46:09
I imagine we are looking at inacio maybe Hjulmand?
2.) 17 Mar 2024 15:50:01
Looking at the recent Sporting lineup, could be Inacio, Diamonde or Marcus Edwards. Or a n other.
3.) 18 Mar 2024 09:32:29
That narrows it down Wallace :D.
4.) 18 Mar 2024 11:55:00
Ed02 - which Sporting player do we have an interest in?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Goncalo Inacio but others have been scouted as well.}
14 Feb 2024 19:24:41
A few places reporting that Dan Ashworth is close to agreeing a deal to become sporting director. Ed has anything changed regarding this? Also, how is he regarded within his role compared to others within the industry?
{Ed002's Note - He remains an option if compensation can be agreed. He would be a reasonable option.}
1.) 14 Feb 2024 22:43:18
Are they also looking to bring in a recruitment special-ist alongside him?
{Ed002's Note - Yes.}
2.) 15 Feb 2024 06:38:40
Good Morning Ed002
Hope all is well. Is there a clear sum for compensation in these things or an arbitrary number the two clubs need to agree on.
{Ed002's Note - Yes, Manchester United will be told what it is, or may have been already.}
3.) 15 Feb 2024 08:45:00
ED002,
Whobin your opinion would be the best option?
{Ed002's Note - Paul Mitchell would have been.}
4.) 15 Feb 2024 09:16:02
Ed002, "reasonable" option sounds like you feel there would be a better option, or am I reading too much into that?
{Ed002's Note - Paul Mitchell.}
5.) 15 Feb 2024 09:50:51
Ed is he definitely going to Roma?
{Ed002's Note - He is not interested in taking what Manchester United have offered him. Could be a huge mistake,}
6.) 15 Feb 2024 09:58:52
Mitchell was the name that lots of us wanted for years and it would be great if he was brought in. I imagine he will not want to take the role below Sporting Director and rumour is he pulled out of the running a while back (maybe realised he was not being looked at) .
I am excited about Ashworth if it comes off however, one of the top in the position, appears to have a detailed knowledge of players all over the world. Looking at what he has done at previous clubs we should be excited by his appointment.
I would expect we also bring in someone below him on recruitment to form a strong partnership with Berrada.
{Ed002's Note - His knowledge came from the scouts and recruitment team at Brighton.}
7.) 15 Feb 2024 11:08:09
Hi Ed002, do you think there is a chance of us recruiting any of that team from Brighton? Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - No, they are largely no longer at Brighton.}
8.) 15 Feb 2024 11:24:23
Thanks for all info Ed002. Do you think Ashworth will return to Brighton to tempt Sam Jewell to United as head of recruitment? Seen rumours that Chelsea also looking to sign him….
{Ed002's Note - No.}
9.) 19 Feb 2024 17:32:10
As Sporting director Mitchell woukd have responsibilities he hasn’t had experience in before. I think Ashworth is the best option for the sporting director role. He’s widely regarded as gold standard for the role.
10.) 21 Feb 2024 09:20:13
A huge mistake by Mitchell ed?
{Ed002's Note - No, Manchester United.}
11.) 21 Feb 2024 15:06:25
Thanks Ed. I presume they are not giving him the position he wants.
{Ed002's Note - No - so he is not interested.}
02 Jan 2024 21:04:51
Apologies Ed if its been covered.
Rumours the club have opted against triggering Varanes one year contract extension. Could you provide some insights into potential targets in his position? Covered to death but will these targets likely change based on ETH potentially leaving and SJR coming in.
{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any changes to targets at this time and Jim Ratcliffe will not himself be deciding on which players the club will chase after.}
1.) 03 Jan 2024 09:41:02
Thanks for info Ed002.
Do you think that the person who will decide upon transfer targets will be appointed as soon as part investment officially cleared by authorities?
(Stil looking like Paul Mitchell?! Loads of rumours about SDB’s admiration of Dan Ashworth! )
{Ed002's Note - Paul Mitchell is available. Dan Ashworth is contracted to Newcastle. Manchester United have an idea of what they need to do in January but the summer will be more significant.}
2.) 03 Jan 2024 10:39:32
Thanks for taking the time to post swift reply Ed002, much appreciated!
{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}
3.) 03 Jan 2024 11:50:07
I'd imagine January will be about clearing the decks as much as possible. Move players on who aren't part of the long term future. That would free up squad space and create the financial leeway needed to bring in new players in the summer.
Oddly being completely out of Europe might give United more freedom to move players on in January as, "in theory" at least, we shouldn't need as deep a squad in terms of numbers with less games and traveling. Although if the injury problems persist then that might remain a theory that doesn't play out in practice.
I imagine January incomings might be restricted to loans for two reasons. Firstly prime targets are rarely available mid-season and if they are they tend to come at a premium transfer fee. Secondly, I can't imagine that any new potential DoF will be able to have any input for January signings. Which means that the club risk signing a player on a long term deal who by the summer might not be part of the new set ups long term plan.
Therefore, loans or temporary solutions seems a much more likely outcome if anyone.
Rumours of lots of players possibly leaving, Martial, Donny, Greenwood, Varane, Sancho, Pellistri, Reguilon, McTominay, Maguire, and Hannibal. Have all been linked with moves away either permanently or on loan.
None of them seriously have a future at the club bar maybe Hannibal. With his move away being a loan to gain regular minutes and continue his development.
Casemiro has also been linked, but given than he and Mainoo are the only competent players at CDM I doubt the club will let him go in January. With a summer move more likely for him if he is to leave. I also doubt McTominay will be allowed to leave unless we see another midfielder join in January given the lack of options we have in that position. Again a summer move seems more likely.
As for incomings, Timo Werner and Thomas Muller on loan deals have been linked. Both seems to have an air of believability to them, Werner probably more so than Muller. While probably not anyone's first choice both probably would offer more to the team during the second half of this season than Martial will.
Other than that I haven't seen any other mooted deals that even remotely sound likely. We won't be spending 70m plus on the likes of João Neves, Antonio Silva or Michael Olise who are three names we've been linked with over the past week. Those sort of deals for those sort of players will more than likely be summer options. You rarely see a key player for a side move for a massive fee in January.
One player I'd like us to seriously look at who would be available is André from Fluminense. He's the sort of CDM that EtH likes and has tried to sign previously. He's also a profile of player our squad is missing and drastically needs to be able to control games. While due to the Brazilian season finishing in December, the January window is actually the preferred time for Brazilian clubs to sell their players.
Unfortunately any links we have had with him seem to be tenuous and without real substance. He's also the kind of smart signing that seems beyond our club, who scout 900 RB's from around the world to go and sign AWB after he had a good game against us that one time.
Fingers crossed though. For me a great January window will see 5 or 6 players who have minimal impact on the team leave. With André maybe on a permanent deal for 20-30m, along with a loan deal for Muller or Werner.
Start clearing the decks, bring in temporary cover upfront without eating in to the budget or permanently signing a substandard player. While bringing in a relatively cheap but very smart option in midfield that if he hits the ground running will have a real positive impact for the rest of the season. While if he takes a little time to settle then it's not really a big deal and means he should be ready to make his mark from the start of next season.
08 Jul 2022 12:24:08
Hi Ed, hope you're good.
I understand from reading here that United have offered a "low" bid for Antony and I appreciate he has been spoken about a lot on this page.
With Ajax now signing Bergwijn, does this open up the door to his exit? Has anything changed with the situation or is our low offer the only one that has been put on the table.
{Ed002's Note - They are unrelated, they play in different positions. Again, if Manchester United want to persuade a club to sell, they must put forward an acceptable offer.}
1.) 08 Jul 2022 13:22:01
Out of curiosity Ed, why is this a constant issue for United? Is it down to arrogance and trying to get the player to push for a move so the selling club are in a weaker position or the amateurish way we communicate with other clubs?
It seems for years we have been putting in low bids or bids which are well short of another clubs valuation despite the fact we are in talks with said club.
{Ed002's Note - It is not a good negotiating start point with a low ball offer.}
2.) 08 Jul 2022 14:44:31
Especially when negotiating for more than 1 player at the club ?.
KurtisHaywood's banter posts with other poster's replies to KurtisHaywood's banter posts
21 Mar 2024 12:17:45
I know ETH is the hot topic at the minute, rightfully or wrongfully, but I read some interesting stats about his domestic cup performances I thought were worth sharing.
ETH is 16-2 in domestic cup competitions since joining, with a win rate of 89.5%. For comparison, Pep has a 82.4% win rate in domestic cups whilst Klopp is 67.4%.
We have the potential to reach our third domestic final out of four in 2 years if we beat Coventry. This is the same amount of domestic cup finals we have reached across all managers since Ferguson's retirement.
Its also worth noting that in 2024 ETH has a 75% win rate, having W9 / D1 / L2.
So I guess the question is, whether you like him or not, is the speculation about ETH justified?
1.) 21 Mar 2024 12:51:26
We have lost 20 league matches in under 2 seasons under eth. More than any other manager since fergie.
We finished bottom of our cl group this session for 1st time.
Based on those numbers questioning him is justified as is replacing him
We are currently 6th in the league.
For every ying there is a yang.
Some want him to stay some don't there are arguments for both.
People in the know will make the decision either way I'll support that decision. I know what i'd prefer.
2.) 21 Mar 2024 12:56:30
I saw the same thing Kurtis, and he had a very similar record at Ajax.
I nearly posted it yesterday before thinking it gives the doomsayers the opportunity to tell us that ETH is a cup manager.
I think the speculation is very unjust and the conversation has been done to death on here.
3.) 21 Mar 2024 13:05:35
Ron Atkinson won 2 fa cups and lost a league cup final in 3 seasons. It was largely recognised that he was not the man to bring the club forward. He was replaced by fergie. Good call that.
4.) 21 Mar 2024 13:17:53
The key there tumble is IN THREE SEASONS.
5.) 21 Mar 2024 13:28:38
No DB the key is he was fired despite doing well in domestic cups. That's not the benchmark.
6.) 21 Mar 2024 13:35:03
I think the primary driver for INEOS is to have a manager in place who is primarily a coach who can get the best out of all his players and happily know his place in the hierarchy - ie big decisions being left to the Sporting Director and getting the most out of the players that have, driven by data and analysis of how they fit into the long term plan and culture, been given to him.
Is ETH prepared to accept this new role - and does he have the personality to carry it out?
7.) 21 Mar 2024 15:45:25
Wallace I don't see eth's time here as a total failure at all. There has been lots of good things imo.
But I don't see it even getting a whole lot better and I don't think he has what it takes to close the gap on our rivals no matter what the structure.
There are stats that are good but others that are damning so we can only base our opinions on our own gut feeling and we all need to realise our opinions are based on little or no intimate knowledge of the situation so there is no right or wrong.
Perhaps all the players really like working under him and maybe they are all really happy and can see great progress in training that some of us don't see on the pitch yet. Perhaps sjr and team really see a great future with eth at the helm and can see foundations he is laying down. They are based place to judge
Maybe eth is delighted with a new structure above him and less input into transfers and strategy but he might also find that a bridge too far.
I think everybody on here wanted a new structure with subject matter experts in key roles. Now that they are close to being in place everybody wants to tell them how to do their jobs. Who to sell who to sack who to buy who to keep.
I think we all need to trust in the judgement of the new team and give it a year or 2 to see if the decisions they make this summer can see us showing consistent improvement. If we are showing that then we will be in the right track. If not they will need to pivot.
We have the DOF we wanted a new ceo a new team around the DOF.
I'll be giving a chance for them to do their job and seeing how it goes.
We have what nearly everyone wanted
But it turns out it's not what people wanted at all because they only want what they want.
8.) 21 Mar 2024 16:47:53
That’s really big of you Ken, prepared to give them a chance. Will mean a lot to them.
9.) 21 Mar 2024 17:17:54
I'm glad you recognise that ports I think it's important to let them have time to implement their ideas before pushing judgement as a customer, after all they are the experts.
10.) 21 Mar 2024 19:27:33
I look forward to hearing how your first performance review goes with them!
11.) 21 Mar 2024 21:42:03
That will be confidential.
12.) 21 Mar 2024 21:47:18
I think his performances in cups shows he is capable of setting up a team to win every match. But approach to cup games is different to league games. SAF had the same approach to any game. Saw an old clip yesterday recirculating where Neville interviews SAF and he talks about being a goal down and getting players in the box to score and risk being countered but the risk is worth the reward.
ETH showed on Sunday he is prepared to throw players on to get back in the game but you have to in a cup or you’re out. In the league it’s to easy to “not lose” first. Be braver, go for wins. You’d be best winning 3 out of 5 then winning 1, drawing 4.
13.) 21 Mar 2024 23:29:42
Shrewd observation Ports.
But ironically, I think we’ve seen what happens now we’ve ditched the double pivot of McFred under OGS. Far too open, far too easily cut through and we concede for fun.
Think ETH has got a little confused this year on what we are supposed to be.
14.) 22 Mar 2024 05:53:49
Think the midfield issue is caused by the back four, imo I think he wants a defence to be capable of playing ten / fifteen yards higher up the pitch which closes that midfield space straight away! Unfortunately he can’t with Evans Maguire lindelof etc as they’ll be exposed! He looks like he’s caught in the middle of it at the minute!
15.) 22 Mar 2024 10:39:33
Eth has achieved what he has achieved with the worst assembled squad in most of our living histories.
Give him another season, if we are tracking in the right direction after Christmas, give him an extension. Eth is not the problem, it has been the squad, backroom staff etc etc etc.
In short, it isn't the manager. Both Klopp and pep would have struggled with our squad over the last few years.
Done to death, move on.
16.) 22 Mar 2024 11:53:36
Speed of CBs, afraid to get caught.
When midfield push up, cbs too often than not don't push up with them. Leaves a lot of space in the middle.
You can see what ETH wants them to do, we just don't have the players to do it. You can see that, when martinez is there, it makes a massive difference.
And then, when there's that much space in behind, Casemiro looks worse than he actually is.
ETH is a good coach, but square pegs in round holes never work.
17.) 22 Mar 2024 13:16:55
A valid point Angel, but on square pegs, it didn't hurt the Dutch 1970s team including Cruyff, who played. well, pretty much wherever he wanted by all accounts in a loose, more fluid 4-3-3 where the entire team were able to move around and fill the holes accordingly. Probably just great players all round although the midfield was constructed of three key players with specific roles - a tackler (Wim Jansen), runner (Johan Neeskens) and a passer (Willem van Hanegem) . Pep's Barcelona were similar.
18.) 22 Mar 2024 14:11:56
Spenno, when you have the players, as you said above, you can then be more flexible. We do not have the personnel at the club to do what ETH wants.
However, give him the right amount of time and the correct resource, we will be able to.
19.) 22 Mar 2024 15:48:10
You're right Angel, I jest. The thought of telling 3/ 4 of our squad to go out and play where they wanted fills me with terror.
20.) 22 Mar 2024 20:05:28
Same here mate ?.
20 Mar 2024 10:50:14
There has been lots of conversations about whether ETH needs to be replaced in the summer, and whilst my opinion is he shouldn’t, I thought I would take some time to discuss a manager who I think could be a good candidate and may be very overlooked. Funnily enough, we are going to face his Coventry side in the FA cup semi-final.
Being from Coventry, its hard to not see and admire the Mark Robins effect. For those who aren’t aware, Coventry have been a club with more off-field drama than Manchester United. Over the last ten years, Coventry City has navigated a series of off-field issues, including financial struggles, relegations, points deductions, ownership disputes, and challenges related to their home ground. A notable issue has been the ongoing dispute over the previous Ricoh Arena, leading to ground-sharing arrangements, first with Northampton and later with Birmingham City. These situations have impacted the club's finances and relationships with fans.
Since 2017, Coventry City has experienced a remarkable ascent from League Two to the Championship. In the 2017-18 season, they secured promotion from League Two via the playoffs. The following season (2018-19), they stabilised in League One, finishing 8th. Their momentum continued into the 2019-20 season, winning League One and earning promotion to the Championship, where they have been competing since. Last year Coventry reached the play-off final, narrowly losing to Luton. This year they are back in the race for a play off place and have reached the FA cup semi-final, all with the second lowest wage budget in the league.
All of this, has been achieved with Mark Robins at the helm. He has proven himself as a skilled and adaptable manager capable of overcoming various challenges. Coventry will have been to Wembley four times since 2017. His tenure at Coventry, marked by a long-standing managerial partnership with Adi Viveash, showcases not only his tactical acumen but also his dedication to long-term development and he forges strong connections between the club, its players, and the fans. Coventry always lose key players, but almost always bounce back with their replacements playing fluid and attacking football as seen against Wolves. Whatever the situation, Mark Robins still manages to achieve success.
Given his Manchester United background, understanding of the club's ethos as an ex-player, and demonstrated managerial prowess at Coventry amidst ownership struggles and logistical challenges, Mark Robins for me presents an intriguing option for a managerial role at a larger club for a managerial role at a larger club, with the potential to bring a blend of tactical knowledge, resilience, and club identity understanding that could resonate well with Manchester United's aspirations and values. Its a wonder why he hasn't been approached by Premier League clubs already.
1.) 20 Mar 2024 11:30:49
Interesting post and candidate Kurtis. I personally feel ETH should be given another season with the new management change coming. I know some disagree and Ed is convinced ETH will be replaced at the end of this season. The worrying thing for me is Southgate being considered, allegedly.
2.) 20 Mar 2024 12:44:03
I quite like De Zerbi. I think he may get a top job soon enough.
3.) 20 Mar 2024 13:54:54
Good post kurtis. indeed Robbins has done an amazing job at Coventry.
His next move if he makes one will be crucial. There are a lot of prem clubs that could do a lot worse.
Probably the best young English manager outside of howe who had a very similar rise through the league often under difficult circumstances.
It would be a big risk for united to take a chance on him but he is possibly one to watch for the future. I'd love to see him get Coventry up it would be a real fairy tale story.
4.) 20 Mar 2024 13:58:07
I like de Zerbi but not overly convinced a top team would take him. For every incredible result and top performance they put in, a stinker is just round the corner with some pretty awful results this season. Probably the result of Brighton playing in Europe and the lack of depth, as often happens when clubs have a blinding season then find themselves in with the big boys. Maybe I'm completely wrong on him though.
5.) 20 Mar 2024 14:07:59
I think eth should be given time and backed properly with a summer window. He was never given a Ferrari to start with and takes time to build a great team. We have seen glimpses of what he can do but injuries and player related issues have made his job very difficult this year. The fact that they are talking about everything but nothing on backing him publicly is not a good sign.
Unfortunately, its Southgate the more I think about it given his relationship with the new ownership and DOF and also being available contract wise.
6.) 20 Mar 2024 16:11:02
Southgate? Lol. West Ham maybe.
7.) 20 Mar 2024 17:57:18
Robins has a lot of qualities, been watching him for a while, sensible when talking, smart tactically. If he doesn’t get Coventry up, somewhere who stayed up in the Prem could or should consider him.
For our job, if ETH goes, I would still like Simeone to be considered.
8.) 20 Mar 2024 18:56:32
Redman
The likes of Simeone and Zidane would never take a united job if they don't have a major say in who comes in and who goes. Simeone at Athletico it is his way or the highway and he would never come, no chance.
They are too established to be playing second and why do it at this point in their careers. These are guys who will dictate terms if you want to get them and not the other way round especially given the managerial vacancies coming up.
9.) 21 Mar 2024 12:37:17
Simeone has to be up there with some of the worst shouts. His sides play mind numbing football I would rather take Mourinho back.
13 Dec 2023 22:33:54
Interesting quote on Sly Sports News earlier quoting Einstein regarding ETH and the managers post Fergie era.
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results"
8 managers in the time since Fergie left. I think we need to allow a bad season under ETH and give him a chance under a solid structure. We can then judge his capabilities. The only constant in our downfall has been the same players. As much as we talk about his signings, the spine of the team remains unchanged.
1.) 14 Dec 2023 08:15:55
For me eth has shown he has very little idea how to get a tune out of this lot and the money he has spent and the return he has for that is frankly firing material anywhere else on earth. the squad is awful true but the reasoning that if we keep eth and allow him a new squad (billions? ) he could win the league is like planning your retirement on winning the lottery. Having said that sjr won’t be spending 1.25 billion without knowing who his manager is going to be and probably signed in principle.
2.) 14 Dec 2023 09:23:05
What a load of rubbish one third, he got a great tune last year! Again so many of us are so blinkered, there’s huge mitigating circumstances we’re currently dealing with if you don’t want to see that it’s fine but don’t take rubbish!
The squad isn’t awful it’s decimated and he’s now relying on Jose and ole players predominantly bar a couple of his own!
18 months in and some are throwing him to the wolves.
3.) 14 Dec 2023 09:51:37
Chris
Page is toxic Atm and no point. Same characters who used to have a go at Fergie not being good enough anymore.
We are limping into Anfield and did not realize we have scored once in the last 8 years going there.
However, It will be eth fault though afterwards no matter what, given the current noise. Its on him to get a reserve team to beat Liverpool or else he is a terrible coach, tactics wrong, selection wrong.
Only if he got those things right Liverpool will lay down and be clueless and we will win. its all on eth.
Its eth fault our front 3 looked like 3 kids playing against men vs Bayern. Not a single shot registered by any of them. Not having a go at the front 3 but the narrative and the noise.
4.) 14 Dec 2023 10:29:20
I for one am not expecting to beat Liverpool. To do so would need a miracle, albeit not entirely impossible.
All I want is for the team to show some real heart, win, lose or draw
Can’t ask for anything more than that.
5.) 14 Dec 2023 11:39:07
People forget Klopp finished 8th and 4th for the two following years and weren't realistically challenging until his fourth year.
Arteta finished 8th in his first two seasons and then 5th and are again now only challenging after his fourth year.
ETH had a good first year and now just because the going gets tough the usual fickle fans are calling for his head? The same fans expect things here and now and clearly have no understanding of transition periods, or football for that matter.
6.) 14 Dec 2023 12:07:41
My major complaint with Ten Hag is that we concede the same type of goal every week, we are always battered through the middle of the park. Been the same in nearly every single game this season.
I have sympathy for the injuries, but you watch Newcastle and Spurs who have had similar luck. Whilst the results have been up and down, you could see what systems they are playing. With us, no one has a clue.
Ultimately it is a squad game, and the whole squad should be playing the same way. We don't have that here. We have lost more games than we have played, that in itself is inexcusable given we are in December.
7.) 14 Dec 2023 14:49:53
Sorry Chris and Ahmed I honestly can’t tell if you’re agreeing with me or not? Still you’re entitled to your opinion.
8.) 14 Dec 2023 15:28:14
Ten hag is trying to play a very aggressive formation, which it feels like we don't have the right players for. It has resulted at times with us getting caught with big open spaces in midfield, especially when we fail to look after the ball.
If you look at city, they play similarly, with rodri in a single pivot and 2 hard working 10s ahead of him.
On one hand he is trying to play his way. And expose the players who are not good enough to play his system. The alternative is to play a double pivot. Which would be more secure, but is moving away from the system he is trying to implement.
I would like to see mctominay replaced with a better ball player. Eriksen is a big loss for ball retention through our midfield. He was knitting back to front last year. We have missed Eriksen, martinez, shaw, cassemiro, varane (injury and fallout) have all been out of this team and it is a huge impact on how EtH wants to play.
9.) 14 Dec 2023 15:51:32
Losing more games than we've played! That's some going Caolan, i didn't realise it was so bad, lol.
What he did last season means he deserves some time in my opinion. If we get to the end of the season, haven't made it into the champions league or shown any improvement in performance when players are back from injury then that's the time to look at it again. Until then let's get behind him!
10.) 14 Dec 2023 17:16:07
No Newcastle and spurs are not going through the same crisis don’t believe the media spin, far from it! Spurs lost 4/ 5 because they lost their centre half and number 10! We’ve got about13/ 14 unavailable players, some have become terrible overnight because according to some on here they’re not starters!
18 months in come on!
Let’s get behind him!
The klopp arteta comparisons are again wide of the mark because guess what, they finished in those positions without the injury crisis, off field antics of players etc etc!
11.) 14 Dec 2023 18:05:45
The problem facing ETH is that a new DoF with proper control will want and rightly should want a manager who fits with his vision and philosophy.
I don't particularly want Ten Hag gone, what I do want is a football club run properly from the top down and if we do get our new CEO and DoF then they eighty need to put the best people in place at all levels.
In many ways I think ETH is a goner for this reason alone. If the right person is running a club and he is getting his number one target as manager who perfectly fits his ideas then its the right thing too do.
12.) 14 Dec 2023 20:28:38
Agree with that oakbark. And EtH is trying to change man utd DNA quite a bit. That is why we are having the growing pains I think. Maybe a new DOF is happy with him, but j agree that we need to be reviewed and aligned from top to bottom. Jnvludibg the way the youth teams play.
13.) 14 Dec 2023 20:29:47
Injuries have had a massive impact on our season
We have not been able to play our strongest line up once this season
You can’t be successful chopping and changing constantly.
Plus as seen with previous managers certain players that are still in this team don’t perform on a consistent basis
Untill these players are gone any manager will fail some of these players are not to the standard of where we want to be
We have to stick by ten hag get rid of these players, these bluffers that time and time again have not performed
Why do we keep sacking managers but the same players are getting new contracts
Hope Jim and ineos come in and set a proper footballing structure but if the glazers are still having final say then this will fail..
How on earth we still have players in the club that played under Jose is a joke
Arteta has 2 players in that arsenal squad from when he took over and look what happens when you stick by the manager and not th e players
Give ten hag the time and the structure.
We massively overachieved last season, give him time
We have been though a lot worse the past 10 years than to sack another manager again.
08 Dec 2023 16:21:26
November Manager of the Month: Erik Ten Hag
November Player of the Month: Harry Maguire
November Goal of the Month: Alejandro Garnacho
Crazy to think so many people have us down and out and have been questioning ETH give the off field issues and injury problems.
3 points off Man City and we are still the most talked about team in the league. Sly Sports News did a piece debating whether the Chelsea game was ETHs most important game of his tenure. The journalism is really embarrassing. When will they stop talking about is like we are Chelsea?
1.) 08 Dec 2023 17:30:06
Let's ne fair, we have been erratic. However, I think that's less to do with the Manager or player quality, and more to do with culture and approach. A few bad apples can upset everyone, they need sorting quickly.
2.) 08 Dec 2023 18:55:52
Clearly we can't have that. Need to fire Ten Hag and sell Maguire and Garnacho asap. Oh, and while we're at it Mctom too. He's scoring way too often.
I think one can see the ingredients of a decent team. Even Antony has stepped up. All we need is Hojlund to start knocking a few in. which is why Mctom has to go because he's poaching all Hojlund's chances. ?.
3.) 09 Dec 2023 06:01:31
I'm getting more and more amazed by McTom in the final third. He really does have a very high class instinct when balls are crossed into the box.
Even if he doesn't remain a starter, if he keeps scoring like that, he can always be a substitute when we are chasing the game.
That finish to lift the ball up from his right foot and volley from his weaker left foot was a very good strikers goal.
The guy might be cery bang average in other departments but the moment ball is in put into box he becomes someone else.
4.) 09 Dec 2023 06:49:06
it should be a tough game today and bit different to chelsea. chelsea came out and wanted to play and had two teams pushing forward and very open game.
Bournemouth will most likely play more defensive and possibly sit in, which will frustrate. Hope we can unlock it early to get them to come out.
It would be nice to bank 3 points and relax and watch the villa/ arsenal game later on and spurs/ Newcastle tomm and see how the top end does.
Thinking United win, draw for arsenal and win for spurs.
5.) 09 Dec 2023 11:12:50
Well, we had a great November :)
Hope it can continue. Tricky few games coming up and I do see a few defeats, but the positive signs are there.
6.) 09 Dec 2023 17:38:17
Not anymore. that was. a word not been invented yet for how bad that was. All in ten hag that, bewildering team selection set the tone and never recovered after 5 minutes. Keeper is dodgy, defence all over place, midfield non existent and a forward line that can't hit a barn door. After 400m spent.
Someone utd are 6th and can have a good season if things change, I'll be amazed if ten hag survives this. old Trafford was empty with 20 minutes left, that's not good. most I think have had enough.
7.) 09 Dec 2023 17:42:55
Interesting to see the comments after today’s massacre.
16 Oct 2021 19:12:35
You can give a man all the tools in the world, it doesn't mean he will be able to build you a house.
Unfortunately the same can now be said about Ole. Strengthened areas that needed it and we look a worse team than we did last year. Club legend status has worn off, he isn't the man for the job. Time to move him on before things start to get worse and we end up like Arsenal.
{Ed014's Note - ?? you’ve been the new Arsenal for years!
1.) 16 Oct 2021 19:29:53
He was never the man for the job.
2.) 16 Oct 2021 20:31:03
Ole has got the tools but not the blueprint to build the house ?.
He's still searching for it with Fred helping him out ?.
KurtisHaywood's rumour replies
16 Apr 2024 13:08:26
Ed, brilliant as always. Thanks a lot for getting this as quickly as you did!
16 Apr 2024 10:14:43
What a ridiculous post Utd Road. ETH isn't without his flaws but its easy to make him the scapegoat over a decade of issues.
Ole openly came out and said bringing Ronaldo back to the club was a mistake. We overpaid for Sancho and he is known to have disciplinary problems, he's hardly set the Bundesliga alight since his loan. ETH actively tried to move Maguire and Van de Beek on in the summer, is it his fault there was no interest because we have amateurs negotiating.
A lot of keyboard football experts here with absolutely no substance to contribute.
12 Apr 2024 11:10:20
He has allegedly, and I use that word loosely, received an offer from a Premier League club. There are no reports to suggest this is United, nor from any credible source.
04 Apr 2024 18:40:44
Ed, if you don't mind me asking. Do you still expect ETH to be moved on in the summer?
Sly sports reported Ineos planned to keep him, but I'm not sure if that's just lazy journalism as 24 hours before they did a story on Southgate.
{Ed002's Note - I think that there is a strong chance that he will be replaced and the club options. Right now he is not the solution that the club need.}
19 Mar 2024 20:14:26
Hope those calling for ETHs get what's coming with Southgate. Bloke has no proven tactics and we will be playing boring football.
1 step forward 2 steps back.
KurtisHaywood's banter replies
22 Apr 2024 11:15:40
All the focus is on Antony because he's a Manchester United player. Had it gone the other way and a Coventry player did it, no one would have even cared or commented.
No one knows whether one of them had said something to him during the game and it was a reaction.
It's just media garbage making everything about United because they have nothing else to talk about.
17 Apr 2024 23:50:22
Neither is repeatedly sacking managers.
15 Apr 2024 11:23:11
Dalot is a keep for me. He shows passion for the badge, puts effort in and is diverse enough to cover RB and LB if needed. Its unrealistic to expect an improvement in every position over the next few windows, so I would rather keep a player that wants to play and ship off the ones that don't.
In a more stable, consistent side I think he would be a lot better.
11 Apr 2024 22:13:10
Whats your verdict? The suspense is killing me.
10 Apr 2024 21:00:24
Great post Ed and equally good points DLIB. It's refreshing to see constructive discussion regarding the style of play and tactics rather than the usual ETH bash and debate we see.
I agree Ahmad, I think ETH wants us to play high but the defence always seems to drop off. Maybe it's to compensate for a lack of pace. But it's clear to see we aren't compact between defence and the midfield which is why teams have been able to play through us so easily. There is so much space.