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16 Nov 2023 15:54:33
ED002,
What's your opinion on Jean-Clause Blanc as the potential new CEO for the club?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - I don't know him but he is a businessmen who has an excellent background in sports management. He should be fine.}
1.) 16 Nov 2023 17:04:37
Thanks ED002.
2.) 16 Nov 2023 23:00:27
Surely we can't hire him, he seems actually qualified for the role. Surely that's against company policy? ??.
3.) 17 Nov 2023 07:01:58
Agree Shappy
That and Paul Mitchell will be an improvement.
4.) 17 Nov 2023 09:59:18
Regardless of everyones preferences on the sale if Blanc and Mitchell do come in it will be the most positive move that the club has made in years.
Hopefully it will lead to a change in approach to the transfer market with a cohesive long term approach rather than short termism.
Lets hope the rumours come to fruition.
5.) 17 Nov 2023 12:41:36
The Glazers have been terrible owners, but our performances on the pitch are not about who owns the club, but how it is run.
It doesn't matter if the owners are "football" people or not, in fact its probably better if they aren't. We've seen it many times where owners want to get too involved in the day to day running of the club and that never ends well.
In my eyes a good owner wants the club to be successful on and off the pitch, but they hire the best people, with subject specific knowledge to run the club rather than get involved in every aspect. They should be enablers and not dictators. Give the club what it needs to be successful, and show authority when things aren't working, being decisive.
At Manchester United the owners have made enough funds available for us to be successful. Where the club has failed is the one of the owners wants too much say (Martial is his favourite player, and he pushed for his last contract renewal for example), and this both slows the process and means that someone who doesn't have the footballing knowledge is ultimately at times going against the advice of people who know better. The other area the club has failed is we fell into the same trap that sunk Liverpool in the early 90's. The club has become too much of a boys clubs, cronyism and people holding positions of power not based on experience and proven expertise but due to who they know. It has created a club that is too much of an echo chamber. If you want to be successful you don't surround yourself with hangers on or sycophants. You surround yourself with people who'll challenge you and question your ideas.
Not every idea you have will be a good one, in fact many will be bad. You need people around you who'll point that out, not nod and say "yes boss, great idea".
United have too many people who won't challenge things when they think something isn't right. The proof of that being the case is in the pudding. A decade of repeatedly making the same mistakes. If there was anyone of substance within the club they would challenge a decision to do something that has previously failed rather than sit by meekly and let it happen again.
There is a fine line between hiring people who you can work with and hiring people who will challenge and question things. A lot of that is based on you and your ability to be open to people questioning why a decision has been made, and being open to have a dialog when making decisions. It might ultimately be your responsibility to make a decision, but that doesn't mean others don't have valid points that you might want to consider and factor in. You want to hire confident, critical thinkers with area specific knowledge and experience.
At United we just haven't done that, off the pitch we have tended to hire people we know, regularly promoting from within, moving people up into positions they have no experience of.
I have nothing against Darren Fletcher, he's no doubt a great guy. Yet he is the best example of hiring someone for a role that for ages didn't even have a job title, and is a role that no one could quite define. While obviously Fletcher himself could have no experience or expert knowledge for a role that just didn't really exist.
I mean what was he hired for? What was he there to do? And what qualified him to be there doing that role?
I don't mind hiring ex-players for some roles at the club, but it has to be on a basis of them earning it by being the best candidate for the role. Edwin van der Sar for example went away and studied, got the qualifications needed after retiring from playing. Started off in a junior role and had to prove himself to work up at Ajax. If we were to hire him I would hope it was based on what he has done off the pitch and not because he once played for us. But at least he has done the job and proven he is capable, we tend to hire people connected with the club for roles they have never done before.
When we get told we are amateurish, this is what it is referring to. A consistent approach to bring in the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Then for some reason be surprised that it doesn't work out. So continue to do the same thing over and over again rather then question the ability of the friends we employed to make those decisions.
SJR is a self made billionaire, he has done so entirely because he doesn't surround himself with sycophants. He hires the best people and builds good, healthy working relationships with them. He wouldn't be able to be where he is today if he didn't. Everyone who knows him speaks highly of him because he's highly competent and he's personable. Able to build those good relationships and get the best out of those around him. That in itself draws the best people to him, they respect him and want to work with him.
He looks to be trying to use that same approach that has made him the success he is to our club. If he can do that then I am confident he will make a success of our club.
It all sounds promising, JCB likely to come in at CEO. A man who has held that position at Juventus and PSG and performed with distinction at both clubs. No doubt he'll shake thing up at the club and clear out those who aren't helping to progress the club. He will be a massive upgrade on Richard Arnold who proved how out of depth he was by meeting fans in the pub. It's actions like this that give credence to the rumours of his lack of professionalism. He has made a career out of being Ed Woodward's understudy. He was in no way qualified to be running the club.
While the links to Paul Mitchell also sound promising. Again hiring someone who doesn't have a connection with the club, but has proven his ability at other clubs.
These two appointments will only be the start, and what happens next will be impossible to accurately predict because until these new guys come in, assess the situation and decide what (and who) needs to change then we won't see those changes. Assessing then implementing will take months, maybe a year. While it won't be until those changes have been full implemented and refined and done over a period of time will we be able to fully see the results of that. It'll be years before we can appreciate the changes. But they are coming and they are starting now.
Finally something to truly look forward to, some real hope.
6.) 17 Nov 2023 14:37:38
We've kept replacing managers but not the execs or the players they bought.
7.) 17 Nov 2023 14:45:51
I don't know how these guys will pan out but it's been a long time since I truly felt there was anything other than blind hope that the stars aligned and it would all come good.
Getting in top level execs who are competent is a very good place to start.
8.) 17 Nov 2023 15:02:10
So you rely on journalist when it suits, like martial is Glazers favourite player and they wanted to overpay him millions only way to know that would be if they actually told you which I doubt
You know how SJR conducts business and made his millions too and what calibre of people he surrounds himself with again you’re listening to journalist, the same journalist you say talk rubbish and are lazy all the time! But you listen when it backs up your view unless he shared that information personally with you
Your making all this up as per usual and trying to pass it off as factual when in reality it’s just your view yet again and to be fair you jump on every band wagon for past 10 years and ride it out till it goes pear shape and abuse everyone else when they jump ship before you only for you to eventually jump ship and back track anyway.
9.) 17 Nov 2023 18:26:41
Rangersred, It's been said by ex-managers that Joel Glazer refused to sanction selling Martial. There are direct quotes. Could be a lie of course, but at least there is something tangible. Someone has put there name to it.
Either way someone at the club agreed to give him a new deal in 2019 after Jose wanted him gone, and Ole had come in and didn't want him either.
The point I'm making is that people are making bad decisions at the club not based on football knowledge or understanding.
I don't bother commenting on anything in the media that doesn't have a direct quote. If no one is willing to put their name and reputation on it, then its most likely b*****ks. Whenever you read "reports" or "someone close to" or "sources" then assume that its simply rubbish. It's just a way for the media to write something made up while attempting to give it some level of authority.
Even the things that are quoted you should still be sceptical and critically analyse it. Who is saying it, did they actually say it, has it been taken out of context, why are they saying it, is there an agenda or motive.
The problem is we have a tendency to lean into confirmation bias. We already have an opinion on something, so what we are looking for is proof we are right rather than gathering information to make an informed decision. We all tend to be guilt of that to varying degrees. What separates people though are the ones who acknowledge their own biases and factor that in when making decisions and forming opinions, from those who don't. The one that do tend to be the actual confident ones, the one who can accept being wrong or openly change their mind without concern of how it will make them look. The one's who ego isn't so fragile they can accepting they were wrong or misinformed.
As for who SJR surrounds himself with, no I do not know them personally. I also cannot personally vouch for their competence.
However, my point was about that how successful you are is directly correlated to who you spend time with and who is in your inner circle. That's a well known and proven fact with hundreds of articles of academic literature to support that.
if you read what I wrote with an open mind rather than with an attempt to find fault then you'd have spotted that I said:
"He wouldn't be able to be where he is today if he didn't. "
highlighting that in order for him to go from regular Joe to billionaire, that to do so he would HAVE to surround himself with the right people and hire the best. Simple you can't go from nothing to billionaire by hiring the wrong people and surrounding yourself with sycophants. It's just not possible.
So no I don't need to know these people personally or get the words right from the horses mouth. Somethings are just common sense based on the evidence before you.
I've never said what I write is anything other than my opinion. If you don't have the comprehension or intellect to read accurately what is written, rather than what you want to see or expect to. Well that's on you and there's not a lot I can do about that.
I do support managers and players when they join the club, even if I'm not personally convinced they are the right person when they join. I do that because I consider that THE fundamental aspect of being a supporter of the club. You can't be a supporter without showing support.
So I do until it gets to the point where its clear and obvious that the situation is no longer recoverable and a parting of the ways is inevitable.
I'd argue that I don't abuse anyone, I'll have a little banter, but I appreciate and respect the editors on here and anything that crosses over to being abusive will not make it through to the pages. Although I appreciate that we have some posters with a delicate disposition who can't handle people disagreeing with them, saying they are wrong, or light hearted banter. To those people I'd imagine they consider anything other than total agreement lavished with praise and compliments to be abusive towards them.
Of course not everything that makes you angry, upset, sad, feel stupid or hurt is abuse.
The abusive posters simply get banned. Their abuse doesn't get posted but their account gets blocked. Forcing them to have to create new account after new account to enable them to keep posting.
I've had the same account for more than 15 years, which tells you something. I was banned once for a week, about 10 years ago, for something I said which was called out as ignorant. On reflection it was, I apologised, learned from it, grew up and got on with my life. Which seemed the my progressive approach rather than create a new account and refuse to anything.
10.) 18 Nov 2023 19:06:25
It’s been also said my ex managers and ex players and pundits that ETH is out of his depth, but you ignoring them ones but taking note of the ones that say something you like! Normal service resumed….
11.) 18 Nov 2023 22:03:29
Ex players and ex managers who are removed from the situation and actually have no idea what is going on. Or the ones who are being paid to say things that can be clipped up and put into print?
I'd imagine if you gave your noggin a wobble it'd rattle?.
12.) 19 Nov 2023 02:48:47
Stalker alert Shappy, it’s so embarrassing.
13.) 19 Nov 2023 07:57:08
Rangersred is entitled to his opinion is he not? After all it’s a discussion forum! Bit of digression beats the same boring monopoly…….
14.) 19 Nov 2023 11:17:24
Fireman,
Opinion is fine, trolling as different usernames, getting blocked then doing the exact same thing again isn’t fine. Do you actually think all of the negative stuff and nothing positive is his opinion or the opinion of a troll just trying to get a reaction from Shappy (that he never gets)
12 Mar 2023 12:18:57
ED002,
Are Utd in Carlos Baleba?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Carlos Baleba (CM) Scouted by Arsenl and Newcastle - but I cannot see how he would be eligible for a work permit in England unless paying Lille and the player well over the odds.}
1.) 13 Mar 2023 09:26:40
I think it would take time for him to make a Baleba out of me tbh ?.
{Ed077's Note - maybe a bit of pain and you'll become one quicker?
2.) 14 Mar 2023 17:52:47
Then you saw his face WRD. Now your a beleba ?.
3.) 14 Mar 2023 20:31:25
DB,
I resisted posting something similar, but I didn't want to be accused of monkeying around.
4.) 15 Mar 2023 15:12:13
Wow, didn't realise we had so many silver surfers on here. I'm probably the youngest person who'll get that reference and I'm in my mid thirties ?.
21 Oct 2022 09:48:36
I can't help but laugh at the latest rumour today, Van Der Sar as the new DoF.
Must be a slow day today at. the office.
1.) 21 Oct 2022 12:01:51
It's coming from a source close to Ajax which kind of suggests that there is something in it.
As it makes zero sense for a source with connections at Ajax to make stuff up that could negatively impact the club as it could burn bridges.
2.) 21 Oct 2022 12:28:47
Be great if true.
3.) 21 Oct 2022 13:07:49
Salford7,
Agreed, it would be great if it was true. But I'm not sure would be to E. VdS liking. He is a CEO now.
As ED002 has already said numerous times, Utd already has a DOF.
4.) 21 Oct 2022 17:35:15
I would not be surprised to see VDS to take up a senior position at Utd, however I would be surprised if it wasn't something linked to his skillset thus far which was in marketing/ commercial director and then CEO of I remember correctly.
The football dorector side of it with that trio at Ajax was Overmars who was caught sending rudie nudies or something.
5.) 21 Oct 2022 18:00:13
We're like a dog chasing random cars. Murtagh is our Football Director, Fletcher is our Technical Director so why not muddy the waters even more with a Director Of Football even if that is what Murtagh is doing.
6.) 21 Oct 2022 20:42:06
He's done a good job at ajax and he's better than what we currently have. This could be a great move by the club. Oakbark nothing to do with him what overmars did, if someone in your workplace did that would it reflect on you?
7.) 21 Oct 2022 21:50:58
I'm neither for or against the hiring of VDS.
If he joins then I have two hopes.
Firstly that he has been hired within a clear plan for what his role will be, what powers come with that role, and how his work will be measured as either a success or a failure.
Secondly, that he is being hired based on a body of work he has achieved that direct translates to what we will be asking of him at United. Rather than my fear that he is being considered for a job because of his past connections with the club and as an attempt to appease a disgruntled fanbase.
8.) 22 Oct 2022 19:32:40
Danny at no point have I mentioned what Overmars did has anything to do with VdS just as it has nothing to do with Ten Hag or should have any bearing whatsoever on them.
However the original poster suggested VdS being DoF. My point was that he was never in a position of sporting technical or footballing director, Overmars handled that.
VDS was Mareketing director then moved to CEO. I could so no sense in bringing VDS in for a job he isn't trained, experienced or qualified to do.
9.) 23 Oct 2022 09:32:49
I've no idea if there is any substance to the rumour oakbark.
But of course he has the experience training and qualifications to do the job.
What do you think a ceo does?
Those rolls will have retorted in to him so he knows the rules intimately.
He if anything is over qualified. There are plenty of ceo's of smaller companies that move to roles beneath ceo's in much bigger companies in order to move to the ceo of bigger companies overtime.
That's natural career progression.
Think bigger picture from vds's point of view.
10.) 23 Oct 2022 11:13:45
To be honest I would not have thought VdS would be returning into a Football role anyway. I could see him appointed to another position in assisting the running of the club. This I would be more than happy with.
I posted here two years ago that I would wish for VdS Overmars and ETH to come as Ceao DOF and Manager. Obviously whatever happened with Overmars stopped that as a possibility.
VdS seems to have done an excellent job as CEO and I would be more than happy for him to come in that role or a role on that side if the buisness. I just don't think he's the man who should be running the footballing side right now and In truth I don't think United would be considering that.
11.) 23 Oct 2022 15:51:59
Never posted before, but what is it, that people on here always think someone else is better! Think we just seen that in politics it’s not always so
I have no idea if VDS could cut it in a proper league, it’s a bit different from being at Erdevisie level, maybe he could maybe he be useless, but what grounds do you base your theory even on that he would be great, it’s like picking random players out a hat (that’s al done daily on here) and saying we should buy him he is better then. XYZ…. See the latest is Toney, well maybe Ten Haag don’t want that sort of player and he would prefer a small fast moving player such as Jaeo Felix…. Picking Random names just guessing they would be better then what we have is just stupidity! Be it players/ CEO’s DOF’s or canteen staff, it’s a childish way and some need to get a life and live in real world.
12.) 26 Oct 2022 07:28:43
Mumbles, maybe they are positioning themselves to move Fletcher or Murtough?
Coupled with the rumours about Edwards, they look to be making moves. Very positive IMO as Fletch and Murtough are not up to it.
13.) 26 Oct 2022 23:54:52
Has anybody worked out what Fletch actually does yet? Mot sure he even needs replacing.
24 May 2022 11:09:22
ED002,
Are Utd still Interested in Max Aarons?
{Ed002's Note - Max Aarons (RB) Bayern Munich decided against a move as the cost was seen as too high and Roma opted for another last summer although could yet return. Relegation will see him leave this summer. A scout from Borussia Dortmund attended a match in March to watch another player and recommended the club look specifically at Aarons. Manchester United want him as cover only and that may well price him out of a move at something like £30M. Spurs have other targets after the player they opted for failed to settle. Whilst Everton and Arsenal are looking elsewhere right now, both could return to focus on Aarons. Roma may provide a wildcard option.}
1.) 24 May 2022 17:34:29
Hi ed002 or ed001, what do you think will be the better/ smarter choice for RB cover spending 30M for Max Aarons or promoting Ethan Laird from the U23s? Whilst Laird is unproven in the Premier league I also haven't watched any Norwitch games this season so I have little knowledge about both players ability. Thanks in advanced.
{Ed001's Note - Laird as at least he has a chance of becoming good enough.}
2.) 24 May 2022 19:05:53
I know Norwich fans have been really disappointed with him this year especially since Smith has taken over.
3.) 25 May 2022 02:12:50
Thanks ED002,
17 Feb 2022 14:08:55
ED002,
Are the club looking at Ramon Planes as an assistant DOF?
{Ed002's Note - No.}
1.) 17 Feb 2022 15:03:32
Thanks ED002.
2.) 18 Feb 2022 06:43:06
I heard the Glazers are looking to hire the fairly transparent Win Doh Panes as the new assistant DoF.
{Ed0666's Note - don’t give up your day job mate.
3.) 18 Feb 2022 06:43:16
I heard the Glazers are looking to hire the fairly transparent Win Doh Panes as the new assistant DoF.
4.) 18 Feb 2022 08:19:07
Heard Claudia Whether top of the agenda today.
Mad Hatter's banter posts with other poster's replies to Mad Hatter's banter posts
22 Apr 2024 20:09:48
Hopefully if EtH leaves at the end of the season, he leaves having won the FA Cup.
No fan should want any less for him.
I'm must admit I'm very frustrated like you all. I can't wait to see what happens in the summer.
This has been a season to forget.
1.) 22 Apr 2024 23:29:46
100% agree to that.
He has failed in certain aspects of his job but done well in others.
If he were to leave I don't think many would regard him as a disaster or failure.
He at worst will leave with a 3rd place at least 1 cup and 3 finals
2nd league season and both European campaigns were total flops.
But with all he has had to deal with he would and imo should be respected for his time here if not overly fondly remembered. He came into a nuthouse to be fair and I think tainted himself and has been tainted badly enough to want to start a new era with a new man at the helm.
Nice guy but too many ingredients missing to be the man imo.
19 Apr 2024 16:44:26
ED001,
Which players would you keep at Utd cine this summer?
Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - the problem is that you are unlikely to be able to unload and then replace everyone in one summer, but the ones I would look to keep are:
Martinez, Kambwala, Evans, Malacia, Dalot, Mainoo, Mount, Shoretire, Garnacho, Hojlund.
I would probably not be that bothered about some of them as well, if there is a decent replacement in the youth team or available to buy. The rest are all disposable imo.}
1.) 19 Apr 2024 17:34:23
Cheers ED001,
I think not qualifying for any European football next, may aid the club next season. There necessity to replace isn't such a requirement then
I was surprised to see Shoretire in your list. What are your thoughts on his potential?
{Ed001's Note - I took the list of first teamers from transfermarkt, so he was in there. As was Diallo but I am not convinced by him and think there is better in the academy. I think Shoretire still has a chance of making it, but he needs games in the first team to do so. It is never easy, but having these youngsters coming through the academy around the team helps. It reminds the first teamers just how much it means when they interact with these kids who are just delighted to be in contention. It also gives the kids in the academy a boost knowing that if they put in the effort they will get a chance. On top of that, the ones in the team will usually put in that little bit more effort, at least early on, to prove themselves.}
2.) 19 Apr 2024 18:00:55
No Onana ed?
{Ed001's Note - definitely not, he is dog muck. He would be the first player I would replace. His basic goalkeeping is awful, his technique is abysmal and he is not that good on the ball either. He is nowhere near good enough for a team that wants to challenge for trophies.}
3.) 19 Apr 2024 19:08:49
yeah but apart from all that I reckon he is pretty good.
4.) 19 Apr 2024 19:29:56
ED001,
Thanks for that. What do you make of Amass, I was hoping, still hoping to see him get some minutes as neither Dalot nor AWB have been suitable at lb this season.
Understandably, Amass is only 17, so perhaps a tad bit young just yet given how poor the team have been. Yet, Mainoo has shown how good he is despite that. I think that says more about his attitude aswell.
{Ed001's Note - I like the look of Amass, he will no doubt get some minutes if you have a dead rubber game at the end of the season. Personally I would have given him a chance before now, just to see if he can hack it.}
5.) 19 Apr 2024 20:32:52
ED0001 MY GUYYY!
I said this since day one that Onana is so poort its a joke that we even bought him.
{Ed001's Note - I really do wonder about the scouts that don't notice his basic technique is so bad.}
6.) 20 Apr 2024 00:07:03
In personally don’t hold with this not being in Europe will aid us argument. For a start it means we will not be able to attract the players we need to form the spine of a developing team
We need to replace these players to ensure that if we do get into Europe then we are able to compete. Otherwise we turn up in Europe in 2026 with ageing and unsuitable players and round we go again.
Do I think we will get to Europe? Not at all, but to think it will help us is possibly off the mark. And personally I don’t think ETH is the man to do it either. Far too tactically limited for such a demanding competition.
7.) 20 Apr 2024 09:32:43
Ed001, we have signed other players with shocking technique: Fred, Maguire, especially Wan-Bissaka. Now Onana.
It is surely unusual for a club to sign so many players with poor footballing technique. Are the scouts also not good enough? I know a few left a year or two back but have they bee. Replaced effectively?
{Ed001's Note - I believe you are rehashing the scouting network.}
8.) 20 Apr 2024 11:12:01
Well, I’ll do my best Ed.
{Ed001's Note - I heard you were doing a good job.}
9.) 20 Apr 2024 11:55:17
Ed notice your not keeping Bruno or Rashford but also notice your list is mainly u24s, is that because you'd look to clear the decks and start again or due to a specific issue with those players?
I personally think they are both struggling in a system the team is not confident in and there's is some confusion over what they are being asked of and that's the whole team not just the 2 mentioned.
{Ed001's Note - because I would clear the decks and start again. It is a case of letting players go that would bring back money to rebuild.}
10.) 20 Apr 2024 12:47:55
Who would you have as the manager Ed? I know you're a big fan of Southgate and are hoping he'll replace Klopp.
Seems to be a shortage of top managers out there at the minute. All are a bit of a gamble.
{Ed001's Note - for United? I think you are right, Southgate would be ideal. It would mean whenever I watch United play my insomnia would not be a problem....
Seriously though, I think someone like Slot looks about the best bet. Maybe Amorim, if he isn't going elsewhere. There aren't really a lot of good options about, which is the worrying thing for the sport in general. There just don't seem to be any standouts right now. McKenna would surely have to be considered, though I have not seen anything of Ipswich to really judge the way he plays.}
11.) 20 Apr 2024 12:58:47
I don’t think Onana is being seen as a flop or disaster personally. Played for Inter, forced Pep to change tactics because of what he added.
Awful start for sure, but so did so many Utd GKs I can remember inc Schmeichel, DdG, Bartez.
12.) 21 Apr 2024 11:25:41
Thank you, Ed001! I know Onana has made a few good saves recently (although I can't remember any that any decent keeper shouldn't be making) but I've always maintained the basics just aren't there. Even the saves he does make are usually parried right back into the danger zone.
{Ed001's Note - I can't understand how he has made it at the top level personally. But then somehow Pickford has managed to become an England international, so the world has gone mad.}
17 Apr 2024 20:27:54
What would posters like to see in the remaining games this season;
1. Give Youth a chance and blood a few more youngsters regardless of where Utd finish in the league.
2. Aim to finish as high as possible in the league.
Personally I'd go for option 1. Seeing a few more youngsters play this season would feel far more fulfilling than than watching the current cack. I'd certainly respect EtH more for doing that. I do understand that it isn't always easy to just a throw a Youth player in, but I feel like it is the perfect time to try this. Utd have nothing to lose now. (With the Exception of the FA Cup) .
1.) 17 Apr 2024 21:46:19
Option 2 for me. Blooding youth is not just throwing them in. Play too many and they get a thumping and it could impact them mentally, while you might see sections of the fanbase start to write them off.
We need a pretty substantial rebuild this summer, and that cost money. We need to finish as high as possible to make sure we are in the best position both financially, but also to make us as attractive a club to sign for/ work with as possible.
Imagine we give a loads of youth game time and they had a few bad results 4 or 5 nil thumpings. A few of them who aren't emotionally mature enough take a massive hit to their confidence and never recover from it.
We finish 11th or 12th, which restricts us financially, we struggle to get our first or even second choice signings who go to teams playing in Europe. We sack EtH obviously, only to find none of the best young managers want to manage us and we get stuck with Southgate as the only option.
2.) 17 Apr 2024 21:47:14
Option 2 or a hybrid.
Willy I think should play as varane is leaving.
Unless there is another standout who deserves a chance.
3.) 17 Apr 2024 22:02:13
Id like us to try something different…whether that be tactically or personnel wise. Doing the same thing week by week isn’t getting us anywhere.
4.) 17 Apr 2024 23:50:22
Neither is repeatedly sacking managers.
5.) 18 Apr 2024 06:30:30
If the manager isn't going to be here next year, where is the motivation for him to blood youth. He will play the best team he can, try to finish as high up the table as and possibly win the FA Cup.
Then if he does go, he can look back on his time at United and say he won 2 trophies in 2 years which puts him up there with The Doc (probably ahead as one of those was the old 2nd division) and only behind Big Ron, The Special One, Mangnall, Busby and Fergie in our most successful managers.
6.) 18 Apr 2024 07:38:02
Indeed Kurtis. As 80% that voted suggested the same by voting to give the manager more time. (219 v 54)
7.) 18 Apr 2024 09:11:56
Seeing as the manager has still said CL isn't gone (and mathematically it isn't), or at least Europa, it has to be option 2.
8.) 18 Apr 2024 10:36:11
Why would he go for option 1?
His job is on the line and he needs a strong finish to the season.
He is obviously going to go with his strongest / best 11.
We can still qualify for europe and win the FA Cup last time i heard.
9.) 18 Apr 2024 11:56:02
ETH has been in survival mode for the majority of the season. For him it’s about trying to save his job, which invariably results in bad football and the manager getting the sack. I suspect it’s locked in at this stage that he’s gone, but I wouldn’t expect any real change in team selection.
10.) 18 Apr 2024 12:58:59
Fizz, correct. It is the violent minority that makes the most noise.
11.) 18 Apr 2024 13:41:52
2nd option.
12.) 18 Apr 2024 13:50:19
Violent minority? I for one don't condone any sort of violence so I'm not in that bucket wazza.
13.) 18 Apr 2024 13:53:11
A very considerable majority think he will be replaced.
14.) 18 Apr 2024 15:05:22
Well after tonight’s results, I’d imagine 5th place no longer offers Champions League so invest heavily on FA Cup and be brave with league line ups, Wheatley and Amass for example.
15.) 18 Apr 2024 15:47:35
I really don't think he will be replaced personally.
There's no funds to pay him off, then to buy out his replacement.
There's no time, in the case of a few of the mooted replacements, to wait until after the Euros before they have their holiday, then miss out on a whole pre-season.
I don't think cost and time should mean he keeps his job, but he knows who he wants, who he wants to get rid of, and still has this master plan that he hasn't been able to implement this season for several massive reasons.
Not defending him - I think the style has been appalling, and there has been scant evidence of the process he constantly references. But being realistic.
16.) 18 Apr 2024 18:42:59
Either way he will be damned if the team doesn't perform. Personally was hoping that the regulars would have sorted themselves out and played with pride and real effort because the talent is there as they have showed in too infrequent glimpses.
If ETH thinks some of the youngsters are ready then why not put one or two more in to see how they cope. Actually playing in a cup semi final might work brilliantly for them or they could be overwhelmed by the occasion. The coaching staff are the only ones who can probably tell with any reasonable degree of accuracy who has the character and nerve to prosper.
17 Apr 2024 11:36:09
I read about a stat showing that tLuke Shaw has missed 253 games through injury, since he has been at the club.
It wouldn't be surprising if this was actually true.
Regardless of the accuracy of this star, another lb is a must for Utd for next season.
1.) 17 Apr 2024 13:24:22
For club and country since arriving at OT, according to that markt thingy, it's 256 so far.
Taking the leg break season out (64 games), he averages 19.2 games missed per season throughout his career so far.
If you then take last season out (by far his luckiest with only 3 games missed), he averages 21 games missed per season.
While I've always been a big fan of him, I think the above context should support any suggestion of buying another LB.
2.) 17 Apr 2024 16:55:56
Ok. that's an entirely new back 4 required now.
3.) 17 Apr 2024 18:25:13
He has flattered to deceive imo.
Never fulfilled his potential due to attitude and injuries mainly I'd suggest.
Very good at his best but can't be relied upon.
I hope he makes the euros as the lb options are pretty slim for England.
Good youth coming through we got from Watford if he fulfilled is penthouse then we have a really good player in our hands coming through.
4.) 17 Apr 2024 18:54:53
Fulfills his potential#.
5.) 17 Apr 2024 20:44:33
Like Luke Shaw, unlucky with his injury but I also believe he’s been his own worst enemy with his attitude and approach to football at times. A full flowing Luke Shaw is one of the best in Europe but unfortunately it comes down to that word consistency and probably a better professional approach.
6.) 17 Apr 2024 20:54:32
When he has been fully fit he has been really good and he works v well with Rashford. Been a big loss this season.
7.) 17 Apr 2024 21:13:38
Half of the squad have missed games when they have been playing!
8.) 17 Apr 2024 21:52:19
It’s a bit misleading as he had a horrific injury in the beginning.
Hopefully this season is a one, he’s an excellent player but would love to see Theo Fernandez level LB come in and Shaw cove LB and LCB.
03 Feb 2024 14:28:08
I wonder if Mainoo will get an England call up soon?
If he continues to play like he is, you would think he would make the Euros this summer.
1.) 03 Feb 2024 14:55:59
I suspect he will if he carries on with the form he is showing.
Mind you, would prefer he has a good break this summer, let's not go putting too much on him too soon.
Look how city managed foden, that was done very well.
2.) 03 Feb 2024 15:16:50
Same here hope they leave him alone and the boy gets a good summer break. special player.
3.) 03 Feb 2024 15:45:11
I can see rice mainoo Bellingham being England midfield for next 10 years and imo that will start in the summer.
4.) 03 Feb 2024 15:56:21
I do hope that they give him the summer off. Hiwever with Ghana potentially approaching the player about switching nationality, it may promote Southgate to pick him. Although his love child Philips is now getting game time at West Ham.
5.) 03 Feb 2024 16:44:18
I can too Ken, and if they all reach their potential it'll probably be the best midfield in international football.
Never been a better chance for England to actually win something at international level then what they will have over the next 5-8 years.
With players like Bellingham, Rice and Mainoo in midfield, with Foden and Saka creating chances in attack.
Still probably need a good striker to take over from Kane in a few years time. Goalkeepers seems weird, collectively a decent bunch of keepers and some depth, but none really standout as outstanding. Defence could be where it falls down, some talented young players in Colwill, Guehi, and Branthwaite who could step up to take over from Stones. Yet many promising young defenders never reach their potential, its a position that relies a lot on experience and depending on who they play for and how they develop its hard to rely on them reaching that potential. Also can they find a combination that works?
Maguire isn't a great player, but he works well for England alongside Stones.
Fullback is a weird one as well, who'll take over from Shaw/ Chilwell at LB as I'm not seeing many outstanding young candidates. RB is a weird one, James is probably one of the best RB's in the world, but just can't stay fit, TAA should be part of the England set up but just doesn't get picked (That might change when Southgate steps aside) . Walker and Trippier are probably going to their last tournament this summer. While Rico Lewis at City and Tino Livramento at Newcastle both look like interesting young players who could step up.
In defence is where you'll see a lot of change for England over the next few years, Stones, Maguire, Dunk, Walker, Trippier and Shaw will all likely need phasing out. How that next crop coming through develop will likely play a big role in England's chances of winning something.
6.) 03 Feb 2024 19:56:39
England lack someone in midfield who is comfortable on the ball and can dictate the game, especially if Bellingham takes up a more advance role as he is with madrid.
So would not be surprised if Mainoo is called up, seems to have a good head on his shoulders like Saka who Southgate also trusted at a young age.
7.) 03 Feb 2024 20:10:18
No way Southgate puts him ahead of Phillips, but I fully agree with the comments about a Rice / Mainoo / Bellingham midfield 3. That’s a real force on paper, and looks a lot more balanced than the last time England had 3 incredible centre mids with Scholes, Lampard and Gerrard.
8.) 03 Feb 2024 20:11:15
The kid has just broken through, he isn't getting called up, give it a rest. Yes Ghana want him, but I am sure he is getting advice from friends, family, and the club. He is a young boy, there is no rush.
9.) 03 Feb 2024 20:20:38
Every tournament there’s normally a ‘wildcard’ that gets taken. No surprise to see him in there. I agree that with Rice, Bellingham, and Mainoo……. wow, that’s some midfield!
10.) 04 Feb 2024 08:34:35
After watching motd last night if Southgate had anything about him he’d be looking at Barkley ahead of Phillips and Henderson! Playing well! Not that I think he’ll start but should be in squad on merit ahead of those two!
11.) 04 Feb 2024 11:52:44
Woah, a winner against Wolves and he's the mainstay in the England team for the next decade! At ease, let's let him continue to grow into our new-look team first before he goes into that circus.
12.) 05 Feb 2024 05:45:50
Nothing wrong with bigging our players up instead of knocking them down for a change.
24 Apr 2024 08:06:11
Thanks ED002,
Any manager interested in becoming the next Utd manager needs to understand the enormity of the task in hand.
It certainly won't be for the weak minded.
In regards to Tuchel haven't players found it hard working under him, which hasn't made his job easy?
23 Apr 2024 10:15:48
Eric79 and Grim,
Now INEOS are in charge i'd imagine that they would give Potteror whomever will be in charge the time required to turn things around.
Given SJRs interview after the London marathon, he called for patience. He will be thinking long term and not short term.
22 Apr 2024 20:06:11
Thanks ED002,
Any manager interested in becoming the next Utd manager needs to understand the enormity of the task in hand.
It certainly won't be for the weak minded.
In regards to Tuchel haven't players found it hard working under him, which hasn't made his job easy?
{Ed002's Note - Yes to some extent. Like ten Hag.}
22 Apr 2024 16:58:10
ED002,
Who would your pick be out of those two?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Tuchel has a lot more experience so probably him.}
19 Apr 2024 09:35:29
Salford7,
I agree with you. Furthermore it would enable the club to cut down the squad as there wouldn't be the need to such a large playing squad either.
Additionally we might have better luck with injuries aswell.
21 Apr 2024 11:39:38
Had this not been a semi final game, I would have given Amass a go at lb.
19 Apr 2024 19:29:56
ED001,
Thanks for that. What do you make of Amass, I was hoping, still hoping to see him get some minutes as neither Dalot nor AWB have been suitable at lb this season.
Understandably, Amass is only 17, so perhaps a tad bit young just yet given how poor the team have been. Yet, Mainoo has shown how good he is despite that. I think that says more about his attitude aswell.
{Ed001's Note - I like the look of Amass, he will no doubt get some minutes if you have a dead rubber game at the end of the season. Personally I would have given him a chance before now, just to see if he can hack it.}
19 Apr 2024 17:34:23
Cheers ED001,
I think not qualifying for any European football next, may aid the club next season. There necessity to replace isn't such a requirement then
I was surprised to see Shoretire in your list. What are your thoughts on his potential?
{Ed001's Note - I took the list of first teamers from transfermarkt, so he was in there. As was Diallo but I am not convinced by him and think there is better in the academy. I think Shoretire still has a chance of making it, but he needs games in the first team to do so. It is never easy, but having these youngsters coming through the academy around the team helps. It reminds the first teamers just how much it means when they interact with these kids who are just delighted to be in contention. It also gives the kids in the academy a boost knowing that if they put in the effort they will get a chance. On top of that, the ones in the team will usually put in that little bit more effort, at least early on, to prove themselves.}
17 Apr 2024 09:55:54
I really liked Sabitzer. I had hoped that the club would have signed him last summer.
15 Apr 2024 16:27:57
MancMan,
Shaw has always been injury prone. Last season was his most consistent season as he managed to stay fit.
If the club got a good offer for him in the summer, I'd sell him.