29 Aug 2020 19:57:35
According to Oriol Domenech (Barcelona's reporter), Barcelona does not have interest for VDB right now, so I guess the only team that he is talking right now is Manchester United. It will be a good move, but midfield is overcrowded. Any rumors for selling someone?


1.) 29 Aug 2020
29 Aug 2020 20:40:12
VDB would be an immense signing.

Not sure he is being eyed as an alternative to Grealish or a Pogba replacement.
But he is an excellent technical player.


2.) 29 Aug 2020
29 Aug 2020 20:42:32
According to the protocol already established, we won't be signing anyone and he's off to Barca. That reporter clearly has no inside knowledge into the runnings of Barcelona. Not discrediting what you posted. Only going along with the flow.


3.) 29 Aug 2020
29 Aug 2020 21:11:46
I don't think anyone has moved for him currently. I think Ajax are trying to flush out a buyer.

Currently only us and Barcelona have any kind of interest. But for both us and Barcelona we have other issues we need to sort first. Meaning both would likely make a late move for DvdB. That won't suit Ajax or DvdB, so why not try and move things along quicker.

The two things that have happened today is supposedly Marc Overmars (Ajax DoF) has said that he is moving. An unusual move from a DoF.

While the manager has said he isn't playing a player who is planning to leave in a pre-season friendly. A game that Ajax have no need to play him in, and would get little to no Beni playing him in.


4.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 03:15:40
4-4-2 diamond midfield?


5.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 06:09:14
I guess its just creating pressure on Villa for Grealish for any sort of Bargain.


6.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 07:10:49
DSG, you need attacking fullbacks on either side to provide width high up the pitch in order to play a midfield diamond. Something we really don’t have.

I see Pogba sitting deep with Bruno and vdB more advanced in games where we are expected to dominate the ball, whilst only two out of the three of them would play in the more challenging fixtures, allowing for an element of rest and rotation.


7.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 09:16:57
Can you imagine actually having a midfield sub that could actually come on and change a game?

Sounds too good to be true.


8.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 10:19:25
Downside, not sure, the two mods can move wide, offering width in the attack but solidity on the defence. Imagine Pogba for example on the left of the diamond, he can either drift out wide or cut inside with say Martial moving wide, it allows for more movement and less dependency on the fullbacks. It also means Bruno becomes the pivotal player at the centre of a quadrant of two attackers and two, if VdB does join, creative midfielders. It also removes some of the pressure on the DM who can just sit back, sweep and play simple passes into the diamond.


9.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 10:33:26
A 442 diamond could work, especially if we signed a good attacking full back. I could see it being a solution if we were unable to sign someone like Sancho. A lack of quality wingers, so you play with two strikers.

However, for me the best thing about DvdB is his versatility. The fact he can play No.6, No.8 or No.10 all equally as well. That means he could cover for both Pogba and Bruno. This season we played 60 games. If all three of them at the club they could all play 40 full games a season, as well a some sub appearances.

You could play DvdB at No.6 with a defensive box to box player like Fred or McTominay alongside him with Bruno at No.10.

You could play Matic at No.6, DvdB at No.8 and Bruno at No.10.

You could play Matic and Pogba with DvdB at No.10.

Or you could go full out offensive with DvdB and Pogba in the pivot and Bruno at No.10.

Or a midfield diamond, Matic at the base, Bruno right, Pogba left and DvdB at No.10. The beauty of this is that all or Pogba, Bruno and DvdB could rotate around as needed.

The tactical flexibility that DvdB would offer alongside the ability to rotate with very little drop off in quality would make our midfield very strong.


10.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 11:39:00
Our attacking 3 with bruno behind have done very well . I don't see a radical change in formation next season.


11.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 11:48:12
Van de Beek is a player we’ve been crying out. A player who can improve the first team and provide squad depth in multiple positions. Dutch lads tend to settle and play well in the Prem too. I’d love us to ship out all our deadwood to finance a move for his friend De Ligt too at Juventus.


12.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 11:57:52
Then again leider three of them are more suited to play as a pair opposed to playing as a three ;-)
Not saying it’s going to happen though.


13.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 13:49:35
I tend to agree with Jred, Ole has predominantly favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation and I don't really see that changing.

I think the VdB rumour is a bit of red herring. There isn't an obvious space for him in midfield unless Pogba leaves and that's now looking unlikely.

I'm not convinced Sancho will arrive this summer and my prediction is we'll sign Grealish late in the window.

Grealish can play anywhere across the front 3 and even drop a touch deeper as part of a midfield 3. Whilst I think VdB is a better player Grealish probably gives the squad more options.

Without any outgoings I don't expect any other arrivals.

Expect Grealish in a frenzied dead line day saga!


14.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 16:37:59
I have a feeling VDB may end up at spurs.


15.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 20:36:11
Jred, it doesn't look like that post that post has aged well.

Maybe you should suggest that Sancho will end up at Spurs. We could do with him signing soon🤣.


16.) 31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020 07:29:41
I would love sancho at united not sure i could put up with the hissy fit on here tho . So many against the signing.