18 Jun 2022 07:37:51
With Darwin Nunez heading to Liverpool there doesn't appear to be an obvious option to sign a striker.

Personally I think half the issue is trying to find a striker who will be happy to play second fiddle to Ronaldo. While the other half seems to be finding someone who won't cost a fortune but is still good enough.

As seen with Nunez, spending upwards of 50-70m on a player who'll primarily be back up for next season just isn't something the club can afford to do.

So I've thought of a potential player who I think might be a good fit. Emmanuel Dennis from Watford had a very good first season in the EPL playing for a side that really struggled and ultimately got relegated.

He has the flexibility to play up front, on either wing or as a second striker. He's quick and strong and a good finisher. He also creates a fair few chances for his teammates. Supposedly available for around 20m after Watford's relegation I think he could fit the role of a really solid back up forward capable of playing right across the he front line. But also have potential to improve and become a better player.

Personally I think we need a few more of these type of signings. Savvy deals for players who'll strengthen the squad but not take up a significant amount of the budget enabling finances to be focused on areas of greatest need.

1.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 08:54:08
Totally agree Shappy. Not every player needs to break the bank, as you said someone like Dennis or someone from a team lower down the league who could play when Ronaldo needs a rest.

Fergie was great at those signings to fill a gap or light a fire under someone. You wouldn't know if the manager will deploy someone like Rashford up front or one of our many wingers, not ideal at all but if we don't bring in a striker and Ronaldo gets injured, we could be in trouble.

2.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 09:26:11
Mumbles, we definitely need a solution for what to do when Ronaldo needs a rest or is out injured/ suspended.

Maybe that solution comes from a signing, that certainly seems the most obvious solution.

However, if we can't find a buyer for Martial then maybe EtH can get something out of him. He did manage 23 goals a few seasons ago.

Maybe he plays Rashford there and is able to get him playing that position to the best of his ability.

Maybe he plays Bruno as a false 9 when Ronaldo isn't available in a similar way to how he set up his Ajax side initially with Tadic playing through the middle.

There are options which I think as United fans we are quick to dismiss based on our preconceived ideas about the players we already have.

EtH is a proper coach, someone who can improve players and maybe get more out of them than we have seen previously.

However, if what we are looking for is a cover player, then I think it's madness to spend a significant amount of our budget on someone who's primary role will be to sit on the bench next season. Ridiculous to have a 50m sit on the bench while we have so many places in the first 12 that need fixing.

3.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 09:40:38
Imo Ronaldo will leave the club.
I don't think he will stay without Champions League or challenging for important trophies.
As Ed already stated, Jorge Mendes will likely explore options to find another club.

4.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 09:46:25
I've shared very similar sentiments like Shappy before.
I think rashford and martial could be backups. Bruno as well.
Couple of players worth signing could be Andrea Belotti (available on a free) and Moussa Dembele.
Let's not offer huge wages, but if anyone who's coming from Torino is Italy they won't be on huge wages anyway.

5.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 10:22:56
If Ronaldo leaves, I'm sure the amateurs would sign a very wrong replacement.

6.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 10:45:32
I can't understand why we haven't looked at Luka Jovic. He hasn't been great at Real, however, we looked at him for a while when he was in Germany.

Could be a good under the radar type signing for a striker rather than always going for the guy who's going to cost the Earth.

7.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 15:55:44
Why not look at developing Charlie McNeill or Hugill? Obviously very young, but McNeill is very talented and is a Manchester lad. It’s a tough role but it’s the only way we find out if they’re good enough than wasting time with another Igahlo style signing.

Also rashford can cover too.

8.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 18:01:52
Firstly, we've missed out on a true talent in Nunez, he's going to be sensational for Liverpool. I'm not sure we tried hard enough to get him.
So now, we're going to look for second rate players to lead the line for United. This is a sign that the fans have lowered their ambition just like the owners. We are being made to accept mediocrity as we know the owners will not invest and are more interested in paying themselves dividends.
The notion that Martial or Rashford will suddenly develop a closing down and chasing attitude and become prolific goal machines is hilarious. Neither can cover for Robaldo and neither will score goals consistently or play the high press game.
So if we have given up and decided we're going to be a mid-table team for the time being, then I agree with Caolan and we should try McNeil or Hugill because the others mentioned are simply not good enough.

9.) 18 Jun 2022
18 Jun 2022 20:21:43
I think Isak could be good enough.