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04 Nov 2026 21:34:39
A January raid on Brugge for Tresoldi and Seys wouldn’t be a bad shout. 2 assists for the left back tonight, who was scouted in the summer. 2 of our problem areas strengthened.
I know that seems far too sensible for these clowns and the money probably isn’t there.
1.) 05 Nov 2026 12:23:55
These are the kind of sensible transfers we should be doing.
We have needed a massive squad turnover for over a decade now. The problem is we have never fully committed to it. What we need to see happen is that within three summer transfers windows (ideally within two) 95% of the first team squad should be moved on and replaced.
Far too many times have we seen the same 12-15 players stay the same across multiple managers and we wonder why each manager keeps failing.
You only need one rotten apple to turn the whole fruit bowl rotten.
To have a turn over of that size means accepting that we will take a step backwards before we can move forward. It forces us to sign those younger, up and coming players who are not yet seen as superstars, or even potential superstars. We need to be signing 15+ players, which means they can't really cost much more than 30m or so each on average.
That is how you build a solid base, a team of young, hungry, talented, hard working players. Then after that you start to add the star quality, you sign a couple of superstars to that squad.
We've always done it backwards, signed the superstars to a team that lacks the basics and then wonder why we keep making the same errors.
2.) 05 Nov 2026 12:54:26
Why would Brugge, with 9/12 pts in the Champions League, want to sell any players this January, except for at a premium price?
3.) 05 Nov 2026 22:32:10
They probably wouldn't, but a premium price from the Jupiter league and a premium price in the EPL are vastly different things.
The record sale coming out of Belgium was Tzolis signed by Arsenal this past summer for a fee rising to a maximum of 33m.
You could probably expect to get Tresoldi for 30-35m as a striker he will go for a higher price, and Seys being a defender probably for something more like 20-25m, maybe less.
Which a fair bit cheaper than the prices quoted for similar players coming out of La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and a massive cheaper than the EPL.
4.) 05 Nov 2026 22:43:07
No way do we need 95% of the first team moving on. Lammens Yoro Mainoo Lacey Baleba Cunha Mbwuemo Sesko and Amad should all stay. If De Ligt can keep fit so should he or at least as a squad player
As squad players I would also keep Mazraoui Santos and Tielemans.
5.) 06 Nov 2026 00:09:53
Amad i beg to differ Salford he had been well below par and had lost a yard of pace. He is sellable.
Deligt is another who i disagree on. Maz is very borderline.
The rest i agree are worth keeping.
6.) 06 Nov 2026 04:08:24
TW,
Amad is sellable, he isn't good enough. We have cling onto deadwood for far too long. Maz needs to go, he only plays well in a back 3, he is more often than not, injured.
7.) 06 Nov 2026 04:30:26
Lammens is a number 2
Deligt, Maz, Amad, Tielemans, Martinez, McGuire, Shaw Should 100% be sold
Sesko, Yoro Dalot Tielemans, should bring in some money so 100% sold they are not what's required in EPL certainly not level United require, unless of course your happy for United to be mid table team.
If you could get anywhere near the money paid for Santos he should go, but that's never happening.
If decent offers come in for any of others they can go to, because if we are brutally honest there is not 1 player in this squad you could say would be a huge miss at United .
This squad is the worst it's been for years, supposedly our best are Cunha, Mbeumo, Bruno, if decent offers come in for any of them I would take, but doubt it happens, so stuck with them.
Bruno now because age, Cunha, got no pace and is OK but drifts through games, so no loss
Mbeumo is OK but is a 1 in 5 finisher.
15 Oct 2026 19:34:42
What route do the club go down if they decide to replace Carrick?
Conte, the top level experienced manager.
Nagelsmann, who I think would be a risk. Not an elite manager for me. Flattered to deceive in other 'big' jobs.
Hurzeler, another risk.
Probably on par with Amorim, although Amorim had actually won something.
Howe, the steady Eddie who I fear would be another yes man for the board.
Anyone else? I'm actually a bit stumped when it comes to any other names.
1.) 15 Oct 2026 19:59:45
Its a tough one 2toms.
Conte is my choice because he is the best fixer. Short term.
He will organise motivate and improve what we have.
Fabregas would be more of a long term option but i doubt he'd leave como mid season.
Naglesman is an interesting one. Again quite devisive. Hurzler doing great at Brighton like de zerbi and potter.
I do like him he is a very intelligent guy and very engaging. A great option you'd think but won't leave Brighton mid season and will cost a fortune in compensation.
Get a fixer in for 18 months like conte and if that works for longer than that then all the better.
2.) 15 Oct 2026 20:36:07
That list probably highlights the mistake we made letting Amorim leave.
3.) 15 Oct 2026 20:51:08
jd, I don't think Amorim was the answer. We played some absolutely dreadful football under him
I'd go for Conte. He would at least be entertaining and throw some fudge into the players who wander around the pitch.
4.) 16 Oct 2026 10:41:37
This was the discussion we had last year, every manager brings risk, and the club is such a mess. Hurzeler is doing well at Brighton & Hove Albion, in the club with an anaesthetic eye for talent.
5.) 16 Oct 2026 11:32:32
I pressed send accidentally.
Would Hurzeler be able to step into one of the biggest jobs going? Conte would, but given the state of things, how long would he last before blowing a fuse? And Howe, another uninspiring chap, I don't see him being a solution.
We believe we are one of, if not the biggest club, yet we appoint a Technical Director who appears unqualified, a COO who hadn't done that role before, and before Red Man says it, a Manager who failed at Middlesbrough.
Until we fix those basic problems, the chaos will continue.
6.) 16 Oct 2026 11:34:53
doesn't matter who is in charge as manager when the club can't move on players that shouldn't be anywhere near the team.
add that with a dof who sees himself more as a coach and has admitted himself he likes to interfere, that is all we need to know about how this club is ran
inoes are just as crap as the glazers, woody and the rest before them
until the club is ran for footballing purposes we could have PEP or klopp.
even prime fergie.
the manager ain't the issue, when players who are still here that can't play football get new contracts and 4 and 5 chances.
carrick should never have got the job, but he was the cheap option, like our window was. he may not be fit for purpose but that squad is shocking and it will tell when we finish bottom half this season yet again.
and until the club stop making money worth the owners sticking around, this is where we are at,
we might get the odd cup run, but major trophies is a longgggg way off.
7.) 16 Oct 2026 11:36:13
RA was stuck up his own backside. He was adamant that his 343 formation would eventually work, no matter the cost.
8.) 16 Oct 2026 13:40:23
Hurzeler, Howe or Nagelsmann. In that order of preference for me. All 3 require higher intensity from their teams which is what we seem to be lacking most. Simeone would be good too but never going to happen.
Carrick looks like he's had enough anyway.
9.) 16 Oct 2026 14:07:11
Howe is my top choice. He's someone who does the basics right. Our squad struggles with complexity. You could see that under Amorim. They just couldn't rap their heads around the system.
I'd bring in Howe for a few years to steady things, get persistent champions league football, and recruit players of a level needed to attract an elite manager. Obviously, it's not foolproof because our finances are hamstrung by debt. But Howe has a good team that know how to get results in the EPL with limited resources.
10.) 16 Oct 2026 14:26:10
insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Changed manager, changed players. Nothings changed.
United are doomed until the ownership changes. Until there is no more revenue to Syphon out the club the we are stuck.
Depressing.
11.) 16 Oct 2026 15:50:03
If the club decides to replace Carrick then I only want it happening one of two ways.
Either they replace him with a permanent manager in the middle of the season, or he stays until the end of the season and we replace him then.
What we need to do is stop this cycle of temporary managers. It keeps setting ourselves up to fail. We bring in a temporary manager and either things get worse in which case what was the point of changing, or they improve and we paint ourselves into a corner with having to potentially hire the temp full time.
12.) 16 Oct 2026 17:50:28
We could just have 2 interims per season, one till Christmas one after sure there are enough ex players in the MU Retirement home to suffice the next 5 years like that.
13.) 16 Oct 2026 19:34:57
I've said it before, and I have no idea if it would be possible, but I'd try and get Emery from villa.
14.) 16 Oct 2026 20:35:34
It doesn't matter who the manager is imo. The way the club is run, as soon as the tough gets going the manager is gone.
Nothing will change until the ownership changes and we get the right people in running the club properly. We've tried to top quality managers, the up and coming managers and were still here having the same debates.
Berrada is no better then Woodward, wilcox is no better then murtaugh. These guys are just yes men, picking up and handsome wage and telling us what we want to hear every now and again.
We could get jesus Christ in as the next manager and he couldn't turn these sour grape into wine.
I honestly hate match days now. Yeah we will have a good half here and there, but this isn't the Manchester united I love.
Bad owners, bad people running the club, second rate players, treating our loyal staff and fans badly. We've been slowly become a second rate team who have lost ambition and happy with champions league every few years. But oh well we will have a new stadium soon, that will paper over the cracks.
15.) 16 Oct 2026 22:33:26
we re no longer a club with long term planning - it worked to a degree with Chelsea so I would sort of reluctantly go with Conte and hope that in 18-24 months when it all blows up its finally enough for SJR and glazers to pack up too.
16.) 18 Oct 2026 09:54:34
Dannycnew, basically hit nail on head. exactly how I feel. A hate match days now, its depressing. i'm glad like today when its 4pm and all over whatever the result. Unfortunately, United are getting hammered today and Carrick will be sacked tomorrow and the cycle continues.
its been a mess for so long no one knows what to do. United are 80/1 to go down. looks a great bet.
17.) 19 Oct 2026 09:56:49
Hammered? Really?
80/1 seems optimistic. But I can't jest, I put a tenner on Spurs to win the league at 33/1 :D.
10 Oct 2026 20:12:45
I think everyone knows the inevitable is that Carrick loses his job.
Why not get on with it and get a manager in who might make something of the season.
I loved Carrick as a player. He's a very likeable guy, not a manger who's going to take us back to the top. Or anywhere near the top in fact.
Conte would be my choice.
1.) 10 Oct 2026 21:12:31
I agree. tonight was the pits. Players not running, lack of effort, the fact maguire is still playing, can't pass for toffee. list is endless. was shambolic tonight and it ends in carrick losing his job. But United won't act, they'll differ like usual.
2.) 10 Oct 2026 21:18:02
Can't sack him because Wilcox backs him 100 percent and knows if we just stay the course and follow his plan all will be fine .???♂️.
3.) 10 Oct 2026 21:29:53
That course is battling it with the likes of Coventry and Ipswich for survival
3 weeks and we get given that dross
Every game looks worse
Draw flatters us we should have been 4 down before we score
How many more games does Maguire have to play.
Ineos are to blame for giving the job to someone who is so far out his depth it's embarrassing
Then they back him in the market with dross other than baleba who is a good signing maybe other two, one was a cheap option and the other doesn't get a sniff so what was the point in buying him
Players playing out of position and this carrick ball is dreadful.
Lived off the back of the hard work Amorim did and now we look lost and not fit what so ever,
Out ran out thought and out played every week
But never mind a new stadium they can't afford is the answer.
4.) 10 Oct 2026 21:41:32
Spurs players ran 5km more than United players. enough said. That is absolutely pathetic..not sure how much more we can all take.
5.) 11 Oct 2026 04:31:18
How can people keep picking and blaming McGuire or Dalot for that matter, Martinez was poor yet again in fact he cost us more goals this season than McGuire.
Tielemans awful again, santos nowhere near team, Cunha and Mbeumo were not great, in fact it was only Mainoo in that game who looked anything like required standard and Baleba worked hard when he come on but that may have been 1st game adrenaline
All round awful performance as every game this season been.
6.) 11 Oct 2026 10:06:24
I think Cunha and mbuemo are proving to be really bad signings. In the system they are playing in now it just doesn't work. Cunha has zero pace in over a very short distance. Mbuemo needs 10 shots to score a goal.
The team don't look drilled, they are all over the place. No one seems to know what they should be doing.
Carrick post match interviews are embarrassing, he comes across as clueless, I'm glad the fans are turning on him because hopefully they will speed up getting a proper manager in, if we can trust the club to do that. We can't be having another interim.
7.) 11 Oct 2026 15:19:15
I agree with 2 Tom's. Also work a lot of the points on this thread by others.
Conte would be my choice.
He will get them organised and working hard.
Again my strong pretend is to have a complete for dale over the next 2 windows under conte and sell or release all of the following.
Dalot shaw martinez maguire mount rashford zirkzee amad maz sesko and bruno.
All even at fire sale prices will generate a book profit.
We need a total fresh start under a new coach and to get rid of these players that have failed under every manager.
Of course it won't happen but that would be my strong prefetence.
28 Aug 2026 20:01:42
I've seen us linked to Sørloth from Atletico today. I sincerely hope he's not an option to replace Zirkzee.
Awful striker.
1.) 28 Aug 2026 22:05:10
He's far from awful, but not a good solution, not a player we need.
2.) 28 Aug 2026 22:41:23
He's rubbish. I'd take Weggy back before that donkey.
3.) 28 Aug 2026 23:14:38
Mateta is the obvious choice for a very good reason.
4.) 29 Aug 2026 21:01:04
One of the worst I've seen live. Atletico Madrid played Arsenal last year, and needed a goal and brought him on. I knew it was over. ?
5.) 30 Aug 2026 07:00:57
Both are donkeys, sadly, but it's a sign of where we are. We're not buying anyone for £40m.
6.) 30 Aug 2026 20:42:42
Many will only be familiar with Sorloth from his time at the World Cup, maybe against England. No striker is going to get picked over Haaland for that time, so he always gets lumbered on the right wing, which does him no favours whatsoever. As a big target man, he's not awful. Above Wieghorst levels, surely.
7.) 31 Aug 2026 09:21:38
He's a slightly above average centre forward, perfectly fine as a starter at a club that is expected to finish between 10th and 5th place, a regular Europa League or occasional UCL club, or as the back up option at a top 4 club. He has 33 goals in 70 appearances for Atletico, which is a solid record.
Which is effectively what we are looking for. At the right price he wouldn't be an awful signing, however, with Atletico likely losing Julian Alvarez this summer, I doubt they would be willing to let another striker leave, certainly not at a reasonable price.
01 Sep 2025 18:57:56
Amass of on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
Quite a clear out of permanent and loan deals.
1.) 02 Sep 2025 20:53:06
He will hand plenty of defending to do. Good experience for him. Hope he plays regularly. i'm sure he will as they are short of good players. They were big club with lots of good players at one time. I really hope they find a way out of the mess they are in.
2.) 03 Sep 2025 08:07:31
Where we loan we need to ensure as much as possible they will be first choice and will play regularly. Apparently United are paying his salary and expenses. Wednesday are a historic club, been to Hillsbrough a number of times and it will be a good experience for Amass.
3.) 03 Sep 2025 08:33:38
Both Amass and Collyer have got good loan moves this summer. Now it is up to them.
4.) 03 Sep 2025 18:54:56
Class gesture too.
5.) 04 Sep 2025 21:23:31
Totally Key. We’re quick to jump in on Ineos about every penny pinching measure they’ve taken, but this is very cool.
6.) 09 Sep 2025 07:43:08
it baffles me we kept him and let the spanish boy go who now plays for madrid.
7.) 09 Sep 2025 22:51:22
Amass was 16 when we let 20 year old Alvaro go, the 2 aren’t linked at all.
8.) 09 Sep 2025 22:56:45
I think every single transfer decision we’ve made since Fergie left and this new team have come in has been baffling. Bruno is our only sensible transfer during this period of time.
9.) 10 Sep 2025 16:56:49
GDS2 your right ones a top player and the other won't even be a prem player, well done great decision.
10.) 12 Sep 2025 08:32:32
I posted relentlessly on here about how good Alvaro could be and the ridiculous decision to let Alvaro leave when we had no left back. ETH should have been sacked just for that . Very few supported what I said about Alvaro. I watched him play for Preston a few times and you could see the potential. ETH was an utter disgrace on this and other decisions. I am pleased RA has been putting some right but the boy Alvaro was a shocking decision.
2toms's banter posts with other poster's replies to 2toms's banter posts
26 Aug 2026 08:22:32
I’m not sure if this has been covered previously, but how are we so bad at commanding fees for our players compared to other teams?
It looks like Chelsea are due to make a £20m profit on Liam Delap after one season and 2 PL goals. City have absolutely smashed it with getting massive fees for the players they’ve sold, albeit the Savinho/Marmoush deal seems extremely fishy, with Frankfurt due to miss out on their sell-on fee because Spurs have massively overpaid for Savinho.
We seem to offload players for peanuts.
1.) 26 Aug 2026 10:45:48
Look at the clubs involved in these transfers. We could definitely do better when it comes to getting fees for our players, but I'd argue the figures we're selling for are probably closer to actual market value than some of the fees these clubs are paying and receiving.
Personally, I think the credibility of some of these transfers has to be questioned.
When you look at the clubs involved and the money changing hands, it's hard not to raise an eyebrow. But the can has been kicked so far down the road now that these sorts of deals have almost become the norm, and we're just expected to accept them.
2.) 26 Aug 2026 10:50:51
On one hand, we tend to sell players on a clear downward trend, normally after giving them a contract that few other clubs can afford, and even fewer would be prepared to pay it.
That makes selling players particularly difficult. Add to that a reputation of selling low, and clubs just aren't prepared to pay more for our players.
Also, try reversing the roles. If the buying club were selling us that player, would you be happy to buy them for the fee that we are selling for?
For example, would you be happy if we bought Rasmus Hojlund this summer for EUR44m from Napoli? Or would you think we've paid too much?
You could argue that if you wouldn't be happy with that deal, then we probably got a fair amount for him.
On the other hand, I wouldn't be entirely surprised to find out that some of these deals are a little shady and not entirely legit, but done as a work around for FFP rules.
3.) 26 Aug 2026 11:19:05
Yeah, I do get that, Shappy. Hojlund is a good example. We massively overpaid for him when he had had one good season at Atalanta. Antony also.
The City outgoings this summer have been something else, though.
If Spurs are getting themselves involved with City's dodgy dealings, then good luck to them. Surely at some point the FA will need to look into these deals.
4.) 26 Aug 2026 12:03:55
The problem is that clubs are considered private businesses, and it is very difficult to tightly regulate businesses, particularly when it comes to restricting or limiting the spending that they can do.
There are already a plethora of rules and regulations, and as soon as they introduce a new one, clubs start looking for loopholes and ways to circumnavigate it.
Personally, I think the simplest solution is to fix players' transfer fees. That way, you not only remove the opportunity for dodgy deals, but you also free up movement of players, and discourage shady agents from underhanded tactics designed to line their own pockets more than serve their clients.
If you said every single player's transfer fee is fixed at the total amount of money they are due to be paid over the remaining years of their contract, then you have a clear and simple way to agree on the player's value and price.
For example, if a player signs a 5 year deal worth 10m a year, then he is worth 50m to his club at the time of signing the deal.
One year later, he has 4 years remaining at 10m, meaning his value is now 40m. If any club is prepared to pay that, then why shouldn't the player be free to move if they wish.
Given that the general consensus is that footballers are overpaid, it becomes hard for clubs to argue that the player is worth more than they are paying them. And, if they feel he is worth more, all they need to do is offer him a new deal on higher wages or a longer contract to protect themselves, while also protecting the player.
While doing this reduces the amount of work an agent and club needs to do in terms of negotiating, there can be fixed fees of 5 or 10% of the transfer fee as an agent's fee.
In doing these two things, you suddenly make all football transfers much more simple, streamlined, and open, reducing the opportunity for corruption, and, as such, you should also reduce the risk of clubs getting into financial trouble.
5.) 26 Aug 2026 12:07:23
Starts with the fact that we have historically criminally overpaid for players, both in transfer fees and in wages. Big wages and big fees are hard to shift.
6.) 26 Aug 2026 12:36:02
Yeah, it's a joke.
Apparently we are going to be letting James Scanlon and Ogunneye go for free with a buy back and sell on clause, likely to go to Arsenal.
7.) 26 Aug 2026 15:42:21
Honestly, some of the transfers this summer have been ridiculous.
I have no idea how Delap's value increased, or why Spurs paid £85m for City's fourth-choice RW.
8.) 26 Aug 2026 16:15:07
We have been paying excessive transfer fees to get players who are being fed into a failed system where they cannot, or do not, shine; we've been paying them higher wages than anyone else will, and then we protect bang average and/or permanently injured players with lucrative contract extensions because we're scared to let them go for nothing at the end of their contracts.
All of these factors make it impossible to sell profitably. Part of the problem has been the fear of losing players who were actually good. De Gea and Rashford are great examples. De Gea was excellent, but, at the time, was he worth £100k a week more than any other goalie in the EPL? Was Rashford worth £325k a week on the back of that one great season?
The great managers through time were always great at getting rid of players at their peak and replacing them with the next star, continually refreshing the squad, dampening personal egos in favor of teamwork, and, as a result, managing both results and the financial side really well.
Woodward was crap at it. An absolute arrogant know-nothing. Fortunately Ineos does seem to know what they're doing, however, they are still hampered by the sins of the past. We still have players who, based on their performances with us, are priced out of the market. And we have a large debt burden with a £40m a year interest burden, which Ineos is not responsible for, but which is the equivalent of a £100m player on £400k a week. The club has to start making profits.
9.) 26 Aug 2026 21:41:15
We've not sold anyone for a profit since James, right?
Stockpiling average players for years.
We need a lb and a striker, at least. Why not keep Hojlund as a backup, to let him develop, rather than lose millions on him? Idiotic.
20 Jul 2026 19:45:19
Evening all. Not transfer related but if Mount was to be moved on, who do you think should take the no.7 shirt out of this current crop?
1.) 20 Jul 2026 20:39:10
None of them 2 Toms too big of a burden for any of them.
2.) 20 Jul 2026 20:42:40
Cunha.
3.) 20 Jul 2026 21:15:27
Bruno to break the curse.
4.) 20 Jul 2026 22:53:04
Leave it open, and let someone from the academy earn it.
5.) 21 Jul 2026 06:53:58
The No7 has been given away too easily, Mount was a poor choice and I didn't agree with it. I would leave it unused until there is a player truly worthy. There isn't one at the moment. Maybe JJ Gabriel will emerge in the next few years. Maybe we shall see.
6.) 21 Jul 2026 07:19:46
Sadly the shirt has long lost its elite status. Too long between worthy people wearing it for it to have any real meaning.
I am with Red Man. Keep it on ice until someone looks like they are capable of doing it proud.
7.) 21 Jul 2026 10:18:11
Makes zero difference, it's only a shirt number, and has no effect on the players' play.
8.) 21 Jul 2026 11:10:58
Surely this is now past its sell-by. What real difference does it make? It all started to lose shirt number status when 1-11 went and squad numbers were introduced, and it has slowly eroded since. I think it's a bit of a myth that iconic shirt numbers actually affect a player's output or not, just another romantic gesture that some try to cling on to.
9.) 21 Jul 2026 11:54:13
It's a question none of us can answer. Maybe there is someone in the squad with the quality and the personality to take on the No.7 shirt and not be weighed down by the pressure. But, without knowing the players personally, none of us can really know.
Some players, like Beckham, grow into the shirt; others, like Cantona and Ronaldo, instantly looked the part. All were super talented, but it was their mentalities that were different.
Beckham had to prove himself to himself before he thought he was ready for it; even then, if you listen to him, he had a couple of doubts when Sir Alex told him he was getting the No.7, while Cantona and Ronaldo had the kind of self-belief that meant they never had a worry about the weight of the shirt.
It's the personality that decides whether a person can carry that shirt, not the talent.
10.) 21 Jul 2026 12:04:28
It's nonsense. The shirt no has no impact on how a player plays, only fans believe that nonsense, imo.
11.) 21 Jul 2026 13:56:36
I would disagree there, Tw
Just look at the Beckham comments to realise what it meant to him. If it elevates a player even 1%, then it means something. I have seen all the Great 7s, and there is something about it.
Stepping into the shirt of Best, Cantona, Robson, Charlton, Ronaldo, it has prestige. When Mount goes to hold it, tell JJ Gabriel it could be his if he earns it.
12.) 21 Jul 2026 13:57:37
Beckham had 10 before 7.
13.) 21 Jul 2026 14:50:29
He played great for Madrid in a different number and at United. It might mean something to a player, but it won't improve his game one iota.
It's emotional clap trap, imo, and it means something to some fans who are always looking for the next icon, or a replica of yesteryear.
It makes no difference what colour the jersey or what number is on the back to a player's performance.
14.)
21 Jul 2026 15:32:31
It probably does mean more to the fans than to players, but it's what it means to the fans that makes that shirt that little bit "heavier". It's the expectation and excitement of the player who gets to wear it. It's the shirt number at United that fans associate, and maybe represents United the best. So anyone who wears it, suddenly, through no fault of their own, has to deal with the pressure of wearing the iconic Manchester United number 7 shirt.
It's the same pressure that comes with a large transfer fee. The fee shouldn't make a difference to a player, but when they have that £100M price tag over their head, suddenly, they come under the spotlight that little bit more.
15.) 21 Jul 2026 15:32:31
It probably does mean more to the fans than players, but it's what it means to the fans that makes that shirt that little bit "heavier". The expectation and excitement of the player who gets to wear it. It's the shirt number at United that fans associate, and maybe represents United the best, so anyone who wears it, suddenly, through no fault of their own, has to deal with the pressure of wearing the iconic Manchester United number 7 shirt.
It's the same pressure that comes with a large transfer fee. The fee shouldn't make a difference to a player, but when they have that £100M price tag over their head, suddenly, they come under the spotlight that little bit more.
16.) 21 Jul 2026 15:42:27
A lot of sports psychology is about getting very small incremental gains, which add up and can make the difference between winning and losing. It is undeniable that to some players a specific shirt number means something.
So give it to the attacking player who really shows they want it.
17.) 21 Jul 2026 16:20:35
Last 10 #7's...
1. Mason Mount - 2023-present
2. Cristiano Ronaldo - 2021-2022 (also wore it from 2003-2009)
3. Edinson Cavani - 2020-2021
4. Alexis Sanchez - 2018-2019
5. Memphis Depay - 2015-2017
6. Angel Di Maria - 2014-2015
7. Antonio Valencia - 2012-2014
8. Michael Owen - 2009-2012
9. David Beckham - 1997-2003
10. Eric Cantona - 1992-1997.
10 Jun 2026 22:14:16.
If the rumours are true and Forest want £120m for Anderson then we should avoid at all costs. Sounds like City have distanced themselves from him today.
He’s not a £100m + player. Good but not worth that.
1.) 10 Jun 2026 23:07:00
If I was in charge, I wouldn't sanction it. That's for sure.
2.) 10 Jun 2026 23:16:53
Has a whiff of the Morgan Gibbs-White saga from last summer. Marinakis is no shrinking violet, that's for sure.
3.) 10 Jun 2026 23:44:59
Very widely reported that City offered £106m fixed and £15m in extras and that has been, staggeringly, turned down by Forest. Seemingly they want a higher amount guaranteed.
I did recently say that last summer's record bids for players will be this summer's normal. Can well see City going back and offering £110m fixed and £10m extras. Don't see them distancing themselves at all, 2toms.
It will, of course, set the benchmarks for the rest of the summer.
Totally agree, it is too much for him.
West Ham will be licking their lips, as it will certainly affect what they will demand for Fernandes. Any talk of £50-£60m may well prove insufficient.
Does put £26m for Rashford into perspective. Barca want to discuss the fee? Fine, tell them it's now £30m.
4.) 11 Jun 2026 01:15:46
He is an elite player. 125 million is a lot of money, but Elliot is a one-of-a-kind player, and, at the right age, if he wanted to come to Old Trafford, I would seriously think about paying that kind of money.
5.) 11 Jun 2026 00:41:21
If you were in charge no one else's opinion would matter. Fact.
Thank F you are not.
6.) 11 Jun 2026 02:17:46
Just gonna throw this out there.....
What would people think of the following?
6: Ederson, with Baleba as cover.
8: Mainoo, with Stiller as cover.
10: Fernandes (Bruno), with Fernandes (Mateus) as cover.
200m outlay. Job done.
Would you take that collective forward into next season?
Allows us to prioritise, say, Hall, Truffert, Brown at LB, and anywhere else then.
7.) 11 Jun 2026 07:36:40
Suspect United have pushed interest in Anderson to ensure City have to pay what Forrest wants. I see some people say it's too much to pay for him, whilst previously, likely, some would say it's not our money.
Question is whether Anderson is THE player that makes the difference. Rice was similar for Arsenal, that went well, and now City have decided it's Anderson. What's a player worth? Well, it depends what he brings to the team and club.
If City pay £110m, and then, with Anderson driving them on, win the league for the next two years, is that £110m worth it? What if they add a Champions League in?
Meanwhile we will be clapping Ratcliffe for keeping our spending low, glorifying finishing 3rd again, whilst ensuring the Glazers get their dividends, their perfect world.
8.) 11 Jun 2026 08:51:56
It's always a risk. Kane was a no brainer at £100M, Rice was a risk at £100M but it seemed a small one. Anderson would be a bigger risk. He could go on to be a generational talent, or he may struggle to take that next step.
9.) 11 Jun 2026 10:02:37
AJH,
Agree, but that is what clubs pay good money to people like Wilcox and Berrada to make decisions on. If they get these things wrong, and City go on to win the league and Champions League with Anderson at the centre of it, then Wilcox and Berrada need to resign. They are paid big money to get the big decisions right.
10.) 11 Jun 2026 10:17:02
Rough numbers, but since Rice went to Arsenal (for around £100m), we signed Ugarte and Mount to play midfield at a cost of around £110m.
Penny wise, pound foolish springs to mind here. Arsenal, for all intents and purposes, are going to get a decade of high level (Champions League and Premier League) performances from Rice. Meanwhile, we are flogging Ugarte around Europe, begging someone to sign him, and Mount is useless.
The same would apply with Anderson as well. Fair enough if we actually can not bid that high financially because of regulations or we dont actually have the cash, but if its a "perceived value" thing, then think we are making the same mistake again.
11.) 11 Jun 2026 10:24:30
Would rather we spent £100m on the right player than £50m on the wrong one. We don't need another Ugarte.
If the club believes that Anderson is the right player, and the player wants to join use, we should do what we can to make it happen. As Ed002 always used to say, it's not our money. And it's not like there are any guarantees that money saved on a CM signing will be reinvested elsewhere.
12.) 11 Jun 2026 12:02:03
I'm not talking about saving pennies, I'm referring to our position in the pecking order.
Anderson wants City.
Tonali I see at Arsenal.
Tchoumani ain't leaving Real Madrid.
13.) 11 Jun 2026 12:04:05
He wants to go to City, simple as that. We are not a factor, even if we pay the price.
Anderson has, apparently through his agent, told United that City is his preference.
United have not refused to pay. The player wants to go to City.
It's not complicated, the player has made his choice.
I hope City don't cave in. 120m is madness for a largely unproven cm player, umo.
I think he is a very good player. I would like him to have signed for United, but he didn't want to.
14.) 11 Jun 2026 12:27:12
Red man, that's so bizarre to say that they need to resign if they don't sign Elliot Anderson, who may or may not go on to be a generational talent.
We have missed out on fantastic talents during our history, and I would never have asked for them to resign because of that.
We are not in a position to go to 120M for players. The budget we have. We need to go out and recruit 5/6 players.
Spending a vast majority on a player like Anderson, no matter how incredible, is just not sustainable for us at this point. Berrada, Wilcox, Vivell are no idiots, and know how good Anderson is, but to say they need to resign if we don't sign them is so bizarre.
They did great last window, they're quietly going about their business again, and I have no doubt they will make us stronger again for next season.
15.) 11 Jun 2026 12:51:35
Totally disagree. We need to replace Casemiro in midfield, and we were very light in midfield already.
We absolutely have to spend the money to get the best player that will take us to the top. If we get option 456, then we will be limiting how far we can go.
There is talk of City getting Anderson and Tonali!
Ugarte has not worked. It happens, but the club have recruited badly.
Mount has not worked. Poor fitness, that we must have known and rolled the dice on. Poor error by the club.
They chose and backed Amorim and spent a lot of last year's budget on Cunha and Mbeumo. Now they change tack and Cunha looks lost on the left.
Our main CM is a critical position, and we need to find the right player to lead the team in the most important part of the pitch. It will not be wasted money, which we seem happy to do most summers.
We can't start applauding this management team for spending less and charging fans more. They need to deliver a winning team on the pitch. Winning brings money.
16.) 11 Jun 2026 12:58:30
If he wanted to come to us, maybe we consider the 120m (assume he has the same or higher ceiling as Rice), but he doesn't, so it's good that we are stepping back. We are also messaging the right things - only want players who want us, and will not overpay.
Personally, if the midfield ends up being Ederson, M Fernandes and Scott, as is being widely reported, I'd be quite happy.
If we get some luck with outgoings, we might be able to strengthen more effectively than I had earlier thought at fullback and forward as well.
17.) 11 Jun 2026 13:58:45
I think we're being linked to some fantastic players overall - the only one I would be disappointed with is Baleba, who I think has been distinctly average this season after a last season's excellent season.
The likes of Anderson, Fernandes, Scott, Tonali, Stiller and Ederson have all had impressive campaigns. It looks like we can rule out Anderson and Tchouamini, as I don't think we'll stump up what City seem prepared to, and I'm always dubious of a player in their prime wanting to leave Real...
It very rarely happens.
Saying that, I think a trio of Ederson, Baleba and Scott, for example, might be seen as underwhelming, as it doesn't seem like a genuine worldy is in there to take us forward.
18.) 11 Jun 2026 14:12:40
angel
Your English comprehension isn't very good. I didn't say Wilcox and Berrada must resign "if they don't sign Elliot Anderson", I said if he goes on to take City to win the league and EC meaning they got their decision wrong on whether he is as good as City think then they should resign for making a poor decision. We pay them a lot of money to get it right and if City secure their midfield for years to come whilst we sit tight so we can pay dividends then yes they have to go. Big decision.
19.) 11 Jun 2026 15:53:02
Redman, it's not United's decision to make.
The player doesn't want to come to United. It's out of United's hands.
When you pick a stick to beat someone, you have to make sure it's the right stick.
You can't blame Wilcox or Bareda if the player doesn't want to join, that's ridiculous.
Anderson has made his choice, that's not down to United or any employee, it's down to Elliott Anderson, nobody else.
If City sign Anderson and don't win the league and CL, should their chair and dof resign because they made the wrong decision? Simple answer is no, because there are about a million other deciding factors on how a league or Cup is won or lost, it's not shown to the signing of one player.
How long is Rice at Arsenal? By your reckoning, Arteta and dof and chair should be long gone, they didn't win the league for seasons after Rice signed and still have not won a CL.
Totally ridiculous, you are being on this one.
It's your blind spot, and bias is taking over again.
20.) 11 Jun 2026 16:49:46
Talking in riddles, you are there, Red Man... But either way, he could go on to be a world beater, or he could flop. He may want City, not United. We may have the money, we may not, but to state anyone should resign is utter poppycock, whatever the outcome...
On your logic, Fergie should have resigned for not signing Gazza on the day and letting him go on holiday first... It's life and hindsight.
21.) 11 Jun 2026 17:10:11
TW.
If Anderson wants City and that is the reason he goes there, then fair enough. I do not, however, want them to make the decision based on ensuring there is profit to pay dividends. That simple.
JSU.
The reference for SAF is not Gazza, but when he was saying no value in the market, and players like Aguero went elsewhere. If the player chooses elsewhere, then so be it, but do we all now trust it is that and not the penny pinching owners?
If Anderson chooses City, then fine, there would probably be a sigh of relief from those signing a cheque.
Let's see what happens and what it means to how we perform. We didn't sign Shearer and still won, however, what would we and he won if he signed for us. We will never know for sure but hell it could have been spectacular.
22.) 11 Jun 2026 19:50:56
Redman, I understand the point you are making. I think we all know your feelings towards the owners.
But you have to own a ridiculous statement like the one you have made above.
There would be no reason for them to resign if Anderson is a success elsewhere. It's a ridiculous statement.
We've all made them.
There is no defending that one. ??
They know how good he is; they have been chasing him for a year. It's not about the price, it's about the player's preference, first and foremost.
Fernandes has very similar stats in many of the key measurable areas the experts look at. He has impressed me as much as Anderson when I've seen them. He is 2 years younger, and some experts feel he has a higher ceiling. He wants to join United by all accounts.
I would much rather sign Fernandes / Tonali and a top left back for a combined 130m than a player who had to come here against his preference because we offered more for him. We had that with Di Maria.
23.) 12 Jun 2026 07:35:48
Tw.
If he only wants City, like I said, fair enough. We have let it get to the point where players would choose City, even with no Pep and 115 other concerns, over our club, and that is down to the owners' decisions over many years.
If Anderson sorts out City's midfield and they carry on winning, then it will happen again on the next big transfer. Not a good prospect.
24.) 12 Jun 2026 09:53:30
The comprehension is fine, RM. It's just bizarre to say that they must resign if he goes on to be successful. ? But bizarre things to say are your forte, so crack on.
25.) 13 Jun 2026 06:18:12
Angel
Why would it be bizarre to expect someone paid a large amount of money to make big decisions to resign if they get a decision badly wrong?
22 Jan 2026 14:10:01
Cole Palmer as Bruno’s long term replacement?
I know it’s just click bait but that would be incredible. Although the biggest concern would be replacing someone who is nearly ever injured with someone quite prone.
That’s the kind of name we should be looking at when the time comes to look for a replacement for Bruno.
1.) 22 Jan 2026 14:51:44
Wharton, Mainoo and Palmer would be a decent midfield.
{Ed025's Note - wouldn,t it just Grim..
2.) 22 Jan 2026 15:23:15
But is it just click bait 2toms? Any Ed know something?
Maybe its just me but i always believed there is something between Palmer and us, from the day he went to Chelsea. I sawed this transfer as a stepping stone for Palmer to maybe come to us. That said i am not so sure he is what we want, or what we need.
3.) 22 Jan 2026 17:04:18
United fan isn’t he Heaven, so would seem possible, but he would’ve very very expensive.
4.) 22 Jan 2026 17:05:58
Anyone would take Palmer, but I am not sure he used Chelsea as a stepping stone too us! That’s wishful thinking and United blinkers.
5.) 22 Jan 2026 17:15:21
Palmer is under contract until 2033. Even if he wanted a move, United would need to pay a world record fee to get him. Until the club is winning trophies again, and playing in the champions league, transfers like this are beyond us. We can see this year that the club needs to sell before buying, and I don’t think the club will get anything like what was offered for Bruno last summer again.
Obviously he’d be a great signing, but we’re not in position to do things like this.
6.) 22 Jan 2026 17:39:28
I think Palmer is too inconsistent to even be considered as someone to lace Bruno boots let alone fill them!
English + Chelsea+long contract means you would pay more for him than any of the other options I mentioned in a previous post.
Paz, musiala, Guler, four are all waaaay better than palmer.
He is PL proven though, but as I said, too inconsistent, but maybe that is due to the Chelsea model of having 5000 players.
7.) 22 Jan 2026 18:30:20
Je Suis that's just what i thought . Ofcourse maybe i am wrong . But its not a wishful thinking because i am not so sure i want him with the injuries he has.
8.) 22 Jan 2026 19:54:25
He is probably better than anyone mentioned above on his day, but for a young player injured far too much which is a worry at this stage of his career, When Pep ships you out there is a problem, same as when Real Madrid ship you out, you know it’s not long term, it’s not so bad when players at end of career but Palmers age is a concern, if we are dreaming like signing Palmer I would have Foden.
9.) 22 Jan 2026 22:01:01
Maybe it is happening after all.
10.) 22 Jan 2026 22:07:57
Palmer is a very good player, he and his family are big United fans. Rumours are he wants to come back to Manchester but can’t see the lot in charge ponying up the fee. They were looking at Semenyo but suspect we would need to pay more for Palmer.
Lots of rumours about Wharton doing the rounds today.
11.) 23 Jan 2026 05:41:01
Wharton another good player, as he got what it takes to step into a big arena, it’s another big gamble, as looks like our signings will now be, where the percentage rate of them turning into great players is low, it’s one thing looking good at Crystal Palace to doing under the spotlight every week with huge pressure every day
We signed lots of those that are not managing it lately and the huge problem we have is we are so poor they have to come in and get chucked straight in the team, that’s tough if you not got the right mentality.
05 Jan 2026 10:08:48
Amorim sacked.
16 Oct 2026 09:06:36
At the time, Tielemans was being touted as bargain of the window by many. Myself included.
No one could've imagined him being as bad as he's been.
Santos I thought was a shrewd signing, I still think he could be.
The problem is, the club is rotten.
It amazes me how quick new players come in and seem to drop in morale and performance.
Baleba could be a brilliant signing, just as long as his head doesn't drop and he goes the way of many others before him.
15 Oct 2026 20:51:08
jd, I don't think Amorim was the answer. We played some absolutely dreadful football under him
I'd go for Conte. He would at least be entertaining and throw some fudge into the players who wander around the pitch.
10 Oct 2026 20:10:16
I'd take a short term fix at this point. I'm sick of watching the dross week in, week out.
07 Oct 2026 10:58:13
I'd snap him up in a flash.
No need question. He is better than better than anyone we've had since Ferguson, barring Mourinho.
In fact, he could have a similar impact that Mourinho had. Competing in the cup competitions at the least.
Currently, we're being knocked out in the early rounds with pathetic displays.
Getting some trophies, whether that's League cup and Europa, would be a boost for some of our younger squad.
17 Sep 2026 18:26:15
Eric, it would be great for the Amazon doc.
07 Oct 2026 10:53:41
Bet you're glad you responded CO ?.
07 Sep 2026 20:39:15
We can dream.
{Ed0666's Note - Theatre of dreams no?
04 Sep 2026 19:28:25
Who cares, the windows shut. This is the squad at least until January.
Let's get on with it and hopefully some of them might surprise us.
01 Sep 2026 16:14:19
2-7-1 formation.
30 Aug 2026 10:19:16
Grim, can you imagine the pressure on Carrick if we lose to 2 newly promoted teams?
It's madness, but this is a must win game.