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03 Jan 2026 13:46:44
Rumours today about friction behind the scenes over playing style? And the rigidity of the preferred system.
Add in the latest comments about transfers and it suggests all is not well.
Of course this could be clickbait, bit I think there will be some merit in these rumours.
1.) 03 Jan 2026 15:16:51
Good Amorim should be getting a kicking from his bosses.
Playing style is awful.
2.) 03 Jan 2026 15:27:09
They’ve known this for ages now, if they expect him to change in any way then more fool them. From where I sit none of them have a clue and look way out of their depth. Maybe the blame game is about to begin!
3.) 03 Jan 2026 15:58:44
Here we go again. Might as well just wrap it all up and shut down Manchester United. As it is this hiring sacking hiring sacking cycle isn't taking us anywhere. If the patience is over then so should be this football club.
4.) 03 Jan 2026 23:35:59
The embargoed bit from the pre match press conference pretty much confirms these rumours.
Journo asks Amorim why he's changed system, is it because of lack of budget to implement the 3-4-3 or have Wilcox et al had a word because its not been working.
Amorim who hasn't yet met a journalists question that he doesn't want to respond to says he doesn't want to talk about it but that the journalist is smart to observe this.
5.) 04 Jan 2026 10:58:50
Excuses and finger pointing from all sides, in reality they are all culpable. The players, coach and those above them.
6.) 04 Jan 2026 15:38:12
It's just a typical power struggle. Wilcox and Vivell are sticking their oar in over formation and, in return, Amorim is doing so about recruitment. In reality it's fine for both to do so but it's tense right now while results aren't as good as anyone wants. We're actually in an ok position and with players coming back we should see draws turn into wins.
Too much shaudenfraude here. Utd Road the playing style is not awful. We're creating a lot of chances, and some of the play is very good. We're lacking in some positions and have serious squad deficiencies so of course we aren't fluid or as good as we want to be, but making out as if we're a shambles is very far from reality.
7.) 04 Jan 2026 17:18:15
I would say the playing style is awful but Amorim can't play against ten man Everton and show absolutely nothing and follow that up with a several brutal performances and expect unquestioned support in the transfer window. I wouldn't be on Wilcox side either, I think they should both go.
8.) 04 Jan 2026 19:24:36
Banjoe what good would that be? We keep just jumping from manager to manager. We finally are addressing the actual issues - that the players aren't good enough - and have done well in the last couple of windows. How about seeing that through for once? There is ample evidence that we're improving. Instead of complaining that we're not consistent or not challengers yet let's stand by the manager.
The question should be "are we improving, and doing so at the rate we expect". At the start of the season most here had us between 4th and 8th and we're currently 5th. Nobody had us in the top 3. We most definitely are on track.
9.) 04 Jan 2026 19:54:03
I actually hate this style of play under Amorim. It doesn't feel like United to me, so I'm very happy for him to go but it's not totally his fault. Wilcox and co hired him to implement a system and style and are now not supporting it allegedly. This appointment hasn't worked and I don't believe it ever will.
10.) 04 Jan 2026 20:55:09
There’s problems with both sides.
At a club level, they brought in Ashworth to be director of football and implement a club wide playing style. But Berrada and Wilcox are buddies, and wanted Wilcox to have Ashworth’s job. Ratcliffe’s ear was bent by Wilcox because he prefers blaggers who tell him what he wants to hear, rather than professionals who tell the truth. The net result was that Ratcliffe sided with Berrada and Wilcox, leaving the club without a director of football and giving Amorim far more control over playing style.
On Amorim’s part there seems to be an unwillingness to learn. His system worked in one set of circumstances. This does not guarantee that it will work in a completely different league. The fact that he has persisted despite the mounting evidence that it isn’t going to produce winning football for Man United, suggests that he is incapable of adapting. This has been an issue since he arrived, and he has dug in deeper and deeper.
Today’s comments were interesting to say the least. He was explicitly hired as a head coach, not a manager. Yet, claims that he took the job under the belief that he would be a manager rather than a coach. This speaks to the lack of underlying direction regarding play style - i. e. they told Amorim that he would have control over shaping the play style because the DOF resigned. Now that the club directors can no longer ignore the lack of improvement, we’re seeing tension between a coach who thinks he’s a manager, and a leadership team scrambling to rectify their initial mistakes.
The biggest losers are the players and the fans who just want to play/watch winning football.
11.) 05 Jan 2026 00:23:25
The style of play isn’t as bad as people make out, we are 2nd in the league for chances created, we are third in the league for goals. There’s been a marked improvement in the offensive output.
One thing to point out is, the club have been inept when it comes to getting the wingbacks required for Amorims system. The offensive output would be even higher if he had the players required for the wingback positions.
Defensively we ship waaaaay to many goals, and the culprit is the midfield, we get unpicked by midfield runners all the time. The midfield has been a problem for years. We need two midfielders ASAP, players with legs, tactical discipline and high energy.
Top four is there for the taking, we need midfield reinforcements to achieve it though. The fact Amorim isn’t getting any suggests to me the board no longer want to back this manager.
I feel for Amorim, he wanted to come at the end of the season but was forced to leave a team flying mid season. Wilcox er Al would have known the hybrid Van Gaal/Mourinho/Ole/Ten Haag Frankenstein squad needed tearing down but they never bought Amorim the players he needs to be a success. A lot of that squad have sacked multiple managers.
Rangnick said it best and his comments look more and more accurate every year.
02 Jul 2025 10:08:40
Today's latest rumours
Arsenal close to agreeing a deal for Gyokeres, Bayern interested in Rashford, we're looking at Watkins, Juve offering a swap for Sancho, giving us a choice of 3 players, including Vlahovic.
I think sometimes it's better not to read the rumours, there are so many and they seem to jump around all over the place.
1.) 02 Jul 2025 11:26:38
Juve have just signed Jonathan David so Vlahovic might be available. I’d take him if it meant we could shift Sancho out. Douglas Luis too if he was available.
2.) 02 Jul 2025 11:36:21
Staring to wish Gyokeres would just sign for somebody, getting sick of the stories now.
Wouldn’t surprise me if either:
1) He ends up going nowhere
Or
2) United wait until the last week of the window, come under pressure from the fans and overpay to sign him for £85m.
3.) 02 Jul 2025 12:51:12
I'm not even sure we are interested in another striker. It will probably only be if Hojland goes and both he and Amorim have said he's staying.
4.) 02 Jul 2025 13:01:26
With hoijlund up top and the slab in defence we cannot fail!
5.) 02 Jul 2025 13:27:05
Sancho for Vlahovic is a no brainer for me.
6.) 02 Jul 2025 16:21:05
What frightens me most is asking about Watkins who can be bought for £60m. yet utd again don't want to pay what's being asked . lack of resale. who gives a monkeys if for 4 seasons he scores some friggin goals. This club and the morons that run it ?♂️.
7.) 02 Jul 2025 16:35:28
I got some grief for suggesting Watkins, but he scores goals and has pace, both of which we need. Not sure I want to pay £60M, but some sort of swap would be good.
8.) 02 Jul 2025 17:14:22
Our biggest issues last season was not scoring goals, it’s the one main area we must improve, nobody can expect Cunha to cover the gaps all by himself.
9.) 02 Jul 2025 17:18:10
Watkins is a decent player, but he is overpriced.
He is 29, and had a fairly decent season. I don't think he is the answer, unless he is considerably cheaper.
10.) 02 Jul 2025 17:33:21
Watkins wouldn't be the worst signing, I just think he's uninspiring for most fans.
At 29 he isn't a long term option, and we shouldn't be paying too much for him. Ideally around 45m, but anything upto 55m seems about the right range.
He's EPL proven, and consistently gets 20-30 EPL goals and assists. He's the kind of player I can see linking up really well with Cunha and potentially Mbeumo.
Yet we will probably get 2-3 years of him as first choice with maybe another year as decent back up. He will need a replacement bought for him in the next two years. Which isn't ideal. But in a limited market he is far from the worst option.
11.) 02 Jul 2025 18:26:12
Rashford and Garnacho to villa singing
Oh brother, we'll go deeper than the ink
Beneath the skin of our tattoos
Though we don't share the same blood
You're my brother and I love you that's the truth.
We're hoping for better lives
only Emre knows
He said will bring us back with all our pictures and our clothes
Five goals twenty assists doing all we can to please
Just give me back my car keys
If I was dying on my knees, I've got a brother from another mother
Then the boos for lazy attitude start.
{Ed077's Note - KODALINE ♥️♥️♥️
12.) 02 Jul 2025 20:05:46
Vlahovic would be a terrible signing, I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.
He has regressed every season since he joined Juventus. They are desperate to get shot of him.
He has courted controversy, has said that he prefers playing with another striker who can do the defensive work as he thinks it "impacts" his game and it's best if he doesn't have to work hard.
All this while currently being the highest paid player in Serie A on around €374k or £315k a week. You'd imagine he'd want something similar if he joined us, and to be frank he's not even worth £200k a week based on his last couple of seasons.
13.) 02 Jul 2025 21:30:28
I think his comments were actually that he isn’t asked to track back so much for Serbia as he is at juve, which suits his game more and keeps him fresher in the final 3rd.
To me that sounds like just what we need! A no.9 who is in the box not 30 yards away with his back to goal.
With regards to his regression, I’d say it hasn’t really worked at Juve but that isn’t his career over.
You were banging the drum for kolo Muani who is a year older and less impressive goal scoring record. Admittedly, he has come into the Juventus in place of Vlahovic, but had also gone through a ‘regression’ at PSG himself and seems to have found his feet in a new team.
I do agree that we shouldn’t be giving him the money he is on in Italy but I don’t think anyone coming in this summer or for the foreseeable will be given them kinds of wages.
14.) 03 Jul 2025 07:39:03
AJH, avoid the rumours?
This is a rumours site ?.
15.) 03 Jul 2025 10:38:50
I know, but it's the false hope MancMan, every day brings a different twist!
16.) 03 Jul 2025 11:33:10
For sure AJH, but that's all part of the fun.
Some rumours are credible such as the one I posted, others are obvious BS like the one I read the other day about Utd signing Ruiz from PSG ?.
17.) 04 Jul 2025 22:50:25
2toms, there is a world of difference between the situations of Vlahovic and Muani in terms of why it didn't work out with their big moves.
Muani literally signed for PSG one day and before he could even kick a ball for them they hired a new manager who wanted his strikers to play a very different way. He was never really given a chance. Even then he still scored at a respectable rate given his limited game time.
Vlahovic on the other hand has never stepped up despite repeated and consistent opportunities and chances for him to do so. Despite his significant game time he has regressed in a not too dissimilar way to Højlund. Given chance after chance after chance with every passing game him looking worse.
Vlahovic is also on massive wages, and would be our second highest earner only behind Casemiro if he was to join in his current salary.
While his comments align with the eye test of him being a lazy player off the ball. He doesn't want to have to sweat for the team.
For me he's definitely a player I'd avoid.
23 May 2025 07:36:25
I saw this earlier today.
There are unsubstantiated rumours of players not being happy with RA's methods. A couple of thoughtful trophy-winning former United players wonder how effective it can be having a coaching staff that, in some cases, is both younger and less experienced than the players they are attempting to work with.
Many will say the players are the issue here, but if you lack confidence in the coaches, or they are hugely inexperienced, then is it a surprise?
1.) 23 May 2025 08:47:10
We had the exact same leaks with Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Ole, Rangnik and most recently with Ten Haag. Six repetitions of the same thing, IT’S THE BLOODY PLAYERS!
2.) 23 May 2025 09:05:26
In one Rewz.
3.) 23 May 2025 09:31:42
Rewz,
Couldn’t have put it better myself. Also, we don’t have any players older than the manager. If they don’t like the methods they know exactly where they can go.
4.) 23 May 2025 09:54:57
What players do we have older than the manager, I know they play like there 50 but they ain’t, just more crap that comes out when losing.
Like all blame the system bandwagon that’s all tosh, can’t score goals can’t win matches, when we come up against physicality we are in trouble, everytime.
5.) 23 May 2025 10:38:03
If this is true then it’s the same crap over and over again, simply the players trying to shift the blame into someone else. Other side is that it’s utter bs and simply the media making up crap to stir the pot and create even more tension in an already volatile situation. We need a massive culture change this summer one way or another….
6.) 23 May 2025 11:44:55
The thing that worries me, is the sheer number of players we need to get out he club. We’ve got players out on loan that need to be sold and replaced (Sancho, Rashford, Antony, Malacia), players leaving on free’s (Eriksen, Lindelof, Evans, Heaton) that need replacing PLUS a large number of the team that needs selling and replacing.
Realistically the players we can probably sell are Bruno, Garnacho, Mainoo, Dalot, Amad plus with the documented interest from Italy maybe Zirkzee and Hojlund. Of the aforementioned players Mainoo and Amad are probably the least likely to be sold.
Shaw and Casemiro are finished but still have years left, approx. £600k pw in salary so we are stuck with them. Martínez is quality but can’t stay fit, Mount hasn’t be able to put a run of games together in 2 years. That’s four senior players you can’t reply upon.
The goalkeeper position needs addressing.
I can see Garnacho, Bruno, Dalot, Zirkzee and Hojlund potentially going, add in the four out on loan and the four leaving on a free, that’s potentially 13 players.
The rebuild needed on the squad is terrifyingly large.
7.) 23 May 2025 12:08:32
In my opinion I think the potentials are Bruno Fernandes potentially sold for £120m. Rashford linked with a £40m move. Garnacho, despite his talent, might be off for £50m. Sancho could go for a cut-price £20m. Add to that a list of expiring contracts — Eriksen, Lindelöf, Heaton, Evans — and you’re looking at a significant reset both on the pitch and on the wage bill.
But what does this mean in real financial terms, especially under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)?
Estimated Player Sales and PSR Profit Impact
Player Sale Fee (£m) Original Cost (£m) Book Value Left PSR Profit (Est. )
Bruno Fernandes £120m £47m ~£5m ~£115m
Marcus Rashford £40m Academy product £0 £40m
Garnacho £50m Academy product £0 £50m
Jadon Sancho £20m £73m ~£30m ~–£10m (loss)
Estimated PSR Profit: ~£195 million
Because Rashford and Garnacho came through the academy, 100% of their sale fees count as profit in PSR terms. Bruno, with most of his transfer cost now amortised, would also register a massive profit. Even with a Sancho loss, the total PSR profit is significant.
Wage Bill Relief
Player Weekly Wage Annual Saving
Fernandes £240k £12.5m
Rashford £300k £15.6m
Garnacho £50k £2.6m
Sancho £350k £18.2m
Eriksen £150k £7.8m
Lindelöf £120k £6.2m
Heaton £40k £2.1m
Evans £40k £2.1m
Total Estimated Wage Savings: ~£67 million annually
This creates vital breathing space under both PSR and the UEFA Squad Cost Ratio, even though United will not be in the Champions League next season.
---
So, What Can United Spend?
Under PSR, you can’t lose more than £105m over three years, but player sales and cost-cutting can offset this. With ~£195m in PSR profit and a leaner wage bill, United could reasonably reinvest around £200m–£250m, if structured smartly.
How?
Buy a player for £50m on a 5-year deal = only £10m/ year hit to PSR.
Spread your rebuild across 4–5 signings on these terms, and you stay well within your financial limits.
Other Factors:
No Champions League = a £40–60m revenue hit.
Still paying instalments for past transfers (Antony, Casemiro, etc. ) .
Need to budget for agent fees, bonuses, and future wages.
8.) 23 May 2025 14:46:08
Doesn't Sancho only have 1 year left on his contract meaning that if his original cost was £73m his book value should now be down to £15m and a £20m sale would yield a small profit?
I wonder whether there will be interest in Antony from any richer clubs than Betis. His book value is reportedly still around £32m. His salary remains an obstacle, but we can only hope. If not maybe he can stay there at Betis. They qualified for the Europa League and could maybe afford to cover all his salary.
Amorim doesn't seem to fancy Mainoo much either but if Bruno goes he maybe has to be kept for another year. Often players have a poor second year after impressing the first. Kobbie was blighted by injuries this season, maybe he'll shine next year. All profit if sold.
Dalot could also be a potential sale. He's been written down to £0 so it would yield all profit.
The commentators on the Europa final were suggesting that a place in the Champions League would be worth > £100m between guarantees, sponsorship etc.
With no European football we should be able to make do with a slightly smaller squad.
9.) 23 May 2025 15:50:46
There is no outstanding transfer fee to be amortised for Bruno.
10.) 23 May 2025 16:07:57
Rinse and bloody repeat from the players. never their fault.
So they don't like the methods of a manager with a young coaching set up. One that got success at their previous club as the players brought into it and they got players that suit.
Get rid of these players.
11.) 23 May 2025 16:18:55
Why does everyone worry about players salaries and fees etc, it’s not your money, what’s the point quoting figures you have no worry or concern about, plus. What makes you think if any quality players come in they are going to be cheaper or work for a few luncheon vouchers, I don’t get it….
Would not be so bad if you knew the inner workings of the club but your all dreaming these figures up on hear say, don’t give me the accounts tosh or media BS
Oh just sell Bruno for 120m yeah easy… and also get rid of the only player we got that’s any good….
12.) 23 May 2025 16:25:58
Sancho was bought for £73m on a 5 year deal. That’s £14.6m pa, that obviously is just the fee, I have no knowledge of how agents fees etc are accrued, they may be an exceptional line item on the balance sheet or could be wrapped up in the amortised book value. His contract is up in June ‘26 so that would leave £14.6m of book. The £20m figure banded about is about right is the other costs were included.
Bruno’s original deal (5.5yrs) ran until the end of this season I believe.
Playing football manager with the player amortised number is all god and well. However we still have significant debt owed on players, we have reductions written into contracts for not being in Europe and we will have a yr on yr revenue reduction for the league revenue due to our finish. The 25/ 26 forecast will have significantly reduced revenues, it’s not just about PSR it’s about balancing the books. Don’t be surprised to see more staff cuts, high earning players moved on with cheaper alternatives coming. Any planned capex projects will get canned.
I still don’t understand why Ineos bought in the way they did. They would have done an incredible amount of due diligence and yet still dropped over £1.3bn to buy 29.9% of a failing company. They would have had asset surveys undertaken on all the physical stuff like the stadium and training facilities, forensic accounting on the finances. They own other clubs so it’s not their first Rodeo. On the face of it, it doesn’t make sound commercial sense.
13.) 23 May 2025 17:38:55
Here we go again with the players don't like the managers methods.
I do fear for Amorim though, if United start poorly next season the media are going to whip up a storm.
United need to start getting some positivity in the news and begin changing the narrative.
14.) 23 May 2025 17:58:47
Won't happen thou, it's utd therefore only negative stories get published. utd ruined a lot of these jurnos childhoods and this in their heads in revenge. It's that simple, until utd start winning this is always going to continue.
15.) 23 May 2025 19:19:49
For f**KS sake it's the players. How stupid do we have to be to keep blaming the manager time after time after time.
Just remove the emotion for a second and think logically.
This is a league title winning manager with these coaches. He has taken a fallen giant club and made them back into a genuine force in Portugal.
While these players have never won the title and have shown themselves to be incapable time and time again under multiple managers.
If at this point you still feel its the manager that is the problem them either you have a very low IQ or you've suffered some traumatic brain injury at some point.
16.) 23 May 2025 20:33:17
Indeed Shappy.
17.) 24 May 2025 01:48:36
I am in agreement it’s not the manager, but stating people have a very low iQ because they have there opinions is a bit rich, when your opinion rates highly Martinez and the others that you done in an earlier post, some could say your iQ must be equally as low, but it’s an opinion so it’s not, but only someone with a very low iQ or traumatic brain injury would make such a crazy statement! Grow up a bit, it’s not funny or a nice thing to say don’t matter who you are addressing it to….
18.) 24 May 2025 08:06:05
From 13/ 14 - 18/ 19, sporting finished between 2nd and 3rd in the Portuguese league.
A fallen giant? You make it sound like he took them from the bottom of the league.
Shappy, what are you on about?
19.) 24 May 2025 08:13:02
Shappy
9 of the players in the squad have won league titles before.
20.) 24 May 2025 08:28:23
It’s the owners
It’s the management
It’s the coach
It’s the players
Let’s face it we have bad owners, historical mismanagement, a coach who can’t get results and a poor squad.
It’s entirely plausible the management hire the wrong managers and purchase the wrong players.
21.) 24 May 2025 09:11:30
Imagine making the initial post as a stick to beat the manager with, when every manager has had the same briefings. Every single manager post Ferguson.
Was Van Gaal a shocking manager? Mourinho? The answer is no.
22.) 24 May 2025 09:19:44
We could just do a what Chelsea did and sell ourselves the women’s team. Worth 200m apparently would make a massive difference.
23.) 24 May 2025 11:52:52
Whole squad needs ripping up and starting again. It’s crap.
24.) 24 May 2025 12:15:12
German, get off your high horse! You're guilty of posting similar insulting comments when you disagree with someone's opinion. '
25.) 24 May 2025 12:54:17
Fizz you have never seen a post of mine that’s personally derogatory
And saying about brain injury’s is beyond a joke, so I will stay on my high horse thanks, if coming off it means getting that far down in the gutter.
26.) 24 May 2025 13:21:18
Ooh, matron.
27.) 24 May 2025 19:09:19
Garnacho been told he can go.
{Ed025's Note - some good news at last Wallace...can he take Hojlund with him as well please mate?..
28.) 25 May 2025 01:26:06
I am sure they can get a bigger taxi along with Garnacho, Rasmus, Ugarte, Zirkee can sit in the back, because cutbacks and can’t afford 2 taxis best also put Onana in the boot
SJR could always send a fleet of his Grenadier vehicles which he can’t sell because are as crap as the United team and could fit most the squad in them. set the satnav to a far away land
In fact SJR could drive….
29.) 25 May 2025 19:54:25
Let's be fair German, we'd need confirmation of the previous names you've posted under to be able to check whether you've been derogatory towards other posters.
Typically I'd say if you're using a new username as your previous ones have been banned that kind of suggests that you crossed a line with what you wrote, whether it got though the editing process or not.
08 Jan 2023 17:47:43
Latest rumour I've seen is we want Weghorst and Felix, which makes more sense to me. Options, and more creativity.
1.) 08 Jan 2023 18:26:33
That would do for now. Though not sure how felix would fit in our new wage structure?!
2.) 08 Jan 2023 22:07:35
how many players are a club allowed to loan in the PL?
3.) 09 Jan 2023 07:18:06
I wouldn't want Weghorst, but you have to trust the manager if he has identified him.
Joan Felix I think could be a fantastic signing. He doesn't fit the type of football being played at Atletico but he has all the minerals.
4.) 09 Jan 2023 07:46:44
I'd take both in a heartbeat. I'd take one in a heartbeat actually.
Neither are the ideal candidate but we need bodies up front.
Garnacho is a bonus and has stood in well for sancho but he is just a kid and the Ronaldo gap needs filling too.
5.) 09 Jan 2023 20:48:33
You are only allowed 2 loan signings and we already have butland, so it was never going to be both.
We probably moved onto weghorst when Felix was no longer an option.
6.) 10 Jan 2023 19:51:59
Wouldn’t touch Felix with a barge pole. His style and physical make up won’t suit the Prem one bit.
22 Jul 2022 10:00:09
Jesse Lingard.
Could have gone to West Ham and been at the upper end of the table fighting for Europe.
Decided to go to Forest for what will likely be a relgation dog fight. Hmm, I wonder why.
1.) 22 Jul 2022 10:13:20
I'd imagine it's so he doesn't have to move his family to London.
2.) 22 Jul 2022 10:18:30
A one year contract too. His agent was talking about PSG, Milan and Juventus interested in him a couple of months ago. Maybe the teams that actually did want him didn't match his ego.
I'm sure he thinks why not get paid handsomely for a year, finish top scorer and then join Madrid next year.
3.) 22 Jul 2022 10:25:00
Surprised he’s not gone on that Love Island!
4.) 22 Jul 2022 10:32:08
And only on a one season deal in case it's straight back down to the Championship. That over the MLS or trying to nudge his way back into the England set-up with West Ham as he was starting to do when on loan there.
5.) 22 Jul 2022 10:35:58
1 year contract on £200K a week plus signing n fee. He'll be able to do the same next year. Seems like the lad has done a pretty decent deal for himself.
6.) 22 Jul 2022 11:13:33
It's all about the money money money.
At least he will get game time. So many players move for money and see their careers die, Sinclair, Drinkwater spring to mind as examples.
7.) 22 Jul 2022 12:31:04
So much on Lingard all the time. Good luck to him if he's getting more money.
So what?
8.) 22 Jul 2022 13:32:13
He's not united so I don't care.
9.) 22 Jul 2022 15:47:46
Shappy is right, he isn’t allowed out of the house without his babysitter. Last time he gave them the slip he spent all his pocket money on chocolate and fizzy sweets. Best to keep him away from that London or he’ll be onto those American Candy stores and spend his £200k weekly wage on milk duds.
10.) 22 Jul 2022 16:28:28
Danny, I think you'll find that he has had to assume the care of his two school aged children while his mum was unable to care for them. On top of having a daughter of his own who lives with her mother after they split up.
Living in Nottingham means he is still close to his family.
While a big wage packet certainly won't do him any harm.
I'd imagine he will see it as an opportunity to stay close to his family earn a big wage and potentially put himself in the shop window for a club like Everton, Leicester or Newcastle.
11.) 22 Jul 2022 17:24:31
Shappy, trains to Nottingham from Manchester take 2 hours, the same time it takes to drive. 2 hours also for Leicester, 3 hours for Newcastle.
Trains to London take 2 hours, and are far more regular. Nottingham is not close to his family, but its a lot more lucrative.
same as driving,
12.) 22 Jul 2022 17:26:17
That should be school aged siblings.
13.) 22 Jul 2022 18:23:06
Poor babysitter has their work cut out. Get two kids to school and then back to cut the crusts off Jessie’s sandwich and get him down for a quick nap before training.
14.) 22 Jul 2022 19:52:32
This is some mad post about why an ex United player has signed for a football team ?
Has anybody here spoke with him? How would any of ye know and who cares why or why he didn't sign for a club.
Got get that money Jesse, enjoy yourself and keep being you.
15.) 22 Jul 2022 21:04:28
Couldn’t give a damn about what Jesse Lingard is doing. When he was coming through I liked the lad, but the past 2 seasons at least I’ve thought he was a git.
Forget him.
16.) 22 Jul 2022 21:08:05
Indeed. It’s his business and his alone. He’ll play every week, it’s a great traditional club, and he’ll be handsomely paid.
As for logistics, I’m sure he’ll work it out by himself ???.
17.) 22 Jul 2022 18:59:50
Despite all this, Lingard’s going straight into my FPL Team!
18.) 23 Jul 2022 13:57:49
Shappy is so busy now googling travel times to uphold the most ridiculous argument of the day?? nice one ajh. Lots to be said b
For knowing your geography??.
AJH's banter posts with other poster's replies to AJH's banter posts
21 Sep 2026 14:39:17
It's not the Manager, it's the club. Stay with me.
I'm not saying Carrick is the right man, far from it, but sack him, appoint a new Manager and rinse and repeat.
Look at Briggton and Brentford, they change the Manager and they keep on rolling, because they have a sound structure, a clear ethos, a robust transfer strategy, yada yada yada.
Compare that to United, the DOF overruling the Recruitment Director on targets, a squad that appears unprepared for the season, a player that asks to leave is now first choice, and that's since we put professionals in charge.
Moyes was never qualified for the job, Van Gaal was but got his 4th or 5th choice targets. Jose said finishing second was his best ever achievement, Ole was a sentimental but flawed choice, ETH and Amorim were promising coaches who struggled massively, and depsite the Ile mistake, here we are again. I like Carrick, he did very well last year, but in the cold light of day, he isn't qualified for the job, and that's before you factor in the mess behind the scenes.
Ralf called it out, Jose did to a lesser extent, and the change of ownership dhould have addressed the core issues, but it seems not. How is Wilcox qualified to be DOF at United? He isn't. I'd also love to k nw what Berrada does all day.
Conte would last 5 minutes before flouncing out when he sees behind the scenes, Howe would be another nodding dog, and whilst I love Emery, would he really achieve anything in this environment?
Aim your vitriol at Carrick all you like, and he certainly isn't helping himself at the moment (nor did Amorim), but do you see anything changing if we change Manager?
1.) 21 Sep 2026 15:12:47
Famous last words, but I think we will be fine this season and the international break has come at a good time for us.
By fine i mean, will finish in the top 5 and get out of the group stage of the champions league, which is clearly the aim from the top to become a regular champions league team again as a foundation.
The return to fitness of Baleba and Amad will bring much needed energy/intensity to our game and Sesko staying fully fit will allow us to have a focal point to play off.
2.) 21 Sep 2026 15:34:30
Maybe DSG, but if the problem is a fall off in fitness standards leading to a general inability to match other team's effort on the pitch, then I don't think it matters who we put out there, we will be outfought, outrun, out-tackled and outplayed. The EPL is a very competitive physical environment and every team is stocked with hard working players who take pride in what they're doing. Thus far this season we have shown some flashes of quality but it's not enough. Without matching the physical effort, doing the hard work, running, sprinting, engaging the opposition in all areas of the field, quality is of limited value.
I was one of those who believed Carrick deserved a chance, but maybe it's absolutely the case that his success was built on the changes Amorim brought in. If the root of the problem is poor training methods then the pusillanimous start to the season is entirely down to Carrick and his crew, and it will continue. Buying a new full back will not solve the problem. Every new player just sinks into the old rut, their ability and promise withering on the vine. That's pretty much the story of United since SAF and Gill departed. There's simply no excuse for the team being unable to match or outmatch our opponents work rate.
3.) 21 Sep 2026 15:39:41
I completely understand the argument that the club's structures are the biggest problem. In fact, I agree. The second the Ineos crew sided with Wilcox over Ashworth, I stopped taking them seriously.
However, Carrick's appointment is another one of their mistakes. Regardless of his success as interim, he should never have been in the running for the job, let alone got it. He's woefully out of his depth and isn't helping. I don't see how dawdling on replacing him has any benefit.
My view is that the club should admit that appointing an inexperienced manager was a mistake, correct it, and hold the people responsible for his appointment accountable. Wilcox should have been fired after the whole Amorim fiasco, and needs to go too.
Carrick isn't responsible for the state of the club, but he is responsible for getting the most out of the squad. Yesterday's game wasn't a simple case of lack of effort. I every time Fulham had possession, the players formed into 3 stationary lines behind the ball. For me this must be what the players were instructed to do. The manager clearly identified maintaining a rigid defensive shape as the takeaway from the Brighton defeat. That's why he was so personly when reporters called out the lack of intensity. Not because he was protecting his players. Because they were doing what he asked them to do.
4.) 21 Sep 2026 16:46:26
AJH,
I don't think Howe would be another nodding dog, otherwisenhe would have stayed at Newcastle.
Utd are in an unfortunate position, whereby picking an unknown manager such as Jaissle, would be seen as potentially unambitious, due to the statute of the club and a lack of EPL experience.
However, juat look at Hurzeler, he is doing a brilliant job. Even Andrews at Brentford is doing well. Those clubs have solid structures, and generally buy really well.
Personally, I think Wilcox loves himself, and likes to dick swing alot. We know he caused problems for RA, where even SJR considered sacking him.
5.) 21 Sep 2026 21:27:50
This is hilarious AJH. When you had a bee in your bonnet about Amorim, it was the win rate and not the club, it was squarely the manager.
People said it was the club and the crop of players, you shot them down.
Next time exercise some patience, the grass isn't always greener.
We now have player power back at the club about to get another manager sacked.
Here's a blueprint.
Install a manager that kills player power dead, from day 1
Trust SJR to make the necessary change to the hierarchy (Wilcox and probably berrada need to go at this point)
Stabilise the foundations
Grow from there, one season at a time, brick by brick.
6.) 21 Sep 2026 23:03:22
The only reason the internsti9nal break has come at the right time is because I don't have to watch that utter shyte one or twic3 a week for at least a few weeks. Gives me time to develop other habits on a weds and a Sunday. So I am not tempted to tune back in. I cannot 2atch any more of that. Ever. Its disgusting. This is not Man Utd. When we were garbage in the late 79s and most of the 80s, it was a thrill to be in the Stretford end and feel the passion drive and desire albeit we didn't have all the better players.
But the players were men, they bled, hobbled and went out on their swords. I used to join them in the Deanwater on a Sunday to celebrate or dornw sorrows and put the world to rights. They did everything in a committed, cavalier and yet brave way. Remo moses whitesid3 Robson macgrath, Wallace macilroy albiston Anderson, davenport, Thomas, and many more. This lot, pull out of tackles faster than a 14 year old lad when his girls parents arrive home 3arly. They're gutless and weak willed.
7.) 22 Sep 2026 04:36:19
Many on here live in yesteryear the reality is times have changed United have changed keep harping back to recent history of Fergie too, those times have gone . Fergie Keane or any of those would struggle in today's world of pampered footballers you have kids who never kicked a ball for first team going home with 40k a week, football as created this attitude it's now got to deal with it, the problem is we have to watch it too
15 years olds think they are the worlds best, do I like it NOPE but it's what the world as become SJR got one thing wrong in his quote about U. K. on the slide, its most the world on the slide.
14 Sep 2026 08:13:11
I missed the game yesterday but the start of the season has been massively underwhelming.
Losing to Hull wasn't great, irrespective of how well they have started, we would expect to beat them. Losing a lead twice to Everton was criminal, and then losing to 10 men yesterday was embarrassing. Let's not use the offside as an excuse, we should have beaten 10 men.
Even when we won a league game, it was down to a short spell, other than that the play has been slow and ponderous throughout.
Then there is the team selection. Sesko needs to start, but that means dropping someone, one from that would be Cunha, or move Cunha wide and drop Rashford, but there seems to be a reluctance to do that. The same with Heaven who isn't getting a look in despite his obvious potential.
It's early days but right now this team and Manager need a Futa.
1.) 14 Sep 2026 09:18:51
Agreed, Ajh.
Everything after the game seemed to focus on the goal and the red card. The reality is that even if the red card hadn't happened, we probably still would have conceded three or four based on that performance. Pro Ref don't need to be apologising; the club and players should be apologising to the fans for putting in such a poor display.
Carrick has started the season with very little positivity and is already showing some of the traits that frustrated supporters under previous managers. He sits on the touchline looking completely detached, shows little urgency, and his in-game management has been poor. The 74,000 people inside Old Trafford could see that Sesko needed to be introduced at half-time, yet he waited until there were 20 minutes left and then took off the wrong player.
Cunha needs taking out of the starting XI. So far, he hasn't shown anything to justify keeping his place.
And, before anyone says he's being played out of position, those same people are usually suggesting he should be playing on the left, which isn't his position either. He's a No. 10, and right now he's not doing enough wherever he's playing.
Dorgu is a waste of space at left back. Luke Shaw hasn't exactly been pulling up trees, but Dorgu is making him look like prime Evra. While we're at it, I'd be culling three of the back four. Mazraoui, Yoro, and Amass should all be starting in midweek.
Most importantly, Carrick needs to grow a spine. Stop being a yes man, make the difficult decisions, and drop players who aren't performing. The squad needs fresh energy, accountability, and a few bold calls. If we get another stubborn, one-dimensional team selection in midweek, then serious questions will start to be asked. Early days or not, fans need to see signs that lessons are being learned and changes are being made.
2.) 14 Sep 2026 10:05:18
We have missed a real opportunity to hit the start of the season hard. Results have not been as hoped, especially with the opportunity that yesterday gave us.
Hard to know whether it is early season malaise following the World Cup, yet other teams are performing better. It can't be new players bedding in, as only Tielmans is in as a starter.
Whilst we look good on the ball and Tielmans/Mainoo are controlling it well, we seem to lack the transition to the attackers to offer a large, continued threat.
The false 9 works in some games, but we need an actual 9, so hopefully Sesko will start soon.
I would like Carrick to also be brave and give Yoro a go alongside Martinez. We need to see how he can perform. Dorgu at left back is getting exposed. He is a forward option, and we should give Amass (or Mazouri) some time. Sesko in from the start and have Cunha coming on when the game is opening up a bit. None of this is ideal, but none of the current options is working at the minute, so why not try something different.
3.) 14 Sep 2026 11:25:51
I just don't get how slow and regimented our play is. There is no expression or creativity in anything we do, other than fleeting Bruno moments. When we move forward, you can predict pretty much every action we're going to attempt.
I don't understand how it's been this way with pretty much every manager post-Fergie. Then, you pluck out a 'smaller' team like Hull or Brighton, and every player is playing out their skin in a formation they've bought into.
4.) 14 Sep 2026 12:44:57
Honestly, I found yesterday completely embarrassing. Even more than the 6-1. At least in that game we were battered by a top-class side. Yesterday, we simply rolled over against an opposition that seemed genuinely confused at how bad we were.
It almost felt that we were the ones disrupted by the sending off, that the team was only prepared to counterattack and had zero idea what to do with the advantage of an extra man.
5.) 14 Sep 2026 12:51:18
No point in starting Sesko to be fair, because not one of those idiots is able to put in a decent cross. Every cross yesterday (when there was one) was either over hit or hit the front man at the front post.
We have a 6 foot 5 striker who makes runs into the box and he never gets any service. I have to say that Dalot just seems to get worse every game, we are going to be in serious stuff if we don't buy two new full backs in January.
Dorgu was very poor, but to be fair, isn't a full back. The whole game was poor, the build up play was so slow and pedestrian, nobody looked like they had any hunger to get the game by the scruff of the neck. Awful display, this is going to be a very long season.
6.) 14 Sep 2026 12:58:29
Utd are a counter-attacking side. Both OGs and Carrick have tried to copy Fergie's football style. Football has progressed. Utd are still stuck in the past.
7.) 14 Sep 2026 13:03:17
We are now regimented because Carrick is at the wheel. That was his whole ethos as a player. What do you expect.
8.) 14 Sep 2026 13:16:22
But it was regimented and slow with Ten Hag, who was bought in on the strength of his Ajax team. Did he seriously have better players at Ajax? Debatable.
Did Ole have better players at Molde? Actually, don't answer that one...
9.) 14 Sep 2026 14:33:13
But Dorgu was bought as a left back. I said at the time, he is an athlete not a footballer, no point him playing left wing either cos he can't cross a ball.
I say again, Tielemans is far too slow and not what's required; at best a squad player. Santos, same, not good enough.
All our CBs are poor.
Both full backs need an upgrade.
Cunha or Mbuemo can't play through the middle. It's quite clear Carrick did not push for a CF because he doesn't really want to play one, so he's happy with Sesko as back up.
One saviour is Mainoo, as he's kicked on.
But if Bruno is off his game, this team is nothing.
Carrick's in-game management is shocking; no plan B and pedestrian paced football.
I said before the season kicked off this team is weaker than last season. I know we only spent 150m, but to spend 150m and go backwards takes some doing... but they managed it.
I was never happy with Carrick, but he is worse than I imagined he would be. I honestly don't know what he watches. Why not rest Bruno on Thursday night against Saba, even if only for 45 mins, when you got City 3 days later? He could have played Cunha in that position. Why not try Lacey yesterday too, run at 10 men? Why leave Sesko on the bench till 65 mins plus? Why not change approach after the sending off? Some poor decisions in that game. Carrick personally had a terrible start to this season.
10.) 14 Sep 2026 15:51:43
We dominated City last year from start to finish. We went to Arsenal and were awesome.
Why are we so slow and lethargic? It's very odd.
11.) 14 Sep 2026 16:40:37
Carrick been found out, that's why... Last year was a surprise to teams. This year nothing changed, he trying same ol crap, but we slowed play even further by adding Tielemans. Our CBs have no pace at all and are another year older with more injuries.
Carrick seems void OG anything new, and as for his in game management, it's a joke.
That's the 2nd game out of 4 this season; the in game management has been diabolical, as has the team selection.
Still everything rely solely on Bruno, it's a joke. Like the win title by 2028, it's an April fools.
12.) 14 Sep 2026 18:57:28
Dorgu was bought as a LWB, was he not?
13.) 15 Sep 2026 00:11:45
I assume Dorgu's versatility was seen as his strength. Amorim played him everywhere on the right, and Carrick has stuck with the left.
I'm not opposed to players who can play various positions. I think Lewis-Skelley would have been a good shout.
A few fans asked why we'd buy square pegs for round holes, instead of specialist players for each position.
Arteta solves his RB and CB problems by signing Konsa, and it's ingenious. Bizarre.
11 Sep 2026 21:46:41
My first United game was 1979, I was 14 and a bunch of us caught the bus from Longsight. In those days it was pay as you entered, sometimes you wouldn't get in if too many turned up.
It was always the Stretford End, sat on the bar with our legs through the railings (remember that? ) so you felt close to the action. A few years later we moved to above the tunnel in the Stretford End which was often scary with the crush of people in a small space.
It was an FA Cup 4th round replay against Fulham, we won 1 nil, with a goal from Jimmy Greenhoff, I remember it snowed. There were only about 40, 000 in the ground, people forget that Old Trafford wasn't always full in those days.
I went to most most home games for about 6 years before becoming more of an occasional visitor, getting to about 10 games a year. Then when the Stretford End was rebuilt in 1992/3, I bought a season ticket. The year of getting soaked in an unfinished stand was well worth it as we won the title the year after, and man, I can't believe we gave those tickets up as they were in a perfect spot.
When Steve Bruce headed the winner against Wednesday, the ball was heading straight for us, happy days. In those days, people actually sat down for most of the game. We then went home and away thriugh the '94 season, when United fans were dotted throughout most awa grounds. How times have changed.
My most bizarre experience was when I got player complimentary tickets from a friend who knew Sparky, I arrived to find Bryan Robson sat in my seat, a steward quickly found me another seat.
I loved going to games, the hum of the crowd, the expectation of what was to come, applauding Paddy Roche for stopping a backpass, taking the p1ss out of Ralph Milne, applauding Colin Gibson sarcastically after another cross hit row Z, looking after opposition fans who found themselves in the wrong part of the ground, it was such an experience.
Nowadays it is so corporate and money focused and the fun has gone. I still get to the odd game and in the main I don't enjoy it. Winning is all that matters, that's what it's all about, but the fun has gone.
I'm probably an old fart but the game has changed so much, and for me, not always for the better.
1.) 12 Sep 2026 00:08:34
Ajh, I think that's just a part of getting older.
I remember my father saying all that to me in the 90s.
Your priorities change as you get older, things that used to excite you don't have the same effect anymore. Nothing is ever like the good old days.
You get older and wiser, more cynical, less tolerant, and more resilient. Back then, the fans could relate to the players, and the players could relate with the fans.
Players now, in the main, couldn't care less about the fans or the clubs they play for.
I now wouldn't cross the street to greet any of them. Very few of them inspire me nowadays. I'm not just talking United, it's footballers in general.
Harry Kane is someone I want to sit and have dinner with and talk to.
Rhodri, Mainoo, Haaland, Martinez would be others that I think I'd enjoy talking to. They all intrigue me for many reasons. I'd like to pick their brains on certain things and learn about certain sides of their character that I admire and identify with.
2.) 12 Sep 2026 01:49:11
Haaland is a good shoot, Ken, I think. Very underrated character.
3.) 12 Sep 2026 06:55:06
AJH, my story is similar to yours. The difference being, growing up in the late 80's, early 90's, I split my match days between Utd and Hereford Utd (getting to Manchester on Saturdays was sometimes difficult). The gulf between the two clubs was huge, but the matchday experience was pretty similar in terms of atmosphere.
A few years on, I stopped going to both, due to playing myself at a half decent level, and then getting married and having 3 boys.
2 years ago it had been 20 years since I went to watch either team, and my then 13 year old begged me to take him to Old Trafford. After finally getting some tickets, off we went to Manchester, and blimey, how a matchday experience had changed. Maybe I just picked the wrong game, but it was like sitting in a morgue, no atmosphere, people watching through their phones (someone please explain this), more interested in filling their faces, and God forbid anyone did shout and try and start an atmosphere, people just seemed to stare at them like they were from another planet.
Utd lost 2-1 and, somewhere around £250 later, I was left wondering what had happened.
2 years on, I took my now 15 year old to watch Hereford a few weeks ago. As we drove there I wondered what might have changed, and I'm pleased to say pretty much nothing had, apart from buying an e ticket, and my son absolutely loved it.
There's no way I'll ever grow away from following Utd, but that loyal, friendly, local club feel seems long gone, and I know I'm stupid to compare that to Hereford due to the gulf between the clubs, but if I had to pick which team to go and watch, there's only 1 winner.
4.) 12 Sep 2026 07:48:21
My feelings and experience as well, AJH. My first game at OT was in 1972/3 when I was living in Ashford, Kent at the time. The only difference is that I never lived in Manchester, so I invested a huge amount of time and money, with like-minded friends, travelling to OT and away games. TV only for me now. Nostalgic? Yes. Sad? Absolutely.
5.) 12 Sep 2026 08:25:07
I was over from Australia and got some "dodgy" website tickets. Ended up next to away Liverpool fans for an FA Cup game. Brilliant atmosphere, but I was sat behind a row of people either spending all the time on phones or knitting!!
Last game was the Stretford End, and it was almost exactly where my season ticket of close to 25 years was.
Sadly, just not the same atmosphere. I put it down to the people who had the passion can no longer afford to go to games, and the fans these days are perhaps a little more conservative.
09 Sep 2026 11:54:06
An interesting debate down the page, kind of revolving around how much do you care?
A Manchester lad, I've supported United for 50 years since the Division 2 days, had a season ticket for some time, followed home and away at other times. I was there when we were pretty poor, and there through the SAF successful years.
Being completely honest, I don't care like I used to. Don't get me wrong, I want United to win every game and I am desperate for trophies, but it doesn't keep me awake. I see the coverage of grown men crying because their team is losing and I don't get it.
Maybe it's because I have been spoilt by 20 years of success.
Maybe I'm older and wiser, I have kids and a lot of life experience, and there are far bigger things in my life I need to focus on and worry about. Perhaps it is because the game has lost its soul, finishing in the top 4 is seen as success, for a lot of clubs simply staying in the EPL is success, it's all about the cash.
I don't get the same highs or the same lows any more, essentially it's just a game. When I get stick of friends who support other teams, I really can't be bothered with it.
I'm not judging anyone else, I just think it's a really interesting discussion.
1.) 09 Sep 2026 13:36:03
I've got a few years on you. Been supporting since 1962/3 but I've lived in the US since 1982, at which time the only news was the occasional publishing of the tables in The New York Times. Now one can watch every game.
The Glazers have pretty much destroyed the club, so that, despite still having good revenues, we don't have the financial wherewithal to compete with City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Debt and debt service are costing us 2 £30m-a-year players in wages and amortization costs. The stadium is outdated and in disrepair, and the cost of its replacement will add a whole new debt reality, and, no doubt, the end of the name "Old Trafford" when, desperate for income, they sell the naming rights. This summer's pusillanimous transfer window really rubbed in the quandary we're facing.
Ineos have bought decently, but hardly spectacularly. I don't think we're anywhere near mounting a serious challenge for any major trophy. We're so far behind City (however we do this weekend) that it's a joke. We're now the whimpering neighbours. Past glories have faded into the distance. It's sad, but there's no point in getting worked up over it. So, I'm like you. I'm not completely immune to feeling the pain of defeat, but it's simply not worth investing too much emotional energy into it. There are so many more important things going on in the world than football. That's what I worry about. Football's become a substantially meaningless distraction.
The jury's out still on Ineos, but the Glazers simply do not deserve our passion.
{Ed0666's Note - fabulous and nuanced read mate
2.) 09 Sep 2026 13:41:22
It is ajh.
I think once you're a supporter, you're a supporter for life.
It's great when you're winning, not so great when you're losing.
I used to have season tickets. I used to have a box (that was not a great decision and a bit of a vanity metric, tbh). My lads go over from Ireland every other week and have just been awarded season tickets.
We all love United. But it's a hobby for us. We have busy lives, and United results are not a barometer of our form or temperament.
There are many more important things in our lives, and whilst we try and make sure we are available to go to OT or watch games no matter where we are in the world, it's very important not to obsess on things you can't control or have any influence on.
It's not good for anybody's mental well being to obsess on things that they can't control.
Football is unique in some ways, whereby it's one of the only sports where fans feel they know better than the ref, the manager, the owners, and can't see past the nose on their own face.
Enjoy the ride, even if you end up on a roundabout circling continually or driving up the odd cul de sac.
We all want to win, but sadly when we don't, all the faux expertise comes out.
If you can't enjoy it, and consistently think you know better, then why are you on this forum and not out there putting your fully imagined expertise to good use.
3.) 09 Sep 2026 14:49:09
That's the other key thing, it's not the same club any more. Rival fans always hated us, but the club had values and an ethos. Now it seems it stands for nothing. It's hard to like the club (not the team), and it's been like that for some years.
4.) 09 Sep 2026 16:33:40
As a Manc whose family supported through Munich and told me all the stories about Edwards, Foulkes, Charlton and Gregg it is more than a hobby. Members of family were at the Sheffield Wednesday game after the tragedy. They also lined the streets to see the tragedy brought back to Manchester, they told me how they wept. I have known survivors personally so was very involved from being young. I don't have to tell you how much but the stories and living not that far from the ground meant the atmosphere, the connection was very different from today. I resent the implication it is just a hobby. My late sibling was involved with the club, I was ingrained in it from young.
It hurt as a kid when the club became a mess because I lived on Law Charlton and Best for years until Hill, Coppell and Pearson arrived.
To be honest I think it is insulting to be told it's a hobby like making toy planes, by people who clearly have different experiences to you and who look like they have an agenda to anaesthetise you to the present ownership.
I went down to OT about 1970 when Manchester was a smog ridden mess, people generally don't know what Manchester was like then, when the team represented the hopes and dream of us working people, we went to the old ground and the excitement to stand on the wooden bit at the top of the Paddock which rocked. Few people now have any idea how exciting it was when Gordon Hill scored in the 1976 FA Cup semi because of the years of dross. The first time and only time I cried about United was when Southampton won the final. I could tell you stories about meeting players who were not hidden in fancy houses in massively priced areas, they lived amongst us. It made them human and we went on those terraces and screamed our heads off for them. I was there in 1979 at a Semi final against Liverpool and never shouted so loud.
My passion is still there, I wouldn't be here writing this if it wasn't. There are differences and similarities. Louis Edwards was chairman at the start, and we didn't like it, he was the cause of not renewing the players for the team that brought relegation. That's a similarity but only so far, he didn't soak a Billion out of the club, but was openly derided. I can't tell you what they said about him at the time. Seen through all that. My old pence pocket money got me in the ground, and I once managed to get into the tunnel and walked out behind the team, I heard the roar. You don't know how inspiring that is.
My passion is there because there were people who died for the club, like I said I knew survivors and that makes it more than a hobby. It's what drives a passion about the parasites that are destroying the club. Yes I have tried switching off and in fact said to my wife a few weeks ago I wish I could. It's in my blood and even the parasitic owners can't stop it although I won't give them a penny of my money these days.
It is not the same club, it's all about screwing us for every cent, and it stinks. I don't live near the ground any more, I can't go down to see what is happening. But my passion for the principle of what the babes and Busby stood for will be there likely until the end.
5.) 09 Sep 2026 17:00:51
Well said, Mr Red Man.
6.) 09 Sep 2026 18:52:19
Lovely post, Red Man. I used to feel that way. I remember crying as a youngster reading about Munich, the pain of '76 followed by the europhoria of '77, only to be devastated again in '79, and then, for me, the ecstasy of the FA Cup semi-final in '83, all 3 goals scored at our end.
I was there against Blackburn in '93. I'm sure millions will claim they were there, but there were only 40,000 there; the joy of everyone was wonderful to see, particularly Sir Matt's wide-eyed grin.
I respect how you feel, and I wish I still felt the same way, particularly as a Manc, but, as time has passed, my passion has cooled, although I still draw the line at crying.
Great post.
7.) 09 Sep 2026 19:06:56
Newname, also an awesome post. The Glazers have ripped the soul out of the club.
8.) 09 Sep 2026 19:54:15
Come on youngsters, where are you?
9.) 09 Sep 2026 20:41:31
I think everything you've said there, Red Man, is because you've lived it, connected with the club, its players and what it means.
Speaking for myself, it's not so much a question of love for United, but for the game. When players are paid as much as they are, everything is so commercialised, tickets are prioritised for corporate viewers, FIFA is clearly corrupt, players are rolling around, VAR is taking the emotion out of every moment, and owners are in our game to do everything but care about the club - it's pretty hard to say you love the game.
Unfortunately, that rubs off on United for me because we are one of the biggest victims of most of those things.
10.) 09 Sep 2026 20:46:11
And I'm fairly young compared to most, it seems - 35. The nostalgia I have is still the thing I love most about United, but the broader state of football has taken the shine off somewhat.
11.) 09 Sep 2026 21:02:01
That's kind of how I feel, JD. It's not the same game any more. I used to live in Lymm, where a couple of players lived, but no more. Now they are all in walled properties in the wealthiest areas, living in their own bubbles.
Sky haven't helped, nor have broadcasters in general. The over hyping, presenting games as war or life and death, is just stupid. The England Norway game was a great example.
Dressing the England players up as warriors repelling the Viking invaders was stupid. For the love of God, it's just a game.
Add in the cost of tickets, the behaviour of FIFA, the weakness of the governing bodies when trying to deal with the big clubs, the foreign ownership, and, well, it's hard to still feel the same way about the game.
12.) 10 Sep 2026 00:57:34
Blimey, an adult conversation on here without trading insults.
13.) 10 Sep 2026 07:40:15
I am a 36 year old Welshman who has supported them since I was around 5 or 6. I only ended up supporting them as my older brother was a Liverpool fan. I asked him, who do they hate? He said Manchester United, and that's when I started to support them. I loved the club ever since, immersed myself into the club and its history, watching old games, reading books, and modeled my game after a couple players, Rvn in my earlier days, then Rooney in my later days.
But my love for football has cooled over the years. I'm not sure if that's because we became bad, or if it's because I don't like today's football. It's too systematic, and I feel the quality of players is at an all-time low.
14.) 10 Sep 2026 08:01:10
You see I wouldn't cross the road to greet any United player, past or present.
They are not special people, they play football for the club I support no more, and they mean no more to me than that.
I don't hold them as idols, and none of them, past or present, except the ones I've had personal relationships with, hold any interest for me.
They play football, they are not my heroes.
I've lived beside a member of possibly the biggest live band in the world for 35 years and in Ireland he can sit down in any bar or restaurant in the country without someone looking for a selfie.
It's a very Irish thing not to fawn over these very ordinary people that have a specific talent.
Players come and go, managers come and go, owners come and go. I've zero interest in any of them (with a few exceptions) when they've gone, retired, or died.
Thanks for the memory, and move on.
15.) 10 Sep 2026 08:30:08
Early 40s myself. Ireland based but was in UK for a decade. Grew up in a United supporting family. Follow every United game and have been to a fair few games in OT over the years. But if I were to watch a game as a neutral I'd pick Gaelic football or hurling every single time. Football is just so commercialised and accepts a lot of nonsense. Ed Woodward really put my love for United to the test.
The primadonna culture is the antithesis of all that sport should represent. It's a large part of the reason I'm so quick to defend RA as I feel he's done more than any manager since SAF to instill the right culture at the club. Mbeumo, Cunha and all these players give their best efforts. A United like that I'll always follow
16.) 10 Sep 2026 09:38:38
A lot of youngsters these days know nothing about Utd's past glories or players. Those who died in the Munich air disaster, etc. I grew up being told tales of Duncan Edwards, George Best, Dennis Law, etc.
How poor Ted Mcdougal was.
My Dad and Grandad knew Roger Hunt. He would even take them to Anfield to watch matches.
I'm early 40s now, Utd flows through my veins. I hope one day, they get to the very top.
17.) 10 Sep 2026 10:31:52
My first game was 1957. A one-all draw with Aston Villa. Tommy scored. I was born in Old Trafford in a two-up, two-down. The latter shook when the first goal against Sheffield Wednesday went in! I went to Saint Alphonsus Primary on Ayres Road. And De La Salle in Weaste. A school chum was Tony Wilson!
I attended all the home games in the 60s. That was the time of Law, Charlton and Best. If memory serves me correctly, the three didn’t play together that often. Law and Charlton, Best and Charlton, but rarely all three together. We used to mither Shay Brennan’s missus by knocking on his door asking for an autograph.
He lived on Kings Road, Stretford. Not Wimslow or Hale!
I live in Cork, Ireland now.
I agree with the consensus that the club is not what it used to be. The Glazers.
But I agree with Ken and others that despite all this we still fervently support the club. It is in our blood. On a daily basis!
By the way, Ken, we were very poor but a school chum of mine, or rather his family, had a box at Old Trafford! They were into tiles and had an Italian surname. Any clues?
18.) 10 Sep 2026 10:41:49
The company called Rocca Tiles had a box, Patrick, in the mid 2000s, but not sure if it's the same connection, mate.
19.) 10 Sep 2026 11:21:51
I saw my first game in 1957. It was a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at home. Tommy scored. I was born in Old Trafford, and I went to St Alphonsus on Ayres Road. Our two-up, two-down shook when the first goal against Sheffield Wednesday went in.
In the 60s, it was all about Law, Charlton and Best. But, if memory serves me correctly, they seldom played together. Law and Charlton, Charlton and Best was the norm. Denis was not the same after his knee injury. However, before that he was lethal. 62-65?
20.) 10 Sep 2026 11:25:24
Their name was Quilligotti, Ken. Think they sold out to Topps Tiles. Detail eludes after half a century. ?
21.) 10 Sep 2026 11:54:11
You still remember your 1st game though. ?
22.) 10 Sep 2026 12:03:25
Which player did you have a personal relationship with, Ken? Are you telling us you slept with Georgie Best in the 70s?
This is a very interesting debate and I am still a little unsure as to which side I stand on it. United is still huge to me. I still go to every home game and apply for every away game. I've been to every domestic final and was in Bilbao to see us be horrific against Spurs. I still feel gutted when we lost and delighted when we win, but I do agree that the club as a whole is difficult to like too much.
I also find a large number of the fan base pretty difficult to like as well, those on social media are a disgrace at times. Scammers trying to have a go at the club because they are trying to stop them from being touts is the latest one. If you haven't done anything wrong, the club wouldn't be banning you from games, it's as simple as that.
I don't mean the fans on here, I like the debates on here and, as much as we sometimes argue, I do find the discussions a lot more sensible and informative than anything you could read on X.
I do wonder whether if we were still good more people would still feel now they did about the club in the 90s / 00s. It is much easier to be less bothered about your team when they aren't winning every week. For example, I see a lot more City fans very interested in football these days when, back 20 years ago, they weren't really that bothered. The opposite for United fans. There is a reason why promoted teams get double the crowd in the Premier League than if they drop down a couple of leagues, people like to go and watch their team win, when you're losing it's not as fun and therefore it's easier to back away and find something more fun in your life.
I'd say I'm addicted / obsessed with the club and would love them to get back to how they were, but I'd say a loss ruins the next hour for me these days rather than the next full day or week, but that might be because I'm older and more used to the defeats.
23.) 10 Sep 2026 14:42:00
Gds2, Paul Scholes, Frank Stapleton, David Beckham in particular.
Schools and Stephen Gerrard flew over for my father's funeral in 2011.
I've had a few business dealings with Gary Neville, and played on a couple of United legends teams at matches in Ireland, so got to know Andy Ritchie, Albiston, Sammy Mc and Ray Wilkins (rip) quote well.
24.) 10 Sep 2026 20:15:22
Ken, I remember that first game because I was nearly crushed to death on the Warwick Road !!!. ?
25.) 10 Sep 2026 22:52:29
Dropped some names there, Ken, my favourite one is Gds2 though, he was a great player back in the day.
26.) 11 Sep 2026 17:34:51
And survived to tell the tale, Patrick. Good thread, Ajh. ?
06 Sep 2026 10:13:39
I may not get to see the game today, hey ho.
This is a game we should be winning. Mainoo is restored, we had a confidence building win last week creating a lot of chances, Everton had a horrible window and we need to go and dominate.
Our continuing issue is our away form, at home we have been very strong.
I am hoping Hull was a freak result and today will help us see where we are, everyone back, hopefully all fit and sharp now, I want to see energy and desire.
Predictions? I'm saying 3-1 to United.
1.) 06 Sep 2026 11:56:32
1-1. Hope I'm wrong.
2.) 06 Sep 2026 12:03:46
2-2
Everton away is always tough, no matter what they are going through. The crowd will be up for it, and Moyes will get them fighting.
United will create chances, but United's shaky back line will give up chances.
3.) 06 Sep 2026 12:09:19
Shame you can't get to see the game, hope you have a letter of excuse, Tony!
This is the type of game that can be worrisome, I think Everton will be mega pumped simply because of what happened on the last day of the transfer window.
Also, because they are playing us! It always gets them going.
You mention Kobbie, interesting numbers here. Since the start of 25/26 season we have played 40 league games.
Results are as follows:
With Kobbie starting-----Without Kobbie starting
Games 17 23.
Won 13 8.
Drawn 3 8.
Lost 1 7.
Goals for 37 37.
Goals per game 2.17 1.6.
Goals against 18 36.
Goals against per game 1.05 1.56.
Points per game 2.47 1.39.
Win % 76.4% 34.7%.
Loss% 5.8% 30.4%.
You could well say the figures speak for themselves!
Don't think it will be easy, but I do expect a win. Happily take a 1 goal margin.
4.) 06 Sep 2026 12:22:21
I think Barry's speed could be an issue for us today against our CBs. I'm hoping last week was a blip from Shaw, but he's going to have a tough day if Johnson starts, as he's in the top ten fastest recorded speeds. I think, if we play well, 2-2.
5.) 06 Sep 2026 12:38:47
Everton away is never easy, and Moyes will have them tough to break down. What we really need is an early goal. The longer that Everton can keep us out, the harder it will get for us to score.
Going forward, Everton have lost both Beto and Ndiaye late in the window and they weren't able to replace them properly.
The threats will come from Grealish, Johnson, Barry and Dewsbury-Hall. Johnson and Barry have pace in behind, and Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are dangerous with their delivery from set-pieces, crosses and through balls.
For us, rather than trying to keep pace with Barry or Johnson, we might be better suited to looking to cut the ball in behind out at source. Ultimately, it doesn't matter if they can outpace us if the ball never gets through for them to chase.
It'll be a tough game, and we'll need to play with concentration and real attacking intent.
As with all our games this season, I am fairly confident that we will score, but less so that we will not concede.
Unless we have a mare, I don't see Everton scoring more than 1 or 2 goals at most, they are lacking strength and depth in the forward areas. So it'll come down to whether we can score 2 or 3 goals at least to take the win, and to score 3 or more goals against a David Moyes Everton side I would think we will likely need an early goal in the first 15 minutes or so to disrupt their game plan and force them to come out a little bit more and give us the space to punish them and get a couple more goals.
6.) 06 Sep 2026 13:02:41
AJH,
Good post. Unfortunately, Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for Utd. They always seem to save a performance for a Utd Everton match.
Would I be surprised for Everton to win? No.
7.) 06 Sep 2026 13:32:58
They will probably park the bus. It would help if we could score early, but even then, we're not renowned for our solid defense.
8.) 06 Sep 2026 13:34:33
2-0 Everton.
9.) 06 Sep 2026 13:56:18
Mad Hatter, not sure that's tru3, I read somewhere they rarely win against us.
10.) 06 Sep 2026 16:12:55
Well called, Fallguy.
11.) 06 Sep 2026 17:34:01
I don't think we've lost against Everton away for about 6 years.
16 Sep 2026 09:55:54
We don't have the luxury of playing a child. For the love of God, he is tiny right now. I just don't see him ready to step up to the first team. This is a Gabriel issue, not a United one.
26 Aug 2026 09:21:27
Zirkzee/Watkins swap would be a great bit of business. Add a decent LB, and we have had a solid window.
19 Aug 2026 10:53:17
If we do sign him and sign a very good left back (I would pay for Hall), then it's another decent window. Like it or not, Rashford looks to be staying, so can cover at CF.
02 Aug 2026 09:30:10
I sort of understand your point, Danny. However, he is 35, and I think Chelsea have bought him, and Henderson, because they want some old heads to impart knowledge to a very young squad. I'd be surprised if he starts very often.
27 Jul 2026 19:13:22
Awesome, I love rumours like these. I don't think Obi will make it. He doesn't look great in the youth team. JJ is then one they think might be a generational talent. We shall see.
18 Sep 2026 13:34:13
I have no idea, amd it is a fair question. I wasn't a Carrick fanboy but didn't see outstanding candidates elsewhere. I posted a few days ago about the Arsenal and City games last year, where has that spirit gone?
18 Sep 2026 05:38:33
Did you read my post JBR? I said he lacks cojones and isn't qualified for the job, which is a key part of the problem. Perhaps I should have said Carrick isn't the only issue. But his appointment, and that of other Managers, as well as the club's inability to strengthen key positions is a bigger issue.
It's groundhog day. Appoint a Manager, do well initially, have a dip, get sacked, rinse and repeat, see Jose, Ole, ETH, and now possibly Carrick. All the while not addressing root cause problems.
17 Sep 2026 21:39:16
It's not Carrick who is the issue, it is the leadership.
We have gone through a raft of Managers, some of whom were clearly not qualified for the job, Moyes, Ole, and now Carrick, all of whom never managed 'big' stars, never won 'big' trophies, tand that's always a risk. Chelsea appointed Rosenior with terrible results, and Liverpool are trying Iraola. At some point a promising Manager will deliver, but doing that at the madhouse that is United is probably twice as hard.
ETH and Amorim had potential but hadn't managed in the 'big' leagues. Both tried to implement discipline, with mixed results, ETH fined and dropped Rashford, Amorim froze him out, yet here he is as first choice again. That tells us a lot about what is wrong with this club. Ralph called it but was ignored.
The same applies to Wilcox, not sure what qualified him to be DoF at United, he doesn't seem to have a track record yet here he is, making the major decisions.
Carrick has been appointed based on a very good run last year, but so far, he isn't showing he has the cojonas to make the tough decisions, and clearly his coaching and management experience is limited. I would be ok with that given his knowledge of the club and his achievements as a player if we had a structure that was robust.
That brings us to the players, good players come here and seem to regress, last night's display was odd, 2 up in no time and then pretty much crap for the rest of the game. We sign promising young players who do not develop in the way we would expect, Heaven and Yoro are not getting any better, and there is clearly a reluctance to play youngsters.
Friends who support other clubs are laughing at us, they think we are amateurs and can no longer be considered an elite club, and I find it hard to disagree with them.
16 Sep 2026 14:47:09
This is not about United. It's about the advice he is getting, and, more than likely, his Dad. Trying to use this as a stick to beat United is plain silly.
16 Sep 2026 07:25:29
He is miles away from being ready for the first team; he is a child. Comparing him to Dowman is laughable; Dowman is way ahead physically. If Gabriel plays for the first team, he would be flattened.
It's good to see so many posters get it.
Here is another talent who is going to be ruined by those around him.
Yes, Carrick is conservative, but to then use this as the reason a 15 year old wants to leave is a stretch.