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30 Jul 2025 15:28:14
Ornstein drops the Sesko bomb!
Cunha Sesko Mbuemo
Is a ridiculous upgrade on what we had last season.
I believe that once Antony, Sancho and Garnacho leave, there'll be one more big one, too.
1.) 30 Jul 2025 16:28:58
Big hurdle concerning transfer fee first. Newcastle will pay over the odds to save face now.
2.) 30 Jul 2025 16:33:12
Exciting if true. I know it’s a gamble, but I think he will go on to be one of the very best.
3.) 30 Jul 2025 16:33:54
Newcastle not out of it yet by all accounts, could be bigging up our chances so they can salvage some pride by saying they beat us to his signing. Will see what happens. The fee will be the big issue, we saw how long mbeumo took ?.
4.) 30 Jul 2025 17:33:41
Now being reported Rasmus Hoijland going the other way to Leipzig.
5.) 30 Jul 2025 18:02:17
That would be ideal Wallace. If that was the case, they should still see if we could offload Garnacho to Villa and bring Watkins in.
I know transfers don’t always work like that but if the powers that be could pull that off then our frontline would be considerably better than last season .
6.) 30 Jul 2025 19:14:30
It's rumoured that Sesko has a clause in his contract whereby his transfer fee is a reduced if an 'elite' named club (we are one of the named) approach.
Seemingly a bid of approx £70m would be the amount needed.
Vivell has flown back from the tour and of course his previous association with Leipzig should give him an inside knowledge.
It seems Vivell is pushing very hard for Sesko over Watkins.
We shall see. Clearly Watkins would be expected to have a greater impact short term, but Sesko has a much, much higher potential ceiling. Of course Cunha and Mbeumo are both proven at Premier League level so playing with those two much reduces the risk associated with a young player in a new league.
I personally hope we go for Sesko, anyway, who's to say he will struggle initially? he might hit the ground running and there is no absolute guarantee Watkins will deliver.
7.) 30 Jul 2025 20:25:33
£60m for Sesko.
Leipzig buy Hojlund for £40m in separate transaction for PSR.
Sell Antony, Sancho and Garnacho for a realistic £85m combined.
Buy Baleba for £70m.
Buy Donarumma for £40m.
Net outlay of £45m.
Cunha and Mbuemo’s money went on 24-25 books.
If the above happened, we’d come top 4.
8.) 30 Jul 2025 20:43:27
Would prefer Watkins and spending more on GK and CM. But more importantly, hope this is sth RA is on board with.
9.) 30 Jul 2025 20:46:05
Downsie, Donarumma would be an outstanding signing. Can’t see it happening but he would be a massive character to have in the team. One of the top keepers in the world.
10.) 30 Jul 2025 21:08:15
If that happened Downsie we'd be challengers.
11.) 30 Jul 2025 21:36:01
It sounds like Watkins was the preferred option, but Villa are demanding too much and we've switched to Sesko now.
It would be very handy if we could agree a deal that sees Højlund go to Leipzig as Sesko's replacement.
However, we needed a striker to compete with Højlund. Effectively swapping Højlund for Sesko (while potentially an upgrade) still leaves us a little light on options up front.
I mean what do we do if Sesko takes a while to settle, gets injured, or flops entirely? Who do we bring in to the team for him?
If Sesko or any striker joins AND Højlund leaves I think we still need another striker as well. Definitely if the new striker is young and/ or unproven in the EPL.
12.) 30 Jul 2025 21:39:53
Imagine
Donarumma
Yoro De Ligt Heaven
Amad Baleba Bruno Dorgu
Mbeumo Sesko Cunha.
13.) 30 Jul 2025 22:09:07
Cunha and Mbuemo's cost will be going on the books for the next 5 years and only a very small amount of Cunha's fee will be charged to 2024/ 5.
14.) 30 Jul 2025 22:13:24
Having no Højlund is effectively the same as having Højlund in the squad. Both scenarios will end with no goals for Højlund.
15.) 30 Jul 2025 22:31:20
Watkins will go to Newcastle now.
16.) 31 Jul 2025 00:18:49
I actually think Watkins will get more EPL goals next season that Sesko does. But it’s the seasons after that I’m focusing on. And I still think Sesko will break into double figures.
17.) 31 Jul 2025 01:21:22
Anyone know what donnaruma is demanding for his wage?
Even PSG who has all the money can't find an agreement with him.
18.) 31 Jul 2025 05:00:47
I think PSG have come to realize that having a team of players who fight for one another is more important than having eleven individuals who are only there for a paycheck. I’m sure they could easily afford to pay him what he wants. They just don’t want to.
I’m kinda torn myself. Players wanting to maximize their earnings makes perfect sense to me, so him coming in on a big wage isn’t necessarily an issue. But if he flops, we’re stuck with him. Plus the last Italian goalkeeper we tried didn’t really work out too well for us. RIP Taibi.
19.) 31 Jul 2025 05:09:55
Sesko and Hoijlund are the same age with the latter having the benefit of acclimatising to a new country/ league for two years and the benefit of a pre-season under RA, the former reportedly having a very high ceiling but an inconsistent last couple of seasons albeit in an inconsistent team.
With Cunha and Mbuemo either side of the striker I have higher hopes for Hoijlund and higher hopes for a new ST (be it Sesko or anyone else) than I did when we had Garnacho and Rashford. I'd hope that we keep Rasmus as we need to ADD a striker, not necessarily replace one, however with PSR constraints and trying to get Sesko before Newcastle have the funds to sign him (presumably needing to sell Isak first) .
I just hope RA keeps and let's go of who he wants to and the club are trying to fulfil HIS vision of the squad. We need to back him, this may be me being more hopeful than logical, but I just feel he's the one who IS and WILL instill our clubs values back and do the much needed and delayed 'open-heart surgery' we ran away from under Ralf Rangnick.
If Sesko is who Amorim wants, then Sesko is who we should get. If Hoijlund is who Amorim doesn't want, then Hoijlund should be moved on to facilitate future signings.
I can see a lot of positive changes in the pre-season (yes pre-season I know) games in terms of attitude and tactics.
In Ruben I trust
In Ruben I trust.
20.) 31 Jul 2025 20:33:34
AMPN, he wants 400k per week and a fresh virgin every Sunday.
21.) 01 Aug 2025 01:52:08
Brighton will want closer to £100m for Baleba as they have zero need to sell. And £95m for Sancho, Antony and Garnacho is a bit of a stretch. Likely £15m for Sancho and perhaps around 20-25m for Anthony depending on who buys him and around 40 for Garnacho if a buyer can be found which doesn’t seem likely at the moment.
22.) 03 Aug 2025 11:52:25
Donnarumma 40 million, I very much doubt that…… we give more for a clown, I think they be queuing round Paris if that was the case! He fancies a bigger deal one would expect and he in the perfect negotiating position.
15 May 2025 17:52:02
I'm not buying the Semenyo rumours at all. He'd be the L10, which is exactly where Cunha is being bought to play.
L10: Cunha/ Garnacho
R10: Mbuemo/ Amad/ Mount
LWB: Dorgu/ Shaw/ Amass
RWB: Amad/ Dalot.
1.) 15 May 2025 20:38:04
What makes you think Cunha is nailed on? Remember Olise lol.
2.) 15 May 2025 20:47:04
I would take Semenyo over Cunha every day until the end of time, there is simply no comparison.
I'll say again RWB, no for Amad.
Dumfries, Ait-Nouri are two to consider.
3.) 15 May 2025 21:56:05
Yeah I think we need a wingback too. Vanderson of Monaco also linked recently who looks a good player.
4.) 15 May 2025 22:20:55
Jimbo red. Really Semenyo over Cunha? Cunha is far more talented and can play in many positions. He would be able to play in any of the top teams. Semenyo is a good player but I could never see him play as a number 8 or number 10 to the same level if at all. Cunha is a little bit Cantonaesque.
5.) 15 May 2025 22:32:54
Cunha is a bit like Cantona in every department. A bit lazy, a bit of a temper etc etc.
Watched both play, believe Semenyo offers more to the team. Cunha is about Cunha.
{Ed025's Note - a loose cannon Jimbob, but very talented mate..
6.) 16 May 2025 03:00:24
Not denying his talent Ed25, my main concern is whether he is the 'right' fit at the right time for us.
If we had an established squad that was competing week in week out, sprinkling a Cantona/ Cunha type player into the mix is a great idea.
I just have a feeling throwing Cunha to lions with our current squad could have far reaching damaging consequences. I would love to be proven wrong. Maybe I am just scarred from previous examples!
{Ed025's Note - i get what you are saying Jimbob, the thing is that he is a goal threat which is something you are missing mate..
7.) 16 May 2025 06:41:36
Rooney and Keane were loose cannons aswell. Sometimes you need players like that.
{Ed025's Note - i agree MH..
8.) 16 May 2025 09:19:31
Cunha all day long. Agree with comments about his temper and agressive nature at points, but on the flipside you have a player that lives for goals and assists and will not be pushed around by defenders.
We can have a player like this in the team and will transform our attacking play.
9.) 16 May 2025 10:10:33
Totally agree Ed, he fits the bill for goals/ assists.
I was and still am in the Cunha IN camp, I just have that slight reservation. But I guess you could apply the same concerns to any signing!
{Ed025's Note - he would certainly improve the team Jimbob..
10.) 16 May 2025 19:31:44
I think they sell garnacho.
11.) 16 May 2025 22:23:30
Garnacho and Hojlund should be sold.
12.) 18 May 2025 00:03:09
Garnacho needs to stay.
13.) 18 May 2025 11:17:21
Not for me, Garnacho needs to go too, his finishing is atrocious and becoming a one trick pony. If they can get 50 mil plus for him then use it to get more goals into this team.
14.) 19 May 2025 09:04:25
Or get a world class goalie.
15.) 19 May 2025 10:16:39
We need goals badly and a GK and a CB.
16.) 19 May 2025 17:11:55
With Garnacho I'm fine either way.
If we keep him then we have a young player with potential who has shown ability to be a very good player. He will need to knuckle down and develop further though to have a long term future at the club.
While if we sell him then we receive a large fee, entirely profit that can be reinvested in the squad. Hopefully on players more ready to be first team players and make a consistent impact in the team.
I mean we are almost certainly going to sign Cunha, and with Bruno and Amad in the squad that probably puts Garnacho 4th choice in one of the No.10 positions. If Mount can stay fit and rediscover his best form then Garnacho would be 5th choice. While Mainoo might be best in one of those positions rather than deeper. If fully fit and with a good pre-season behind him then he could well have an impact next season similar to last season. Which could then push Garnacho down to 6th choice.
He is a player I think we can afford to lose as his impact right now is not where it needs to be, and we have a lot of quality in those positions. So selling him could be the difference between adding a second striker signing, a midfielder or a keeper this summer. All of whom would be more likely to be first choice and improved the he starting 11.
17.) 20 May 2025 10:36:58
I not at all sold on Garnacho at all and think he should be sold, but to say Mainoo would be in front of him in that position is pushing it a bit too far….
Mainoo or Garnacho should not be in our starting 11, if we want to improve, we need to be setting our sights higher than either of these two.
02 Jan 2025 21:12:22
Gyokeres rumours for a JANUARY transfer heating up.
Can imagine us sending Antony and Lindelof there to lower the price. £50m plus those two, £30m of which will be recuperated by selling Casemiro to Saudi. So a £20m outlay on Gyokeres plus huge wages saved. Then Rashford to PSG in a loan swap for Nuno Mendes. £20m Jan window outlay, which sounds realistic.
1.) 02 Jan 2025 21:35:02
Give this man Ashworth’s job….
2.) 02 Jan 2025 21:49:21
Thought RM said on day 1 he wouldn’t go for any Sporting player in January?
3.) 02 Jan 2025 21:55:25
Sounds, great but wishful thinking I fear.
4.) 02 Jan 2025 22:57:43
Gyorkeres would struggle in this team.
5.) 03 Jan 2025 01:01:50
Sounds like fifa career mode. How on earth do you think that's realistic?
6.) 03 Jan 2025 11:17:12
Sounds good until a blind man whispers in the ear of SP CEO and says . that Antony fella isn't worth 5 mill. and Lindelof has all the confidence of a one armed boxer once he's within 10 feet of a football.
7.) 03 Jan 2025 13:14:50
Burrenwayboy,
I still can't believe the club triggered a 1 year extension for lindelof.
8.) 03 Jan 2025 18:28:57
Maguire?
9.) 03 Jan 2025 19:35:09
Casimero for 30 million to saudi? that is absolute gold! thank you, thank you.
10.) 03 Jan 2025 19:39:28
Why do a lot of folk continue to refer to Ruben Amorim, as RM? Is there a reason?
11.) 04 Jan 2025 19:32:59
No chance of Gyokeres this window.
12.) 05 Jan 2025 04:00:46
Ruben M-or-him? ?.
13.) 05 Jan 2025 13:27:03
Probably years of writing RM in short for me, (whilst having a shout ? at me) that’s in their auto spelling.
14.) 07 Jan 2025 22:29:52
Jimbobred,
RA sounds too scouse.
21 Aug 2024 07:33:49
Ugarte likely to come in very soon, possibly even today.
Pellistri, Mejbri, Oyedele all out by the weekend. Eriksen to follow next week.
I think McTominay will stay, but expect Sancho to leave next week, probably on another loan deal.
I just have a sneaky feeling we are going to do something big and unexpected in the last week, too. I think INEOS will want to make an absolute statement signing on deadline day to really hammer home their arrival.
1.) 21 Aug 2024 08:06:30
I wouldn't be surprised if we tried again for branthwaite, he was obviously a top target but i think that depends if Lindelof goes.
2.) 21 Aug 2024 09:59:42
I'd be delighted to keep Scott McTominay - he always gives 100% and never let's you down. He isn't a technical midfielder the way e. g. Eriksen is, but he offers other things. I'd happily say goodbye to Eriksen and Casemiro - both have been fantastic players but their age is catching up and slowing them down. At their peak they would have graced any team but their best days are behind them. I think both still have a lot to offer going forward, but defensively they are too exposed and that makes it very hard to Mainoo etc. However, it's not their fault that Utd paid too much, and both deserve respect for their achievements in the game - at his peak Casemiro was world class in his role, and Eriksen has always been a joy to watch and a model pro.
Sancho I am not convinced has the heart to be a Utd player - wonderful skill but also not a fighter for the cause: if we can get a good price I would sell and move on just to clear the decks.
So, my ideal purchases in last days of window would be Ugarte, a young and hungry left back (Shaw and Malacia just too unreliable with injury: the Turkish guy looks good but I think the Hungarian guy at Bournemouth is more PL proven - but what do I know? ) and if possible another effort for Branthwaite. Unlikely to get them all, but it would be a truly fantastic window if we could achieve this.
3.) 21 Aug 2024 10:58:38
We need a player like Ugarte in midfield, if that means moving McTominay I'd be fine with that. Ugarte's energy and ball winning ability is something we lack in the squad.
McTominay is the 2024 version of Fellaini in my eyes. Gives his all, limited on the ball, can't trust him defensively but if you put him in the opposition box, he's going to cause problems.
As for other departures and signings, I'd say Sancho, Hannibal and Pellistri need to go as they're clearly not at the forefront of Ten Hag's thinking.
If we are to bring in another with Ugarte, I'd target a wide player rather than a left back. When fit, Shaw will start so why sign a short term fix again? We saw how that worked with Weghorst, Reguilon, Amrabat and Sabitzer in recent years. In our wide areas we have youth in Amad and Garnacho and two horribly out of form players in Rashford and Antony. I'd say that is just as big a concern as the likely fitness issues at left back.
4.) 21 Aug 2024 11:39:29
RJmanutd interested you would stick with Shaw and Malacia - I agree Shaw when fit is still quality, but he's not been consistently fit for a log while now, so my sense is that we need to look to the future with a young player who can develop. Amass looks a good prospect but we can't expect him never to lose form or fitness as he develops physically and tactically in next few years, so another young player (like Kerkez at Bournemouth) would be a sensible way to balance risk. If Shaw gets fit consistently he can take his place back, if not he hs to work for it same as everyone should. Last season I think LB was a major weakness for us (although lack of left sided CB with Lisandro injured did not help) and we were targeted. Amrabat is not a bad player, but chopping and changing where he played didn't help him or the team - trying to use him at LB was insanity! I agree that Reguilon and Weghorst weren't great, but I actually thought Sabitzer was a good player and he's looked good for Austria, and in the upper levels of German league (Bayern, RBL and Dortmund - although I can agree their levels are a little lower than EPL overall, Bayern don't buy too many complete mugs) . Biggest problem has been we have brought in some players who look good in other teams and systems, but we haven't coached them well and we haven't had a consistent style of play, so each match we have lurched from system to system. Hopefully this is something Wilcox and Ashforth will address together with Ten Hag but it's not an instant fix and I suspect it will take at least 2 seasons to sort properly. But if we can settle on a style of play, buy players who fit that system and coach players to work in that way, we should see progress. although some players are not very adaptable (either too thick or too ego driven to do so) . Even a team like City - with a huge amount of money and some serious talent available to them, and a well defined system of play by now - buy players and then it takes months for them to really fit the system and settle in - and some (e. g. Phillips, Grealish) don't ever really convince. This season I expect progress, but breaking top 4 will be a big achievement and we shouldn't expect a lasting challenge at top end of the table. I am pretty sure most of us don't expect that, even if we would love to see it.
5.) 21 Aug 2024 12:21:07
I'm not sure we will move for LB now. It's a bizarre situation we find ourselves in, looking for a player who technically could only be 5th choice in that position behind Shaw, Malacia, Mazraoui, Dalot. Last resort should be Martinez, then Amass. Better solution is to find a long-term starter in this position next summer. I think at least one of Shaw/ Malacia will be offski.
6.) 21 Aug 2024 12:27:34
Phil, I totally agree that Shaw and Malacia as LB options is risky. Shaw when fully fit is a very good left back, hence why he is first choice. It's just I don't see the club buying a new 1st choice left back this window, and ultimately, they'd need to be a pretty good player to justify not playing Shaw when he is fully fit. Some of the players linked like Alonso are very short term signings, then players like Chilwell who are good but just as injury prone, if not more so, than Shaw. Others such as Kerkez could be good signings but with limited funds don't seem too feasible this window.
I'd rather see us spend the limited funds we apparently have available on a replacement for Sancho this window. That'd give us sufficient depth in wide areas and still allows for Amad to continue to develop or maybe Rashford / Antony to regain some form. Then next summer sign a top left back to takeover from Shaw.
7.) 21 Aug 2024 19:11:59
Or keep Sancho in the wide areas and see what he can do?
8.) 21 Aug 2024 22:34:42
Eric,
We’ve seen what he can do, nothing.
22 Jul 2024 11:56:48
Now confirmed that we've bid £30m for De Ligt this morning.
In my opinion we absolutely need him, but that must surely mean that the departure of Lindelof (or Maguire? ) is imminent? We can't possibly justify Martinez, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof and Evans being at the club.
1.) 22 Jul 2024 12:11:41
I'd prefer keeping Lindelof and getting rid of Maguire, but I expect Lindelof will leave.
2.) 22 Jul 2024 12:29:02
I would let them both go tbh. However Maguire performed better last season without the Captaincy and didn’t do much wrong. As cover either is fine, DeLigt and Yoro this window would be very good though.
3.) 22 Jul 2024 12:31:05
I'm sure they will push to sell both Lindelof and Maguire. From there they can hopefully bring in de ligt.
Having Evans, Martinez, Yoro, De Ligt and AN other would be a fantastic selection. i still think they go back for Branthwaite.
4.) 22 Jul 2024 12:31:10
Really good news if true, it would give us 3 very good options at CB.
Maguire surely has to go if he’s got anything about him. He can’t sit on the bench at 31.
I’d sooner keep Lindelof. He’s a good passer of the ball, and I think is better than most seem to think. It wasn’t long ago that Barcelona were sniffing around him.
5.) 22 Jul 2024 13:04:50
Would be a great signing at that price. Can see why we wanted to get the Yoro deal wrapped up first. Not sure if he would have signed had he known we’d be bringing in a CB of De Ligt’s quality in the same window. I’m sure that both will get ample game time next season, but between them and Martinez, only two can be first choice.
6.) 22 Jul 2024 14:28:00
I would be relaxed with either Maguire/ Lindelof to leave or both if it was possible but we may want to be mindful of injuries again. If one of them stays for a further year as 4th/ 5th choice then that's okay.
I would be happy with Martinez/ De Ligt/ Yoro sharing the game time and think De Ligt/ Yoro are intelligent enough to cover left side when Martinez not playing.
We can then clear out all of the remaining next season with one additional CB/ bring through from the youth team.
7.) 22 Jul 2024 13:42:38
If you consider that we didn't have enough CBs last year (see Casemiro playing CB), We have lost Kambwala and replaced/ upgraded with Yoro (prospect ready to play first team games) . Varane (starter) has left and not been replaced - so i would see de Ligt as filling the Varane slot, bringing us back to as many capable CBs as last season, which wasn't enough (granted - bit of a freak with number of injuries) . Lindelof also covered (tried to) a bit at LB last year (as did Amrabat, who won't be staying), and there doesn't seem to be strong links to a new LB so his perceived versatility may count in his favour.
8.) 22 Jul 2024 15:52:47
We need another premium cb for sure the thought of going into the season with the prospect of maguire or lidelof playing 20 plus games fills me with dread.
9.) 22 Jul 2024 22:40:27
My tuppence worth is that Lindelof is far better than a lot of fans give him credit for. He’s suffered from the anti Maguire campaign by association. He’s actually pretty decent on his feet and can also fill in at right back. I’m not saying he’s a starting selection by any stretch, but as a back up player, the captain of Sweden isn’t a bad option. Maguire on the other hand is only going to get slower given his age and physiology, so it doesn’t bode well!
10.) 23 Jul 2024 13:47:33
Agree, Fireman. Lindelof's versatility and comfort on the ball compared to Harry, means if one goes it's Harry for me.
11.) 22 Jul 2024 13:49:52
Angelred,
Getting another cb after buying Yoro and De Ligt makes no sense. No club in the world has so many cb options. Martinez, Yoro and De Ligt is amazing, one of Maguire and Lindelof will surely stay, plus we have Evans. 3 top cb options plus two who can get minutes in cup games and when the main guys need rest.
Downsie53's banter posts with other poster's replies to Downsie53's banter posts
22 Jul 2026 21:14:35
One £65m+ midfielder to cap the rebuild.
Who and why?
Baleba?
Scott?
Tchouameni?
Camavinga?
Does anyone else realistically see it being anyone other than one of those four?
1.) 22 Jul 2026 22:18:40
Zaire Emery is strongly linked. After him, Manu Kone is stylistically very similar to Ederson, so he'd have to rank highly. Of your list, I think only Scott is someone we'd actually go for this summer. Too many doubts over Baleba and the Real duo; I'm not sure they were serious targets.
2.) 23 Jul 2026 09:09:45
Rumours are we don't want to pay big, so in any auction we will likely lose out. But then rumours say Scott prefers Arsenal, whilst other rumours say he prefers Chelsea. ?♂️
3.) 23 Jul 2026 09:11:22
I like Zaire Emery a lot, but I thought Camavinga would've been perfect for us.
4.) 23 Jul 2026 09:21:27
Agree, Angelred, I've always liked Camavinga but didn't think he'd be realistic. Things maybe, hopefully, have changed there. I like Zaire-Emery also.
With Arsenal strongly linked with Guimaraes, I wonder if Lewis-Skelly becomes an option again. We apparently were linked earlier in the year, but I thought he'd saved his Arsenal career with his performances in Europe for them.
If they are successful in getting Guimaraes, they have quite a few options in CM, and I'm not sure Arteta likes him at LB.
It would be a smart move, with his versatility to play LB but also move into CM.
5.) 23 Jul 2026 09:28:30
Ports, I think it's obvious we need a great engine/legs in there, but someone who can play.
Alex Scott is also an option, and it will be interesting to see what Bournemouth do, as he has seemingly said no to an extension. Do they cash in now?
Either way, I really really believe that the recruitment and transfer team are ready for all eventualities.
Santos and Tielemans were not on the list whatsoever, and they were done quickly.
I've also seen them make some interesting transfers at youth level. It bodes well for the future.
Another couple of good signings to bolster the first team squad, and it's going to be an eventful season.
6.) 23 Jul 2026 10:58:58
I definitely don't see it being a Real Madrid player, as things stand, although if they get Rodri or Ferndandez they may opt to sell one. Camavinga is useful to them, as he often fills in at the back.
I don't think we'll want to meet Bournemouth's price for Scott.
They don't want to sell him, and we won't overpay.
Baleba is still most likely from that list, but I hope not. The PSG guy would be awesome, and we've looked at him previously.
7.) 23 Jul 2026 15:58:52
Baleba or Kone are my preferences, wouldnt touch Scott for the money.
8.) 23 Jul 2026 17:47:09
My thoughts exactly, Ken.
9.) 23 Jul 2026 17:41:14
Spenno
Did I see something about Rodri having back issues? If so Madrid would be unlikely to buy him at vast cost and that could stop the sale of midfielders from them.
10.) 23 Jul 2026 17:51:55
I don't think it needs to be a big name expensive signing to finish off the midfield.
I mean, currently we have Tielemans, Mainoo, and Santos for two positions.
Tielemans will almost certainly be a regular starter. You don't join a club at 29 to sit on the bench.
Which means the other position will be fought for by Mainoo and Santos.
Looking at the options, the thing we are missing is physicality, a big, strong unit who can battle in midfield.
Tielemans is the playmaker, who can also win the ball back.
Mainoo is the dribbling, tight-space, press-resistant ball progressor.
Santos is a passing, ball-winner.
It's a real physical player that we are missing.
That could be Carlos Baleba, but you don't need to spend 65-80m for this kind of player, especially if you aren't signing them to build your team around.
We don't need this kind of player for every game, but we need them to be able to rotate in and out when needed.
Personally, I really like the idea of signing Sander Berge. He's EPL-proven, has great experience, and is exactly what we are looking for in terms of player profile.
He wouldn't cost more than 40m.
Having Tielemans, Berge, Mainoo, and Santos as the four options looks really nicely balanced, both in terms of profiles as well as age and experience.
Also, if we compare those midfield options to what we had last season, it's a massive improvement. And we could sign all three (Tielemans, Santos, and Berge) for around the same amount as Elliot Anderson did on his own.
If you're looking for a midfield rebuild, then signing those three over just Anderson is the right way to go.
With a bit of luck, that will also leave enough money in the kitty to improve in other positions.
LB and ST are the ones I think we need to focus on the most, followed by CB, and then LW if we can move on Rashford (although we have signed Thompson, who plays LW and could have a similar impact as Heaven, as, just like Heaven, he is also on the cusp of the first-team squad).
While we can't rule out Amass stepping up at LB either.
21 Jul 2026 18:15:04
A little left-field, but if I were the powers that be, I'd be all over John Stones on a free, this summer.
An experienced head, a natural winner, Maguire, Martinez and De Ligt injuries.
I've just got major concerns about us having to go to PSG away with a CB pairing of Yoro and Heaven and a midfield of Tielemans and Mainoo. Shudder.
1.) 21 Jul 2026 19:04:53
I mean, I get the theory, but... doesn't he have more injury concerns than any of them lol.
2.) 21 Jul 2026 20:14:45
The last thing we need is another centre back that spends more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
3.) 21 Jul 2026 20:36:51
I think the financial side of the deal would be something that would be a big stumbling block, and you could only offer him a one year deal, or you'd be stuck with him.
4.) 21 Jul 2026 23:08:57
I think, if there were no concerns over his fitness and injury record, he'd frankly have stayed at City beyond his current deal.
5.) 22 Jul 2026 11:43:56
Would be better than anything we have though, that's for sure. Yes, we need the experience, we need some more pace, but we certainly need a player who can be on the pitch 90% of the time... or at least not got a poor record like de Ligt, Martinez etc.
21 Jul 2026 09:06:32
Alex Scott turns down new deal at Bournemouth as he wants to move on and play Champions League football.
I think this'll gather pace and we'll have an Ornstein/Romano "United make offer to Bournemouth" post either today or tomorrow.
I like the player a lot and if we hadn't got Tielemans and Mainoo already, then I'd be ecstatic. I just don't see how they complement one another in any way. All technical ball-players and against low-blocks, it might work. But I just don't see who is going to win the ball back, shield our incredibly slow back four etc. Playing the PSG-way in midfield relies on extreme pace and power at the back with Pacho, rather than Maguire and Martinez.
1.) 21 Jul 2026 10:31:58
The worry is Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.
2.) 21 Jul 2026 11:48:10
I think we've just seen the benefits from having hard working, technically gifted midfielders at the World Cup.
Let's not get it twisted either, Santos, Tielemans and Scott were all in the top 10 EPL midfielders last season for percentage of duels won per 90.
So, all three have shown that they are capable ball winners. They might not rack up the same kind of numbers as some more purely defense minded midfielders, but then you have to ask how United are looking to play next season.
Do we want to be a team that doesn't have the ball that much and therefore need physical ball winners to get it back, or do we want to be a ball dominant side who have the majority of possession? Meaning, we don't need to fight as much to win it back, but we do need efficient ball winners.
I'd be happy with Alex Scott, but I'd also be happy with many other options if it came to that.
3.) 21 Jul 2026 12:24:13
We ain't paying what Bournemouth will be asking. Got Arsenal written all over it.
4.) 21 Jul 2026 13:09:45
I'd say he's off to Arsenal too. Although he might not start that many games there with the midfield they already have.
He wouldn't likely start at Chelsea either unless they do sell Enzo.
I'd like him at United, but is he a starter here either? Maybe, nobody knows. A midfield of Scott and Tielemans rather than Mainoo could be ok.
5.) 21 Jul 2026 14:01:13
Does he get in the Arsenal team ahead of Rice, Eze, Zubamendi, Odegaard, Merino and Lewis-Skelly?
6.) 21 Jul 2026 14:03:01
Why are people suggesting Arsenal when they're almost certain to sign Bruno from Newcastle? They aren't shelling out £150m on the pair of them.
7.) 21 Jul 2026 14:44:33
I hope to God we don't pay what they are asking. Not worth half of it, just like Fernandes and Baleba for that matter.
8.) 21 Jul 2026 20:49:41
Hardly anybody in the current market is worth what it is being quoted or sold for in some cases.
Fernandes, Tonali and Anderson are all overpriced. Rogers is heavily overpriced. Summerville is now extremely overpriced, going to Saudi.
It appears to be the market we are now in, or at least the market if you want a Premier League player under 30 years old.
Only way to try and get a little value is to take a risk on a player from another country and league.
19 Jul 2026 09:28:07
With 'decent but not elite' players going for £116m and £117m, does anyone else think that we might end up making a surprise sale, to be able to finance the CM, LB and CF required? No LW needed: Dorgu and Rashford, whether you like it or not.
I wonder, with Lacey's emergence and the massively high hopes we have for him, whether Amad or Mbeumo might be sold to add to the kitty? I for one was incredibly underwhelmed by Mbeumo last season - his final ball is shocking.
1.) 19 Jul 2026 10:33:08
Downsie
I wouldn't sell MBueno. First season can be difficult. Now Amad could raise an interesting fee in the market. Another point would be if Cole Palmer became available.
Rashford has to go.
The one with the massively high hopes is Gabriel.
2.) 19 Jul 2026 10:45:10
Mbeumo had an excellent start to the season. AFCON really disrupted his season. He's had a break now, will have a full pre-season, so I'm excited to see him next season. Amad had a great World Cup personally. He could fetch a good fee, but I think we should be keeping him.
The big fee should really be coming in for Rashford, but it speaks volumes that it's not, not even any offers currently. Dalot, Martinez, Mount should all raise good money, and I'd sell them before others.
3.) 19 Jul 2026 12:09:00
Mbuemo just can't play the number 9, and that, coupled with the AFCON, really made him struggle.
Amad may be sold. Is he really good enough? Yes, he tries, but lacks quality. Hopefully offers come in for him, Martinez, Mount, Zirkee and Rashford, but I won't hold my breath, although apparently a few offers have already been rejected for Rashford.
4.) 19 Jul 2026 12:31:10
Rashford has turned down offers. No offer has been rejected by United for him, because we have not received one.
Rashford will only leave on his terms to who he wants to go to. If not, he will sit tight and there is nothing we can do about it.
We only have 3 fbs at the club, and they are all poor full backs really, and only 1 cf.
I don't know what Zirkzee is, but he appears to want to stay, and again nothing we can do about it.
Martinez, Mount, Dalot, Maz, Maguire, Amad, Rash and Zirkzee all possible sales imo, but we'll have to wait and see.
We need a cf, cm, cb, 2 x fbs imo.
Obviously won't get them all done, but those are the positions I'd like to still see upgraded.
5.) 19 Jul 2026 12:34:48
JJ is only 15, so a long way off. He went with the youth squad for pre season, and rightly so.
High hopes for him, but can't rush him.
6.) 19 Jul 2026 12:50:30
It's clear we need a good striker. Sesko is an excellent player who would score many goals with the right service. I would have tried to sign Watkins, but watching him at the World Cup, it seemed to me he has lost a yard or two of pace, which a top striker needs today.
We also need a creative midfielder in case Bruno gets injured and/or needs a rest after a long, long lady season.
With Lacy coming through, how do you keep him, Amad and Mbwuemo, happy, as they all want to play and perform best off the right wing.
7.) 19 Jul 2026 14:12:32
Amad is miles better than Mbeumo, folks.
8.) 19 Jul 2026 17:57:23
Not scoring goals or making assists, Downsie. That's just a matter of fact.
He has great skill, but not enough end product.
The physicality of the EPL goes against him, imo. He does well on the international stage. He is 25, I think, and imo it would be a good time to sell him. He's not really shown enough consistency.
He has been with the club 5 years and still has not found a regular starting position. He puts in great effort, not faulting him. He's never had a great run of starts as a rw, so maybe this is his year, but he needs to be getting a lot more goals. Mbeumo is streets ahead in that regard.
9.) 19 Jul 2026 19:04:42
Last year, he played a lot of games at wing back. The year before, I think he had something like 0,40 goals per 90 and around 0,30 assists per 90. At the same time, he completed dribbles and pressed well.
I think Diallo is fine, not the most consistent player, but he has a high ceiling.
10.) 19 Jul 2026 21:36:21
Amad is never at the required level. Yes, he fights and runs, but the end product is really poor. I remember AJH saying he'd be a great wing-back; how did that work out? Willing enough, but not good enough. If we want to actually progress.
17 Jul 2026 18:58:32
Sometimes the simple threads are the best ones.
1. Name one realistic player you want United to sign as the third midfielder and in less than 10 words, say why.
2. Name one realistic player you want United to sign in any other position and explain why in less than 10 words.
Do not argue or question anyone else's choices. Just post below.
Mine:
1. Tchouameni - still got a funny feeling. Elite Casemiro replacement.
2. Hall - Shaw rotation and long-term like-for-like replacement.
1.) 17 Jul 2026 19:54:57
1. Lamine Camara- Think he will develop into a top player.
2. Kenan Yildiz. AM/LF option. Direct, pace power will get fans off seats.
2.) 17 Jul 2026 22:40:17
1. Adam Wharton. Keeps the ball well, is a great passer, and is a mate of my son, so could get us away tickets. ?
2. Kroupi. Excellent for such a young attacking forward.
3.) 18 Jul 2026 11:54:19
1. Sadiki - Kante clone, just what we need.
2. Rodrgo if fit - Loan to buy, good LW and RW depth or starter. Surplus at RM.
4.) 18 Jul 2026 14:08:35
Samuele Ricci models his game on Porlo and continues to show development.
Watkins will help Sesko develop and has great chemistry with Tielemans.
22 Jul 2026 08:56:03
He's Incredible.
He'd automatically become our no.1 midfielder.
But not a chance in hell that he'd leave PSG.
17 Jul 2026 18:46:14
Tielemans and Gomes are the complete opposite.
One a ball-player, one a destroyer.
Carrick wants footballers.
13 Jul 2026 17:09:01
Absolutely fantastic signing.
Let him and Mainoo rotate as the 'conductor' type.
Let Santos and probably Baleba rotate at the 6.
An infinitely better core of midfielders than we've had for a few years, and fairly 'cheap' with the three (pretty sure it'll be Baleba for £70m ish) obtained for around £153m, which leaves some cash for an elite left-back and a backup striker...
12 Jul 2026 19:14:12
Joao Gomes won't happen.
He's tiny. You can't possibly have him, Mainoo, Santos, and, say, Alex Scott as your four midfielders in the Premier League; they'd be eaten alive. Not to mention how many goals we'd concede from set pieces.
Our big midfielder signing needs to be a big old unit.
11 Jul 2026 14:28:49
Kone would be an excellent signing.
Him and another physical specimen as the 6 options.
Mainoo and Santos as the technical 8 options.
Bruno and Mount as options at 10.
Thank God Ederson seems to be out of the picture. I've never been as sure that a United signing wasn't good enough as I was with him.
08 Aug 2026 11:30:58
Happy with the actual deals done so far, although if people genuinely believe that Tielemans and Mainoo can play alongside one another, I've got some magic beans to sell you. Their profiles are completely incompatible. Likewise, Mainoo and Mount just wouldn't work.
It'll be Andrey Santos plus one of those two in the middle of the park, imo. Santos is actually our no.1 midfielder currently - his profile is an out and out no.6, whereas the others are all 8s.
I'm pretty desperate for Lewis Hall. I think he'd be absolutely transformative for us. Cunha would absolutely thrive with Hall behind him, for example. I'd almost be tempted to throw bonkers money at Newcastle at the expense of a third midfielder and hope that Santos can stay fit...
A Lewis Hall and Endrick end to the window would turn it from a 7/10 to a 9/10 one.
30 Jul 2026 17:55:24
What I will say to some of the above is that if Tchouameni does arrive, then he and Tielemans are 100% our best midfield duo.
Tielemans is a far better all-round midfielder than Mainoo. But many United fans won't like hearing that!
30 Jul 2026 09:13:19
Agreed in parts with both above.
We all knew that we needed a LB, a Casemiro replacement and a better option than Zirkzee. We still do.
However, we have recruited a better second choice keeper than we had before, an elite Mainoo rotational option in Tielemans for an absolute bargain, and Santos, who is certainly an upgrade in possession to Ugarte. Plus I'm firmly in the camp of Rashford being a better LW than some of the other names we were linked with - N'Diaye etc., so I'm fairly pleased overall.
If (huge if!) we can spend the next couple of weeks bringing in a top LB who can share the role with Shaw all season, an elite midfielder (Tchouameni or Camavinga are the only options here, imo) and a better backup striker than what we currently have, all whilst moving on some of the kids who clearly will never be good enough, as well as Bayindir and Zirkzee, then I'll be ecstatic. Don't forget that Shaw and Mazraoui can competently fill in at CB if required, as could Tchouameni or Camavinga.
21 Jul 2026 18:11:15
I'm 100% taking Rashford over £70m on Summerville or £80m on Gordon.
We're basically saying that Rashford, Cunha, Dorgu, Sesko and Zirkzee cover the LW and CF positions between them this season. Personally, it's Zirkzee who needs to be sold if another attacker is to be brought in.
21 Jul 2026 14:03:01
Why are people suggesting Arsenal when they're almost certain to sign Bruno from Newcastle? They aren't shelling out £150m on the pair of them.