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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
27 Jun 2026 13:31:30
And then today the stories are that we are likely to get Mateus Fernandes. Would expect movement on this one over the next three days.
Then we simply must go after Tchouameni as a ball winner.
Tchouameni, Mainoo, Fernandes and then allow the kids (Fletcher, Oroczo, Thwaites, Kone etc.) to fight it out for fourth choice until January before deciding whether we need further reinforcements there.
Throw the rest of the money at a LB and backup CF. Hall and Welbeck, for me.
1.) 27 Jun 2026 16:30:35
Ederson?
2.) 27 Jun 2026 17:54:58
I'm slightly changing my mind on Tchouameni (which probably means we will sign him).
Initially I thought he was probably the best possible signing we could make in midfield, top class, experienced, and a true ball winning No.6. The kind of player we have been crying out for for years. I also felt that he'd compliment Mainoo well.
Then when considering possible alternatives I realised just how few players of that profile even exist in the modern game.
Few sides play with a dedicated, holding midfielder whose job is solely about shielding the defence and winning the ball back. Even fewer top sides.
In fact when looking around those tops UCL sides only Real Madrid really play regularly with that kind of midfielder, which of course is Tchouameni, who if you believe the rumours they are willing to accept offered on.
That to me means that signing him would mean we are either signing a type of midfielder whose style style of play is not commonly used. In terms of being a successful signing that could go either way. Maybe we are ahead of the curve and that sort of player will become very sought after over the next 3-5 years, or we are behind the curve and signing a player out of place in the modern game.
Given the fee being asked and the wages he is on, as well as him having little to no sell on value if he doesn't become the kind of successful signing we would hope.
While he is easily on paper one of the best midfielders we have been linked with, his almost unique style of play in the modern game and his high cost make him potentially a pretty risky signing.
None of PSG, Barcelona, City, Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Dortmund, and Bayern Munich play with a dedicated defensive, holding midfielder.
In fact the only one of those teams who have that kind of player in their squad is Bayern Munich with Palhinha. A player who hasn't been the success they hoped and they would also happily move on.
Compare that to a few years ago and they all had a Tchouameni type midfielder in their starting line ups. Football goes in cycles and maybe over the next few years that type of midfielder comes back into prominence. But make no mistake signing Tchouameni in the hope that the current football meta shifts in his favour is a gamble, apparently a 80m, 250k per week kind of gamble.
I'm not so sure I would place him that highly, likewise I wouldn't spend big on Baleba for the same reason (that might be the reason why there is seemingly no competition for his signature).
Surely if we want to take a gamble that purely defensive, holding midfielders come back into vogue then we can find a much cheaper hidden gem type of player.
Also given Ugarte's injury the other day for Uruguay, which looks pretty bad (taken off on a stretcher), which would make it unlikely that we can sell him this summer. Then I suspect that we will probably only sign one more midfielder to go with Ederson and Mainoo. Then probably focus on other areas like LB, LW and ST.
The rumours before the end of the season were that we wanted at least two midfielders, three if Ugarte left, which now looks unlikely. While LW can only happen if Rashford leaves.
I suspect we'll go all in for a midfielder over the next few weeks, followed by a LB and probably a ST. With a LW only happening if Rashford leaves, and a third midfielder if Ugarte is able to leave.
With that in mind, that also makes me less keen to see us spend that biggest part of our summer budget on Tchouameni.
3.) 27 Jun 2026 22:47:10
Anderson is playing pretty good in the holding position. Rodri and Rice are also very good in a DCM position. Zubamendi. Chewy is not the only one.
Question is, what does Carrick want? We have gone with him, so please get him. The players he needs to succeed!
4.) 27 Jun 2026 23:27:26
Dodgy, I wouldn't call any of them true defensive holding midfielders. All of them are progressive players whose job is to contribute to the attacking aspects of the team as much as defensive duties.
Tchouameni is not an expansive passer like Rodri or Zubamendi, nor is he an all-round player like Rice or Anderson.
He is an old-school, Makelele-type defensive shield.
He is strong in the air and wins the ball in front of the defence, before making a safe pass to someone whose passing skills are better. He doesn't dribble the ball forward and break lines, and he doesn't get high enough to score any goals. All things the others you have mentioned do regularly.
5.) 28 Jun 2026 00:32:59
Okay Shappy, let it be known that you are right. On word count alone you should get extra credit. Lol.
06 Jun 2026 15:45:03
I think our transfer plans have changed a little. Three midfielders was always going to be a push, but we'd have done it if any of Anderson, Tchouameni or Tonali has been obtainable. As it seems that they are not, it wouldn't surprise me if we 'just' got Mateus Fernandes and Ederson.
Those two plus Kobbie and Mount, with Thwaites and Fletcher being given some opportunities as 5th and 6th choice might just enable us to go big on Lewis Hall at left-back, for example.
1.) 06 Jun 2026 17:03:07
Why have things changed?
Why would it have been more likely to be 3 midfielders if far more expensive players were available?
Not sure I can see where you are coming from, Downsie. What's your logic, pal.
2.) 06 Jun 2026 17:53:35
Wouldn't be enough depth in that for me, Downsie. Mount isn't a midfielder either, same as Bruno.
3.) 06 Jun 2026 18:47:25
Fernandes, Ederson, Mainoo, and Fletcher(s). Tyler has just been called up by Scotland. Perhaps we need to give him an opportunity. Maybe we add Hackney too to give us options, that allows us to spend money elsewhere.
4.) 06 Jun 2026 20:34:38
Hopefully Fletcher plays well at the WC. It could really kick start his career.
5.) 07 Jun 2026 07:54:29
I Want Our Trophy Back -
The logic is that we had an apparent £200m plus sales to spend this summer.
Plan A was Fernandes, Ederson and Tchouameni/Anderson/Tonali, at around £180m, and then a cheap, experienced striker.
But, seeing as though those three elite options aren't available, I think we've shifted to other positions.
By just bringing in Fernandes and Ederson for the midfield, and not a third, we can probably go and get a left-back and attacker.
So to throw names out there:
Plan A: Anderson, Ederson, Fernandes, Welbeck.
Plan B could become: Ederson, Fernandes, Hall, Barcola and Mateta.
6.) 07 Jun 2026 09:04:58
When were those plans published and made public by the club? I'm not sure they were.
7.) 07 Jun 2026 10:43:44
Fernandes is just a rumour, plenty of other teams want him, so we should stop talking as if he is confirmed.
8.) 07 Jun 2026 11:44:42
I think the club are reacting to the transfer market more so than changing their ideas.
Anderson was the top target, but with Forest staying up and with him favouring a move to to City it doesn't make sense to spend in excess of 100m on him.
Beyond him there aren't many other players who are worth close to 100m, his combination of age, being British, and his talent make him one of if not the only one worth considering paying that sort of fee for.
Carlos Baleba appears to have dropped down the list due to Brighton asking for too much for a player who has had a down season. While the club will expect young players to have peaks and dips in form, the question of why Baleba had a down season is a pertinent one. Was it just the typical tougher second season where teams know what to expect and are better placed to deal with a young player who broke out the season before. Or did he struggle due to mentally not being able to handle the pressure/disappointment of a failed moved. The former shouldn't concern the clubs but if it's the latter then it does bring into question his ability to handle the pressure at a club like ours.
Sandro Tonali was a player supposedly high on our list of options, yet after Gordon's move to Barcelona Newcastle aren't under as much pressure to sell and as such are demanding a higher price than we are prepared to pay for him. Under the new ownership the club are determined not to make the same mistakes as the previous administration and pay massively over the odds for players. We have since pivoted and signed a player with a very similar profile in Ederson for around half the price (granted he isn't proven in the EPL).
Other names we have been linked to include Adam Wharton, who the club feel is too similar to Mainoo to justify spending big on him. Which is a good sign the club are making more thoughtful decisions and planning beyond signing fancy names.
That rules out many of the bigger name, typically more expensive signings we've been linked with.
Tchouameni is the other name, but that feels more like it was a potential market opportunity at the time rather than a player the club had intended on pursuing this summer. While the current presidential situation at Madrid and new manager means that it won't be clear for some time whether Tchouameni (or any Real Madrid players) will be available, certainly not until after the World Cup now.
Mateus Fernandes is someone the club seems very keen on, but West Ham are demanding a huge fee for a club that is now in the Championship. His failure to make the Portugal squad means the club don't have to move as quickly with him as they won't have to wait until after the World cup to sign him.
Alex Scott seems to be the other name more recently linked, he's a similar profile to Fernandes and could be seen as an alternative if West Ham refused to budge on their valuation. Although as he's with the England squad (for the preparations at least if not the tournament) then the club will probably want to wait until after he's back to explore him as an alternative.
I'd imagine there are other options and I'd still expect to see us try and sign 3 midfielders this summer. However, beyond Fernandes and Scott I'd imagine our other options will be at the world cup so I wouldn't expect to see us sign any players who are playing at the World cup until their country exits the tournament.
03 Jun 2026 21:26:38
I'm a massive fan of Alex Scott. He really reminds me of Luka Modric in style. I know that Ederson, M. Fernandes and Scott aren't the huge name signings many of us wanted, but all three of them raise our midfield ceiling massively right away, and two of the three have Huge potential to improve dramatically in their time at OT. If we can get all three for circa £130m (£35m Ederson, £50m Fernandes and £45m Scott) and that gives us budget to sign Lewis Hall, I'm all for it.
The one concern will be us aerially, as none are dominant there. But we'd bloody well keep the ball, which would be nice. Especially if then the Rashford, Ugarte, Zirkzee sales can bring in a further signing or two. Some kind of Zirkzee/Leao swap, perhaps?
1.) 04 Jun 2026 00:05:18
Luka's a good shout. I was going to say a bit of the Paul Scholes about him. Obviously he's at the beginning of his career and has a long way to go. But his ability to draw players to him, turn away from danger, angled, short passes, long passes and shooting.
He may be a cracking player if he keeps developing. Could him, Mainoo and Bruno play in the same midfield? I don't know, but maybe.
Lots of rumors to come, just getting started for the summer. I doubt any of us are guessing the right players at this stage.
2.) 04 Jun 2026 08:33:27
Hopefully Onana can be sold as well.
3.) 04 Jun 2026 08:59:36
I wouldn't trust Onana to pick up the cones after training!
4.) 04 Jun 2026 10:52:50
Personally, don't mind Alex Scott, although she's certainly a better pundit than footballer.
5.) 04 Jun 2026 11:55:52
I would be well happy with Scott, Ederson and Fernandes.
Some really good options and add Mainoo to that as well.
We would be proper stocked up on that area.
6.) 06 Jun 2026 14:52:55
I would like to add Gibbs-White or Rogers to that list. Both could cover the left, (or right side for that matter), side of the attack, or cover Bruno with the extra games next season. Premier League proven, physical and versatile.
27 May 2026 07:21:06
So, it seems as if Ederson (£35m) and Mateus Fernandes (£55m) will be two of our midfield signings, but who will be the big one to finish off our new quartet with Mainoo?
Anderson: the 'plug in and go' option. PL ready and will only get better. Does the dirty work AND the creative work. Him and Mainoo would have to work out a defined way of dovetailing between 6 and 8, though. Ideally, both are 8s.
Tchouameni: the only physical beast mentioned. Casemiro's work from set pieces will be sorely missed and Tchouameni is the only one likely to help replace that to some extent. Also will sit as the 6, allowing Mainoo to express himself the most.
Tonali: my least favourite option. Yes he's physical and covers ground, but I have serious concerns about his attitude and have a feeling he'd be pushing for a move away in a year or so. Avoid.
Baleba: the one I think will happen. In fact, I think a deal may already be drafted. So much potential, both defensively and when driving with the ball, but his decision making needs drastic improvement. I also worry about him aerially. If it is him or Anderson coming in then Maguire and Sesko will be our only physical units in both boxes.
Wishlist in order:
1. Anderson
2. Tchouameni
3. Baleba
4. Tonali
Likelihood in order:
1. Baleba
2. Tonali
3. Anderson
4. Tchouameni
Who would you all go for and why?
1.) 27 May 2026 08:50:49
You do know Anderson lost possession on average 17 times per game last season. Shocking stat. His decision making is a lot worse than Balebas in that regard.
Tonali is the best player on that list imo.
2.) 27 May 2026 09:31:42
Ken, I'm surprised you say that. I'm not convinced by Tonali. He seems really good at times, but Newcastle seem to exhibit so little control even with him and Guimaeres. Something just doesn't add up. When I see him, I see very little short pass, controlled execution. That might be how Newcastle play, but it's a concern for me.
3.) 27 May 2026 10:40:51
I agree with Ken, Tonali is top of that pile. I think Anderson will become the better player, but, for the here and now, that's my preference. Anderson is probably second, Tchoumani, then Baleba.
Baleba is low down purely due to the season he has had. Statistically he is probably the best at actually breaking up play, which is what we lose with Casemiro departing.
4.) 27 May 2026 11:33:41
The one thing I'm extremely happy with is that United have clearly decided on their targets and are moving to make them a reality.
Years have gone by, and Casemiro is a perfect example of this, where we have panic-bought when maybe our targets were not attainable. Sometimes I'm not sure that the club really knew that they weren't attainable, and it led to us panicking and overspending.
What I'm seeing and feeling is that the club are calm; they have their targets, what fits the club both on the field and off it, and are moving to those targets.
So, however we rank the above players, imo all are upgrades on what we have, and if we keep building and moving towards a more solid squad, it will make Michael Carrick's job easier. It also means, in years moving forward, we will be able to hone in on single, big-money targets.
Right now, there are still many gaps to fill, but I think the club proved last season that they are capable of doing it in a very sensible way.
5.) 27 May 2026 12:01:28
I agree, Downsie, in that I think Baleba will be the one and I think he would be a much better player than this season showed.
6.) 27 May 2026 12:50:29
Anderson is the best option.
7.) 27 May 2026 14:20:44
I would have Bruno G & Tonali, then an experienced CB with pace, and an experienced starting striker with pace, plus we seriously need another GK who is able to push Lammens for a starting place.
Anything more than that would be unbelievable.
No way we can go into the season with 1 inexperienced striker, 1 goalkeeper and poor CBs if we only buy midfielders.
24 May 2026 07:46:11
Hi, all.
Long time no speak/post!
The midfield overhaul looks fairly straightforward, now. Which is so un-United, but I'm not complaining!
Eriksen's replacement - Mateus Fernandes.
Ugarte's replacement - Ederson.
Casemiro's replacement - one of Anderson, Tonali or Tchouameni.
That's the £180m summer budget spent, with the remaining incomings (LB or LW, depending on where Carrick sees Dorgu's future, a backup keeper and a backup striker) coming from the sales of Rashford et al.
If we could somehow add Sam Johnstone, Iliman N'Diaye and Danny Welbeck to the above midfield reinforcements, I'd be absolutely delighted.
Lammens
Johnstone
Dalot
Mazraoui
Maguire
De Ligt
Yoro
Martinez
Heaven
Shaw
Dorgu
Anderson/Tonali/Tchouameni
Ederson
Fernandes
Mainoo
Fernandes
Mount
Mbeumo
Amad
Cunha
N'Diaye
Sesko
Welbeck
Would be a really strong squad to greet Champions League football again at Old Trafford.
1.) 24 May 2026 10:49:20
Well Downsie, hope all is well.
I'd lump Mainoo in with Ederson and Tonali, and say it's 2 from 3 there.
Ban Bruno and Mount.
Fernandes, from West Ham, if we get him, could cover both midfield and 10.
He has been relegated the last 2 seasons, assuming West Ham go down, so let's hope his luck changes. ?
2.) 24 May 2026 11:41:04
Anderson's destination is key this summer. If he goes to City, I think they finish above us, even with a new manager. If our ambition is what Man Utd ambition is supposed to be, then we should be aiming to win the league. Less was not good enough as an aim for every other manager, and that needs the best-in-class CM. If he chooses City, ok, but if it's because we are not willing to pay, that tells us everything about our continuing issues and attitude. Looks like we actually may buy some midfield players at last. I suspect that Mainoo may struggle to get in at times, but that's a good sign.
I see the OP went for Welbeck. I think a goal scorer is vital, and should be second purchase after the key CM. We cannot go with just Sesko and an old Welbeck, it has to be someone lively, that Andy Cole moment. When I saw him last weekend, Junior Kroupi looks that player.
So, start with Anderson and Kroupi, and add from there.
I know the usual "we can't" posts will come, but at some point this lot in charge need to show they mean business. Last summer was good, but this must be decisive.
3.) 24 May 2026 11:58:58
By all reports Anderson has chosen City and agreed terms with them. So that's not a runner. It's a bit disappointing, but if that's what he wants to do, we can't kidnap him.
Lots of other options.
As for the striker, I agree we need to get someone who can start.
I'm sure they will buy well.
4.) 24 May 2026 13:18:06
Downsie, that would be a pretty good summer. I don't see Welbeck leaving Brighton to play a bit part role with us. If he wanted that, then he probably wouldn't have extended his contract a few months ago.
Also, while I'm a big fan of N'Diaye personally, I'd feel more comfortable signing a top class LB over a LW. Someone like Truffert, who is EPL-proven, and would scale up well from a club like Bournemouth to a club like ours.
The issue I have is I don't think Shaw will be available much next season, and Dorgu looks more comfortable further forward. Plus, it's better to have a player in their peak years like Cunha competing with someone younger like Dorgu for a position (like we have Mbeumo and Amad on the right) than it is to have two players who are the same age and would both expect to be first choice.
Also, we have two very young CBs in Heaven and Yoro, as well as a less experienced GK in Lammens. Given the injury records of MdL and Martinez, we could very easily end up in a situation with Lammens, Yoro, Heaven and Dorgu making up 4 of our back 5 next season in big games in the league or in Europe.
Having someone with a little more experience, and who is more settled as a LB such as Truffert, would mean we are a little more defensively solid in that situation.
Having Shaw and Truffert fighting it out at LB, with Dorgu who could fill in there in a pinch, looks far more solid.
While Cunha and Dorgu fighting it out for the LW looks more balanced.
Also, as a little brucey bonus, LBs are both easier to find a good one and typically cheaper than top quality wingers. Which will enable us to spend heavier in other key positions like midfield.
Signing someone like Illman N'Diaye or Bradley Barcola would cost 60-80m, while a top class LB probably wouldn't cost much more than 35-40m at most. That could be the difference between getting our first choice midfielder or having to sign a cheaper second or third choice option.
5.) 24 May 2026 14:31:38
Not so sure on those fees for a decent fullback, Shappy. A player of the level we should be looking for at fb would cost between £50 & £60 million, imo. I couldn't see Lewis Hall going for less than £50M. Didn't we sell the Spanish boy to Madrid for £50M?
6.) 24 May 2026 14:40:51
TW
On Anderson, in that case, I want to know if he made the decision, or we refused to pay fee or wages, and let City have clear run. I don't trust Ratcliffe or Glazers & think they would go for cheaper options based on money, not ability.
Stories abounded that Amorim met Semenyo, wanted him, but the owners didn't believe he was worth the money asked, so let him go to City.
7.) 24 May 2026 15:07:15
Ports, we didn't sell the Spanish boy to Madrid for 50m. He went for about 45m, but from Portugal.
8.) 24 May 2026 15:11:22
You want to know...!!!
Well, I'm sure they will phone up just to tell you...
9.) 24 May 2026 15:27:02
Most important, that we sign a top midfielder who can be a leader, and boss the most important part of the pitch. Casemiro going is huge for this team. Our focus has to be to replace/improve on his position and also to sign another top midfielder to fill out an empty squad.
All other squad positions we have solutions for, but not midfield.
Of course, we could use another striker who scores goals. Upgrade fullbacks, wingers, CBs etc... but we simply don't have a midfield right now, and Ugarte, if he stays, can only be 4th choice given how weak he has been.
24 Aug 2025 07:54:44
If we had signed Baleba, then I’d be all for it.
But we didn’t, so I’m not.
Tell them they can have Casemiro instead.
06 Aug 2025 20:43:08
Ed025 - lack of quality defenders? Yoro walks into any side in the PL bar perhaps Arsenal and De Ligt is criminally underrated. Add Licha and Heaven into the mix - only one game per week remember.
Yoro De Ligt Heaven
Amad Fernandes/ Mainoo Baleba Dorgu
Mbeumo Sesko Cunha
Is comfortably the best United side post-Fergie.
{Ed025's Note - bit early to tell with Yoro Downsie but he looks the best of a very bad bunch for me mate. De ligt is absolutely S**** and Heaven has hardly pulled up any trees but at least he does have scope to improve, Martinez is a joke and Harry is well...Harry, Bruno is your only decent Midfielder and the rest dont get in any top 10 team, Mbeumo looks very good and Cunha definitely improves you and if you do get Sesko..(big IF) your attack could look very impressive, the problem is though that you may have to score 4 to get a point with that defence and especially that guy you call a keeper, sorry to be so blunt and of course this is only my opinion but i do like United and respect them as a great club, but its no use me telling lies or even making outrageous statements like they could easily make top 6, thats just pie in the sky and i think we all know it my friend..
06 Aug 2025 19:58:07
Even more reporting it now - even Ornstein and Romano. €100m asking price (£87m) so that suggests there’s a deal to be had around £80m.
For me, this is the ‘sales funding a further purchase deal’. Cunha’s initial payment went on the 24/ 25 accounts and I believe we had around £60m to spend this summer: £20m on the first down payment for Mbeumo and £40m on the first down payment on Sesko.
Let’s see if we can sell the likes of Malacia, Antony, Garnacho, Sancho and maybe even Casemiro and Hojlund.
Baleba on top of the others in so far gets us top 6 comfortably.
{Ed025's Note - really Downsie?, unless you address the keeper situation , the lack of quality defenders and the gaping hole in midfield i would say 10th would be the best you can accomplish this season mate..
04 Aug 2025 19:57:06
There is absolutely no difference between Hjulmand and Ugarte. Both lack pace and finesse on the ball. Would be a total waste when we have his carbon copy already.
04 Aug 2025 07:46:32
People are ignoring the most important thing - Hojlund doesn’t want Leipzig.
In fact, Hojlund doesn’t want to leave at all.
Which is why I firmly believe we won’t sign a striker and that Amorim will tweak things slightly and use Cunha and Mbeumo as split strikers with Bruno between them.
23 Jun 2026 21:25:59
We cannot possibly go into a Champions League campaign without a ball-winning midfielder.
Imagine going away to PSG/Madrid etc. with a midfield of Mainoo and someone like Alex Scott. We wouldn't touch the ball.
Tchouameni, please.
12 Jun 2026 07:57:57
I wonder if we had any players Forest would be interested in?
For some kind of player-plus-cash deal?
Onana?
Ugarte?
Amad seems quite 'Forest-esque'?
Mount?
Zirkzee?
10 Jun 2026 07:35:14
Yep. We are absolutely fine for wingers.
Mbeumo, Amad and Lacey for RW.
Cunha and Dorgu for LW.
After Ederson, it's two more central midfielders, a left-back, a proper centre-forward and a back-up goalkeeper that are required this summer.
Fernandes, Scott, a random LB, Welbeck and Johnstone would be my guess as to most likely.
Then, next year, is where the new defence comes in, imo. Can see Martinez, Mazraoui, de Ligt and maybe even Yoro leaving then.
07 Jun 2026 07:54:29
I Want Our Trophy Back -
The logic is that we had an apparent £200m plus sales to spend this summer.
Plan A was Fernandes, Ederson and Tchouameni/Anderson/Tonali, at around £180m, and then a cheap, experienced striker.
But, seeing as though those three elite options aren't available, I think we've shifted to other positions.
By just bringing in Fernandes and Ederson for the midfield, and not a third, we can probably go and get a left-back and attacker.
So to throw names out there:
Plan A: Anderson, Ederson, Fernandes, Welbeck.
Plan B could become: Ederson, Fernandes, Hall, Barcola and Mateta.
31 May 2026 07:50:47
Salford, I'm not sure that Liverpool's defence is better than ours, as you claim.
Frimpong or Dalot? Dalot.
Konate or de Ligt? de Ligt.
van Dijk or Martinez? van Dijk.
Kerkez or Shaw? Shaw every time.
Bradley or Mazraoui? Maz.
Gomes or Maguire? Harry.
Robertson or Yoro? Robertson.