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18 Jun 2019 09:45:02
Editor 002 has there been any progress on this revolutionary across European league that was mooted previously?

Is it still an option and if so does could potential Brexit implications limit or exclude British sides from participation?

MAZE

{Ed002's Note - It has nothing to do with Brexit and will likely be discussed again in Monaco in a August. I have previously explained what the situation is- try searching on 2024.}


1.) 18 Jun 2019 12:33:00
Yes shall have a look. Good to hear the idea is still being discussed. Hopefully it completely ruptures the entire Uefa set up.


2.) 18 Jun 2019 16:48:27
Typical JMB. No P's or Q's and only interested in the anarchy caused. Sigh. Anyway, thanks Ed002 for the likely time and place for the next meeting.


3.) 18 Jun 2019 23:47:03
Southern not real sure what your post is getting at? Actually not entirely sure why you have posted at all. Seems bereft of thought.


 

 

14 Jun 2017 08:16:57
G'day Ed,

Do you know if United have shown any interest in Robertson from Hull? Fantastic player and much better than Shaw in my opinion.

MAZE

{Ed001's Note - not sure I even slightly agree with your assessment of him, and United have not shown interest in him. So far anyway.}


1.) 14 Jun 2017 08:23:40
You don't rate him ed?

{Ed001's Note - he is not a top half Prem player, very average. Falls apart under pressure when I have watched him.}


2.) 14 Jun 2017 08:39:34
I'd disagree with that assessment Ed. When I have seen him he has looked solid. He will have a host of clubs chasing him in my opinion. I would go as far as saying he would be an improvement on the left backs at 4 of the top 6 clubs aside from Chelsea and Tottenham.

{Ed001's Note - he has a couple of clubs after him yes, but that is more because there are so few left backs, rather than because he is outstanding. I have no idea what you call solid, but he is not strong in the tackle (or strong generally), positionally suspect and was often caught in no man's land for Hull as he did not get forward strongly enough nor track back quickly enough. He never seemed to know if he was a full back or wing back and ended up being in neither position. His left foot is massively overrated as well, his delivery is good but not great, when he has time and space. The minute he is put under pressure it becomes terrible, ending up whacked into touch a lot of the times.}


3.) 14 Jun 2017 09:42:05
Ed I must admit I have to vehemently disagree with you on some of those points. It is a funny old game because some of 'lesser' parts of this lads game that you mention are parts I find to be his best attributes. For me his left foot is fantastic and he can whip in some nasty crosses for centre backs to cope with.

As for getting forward he will always try to make the run (should the managers tactics permit it) and busts a gut to get back into position. He is young and still learning so of course he will be a little rough around the edges but for me the ability is definitely there. I know a lad who has played with him and he is first on the field and keeps himself in complete perfect shape unlike our current left back who's ability is not in question just his ethic and commitment.

{Ed001's Note - I don't care who you know at Hull, if that is what you think is top class, then I fear for you. He is an average lower end Prem (at best) player. His left foot is far from fantastic, hence why he created so few chances last season. It is not so much his workrate that is the issue, as his positional sense, which is poor.}


4.) 14 Jun 2017 10:01:45
Ed I don't know anyone currently at Hull I was just passing on that this lad takes care of himself on and off the pitch. Again I did not say he was 'top class' but I think he is a really good player who can develop into a very good premier league fullback.

As for creating chances Ed, first and foremost he is a defensive player and for me he does that well. Secondly how many chances in total did Hull create last season? It is easy to snipe at his stats when he is playing for a pretty poor team. Let's see how he goes this season but I do rate him highly at the moment.

{Ed001's Note - plenty of other players created chances for Hull from a much weaker position to attack from. Clucas had far more of an effect going forward and did more defensively.

As for sniping at his stats, I am pointing out that this amazing left foot of his, despite a hell of a lot of chances to put a cross in, did little.}


5.) 14 Jun 2017 10:13:26
Ed I think Clucas had a pretty good year also but they play different roles so you cannot really compare them both.

You know as always I respect your opinion but it seems we disagree on this one. Let's see how he gets on next season with whatever club is lucky enough to get him!

Ps he does have a cracking left foot!


6.) 14 Jun 2017 10:50:05
Agree with Ed on this, if this is the calibre of player United need to challenge on all fronts maybe I am watching the wrong sport :-)


7.) 14 Jun 2017 10:50:26
Maze, I work in Hull. The fans say he's better at attacking than defending. Generally hit and miss.


8.) 14 Jun 2017 11:16:08
what do people think of our young left back d. mitchell is it worth giving him a couple of games.


9.) 14 Jun 2017 11:24:59
I thought against Palace he played well. It was the last game of the season with nothing for Palace to play for but, our youngsters played very well and it was a pleasure to watch them play. Tuanzebe, Harrop, McTominay, Mitchell and TFM may find themselves promoted.
They need a good pre season. CBJ needs one as well. We have places to fill in the squad since Schweinstieger, Depay and Schneiderlin have left. Jones and Smalling look likely to leave. Fellaini and Rooney could leave as well. Buy quality and promote our youth players.


10.) 14 Jun 2017 11:54:11
Gazpat have you seen him play or is he just not your cup of tea because he doesn't have a name like Moreno or Monreal?


11.) 14 Jun 2017 12:14:20
Robertson, Creswell, Bertrand - all much of a muchness for me. All mid-table PL standard, Bayern, PSG, Madrid, Chelsea, City, etc - all wouldn't bother to crane their necks, let alone look twice.

Mendy, Rose is the type of standard that will elevate us, much rather gamble on Shaw coming good than blow money on the others though.


12.) 14 Jun 2017 13:46:32
FAO Maze, I watched him 4 times, possibly 5 times last year so by no means a lot.

To say he is not my cup of tea because he is not foreign is ridiculous as I could name 4-5 Uk&Ireland based players with non-foreign names who I would class as currently better than him, older and younger.

Rose
Bertrand
Shaw
Gibbs
Tierney
Ben Davies

Bar Tierney all above have proved over the last few years they are at a far superior level to him imo.

As ED mentioned he is mid table team player at best. But it appears you can't allow people have their own opinions.


13.) 14 Jun 2017 14:24:09
Touche gazbat.


14.) 14 Jun 2017 14:24:49
I'll give you Rose and possibly Bertrand. Shaw at the moment for me is not as good as Robbo. Davies is capable on his day but nothing special. Tierney doesn't get the nod ahead of Robertson in the Scotland squad so why would you feel he is superior? Gibbs is bombscare so please forget that altogether.

It is all about Opinions but like I said above except Spurs and Chelsea who in the top 6 has got a better left back currently (and don't say Shaw as he isn't currently better)?


15.) 14 Jun 2017 15:12:29
Maze, I hear your opinion, and I have mine, I think Shaw right now is a better player, comfortably better, Tierney has had a somewhat breakout year this year, and will replace him in the Scotland setup very soon imo.

As mentioned just my opnions. If you disagree that is yours, but Manchester United need to be aiming a lot higher than Robertson calibre in y opinion, I would go as so far to say, I would prefer Darmian at left full and not spend the money on Robertson. I would give Shaw / Darmian / Rojo / Blind and Youth a chance before him.


16.) 14 Jun 2017 15:25:51
Just some stats from the web :

Ben Davies
Games 48
Minutes 2603
Goals 3
Assists 3
Average Rating 7.14

Andrew Robertson
Games 45
Minutes 2737
Goals 1
Assists 2
Average Rating 6.67

The stats seem to back up my opnion though.


17.) 14 Jun 2017 15:40:57
To be fair Davies is playing with better players than Robertson. So his stats should be better, even though I hate stats. One of those assists could have hit him on the back of his head accidentally, or he could have put 100 beautiful balls in only for the striker to finish - who gives the rating as well, we can't agree on here what to give our own players out of 10 and what we are basing things on?

Alli, Kane and Eriksen are all a lot more clinical than any of the Hull attackers as well. Their full backs mainly attack, Hull's mainly have to defend. Comparing apples with rotten apples, imo.

But again Davies is in the catchment of starter for mid-table team imo.


18.) 14 Jun 2017 16:02:42
I agree Beast, Mid Table player, not saying we should sign any of the players I listed, just saying I feel the players I listed are better than Robertson, including Ben Davies. So it's not let's sign the best Foreign player, it's let's sign the best player we can for a position.

Just feel the comment from Maze sounded a lot like Wilkinson the other day when he was moaning about United signing Lindelof instead of Keane.

It's not a foriegn vs English or Home Grown.

It's about ability.


19.) 14 Jun 2017 16:29:50
Wilkins apologies, Not Wilkinson.


20.) 15 Jun 2017 01:37:02
Interesting you make that comparison between Wilkins and I Gazpat because I am not English so I have no issue of preference over an English based player and a foreign national.

In the past though even on this forum I have seen players ridiculed who are British but Foreign players get off scot free because they have a fancy name.

As an example a few seasons ago Carrick and Rooney were getting constantly bashed whereas players like Di Maria and Falcao were getting a free ride. In hindsight who do you think was more deserving of the criticism?


21.) 15 Jun 2017 02:51:18
Maze, did Gazpat make that observation about Rooney/ Carrick being to blame over Di Maria/ Falcao? If not, then I'm not sure why he needs to answer your totally hypothetical scenario. I also don't see anything in his original post to suggest he favors foreign named players over homegrown. You seem to have a bee in your bonnet as usual.


22.) 15 Jun 2017 08:19:03
Again, I will reitterate, I don't prefer any one nationality over another (Although I would like to see an Irishman back at the club :-) )

People have favourites and people will moan about players, honestly it's a fans perogative to have a moan, we all pay money to watch and support, we are all entitled to opinions.

I can also distinctly remember Falcao not getting a free ride here, ok he would of gotten away lightly but still had his haters.

Di Maria played for one season, couldn't settle / wouldn't settle.

Personally I have no concern of where a player was born and raised. What I care about is ability.

Personally I would of sold Rooney when he tried to force through a move the first time.

But the manager (s) all know better than me, hence why my career ended at the ripe age of 24 :)


23.) 15 Jun 2017 09:01:05
How did either Falcao or Di Maria get a free ride?

I don't remember Falcao being talked about much here, but I think that's just because we forgot he was playing for us.

As I recall, Di Maria was bashed pretty mercilessly when he wasn't performing, and didn't get the praise he deserved when he played well.

I agree that Rooney always takes a bashing whenever he isn't playing out of his skin, but at the end of the day, a lot of people never forgave him for asking to leave (even though the reasoning he gave might as well have been copy-pasted from these pages at the time) .


24.) 15 Jun 2017 07:38:38
HB please see Gazpats post below:

{Just feel the comment from Maze sounded a lot like Wilkinson the other day when he was moaning about United signing Lindelof instead of Keane.

It's not a foriegn vs English or Home Grown}

So please tell me who is making these "hypothetical scenarios" again?


25.) 15 Jun 2017 09:39:07
Agree with pretty much everything there, I think the pace of the league didn't suit Angel or Falcao.

I was a huge Rooney fan, I thought he could do it all at one point, he has gone down hill rapid over the last few years, a lot of the criticism he receives is over the top, but I think we should have gotten rid of him three years ago personally, when we could of received a decent chunk of cash.

But that's hindsight.

PLayer bashing is one thing and fans having a moan is another, but some players fans just don't like.


26.) 16 Jun 2017 00:33:36
Maze, where this all stemmed from was you mentioning I didn't like Robertson because he didn't have a foreign name.

I then listed a lot of players who I feel are currently playing better / are better imo.

The conversation then seemed to switch to Home Grown vs Foreign, and I simply pointed to your point you made and made a very close comparison to what Ray Wilkins said on TV just this week.

You then said players are getting an easy time beccause they are foreign, which was nothing got to do with what we were talking about.

I can have a conversation / debate over players and ability, we can disagree, but stop making out people are saying things they don't or didn't say to suit your argument it's petty.

Again this was about Robertson, a 23/ 24 year old from Hull who should not be a target for a team wanting to get back to being one of the best teams in Europe, there are a lot of left backs playing in Europe who would be a damn site better than him. That is a fact.


 

 

01 Aug 2016 13:48:13
A friend of mine who is a big Juventus fan has just returned from Italy on a family vacation and was telling me what the locals have to say on the Pogba deal.

This probably won't be news to anyone but according to the guys living in the shadow of The Old Lady Pogba really does not want to come back to Manchester and his agent as well as the club are trying to force the move as much as they can.

Apparently both Juventus and the agent know that Pogba's stock is at an all time high and it will only take one poor season for that figure to plummet hence why they are doing all they can to make a deal happen. Man Utd are the only team willing to meet the terms.

He said if Pogba signs then of course he will come out to the media and say all the right things like 'its great to be back etc' but deep down his heart isn't in it and the player feels he is being backed into a corner which is why the deal is dragging on.

Interesting to hear that Juventus are trying to force the move as all we have read in the paper is that Pogba's 'greedy agent' is trying to make the deal happen.

MAZE

1.) 01 Aug 2016 14:00:19
maze
this won't go down well.


2.) 01 Aug 2016 14:23:12
Isn't Pogba quoted as saying last year that he was in love with Manchester and considered himself a Mancunian, that is why he was devestated when Rafael played instead of him and he decided to move on. Somehow I think he is itching to get back and prove to Fergie just how good he is.


3.) 01 Aug 2016 14:30:26
When I was in Liverpool for Uni I knew everything about Liverpool players' thoughts and wishes. Honest.


4.) 01 Aug 2016 14:39:06
I thought you were in China😀😀😀
I'm not sure that pogba iis such a weak individual that he well be from marched to OR against his will.
Madrid could well be his favoured destination but I know he loved his time at OT and coming here add new face of the ckub will not be a hardship.


5.) 01 Aug 2016 14:50:31
Juventus have to sell to balance the books, especially with the Higuain fee. It doesn't surprise me they would force a move.

{Ed001's Note - no they do not.}


6.) 01 Aug 2016 15:09:24
Pogba merchandise was removed from juve's club online store today.


7.) 01 Aug 2016 15:31:06
People seem to be taking this well.


8.) 01 Aug 2016 15:47:04
dsg
i got in first so everyone would be nice ;)


9.) 01 Aug 2016 15:49:24
😁😂😂 very good dsg.


10.) 01 Aug 2016 16:12:51
This is pretty much in line with what ed002 said. I'm inclined to believe it. Sad if true.


11.) 01 Aug 2016 17:24:40
Frankly I don't care. Listen, no one already at a big club is going to be super excited about moving to rainy Manchester. But pogba will do a job, hopefully make us CL contenders next season, and if in three or four years he's still desperate to move to Madrid or Barcelona then we can recoup much if not all of our cost and move on. If the team reaches its potential with the ridiculous attacking talent we have in store, I think pogba will absolutely love his football, if not the rain.


12.) 01 Aug 2016 18:16:28
Bang on KG.
That view won't go down well with the knockers 😀😀😀.


13.) 01 Aug 2016 18:54:57
Fairly in line with what some of the Eds said. I don't really care to be honest. It's a job at the end of the day, I've been in jobs that weren't my dream jobs, however I was well paid and kept happy, did my job very well. And Pogba has always had good things to say about United. Maybe not his 1st choice but apparently a good professional and will no doubt do the business for us on the pitch. At the end of it all that's all that matters. Don't understand how people have become obsessed with him and if he's worth it, are we his first choice, bla bla bla. World class CM end of.


14.) 01 Aug 2016 18:58:17
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Or in this case a bit creepy.


15.) 01 Aug 2016 19:00:28
Was beautiful in Manchester today, gorgeous August summer day 😂.


16.) 01 Aug 2016 19:09:31
Well said Angel.


17.) 01 Aug 2016 21:17:00
You think Juve would of spent the cash they have without the deal already being done? No way, they've gone out and spent and done the deal so clubs aren't negotiating knowing they've got the tick end of £100m in the bank.


18.) 02 Aug 2016 13:21:43
Assuming you are correct there Maze (not about Pogba, but about the Fans knowing everything), I am just trying to imagine the scene in Turin, as follows-

Pogba inside the stadium with the manager and the owners discussing the future and Pogba says I don't wanna go but the owners are adamant. We want the money Paul and you are free to leave but only to Manchester since they will pay what we want. After a brawl including Mino Raiola, Paul walks out onto the streets of Turin all crying and sobbing. Momma please save me, I don't wanna go. no no please no. I don't wanna go to Manchester. Madrid are my heart and soul and first choice. In the heart I swear.

How on earth would a lay man on the street know what Paul Pogba wants? I don't even know what my wife wants and she lives with me all day long.


19.) 02 Aug 2016 14:15:33
Now who's the liar maze? Lol tell you're friends uncles guide dogs brother, sure obviously Italy knows where Pogbas next destination is, like every Italians a Juve fan that's 'ITK' . I call BS!


20.) 02 Aug 2016 15:42:41
I was over for the villa game and got sun burn😅😅😅, had the flu on the Monday but we won't mind that.


21.) 02 Aug 2016 21:51:21
I don't get how. The player, this day in age holds all the power so if he didn't want the move he'd say no. Juve would rather have him for another season than miss out on how much? £30-40m? Seems strange he'd be forced to go.


22.) 03 Aug 2016 12:23:03
Cr92 how am I a liar?

A work mate goes to Italy as he does most years and chats to a few locals on his travels about his favourite club. I relay the information here and I am a liar?


23.) 04 Aug 2016 23:24:40
Not you Maze . He meant Rollo 😆😆.


 

 

30 Jul 2016 12:11:31
Schweinstiger apparently training on his own. Maybe the end of the road at United for the German?

MAZE

1.) 30 Jul 2016 15:29:44
Perhaps they couldn't find a bib big enough for him?


2.) 30 Jul 2016 16:56:24
I'd be sad to see him go, however, I think that's me thinking about how good a player he used to be and not about what he's done for United. In truth if he leaves it's probably the correct decision because his performances have been below par since joining.


3.) 30 Jul 2016 17:30:27
I'm not bothered if he leaves, as far as I'm concerned we never signed the Schweinsteiger I knew, and rated among the very best. It's sad when a player comes for all the wrong reasons, I read Vieri is making a China come back yesterday, horrible.

I suppose Schweiny won't be too bothered he got to play at the Euros, is adored at Bayern and is probably earning £500 for every stride he makes whilst training by himself.


4.) 30 Jul 2016 21:13:22
Beast you wanted him to be our captain just a month ago.


5.) 31 Jul 2016 00:56:46
I wanted him over Rooney as captain. It's more of an indictment on Rooney.


6.) 31 Jul 2016 01:13:06
Im hoping that at the age of 31 he's not already knacked and jose can get a tune out of him.

A fit and motivated pig commander would be a real asset for us.


7.) 31 Jul 2016 07:19:40
I always thought one day I'd marry Kylie and when I think of her it is in her hey day whereas she has now entered her Schweinsteiger years, not as fit, not as supple, and just doesn't have the same impact nowadays.


8.) 31 Jul 2016 09:03:34
Beast
That sums up the anyone but Rooney attitude very well.


9.) 31 Jul 2016 09:58:04
Ahh
You still would tho.


10.) 31 Jul 2016 10:59:19
Side note schweingsteiger doesn't mean pig commander - its more pig farmer.


11.) 31 Jul 2016 12:03:44
Jred, too right, she's been the object of my affections for years, that's probably why we signed Schweini.


 

 

03 Apr 2016 08:47:03
Speaking to a friend who has had dealings with football clubs in the past through representing his organisation and he filled me in on a few things he has heard regarding United. This guy has previously told me in advance about the Ryan Giggs off field saga well before it hit the papers (his organisation were involved in the litigation process) and the West Ham takeover by Eggert Magnusson in 2006 (his organisations worked on financials) to name a few. His organisation are currently dealing with Red Football (albeit not on anything major at the moment) .

Firstly he claims the Glazers are actively seeking buyers for the club in 2017 but the price will be colossal and they will be stepping up the search in coming months. Apparently he has been told that Joel Glazer in particular has had several meetings over the past few months regarding future ventures post Man Utd and Woodward will in all probability expect to exit the club also should it be sold.

As far as the club is concerned presently the Glazers and Woodward would like LVG to see out his contract until 2017. The reasoning behind this is that if a new buyer takes over the club in 2017 it will allow them to choose the successor to LVG. This would mean the new owner isn't bound by any contractual agreement to the manager in place at the time, meaning they won't have to fork out millions to see the back of that manager should they not feel he is the man they want in charge.

Finally, the claim that Ryan Giggs may be future United manager seems to be also a fabricated story to the media to keep the wolves away from the Glazer's, Woodward's and LVG's door especially when his first season was going pretty poorly (which makes sense as LVG himself fanned these flames many times) . In actual fact the Glazers don't plan to appoint any successor to LVG as the don't plan to be at the club.

The club will be happy to use the influence of SAF and SBC to appease fans (which also makes sense as SAF backed LVG a few days ago and SBC has been an open critic of Mourinho in the past) . Ultimately though it will all come down to the will of the fans wether LVG is in charge or not but as it stands at the moment the club want him to stay and even have involved in pre-season planning etc.

Sorry for the long post and take from this what you will but I thought it was information worth passing on. Also I can't name the organisation my friend works with as I am sure you would understand.

MAZE

1.) 31 Mar 2016 10:39:32
Ed, thanks for the quick reply!

What are your opinion on the players? Do you rate them?

{Ed001's Note - the Ajax lad looks good, but they have a couple of others as well I would look at. Sanches looks a special talent and Dembele I really like the look of. The issue is not how good they are or can become, it is whether United is the right place to develop them. They need the right environment or they will stall, similar to how Stones is stalling at Everton because they have the wrong manager to teach a player how to defend. I am not sure that United is the right place for them. These youngsters need to go somewhere they will play every week to develop them to their fullest.}


2.) 31 Mar 2016 10:47:45
Cheers Ed, Dembele would surely start if we bought him? We don't have a right winger so he would surely get plenty of game time.

Who else do you like at Ajax?

Do you know of any defenders we are after?

It sounds like the club are targeting the right players, going for the long term rather than buying a guy just because he has a name.

{Ed001's Note - but then you have Lingard pushed out in the cold, just as he is beginning to settle into the side. It seems silly to buy another player that needs developing, unless the club decides Lingard is not good enough.

I like Cerny, Milik, maybe Sinkgraven, El Ghazi and Veltman could be good in time too.

You have certainly shown interest in Veltman and Mustafi, but it is difficult to say who you will go after as Laporte's injury has put Man City back in the chase for a centre back. With the pull of Pep, allied to the huge money, it means everyone else is really going to be getting whoever they don't go for.}


3.) 31 Mar 2016 10:54:58
Well Ed001 I would argue against that actually.

Martial came in and has been given a great chance and grabbed it with both arms.

Rashford is doing well after being given a chance. Shaw would most certainly have been a first team regular if not for his injury.

Lingard is getting games too. And previoualy welbeck, cleverley, de gea all were given regular chances at a very young age.

I would think United would be one of the best options for these youngsters and have a very convincing argument of having regualrly bought/ brought through youngsters and given them real chances to bring them in.

These players play as strikers or as box to box midfielders, both positions in which United need players.

{Ed001's Note - my point is you already have the youngsters to develop, you need the experience to surround them now.}


4.) 31 Mar 2016 12:02:21
Rewz you have given a huge spiel on the Banter page in regards to getting behind Depay for the next few seasons but you are saying this 18 year old lad Dembele who I have never heard of will come straight into the side as we don't have a right winger.

So what is it, get behind Depay or get this teenager into replace him?


5.) 31 Mar 2016 12:07:54
Depay is a left winger, he's played their the entirety of his professional career.


6.) 31 Mar 2016 12:14:35
I apologise for my use of their, I'm hanging my head in shame.


7.) 31 Mar 2016 12:22:02
Left/ Right does it matter? If your good enough you can play on both. Martial is making the left his own so where does Depay fit in?


8.) 31 Mar 2016 11:38:21
Milik looks a good player, do you think he's better than Janssen of AZ?

{Ed001's Note - no idea, sorry.}


9.) 31 Mar 2016 12:34:22
Martial's future position will be striker, Depay dropped out the team and Martial stepped in and has done a really great job thus Depay hasn't really got back in.

We play enough players out of position already, we bought Depay because by some distance he was the best left sided prospect. There is a reason Bayern etc wanted him. Give him time and I'm sure he'll grow into the goal scoring left forward we thought we signed.

Dembele is a two footed goal scoring wide forward/ 10 with pace to burn something we lack. We've lacked balance in attack all season and we've certainly lacked pace on the right.


10.) 31 Mar 2016 14:36:17
Reckon we'll only go for one youngster and that will be Renato Sanches.

I would expect us to go towards a 4-3-3 next year and it will be byes byes to Fellaini, Mata, Carrick (hopefully he becomes a player/ coach he seems great with the squad) so we'll be in the market for a midfielder maybe even two. Would love to see us go for Kroos aswell.

Dembele looks to be a star in the making but we need a proven top tier forward to come in. Would only take him if we sent him back to rennes for 2 years.


11.) 31 Mar 2016 15:09:20
Agree with ed its experience we lack. Look at the defence. The most experienced player is mike. In midfield its Carrick an Bastian but their nearer the end than their peak.


12.) 31 Mar 2016 18:37:00
I'm also with you to a large degree ed.
I would like to see zlatan brought in along with a proven right winger mahrez possibly in the attacking areas. They can help develop Rashford depay lingard and martial
But in midfield we have the relative experience of herrera and Morgan and the vaat experience of bastian and only possibly pereira and mensah coming through. I think sanches looks a bit special and is very worthwhile pursuing. But I also think we need some natural defensive energy in midfield and would like kante
In defence we need a ball winning experienced cb that is s talker and leader. However the vidic / terry type cb are in short supply. This will get the best out of smalling. We also need an experienced rb to compete with darmian.
So a mix of experience in key positions like cb rw and striker but if 1 or 2 of Europe's elite youngsters become available and we can get them then we should get them on the condition that room is made for them in the squad by reducing the vat no of experienced fringe players we have at the club that will make little or no contribution.
Valencia young rojo carrick fellaini mata and rooney for me are the players that should leave in the summer to make way for a few new experienced players and some new or coming through young players.
In a 55 game season very few players start more than 35 games nowadays. So there is room for a lot of players to develop but only if the pathway is ruthlessly cleared for them they way it was for the class of 92 and the great Barcelona generation.


13.) 05 Apr 2016 07:23:20
Ken that doesn't make sense! I'd agree with a couple of outgoings but you suggest selling our experienced players so we can buy experienced players? Think a lot of people need to appreciate what likrs of carrick Rooney mata bring to squad / dressing room! We need to learn from past mistakes of selling all our experience!


 

 

 

MAZE's banter posts with other poster's replies to MAZE's banter posts

 

13 Jan 2022 12:26:02
Greetings earthlings, posters, editors, boys, girls and self identified non-binary individuals - the Maze wishes you good fortune for the year ahead.

The Maze still checks in from time to time - although the constant pessimism does not inspire a salubrious environment for the Maze to inhabit recurrently.

For what it is worth, Ole is gone - who lived well past his expiry date and the whole wreck it Ralf (ie caretaker manager, morphing into advisory director) adding a level of likely unwanted governance for a seasoned coach to take the role seriously - ultimately seems convoluted to the Maze.

Hopefully the back end of the season inspires some confidence, although the Maze will not hold his breath. At a minimum the defence will step up with the captain acting like a leader (and a footballer) .

Gone are the days of great defenders at the theatre, Pallister, Stam, Vidic, Rio to name a few. Nothing fancy - just do your job.

Ciao Ciao
MAZE.

MAZE

1.) 13 Jan 2022 14:51:02
Women definitely cross over the road when your about.


2.) 13 Jan 2022 15:12:25
Great to see the Maze posting again! Greating and salutations.


3.) 13 Jan 2022 16:32:12
I see my batman (maze) call worked ?.


4.) 13 Jan 2022 16:50:07
FZZ ??.


5.) 13 Jan 2022 19:30:15
I'm feeling nostalgic right now. Not seen Maze for a while.


6.) 13 Jan 2022 20:53:52
Supa, DB, B2 - pleased to see you all continue to contribute. Maze does enjoy to read the posts. Grand work to all.

FZZ, GDS - Maze notes no wisdom has been imparted into you poor marsupials over the years. Your posts are still without substance, immaterial and pitiful.

GDS, it does surprise Maze that you are still around the MU page, thought you may now be a Roma fan, hunkered down during the C.V. spraying your milt over Chris Smalling somewhere ie the second coming of Stam, Vidic or Jesus - the way you used to describe him escapes the Maze as he grows older.


7.) 13 Jan 2022 21:02:07
Is Maze Ngiak?


8.) 13 Jan 2022 21:41:34
Welcome back Maze.


9.) 13 Jan 2022 21:54:09
Been a joy to remember some of the oldies these past couple of days, and even to tempt a few out to posting is even better. Long may it continue!


10.) 13 Jan 2022 22:07:43
Keep it coming Maze.


11.) 14 Jan 2022 01:12:44
MH,

He just abuses people and gets away with it for a bit unless he gets banned. I assumed he was Jackamus / all the other names. Every time he got banned he came back as somebody else until he was banned for good, he’s already come back and started slagging people off so won’t be long.


12.) 14 Jan 2022 07:47:26
Ken, salutations and may the luck of the Irish be with for the year ahead.

May the luck rub off generally among the residents of this forum - even the undesirables. God speed.


13.) 14 Jan 2022 08:02:56
Oh and the 3rd person thing is weird.


14.) 14 Jan 2022 08:19:44
Editor - quick question. In the post above the word C.V. was changed to C. V.

Can you advise why? What does C. V. mean? Is this some sort of abbreviation for C.V.? Are people that illiterate they cannot write nor understand the word C.V. on here?

Maze is confused (or amused) . Maze grows weary.

{Ed033's Note - Do i need to respond in the quantum third person?

For the MAZE of the manchesterunitedrumours.co.uk is with the relation of the raver with the spursrumours.co.uk?

For the C.V. of this website is with the brevity of the banned-words by this Ed. :)


15.) 13 Jan 2022 23:57:01
Aww, you remembered your log in details for this account, or do you use the same password for all your accounts? ?

Nice to see you back though, I do miss the irony in your posts.

Like complaining that you don't post more due to the pessimism on the site, then going on to explain your very pessimistic view of the club and our current plight. Bemoaning the "convoluted" plans of the club, and that you "won't hold your breath" for better times ahead.

You really are an odd sort. Either way funny to have you back.


16.) 14 Jan 2022 09:46:26
Editor 33 the Maze likes you. You are ok in the Maze’s books.

Not quite sure around the banned word treatment regarding the largest threat to globalisation and its underlying economic infrastructure - seems a little ropy.

Can the Maze suggest words like Pogba and Maguire be prohibited also?

{Ed033's Note - For the C.V. of the Earth is with the constructing of the globalisation-new-economic-infrastructure with the central-bank-digital-currencies.


17.) 14 Jan 2022 11:02:10
Beats the irony of you contradicting yourself every other week shaps??.


18.) 14 Jan 2022 12:23:57
There is room on this site for everyone, even THE MAZE! I think we are all big enough to take a bit of stick, eh GDS?

I miss The Beast, he was a great poster.


19.) 14 Jan 2022 19:13:04
Maze keep posting. Best thread for ages?.


20.) 14 Jan 2022 20:23:50
I'm still not sure if the Ed has outted MAZE as Raver or not ?.


21.) 16 Jan 2022 00:22:53
Think he has Shappy, nothing but a mere troll.

All for banter Mancman, trolls not so much, GDS thinks they are weird AF.


 

 

08 Dec 2020 08:02:04
Editor 002. It has been a minute. Any updates on the proposed super league?

If so is there a baseline of requirements to gain entry ie if you haven’t won the league or CL for a considerable number of years - would you be considered elite?

MAZE

{Ed002's Note - No, nothing has changed.}


 

 

07 Dec 2020 20:48:23
Here is a question for you all - is Maguire the worst Man Utd captain ever?

The fella is a blatant bombshell and moves slower than the Mars rover. Maze cannot think of a less inspiring captain over the past 30 odd years.

United captains by traditional have usually ‘been there, don’t that’. What medals has Mr Maguire actually got to his name? Oh Ole.

Then again Maze remembers a time on here when Smalling was hailed as a second coming of Baresi, so would not surprise me if there was some love out there for our current captain underpants.

MAZE

1.) 07 Dec 2020 21:06:51
Both Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have been United Captains. In fact they were the last two captains.

So I can think of at least two worse captain's than Maguire 🤔🤦‍♂️.


2.) 07 Dec 2020 21:18:31
My oh my maze you are back with a bang.
Maguire would not be the captain i would choose. It would be bruno all day wi without hesitation. Although he has not been there and done it as you say i think you must realise he can be an exception to that rule.
Th defence is not great or inspire confidence.
I think maguire has done ok a few poor games but on the whole he has been ok. Would not be my choice as captain. We paid probably 4 times his value but that's not his fault or a stick to beat him with only the people that agreed it.


3.) 07 Dec 2020 21:55:42
I think Valencia who couldn’t speak a word of English was the worst shout for captain.


4.) 07 Dec 2020 22:11:02
Shappy - AY and AV were both fantastic servants of the club for many years. Both won many trophies. Both respected internally and by opposition for their achievements. They gave everything from the minute the came on the scene. Your memory betrays you, do not be distracted by price tags and dabs.

Ken - in an ideal world the captain would be our WC winning midfielder, but alas he is spineless and impotent. Maguire being captain is a disgrace, if that is what a leader is these days then football is dying. Keane, Robbo, Eric eat your heart out.


5.) 07 Dec 2020 22:15:08
Caolan_2 - Valencia over Maguire all day wrong. His work ethic, attitude, versatility and the off the field attitude would inspire most. Maguire has a big head (literally and figuratively), still shifts on the 3G network, makes a blooper every quarter and assaults residents fir sport on holiday.


6.) 08 Dec 2020 04:14:56
Young and Valencia were twice the player Maguire would ever be.

Maguire is our worst defender and captain and he doesn't even look like a footballer.

If he wasnt english he wouldn't have cost 80 mill and we wouldn't even have gone in for him.


7.) 08 Dec 2020 04:59:57
I think everyone agrees that Maguire's performances are not worthy of being the captain of the team. However, the blame goes to Ole and the coaching staff respectively for making him captain and not properly coaching him to improve his overall game.

The defense has been shocking most of the times with zero communication, unforced mistakes and poor positioning. Zonal marking is another issue where the players don't seem to be properly trained and frequently get caught flat-footed or out of position. The coaching staff have to take responsibility.

Many point the fact about individual errors and that Ole/ coaching staff cannot be blamed which is understandable. But, when individual errors happen too frequently and consistently then it points to issues with the coaching and maybe a lack of dedication on the training pitch.


8.) 08 Dec 2020 07:46:37
Singh - couldn’t agree more. $80m could buy a man a small island to grow crops, raise livery and retire fat. Instead, like you, MAZE is baffled that United investment of that large sum of cash is wasted on a disaster prone defender in a red top.


9.) 08 Dec 2020 08:37:00
I've never rated Maguire. He barely communicates, often gets caught ball watching and more often than not drops deeper than the other defenders and plays the opposition on side.

Pogba and Maguire will go down as the two worst signings the club have made. The worrying thing is that it will happen again.


10.) 08 Dec 2020 09:06:11
I think Maguire gets too much stick. Is he a great player? No, but he isn't an awful one either. If the club had signed him for 25m we would be talking about a bargain.

Maguire is strong in the air, a clean tackler, has very good technique, is one of the best passers out from the back in the league and is comfortable dribbling out to break a high press.

He has a lot of useful attributes. His weaknesses are a lack of pace and mobility which can be exposed when a high line is played. While he has a tendency to ball watch, which often means he is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of these issues can be fixed by playing the right tactics and having the right team mates to complement him. The other can be coached into him easily enough.

As for him as a captain, personally I would have Bruno. I think a captain should first and foremost lead by example on the pitch, so their performances needs to be impeccable 9 times out of 10.

That said I don't think Maguire is a terrible Captain, the players seem to respect him and he does have their loyalty.

As for Valencia and Young as captains, I thought they were poor. Valencia couldn't speak English after being in England for 10 years. How is he supposed to communicate with the players if he can't speak the same language as most of them. While Young was pushed out of the team by a kid who hadn't even travelled on the pre-season tour that summer, he was then sold in the January around 6 months after he was made Captain. How anyone could call that 6 month reign as captain a success is beyond me. Valencia was captain for a year. The titles they won happened under other captains and for the most part their participation in winning those titles was a squad role.


 

 

02 Jul 2019 09:24:05
Good to see the Bissaka deal get over the line and seems like the club plan to back the manager with a few more coming through the door.

Think the club, Mr Woodward and the owners have to be applauded to an extent as since Moyes they have backed LVG, Mr Mourinho and now seemingly OGS in the managers seat.

Yes they get a lot of stick, (from me included) due to some failed signings and appointments, along with some poor strategic decision making etc but there is little doubting there is a willingness to continually re-invest in players in an attempt to get the club back on track.

Kudos and hopefully the club make some good progress this year.

MAZE

1.) 02 Jul 2019 10:42:11
Read the other day that the clubs valuation has dropped by over 1 billion, down to £2.35Bn down from £3.60Bn since August last year. This is mostly due to performance on the pitch and a failure to qualify for the UCL.

I do wonder how the owners will react to this, will it be the wake up call they need to change focus to improving things on the pitch rather than increasing sponsorship.

Although I was never a fan of Jose at United, I agree he was significantly backed in his first and second summers, yet he was far from "significantly" backed last summer with Fred, Dalot and Grant being the only players bought in, while the club would not entertain selling players he felt needed to be moved on. This did undermine him during his final season somewhat. Although it was HIS reaction to it ultimately lead to his dismissal.

Also Fellaini and Mata were the only players brought in for Moyes which I don't think quite counts as significantly backing him. Not when deals for Bale, Kroos and Fabregas were pursued that summer.


2.) 02 Jul 2019 10:59:30
Shappy don't forget Alcantara. Seems more like we were snubbed by some 'targets' in the Moyes' regime probably because of the uncertainty with fergie leaving more than coach not being backed.


3.) 02 Jul 2019 11:10:08
First time I feel the clubs are following a clear plan in recruitment.
The rumoured targets are mostly British, young, pacey and skillful.

The plan seems to be like building for long term.


 

 

01 Jul 2019 09:26:03
Editor 002 can you please repost your list of targets who MU have shown interest in? I have had a search through the page but can’t seem to locate it.

Cheers
M.

MAZE

{Ed002's Note - Search on Manila’s.}


1.) 01 Jul 2019 10:06:43
Assuming that was Manolas Ed. Found it. €32m to Italian sides but €50m to English sides. Called it again Ed. Any significant changes since your last post? Anyone new being hawked around the MU may be stupid enough to cough up for?

{Ed002's Note - Not beyond what I have posted - I am not going to keep posting the same things.}


2.) 01 Jul 2019 10:25:34
Maze from looking at Ed’s list, the 3 viable options are most likely Milenkovic, Maguire and Dias. Ed has struck off alderweireld, koulibaly, de ligt, sule for various other reasons. Personally, I’d love Dias but I think we may end up with Maguire if City aren’t willing to pay the money. Good player, and an improvement on all bar lindelof, but not worth the extortionate fee imo. Wouldn’t be upset about Milenkovic either who I think is a very good player with the ability to be brilliant.


3.) 01 Jul 2019 11:09:14
Shaw, Lindelof, Dias and AWB will be a solid defense to build for the future.


4.) 01 Jul 2019 11:40:20
A double raid on Portugal for Fernandes and Dias would be nice.


5.) 01 Jul 2019 18:51:50
Please stop with this Editor rubbish.


 

 

 

MAZE's rumour replies

 

Click To View This Thread

25 Jan 2022 08:51:31
Editor 2 - happy new year.
Assume Poch would be a costly acquisition also or does he have a release mechanism?
Maze.

MAZE

{Ed002's Note - I would not worry about that.}


 

 

Click To View This Thread

21 Jan 2022 10:44:50
This is not believable. If NU offered $12m cash for JL the board would sanction in a heartbeat, in fact it wouldn’t even go to the board as it is a common sense low risk transaction. If it does not materialise (assuming the offer above is correct) it is JL holding out.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

14 Jan 2022 13:36:51
Shappy you are on narcotics if you think MU are seeking ‘a move to keepers playing from the back and/ or sweeping’.

MU are a million miles off this - there is no identity, there hasn’t been one for years.

Since 2013 the team has just been crying out to get back to basics. Don’t worry about sweeper keepers, clear lines and organise players to do their jobs - none of this fancy footwork.

MU for years now require investment in characters, grinders and grafters. Stop procuring Pogba’s, Sancho’s and AWB etc. Invest in culture - invest the basics.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

14 Jan 2022 12:03:40
MH that in itself is the problem, a potential contract at reduced terms for one good season out of a handful.

MU must be more cut throat, move players on at the right time - like Chelsea for example. This has been the undoing of MU for years.

The club must be more agile and constantly adapting whilst looking to the future.

The ability to revert appropriately as opposed to react instinctively is what has brought a great sporting institution into mediocrity over the past decade - yes decade….

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

14 Jan 2022 09:52:41
Eric you are correct, DDG has had a decent season - no doubt. But can you say that for the last few?

DDG is on a monster contract and the reality is the peak of his powers is likely behind him.

There is a young homegrown player with bags of potential knocking at the door - DH is not going to be DDG’s underling for much longer.

The commerciality of DDG’s deal at MU can no longer be justified when there is an alternative solution emerging.

Do not hold onto legacy employees at the expense of closing the path on the future route.

The churn is imminent at some point and the club must always evolve. It should always be about the club.

MAZE

 

 

 

MAZE's banter replies

 

Click To View This Thread

24 Jan 2022 22:19:18
To illustrate that a little further let’s assume Rice were to be paid 200k per week on similar terms to Kamara. For the two players combined the cost would be circa 110-115m (capex) plus 90m+ (opex) wages only - there would be additional costs to this obviously.

The club will of course amortise and depreciate appropriately but these are heavy numbers to be carried on the balance sheet for players who play in the same role.

The logic put forward of ‘position of negotiating strength’ scares the good mother Mary out of Maze and makes Maze fear for the economic future of civilisation - all Xbox, no acumen.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

24 Jan 2022 21:58:12
Interesting the lens we view. Maze would have thought that if (big if) Rice is a target then signing Kamara would potentially make the deal more difficult.

Kamara reportedly asking for 150-200k in wages plus a fee of circa 10-15m either in January or via ancillary fees should he sign for free in the summer.

So assume (at the lower end) wages of 150k per week over say 5 years = 39m. Plus 10m fee = 49m. All that for player who might site on the bench (if Rice signed) .

More financial constraints makes the deal more difficult for Rice - especially with some surgery required elsewhere. Not to mention given Rice and Kamara (as you suggest) play similar roles, the likelihood is one will be backup.

So there you have it folks (younglings and business grads take note), to put yourself in a position of negotiating strength when procuring an asset worth 100m + wages + on costs + fringe benefits you have to spend circa 49m on a backup asset first.

Kudos to Professor Shappy.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

23 Jan 2022 17:03:50
“Start of a new rebuild cycle” - behave. MU rebuilding since 2013.

“What we needed from a player to play for Ole in his style of play is obviously different to what we will need under the next permanent manger” - has the style changed that much?

So you think MU should not sign a single player this month as who knows about the next permanent manager? On other posts you are saying sign up x, y and z. Scrambled.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

23 Jan 2022 16:56:42
Ok Shappy. Give Maze a break. Maze knew you would provide some sort of lengthy post to justify a response.

5-6 months ago he would excel. Now he is not good enough. Keen to hear you views on Sancho - is he not good enough because he has been of the pace.

Need to stop building players up to tear them down moments later. Maze has many more examples but will not embarrass you.

MAZE

 

 

Click To View This Thread

23 Jan 2022 12:20:17
“Rice and Saul both have the ability and intelligence to play a holding role, yet I get the feeling both are capable of much more. I'm not sure either really have the passing range for a deep lying playmaker sort of role, Saul maybe, but definitely not Rice. While both seem comfortable driving with the ball and playing further up the pitch. Maybe a pure holding role would be a little restrictive for them. Both could do the role for us and would excel at it though if signed” (Shappy July 21).

So Shappy - 6 months ago Saul would “excel” for MU? Has Saul really deteriorated that much?

This is what Maze means. Much fanfare one minute, then the player is cast aside the next. This was 5-6 months ago. Come on.

“Simply no”. Ok comrade.

MAZE