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Noucamp99's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Noucamp99's rumours posts
16 Dec 2025 11:56:14
Few articles on Twitter claiming the club did want Bruno to go in the summer, but didn't have the stomach for the decision. Seems to be his own words.
Bit of a difference from the view at the time that they'd left it totally up to him.
1.) 16 Dec 2025 13:53:14
It would always look better for the club if Bruno had said 'Yes, I want to leave', rather than for the club to accept an offer and try push him out.
ED002, did say that runo had previously turned down a January transfer off from SA. Perhaps this summer Bruno will move.
One thing is certain, he is clearly miffed at the situation. Could he be angling for a move in January now? Doubtful, yes possible.
2.) 16 Dec 2025 15:39:35
I put a post in reply to a thread on the banter page explaining why I think he’s got to go. We need to cash in, his stock is still high as his stats are good, it’s a WC year and it’s makes sense for Saudi to want him.
I have no idea of his net book value but I would assume it’s zero as he’s fulfilled his first contract.
Sell him and spend whatever it takes on Anderson. That’s the RCM position sorted along with part of the midfield opposition runners issue that’s constantly costing us.
We can then sort the LCM position either in the summer or pull the cash forward and buy someone else in Jan (Baleba, Stiller or Wharton) . I’d love to see Anderson and Wharton together in our midfield, two prem proven players who cover good amounts of ground with slightly different but complementary attributes.
3.) 16 Dec 2025 16:39:15
Assuming this is actually coming from Fernandes I find it odd, the fact he has done it and the timing.
As club captain this is not something I would expect within the season
Whether something has gone on behind the scenes and he is now looking for an exit in January. just all very odd and not sure the hierarchy will be pleased.
4.) 16 Dec 2025 16:55:54
I’d like to see Bruno with Wharton and Anderson as a midfield. Elite.
5.) 16 Dec 2025 17:19:02
Get rid and take the 57 million, he's going to be nearly 32 by the start of next season.
Buy two proper central midfielders that can actually play there.
We have more than enough creativity in the team now with Mount, Amad, Mbembo and Cunha.
6.) 16 Dec 2025 22:33:19
Do we though, Simo?
I'd say Bruno probably has more assists than those four combined, this season. Probably more goals than two or three of them put together as well.
7.) 17 Dec 2025 01:26:41
I hear the argument about selling Bruno at his peak but in terms of creativity Wharton and/or Anderson are nowhere near his level. yet
I remember Madrid fans calling for Modric to leave but he stayed four more years and played at a very high level and it might be argued that they have not found a better replacement.
Let his value run down I don't care. The Board should find a way to finance transfers of midfielders coming in without selling our best asset
I want Bruno to stay. Get better midfielders to defend and work alongside him and let him do his best work. attacking the opposition.
8.) 18 Dec 2025 16:02:33
I love Bruno and think he's been our best player of the last decade by some distance.
Yet it's as obvious as the sun in the sky on a cloudless day that he doesn't naturally fit into this team. While his age means that he isn't someone to build around, and you don't get the best out of him unless you build around him.
The problem is that he was still by some margin our best player last season. It'd be a brave decision to force him out at the start of a rebuild and with no guarantees that you could adequately replace him. So I understand why the club left the decision up to him, that way at least they mitigate the backlash if things don't work out immediately.
Yet forcing him out last summer would probably have been the best decision. Him gone for a large fee, a fee that could have been spent on Baleba or someone similar would have meant we had a more balanced team this season and would probably have moved us further along the rebuild. But that's the benefit of hindsight.
If I was the club I'd be looking to force the issue this summer if he isn't interested in moving under his own volition. Because ultimately this teams ability to grow and adapt is being restricted by his presence.
9.) 19 Dec 2025 17:24:34
I keep hearing that we need to sell Bruno to find midfielders, I think we need to buy midfielders to release Bruno up into his favoured position.
He is not a central midfielder.
Has he done a job, yes.
Could he do better, yes
Has he been at fault for a number of goals against, yes
I'd be selling the likes of Ugarte before Bruno. Upgrade the stock we already have.
10.) 20 Dec 2025 14:09:38
Jimbob, I don't think selling Bruno is about raising funds, although that would be useful.
The issue with Bruno is that he isn't a natural fit in any position in this team under Amorim.
The inside forwards are typically players who progress the ball through running with it, that isn't something Bruno is particularly good at.
While the midfielders tend to be more athletic, water carrier types who plug holes and again carry the ball through lines of pressure before making a simple pass. Again that isn't Bruno's strength.
To get the best out of Bruno you give him a free role higher up the pitch. You let him drift into pockets of space and you have the rest of the team adapt around him to plug those gaps.
The problem is that you can't afford to build around one player if you want to compete for major honours, and you definitely can't do that when that player is over 30 and could start to decline soon.
So we are left with a player who doesn't have a natural position within the team, but he is still our best player and captain. Making it virtually impossible to drop him.
While Amorim is our manager and Bruno is still in the squad we will have to choose between two poor options.
1. Drop him and deal with the public and media backlash that will ensure simply because we are Manchester United so everything gets blown out of proportion.
2. Try and crowbar him into the team by playing him in a compromise position. Knowing full well that we won't get the best out of him, and that the team will have a flaw that cannot be mitigated.
Which brings us back to the simple solution, move on a player whose best days are behind him and allow the team to evolve and grow.
We have to remember that players come and go, they are and never can be more important than the team as a whole.
Most of the fans who don't want to see Bruno leave are the same ones complaining that Mainoo isn't getting enough football. Hopefully they can step back and see the irony of holding both of those opinions at the same time. Now I'm not saying Bruno leaving means Mainoo suddenly gets in the team, but it certainly opens the door a little more. While Mainoo isn't a perfect fit for what Amorim wants he is still a more natural fit than Bruno both in midfield and in the more advanced positions.
I'll be sad to see Bruno leave, but if we are to fully embrace moving on and becoming a serious title challenger again then it's something that will have to happen sooner or later.
11.) 23 Dec 2025 07:45:57
I take your points Shappy, however, we will be weaker without Bruno.
Having him floating across the front, much like Mbeumo and Cunha are capable of doing makes a lot of sense. His ability to create something out of nothing is worth keeping him around. Mount can do the same, as can Zirkzee.
That's 5 into 2 positions, assuming we don't invest further in these roles or promote from youth.
Whilst Bruno and Casemiro have done okay in the middle, they are without a doubt, a weakness.
I am in two minds though as you quite rightly state he is going to be 32 soon and is now if course injured. Will that continue to be a persistent injury, who knows. Would having him in the ranks be positive or negative, especially if he is sidelined by say a pairing of Anderson/Kone and Mainoo/Wharton. Or would his experience as a squad player be worth keeping him.
This is all without mentioning his salary and how that would assist if it was off our books.
23 Jul 2024 21:05:23
Hi, Ed002. I seem to remember a while back you maybe mentioned that Chalobah might be a player we were interested in. With news that Chelsea are looking to sell, is this something that Utd might still be interested in, or have we definitely moved on? Thanks as usual.
{Ed002's Note - Not first or second choice at least.}
1.) 23 Jul 2024 22:31:46
Cheers, Ed002 ?.
2.) 24 Jul 2024 09:27:57
ED001 said he would be an excellent choice.
3.) 24 Jul 2024 14:37:04
I like him, Hatter, that's why I mentioned it. Thought he could be a good option if Everton insist on silly money for Braithwaite.
4.) 24 Jul 2024 21:37:00
NouCamp99,
He wouldn't be expensive either.
5.) 25 Jul 2024 07:18:17
I would happily see Maguire and Lindelof moved on, with De Ligt and Chalobah coming in.
6.) 25 Jul 2024 13:20:24
He'd be an interesting squad option, providing cover at RCB, RB and possibly at CDM occasionally.
However, is that the limit of his ambitions?
Is he happy to be a bit part player, filling gaps here and there for Manchester United, or does he want to stake his claim as a regular starter for a side and really show what he can do?
I suspect he doesn't want to be a bit part player, which he's probably communicated with Chelsea and they've decided to sign other options and let him go.
Personally I think he's good enough to start for a side in the Europa league, an EPL side that will finish between 8th and 4th. But I'm not sure he's shown yet that he is good enough to be a regular starter for a title challenger. Maybe with more regular football he steps up to that level.
Will he get that at United? Probably not.
7.) 25 Jul 2024 15:36:44
Well, Shappy, you did describe United at the moment ?.
8.) 26 Jul 2024 11:22:48
Trololo, yeah, at the moment but not where we are aiming to be.
9.) 26 Jul 2024 12:12:50
Thats not what you wrote Shappy, but okay!
17 Nov 2023 18:08:39
Something that worries me a bit at the moment. Stems from a reply from Ed002 on the other page, where he mentions ETH will be aware he probably won't be here next season.
Hopefully ETH's professionalism will come through, but can't help thinking it doesn't bode well for the rest of the season. If he knows, it's probably fair to say the players do too.
1.) 17 Nov 2023 19:11:42
If it’s correct, sooner the better he is gone for all concerned, I think they will know that too, because 100% they need champs league and atm that’s quite a way away.
2.) 17 Nov 2023 20:56:17
I think a lot of people including players am on ngat others are thinking Thier time may at United be coming to a close.
3.) 17 Nov 2023 21:00:36
Is it quite a way away Rangersred? We are 5 points off fourth place after one of our worst starts to a season in decades.
There are 26 games remaining and we haven't really got out of second gear. I'm not saying we are a top four team based on current form, but let's get some perspective.
In regards to ETH it would be a shame to see him go. He never really had a chance and I don't think there are any out there available I would want to see him replaced with. Especially if the Potter rumours are true.
4.) 17 Nov 2023 21:07:38
4/ 5 points, not quite a way at all! In fact to keep in the pack with our injuries is excellent imo! Don’t listen to the media, our injury record this season is phenomenal and has clearly had a detrimental effect on performances! To still be there or thereabouts is huge positive!
5.) 17 Nov 2023 23:47:06
I agree, Chris. But with the weak mentality in a fair portion of our players, I do worry a little that they'll act to form. No real concerns about ETH. I think his professionalism is there for all to see.
6.) 18 Nov 2023 00:09:09
Alot of players need to go before eth. If he had decent support we wouldn't be 6th we would be up around top.
7.) 18 Nov 2023 09:03:01
Ten hag will be utd manager next season, who on earth would they get if he left? Seems nonsense to sack him, everyone and his dog wants him sacked. With everything that's going on behind the scenes his been extremely professional. Jose and Co would have had a meltdown by now.
8.) 18 Nov 2023 09:12:05
Noucamp
Which page are you reffering to. I wpuld be disappointed and its a mistake imo.
9.) 18 Nov 2023 09:37:51
Discussion page Ahmad.
10.) 18 Nov 2023 10:24:59
Very possibly Nagelsman -short term contract with Germany - was the flavour of the month there a short time ago, according to the media don't miss out on this guy everybody loved him.
11.) 18 Nov 2023 10:29:52
It's something that so many people have been dismissive of but the instability hanging over the club due to the sale process will have 100% effected everyone at the club and their performances both on and off the pitch. It's completely normal.
I was speaking to my ex-manager yesterday from the school I was working at last year. She was saying how since the headteacher handed hi notice in at the start of the school year that it's affecting everyone at the school. How the confusion over the leadership and the direction the school will head when a new headteacher is appointed has everyone nervous and unsure.
It's completely normal that impending change impacts people and their performances at work.
For our club that cloud has been hanging over everyone for a year now.
As for EtH I would be disappointed if the new ownership situation led to his departure. In my opinion he's been our best manager post SAF and has handled everything very well. However, I also appreciate that if he isn't the right man for the new direction the club will be heading in then I'd rather his departure be sooner and on good terms than drawn out and messy.
Hopefully he has the character and mentality to want to do his best regardless of the situation. While it's probable that the new people will want a different manager it's not guaranteed.
If I remember correctly EtH was the manager Rangnick supported and thought was the best option. This was around the same time that he was suggesting Paul Mitchell would be a good person for the club to bring in. With the pair spotted at a few youth games together.
Hopefully that means Paul Mitchell holds EtH in the same high esteem as Rangnick. If he is to be the one to come in as DoF then I would hope he'd give EtH a chance.
However, we also have to respect that the club will be run under a new structure, and that will likely impact the managers position/ role at the club. Most likely taking some powers/ control away from the manager. Reducing their control over some aspects of the club. There is every chance that EtH decides that he isn't happy with that and doesn't want to stay under the new structure. Which is also completely understandable.
So until the new people are in and everyone can sit down and talk everything through then unfortunately everything will be up in the air so to speak.
Everyone just needs to be as professional as they can and do their job to the best of their ability until things become clearer.
Those that cannot do that will most likely be the first out the door. As why would the new management team want to keep people who cannot act professionally.
If you're worried about your job, then you need to show how excellent you are at it, prove that you should keep you place. It's that simple.
Worst case scenario you still lose your job, but at least you've proven to any future employer how professional you are.
12.) 18 Nov 2023 15:22:33
If we now comparing united to a school, at least we got the right headmaster in ETH, seems he good at that part! Sancho is still in detention as we speak and had his lunch time breaks taken away!
Doubt very much now RR holds ETH in high esteem anymore as it was ETH that would not work with him!
Whichever way it goes ETH is gone by the very latest end of the season, if not before which I certainly would not lose any sleep over neither will many of the current squad.
13.) 18 Nov 2023 17:10:50
Quite away. We not exactly falling down the table are we.
14.) 18 Nov 2023 19:04:45
But be realistic, look who we have played and even the ones we beat was scraping by, everytime we come up against half decent sides they beat us without too much trouble, which also means our hardest games are too come which to me is very concerning, but on the plus side will give SJR legitimate reason to get rid of the school teacher no not you Shappy the other one!
15.) 18 Nov 2023 21:05:43
I really really don't get the short term lack of patience with ETH. He has been fighting fires since he arrived and with one hand tied behind his back because of the inadequacy of those in charge of the club.
He has inherited a poor squad. Got rid of dead wood where he could and generally his signings have been good (Anthony is the only one who so far has flopped in my opinion)
He has not had a settled defence and that is the bedrock of any successful team.
Give him time at least another two years if he is backed properly and then judge.
16.) 18 Nov 2023 22:01:13
Rangersred, still not your turn with the family brain cell I see?.
17.) 19 Nov 2023 02:45:58
It’s him again Shaps, your stalker back for more.
18.) 19 Nov 2023 14:52:04
I know, utterly infatuated with me it seems.
Living rent free in their head.
I'm no doubt the last person they think of as they fall asleep and the first person they think about as they wake.
08 Jul 2021 19:34:01
Ed002, I see rumours surfacing about Saul to Liverpool. Can you cheer me up and tell me this is complete nonsense? Cheers.
{Ed002's Note - Saul Niguez (CM) Nobody will pay his release clause but Atletico could look to a very high fee for a player who has a contract that runs for years in order to get his €300k weekly wage off the books. Bayern Munich's first choice to add for midfield and his agent has spoken with several sides as Atletico want to make very significant savings on salaries and could be forced in to a corner by the player and his agent. But Bayern see his cash price at €60M (or €75M on terms) and wages of €300k as too high and will want to negotiate - they will almost certainly turn elsewhere. He is being offered to the usual suspects who have money - Manchester United (who would need to offload Pogba), Juventus, Manchester City, PSG, Chelsea as a Kovacic replacement - many of which are looking to add a player in his position but his wages are a major issue for most. Atletico have signed his replacement. I am not aware of any approach from Liverpool at this time but he would be an excellent choice but a lot more expensive than other options.}
1.) 08 Jul 2021 20:05:20
Hi Ed, do United retain any interest on their side as one of the few sides who could afford it (if Pogba were to go) or is it more from his representation offering him around?
{Ed002's Note - Sure but they are intent on keeping the hostage and no moving forward right now.}
2.) 08 Jul 2021 20:39:54
Club need to look at the options unless Pogba is willing to sign a new contract (unlikely and if he did it would be astronomical) . No player especially someone like Pogba will give 100% in the final year of contract through fear of injury stopping the next big payday.
Bite the bullet, either use him as part exchange for Verane or sell to PSG. Then bring in someone like Saul as a replacement or top quality holding midfielder.
3.) 09 Jul 2021 10:08:10
gotta say, a midfield of Bruno, Saul and Camavinga would be awesome. With donny, Fred, McT and Matic as backup. Replace Matic and Fred over the next 2 windows with Garner and Mejbri and we are set for 5 years.
4.) 09 Jul 2021 03:37:27
Question for Ed002, if you’re around. You mentioned that the club can’t profiteer from a sale of Pogba due to having extended his contract, but how exactly would things work if they swapped him for someone like Varane? Would we still have to declare the ‘value’ of the deal and then negotiate with his agent or would it just go through like any other swap?
{Ed002's Note - All transfers have a value - even if they are exchanges.}
5.) 09 Jul 2021 12:49:45
Isn’t that why Barcelona and jive did the Arthur - pjanic swap at ridiculous prices.
6.) 09 Jul 2021 13:09:08
Ultimately all players have a "asset value" If United extend Pogba's contract only to use that to get a player in exchange then United will have profited to the tune of the value of that player.
So if Varane is valued at 50m then technically United have profited 50m from extending Pogba's contract.
The whole point about profiteering is that by extending Pogba's contract you are denying him and his agent the chance to earn a huge signing on fee.
Thus the club will have to agree to pay a large sum to Pogba and his agent if he is to leave this summer either for cash or as part of a player exchange.
7.) 09 Jul 2021 22:16:03
Cheers for the reply, Ed002.
8.) 12 Jul 2021 19:47:14
Isn't Varane in a similar contract situation to Pogba. In which case a swap would seem reasonable regardless of the nominal price attached. The profiteering aspect would presumably apply either to both sides or to neither.
{Ed002's Note - Real Madrid want cash, not cast offs.}
04 Sep 2015 22:04:29
Creme de la menthe! Parlez-vous Norn Iron?
How to speak Norn Iron (very funny)
1.) 05 Sep 2015 14:34:03
Cheers Eds for the accompanying video. I've never felt sympathy for the French before, but God help them if we do the unthinkable, and actually bloody qualify.
2.) 05 Sep 2015 15:00:27
Stickin out stevie
Noucamp99's banter posts with other poster's replies to Noucamp99's banter posts
19 Sep 2026 00:21:10
Saw a genius idea from someone on Twitter, on how to solve our problems in the short-term at least.
Said we should sack Carrick, then hire him as an interim. ?.
1.) 19 Sep 2026 06:07:07
Now that is the type of out of the box thinking that might just fix this problem!
16 Sep 2026 18:00:19
I'd laugh my backside off, if Carrick stuck another 15/16 year old in the team, tonight. ?.
1.) 16 Sep 2026 19:56:18
Noucamp99,
That would have been brilliant.
2.) 16 Sep 2026 21:56:57
I'd laugh my backside off if Carrick somehow found himself 2-0 up after 10mins and then found a way to throw the game away.
3.) 17 Sep 2026 09:45:09
Did Carrick throw the game away, or the players? It astounds me that people still think the problem is the manager.
4.) 17 Sep 2026 13:02:33
GDS, do you seriously think Carrick is not to blame for the way we are setup?
12 Aug 2026 21:44:34
Boyle Sports Cup winners!
How many can say that? ?.
1.) 13 Aug 2026 08:26:35
Open top bus tour of Manchester? Or save it for the end of the season for all the season's trophies?. ?
2.) 13 Aug 2026 08:37:25
Done the double with the Snapdragon Cup!!
24 Jul 2026 21:49:08.
Glad to see a few of the young ones do well today.
Amass is one I've always had a soft spot for, though ironically given our previous manager, always thought he'd make a very good wing back.
Was a bit dubious about his loan to Sheffield Wednesday. A team doomed to going down wouldn't be my first choice to send a young lad to, unless you've got good character and see it as a challenge.
By all accounts he did well there, and I would have no issues with him being around the first team. Really think there's a player there.
1.) 26 Jul 2026 00:37:05
I watched the highlights of the match against Rosenborg. From the highlights, I don't think we can make many judgements about players being ready to challenge for a first team squad place. Rosenborg were so, so poor. They barely made a challenge, and gave Utds players lots of time and space to pass. Utd played some nice football, and you could see evidence of good teamwork and understanding amongst the players, but it was against very limited opposition.
One thing concerned me was Amass, who does look to have huge potential. He was knocked off the ball, or found it difficult to shield from opposing players. Physically, he is going to have to get stronger to prosper against top teams.
2.) 26 Jul 2026 10:00:56
Amass is miles off physically, as you say. He needs a good loan. He spent half of last season injured, and a good loan will help him. He did well at Wednesday for a few months last year, despite losing every week.
Only 19 people hanging their hat on these kids are crazy, imo.
3.) 26 Jul 2026 15:34:30
Who's hanging their hat on him?
Are we not allowed to say we like a player any more?
4.) 26 Jul 2026 15:54:02
Of course you are. I like him too. I think he has good potential.
There are people who feel that a few of our youngsters are ready to step up, I don't think they are yet.
Amass, JJ Thwaites, O Deavney are all very good and have a good chance, but I think it's a season too soon to see them in the squad, like some have suggested.
A few, hopefully, will get some loan moves to develop and play against men regularly as opposed to the youth league.
Lots of time for these guys.
O Deavney did a good interview the other day, and he is one of the prospects hoping for a loan move, saying he needs game time to develop. He did well for St Mirren last season.
Noucamp, you can express what you like about a player, all you want, who is stopping you? Can I not say pinning hopes on them too early is crazy if that's what I think? My, oh my, so very touchy.
5.) 26 Jul 2026 16:56:07
I'm working with someone professionally who also works with Utd youth. They mentioned a few bits that's ok to share:
Speaks highly of JJ. Unusual lad, but a nice lad. Very mature, but also can let his head drop. His family are very hands-on. It's crucial United keep them happy, to keep JJ. He will play this season. Promised.
Thwaites - good player, but not physically ready.
Devaney - top pro and player, very much in the mould of Fletcher Snr in attitude, really well thought of. One to watch.
Moorhouse - might have missed his moment, but seen as potentially better than the Fletcher twins. Could be a late bloomer or mid EPL player.
Obi - poor movement, flat-track bully at youth level, sent back to youth football as touch and ability not at the top level.
Gore - good player, probably missed his chance; injury wrecked early loans.
I also learned a lot about City and Utds' different approaches to training, as we have taken a few players from them. Nothing mad, but will share another time.
6.) 26 Jul 2026 17:22:44
Bit of a leap from liking a player, to 'pinning hopes' on them, but hey. ?
7.) 26 Jul 2026 18:57:00
Did I say you were pinning your hopes on him? But hey.
Accusations before investigation, but hey.
8.) 26 Jul 2026 19:29:20
'Only 19 people hanging their hat on these kids are crazy, imo.'
In response to a post where I stated I liked the lad.
Although, I don't know if that quote from you is referring to Amass being 19, or if there are only 19 crazy people hanging their hat on these kids?
Anyway, you can go and play your silly little games with someone else.
?
9.) 26 Jul 2026 20:16:17
Its your game. They're was a debate on shapps post the other day with many feeling amass could back shaw up for the season and he would get plenty of game time same for a few calling to get jj playing league and fa cup games.
Only 19 refers to amass age.
He still has lots of time to build strength and experience on loan.
Pinning hopes on him to be a squad player is too much at this stage imo especially considering shaws record.
I didn't refer to you once it's in your head i like him too but think its too early unlike others. So its your game but shoot 1st ask Qs later!
10.) 27 Jul 2026 00:20:55
Utd road, thanks for your post. Would be interesting to read about the City and Utd academies and how they differ.
11.) 27 Jul 2026 11:33:09
Ken, your 'angry wee man who could start a row in an empty room' schtick that you've got going on is a never-ending source of amusement to me.
And I admire your commitment to keeping it going. Must be exhausting, though!
18 Jul 2026 16:47:52
Carrick out!
1.) 18 Jul 2026 18:03:18
Nou
What was our striking threat like, if you watched the game?
2.) 18 Jul 2026 20:57:10
Non-existent, Red Man.
And I forgot how annoying the MUTV commentators could be!
3.) 18 Jul 2026 21:55:32
Nou
That's my worry, they are all talking about midfield, yet we have only one striker. We need a goal scorer.
20 Sep 2026 14:23:53
You certainly made up for lost time with that one, Shaps ?.
29 Jul 2026 17:24:13
Nice one, mate. ?
18 Apr 2026 11:52:14
Thing is, Jimbo, we were on a good run. ECL looking likely. Carrick knows his job is to get that, by hook or by crook.
Why would he risk throwing in a young kid in the centre of defence at this powderkeg point of the season?
We'd be the first on here criticising Carrick if he did do that, and Heaven messed up.
16 Apr 2026 20:53:05
I'd be a fan of Van Hecke too, Don.
21 Jan 2026 01:42:26
Feck me, what I'd give for a prime Kante in this team.
16 Sep 2026 18:02:54
Sorry, JSU, I had no idea you had inside knowledge of the club.
16 Sep 2026 13:21:54
Good post, Ports.
16 Sep 2026 10:49:12
My young lad played for our local Irish League team's academy from under 10s to under 16s. He won a few leagues and an All-Ireland trophy.
Trai Hume and a few others currently at English and Scottish clubs were in the team.
In the U16s, they played a pre-season friendly against one of the local men's teams. Obviously, the men had been told to go easy, but you could see the worry and nervousness among a usually confident group of lads as they walked on to the pitch. The men did hold back a bit, but even something like a shoulder charge would have one of our lads on their backsides.
My boy was 6ft 3 then and fairly solidly built. Much more adult looking than Gabriel. But he still looked exactly what he was standing beside the opposition players. A boy. The only game where he admitted that he hoped he'd be on the bench. ?
Maybe JJ is a generational talent, but look at him.
All the trickery and skill in the world won't save you from a clattering tackle. Look what Ronaldo had to face, and he was much more robust than JJ.
And that's just the physical aspect. Mentally, a 15 year old boy is still, generally, quite immature. Who knows how he'd react to a couple of choice tackles, or a bit of booing for the first time in his gilded life?
Most importantly though, for the club, no 15 year old should be making unrealistic demands, trying to pressurise the club into playing him. If that's how he behaves at 15, then there's likely to be a lot more problems down the road, especially, going by the rumours, with his dad in charge.
I thought Greenwood was going to be the best thing out of our academy in years. He's gone and life moves on. It'll be the same with JJ. Keep investing in the academy and another one will come along.
14 Sep 2026 18:57:28
Dorgu was bought as a LWB, was he not?
03 Sep 2026 08:58:28
Red Man, whilst I agree with a lot of that, what possible benefit is there in having a manager resign at the start of a season? It would just be a recipe for more chaos.