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Ports's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Ports's rumours posts

 

16 Feb 2024 23:37:58
Ed, I know this is an impossible question to answer but if you could, with all rumours surrounding the new “leadership” with regard to football at United, how many transfers in realistically could you see at United this summer? 3 or 4 seems to be fairly standard for a “rebuild”, Chelsea last year was completely out of the ordinary but what in your opinion could happen at United? I appreciate this is a very ambiguous question.

Ports

{Ed002's Note - There will be a total of 16 departures.}


1.) 17 Feb 2024 09:55:13
Is that how many people are out of contract by any chance?

{Ed002's Note - No.}


2.) 17 Feb 2024 10:30:05
Are they all playing staff?

{Ed002's Note - Of course.}


3.) 17 Feb 2024 13:53:53
Never know if you’re playing with us or not Ed002!

Reports floating about that we’re interested in Mathys Tel from Bayern - any truth to these rumours please Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Mathys Tel (F) Bayern are not looking to sell and whilst there may be interest from Spurs it would not be as a Kane replacement. Tel's representative is a complete flake and has constantaly linked the player with other clubs and says that Manchester United scouts spotted him whilst watching another player. He has also cited Liverpool and Arsenal constantly ringing him. Marseille offered a return to France as a starter but his value has gone up considerably since then. The player has made it clear he wants to stay at Bayern Munich.}


4.) 17 Feb 2024 14:56:12
Brilliant detailed info - thank you for your swift and insightful response!


5.) 17 Feb 2024 15:28:15
Ed002 are you sure it's 16? Can you tell us if there is a liklihood or possibility that there may be a deviation from that number or if you can give an idea of timings of the 16 exits? ?.

{Ed002's Note - It will be exactly 16.}


6.) 17 Feb 2024 15:39:59
Can you lads not detect sarcasm. Ed is in the know but not a clairvoyant!


7.) 17 Feb 2024 16:05:34
brilliant ed002 lol. made me laugh so hard.


8.) 17 Feb 2024 18:58:43
If only the original post asked about how many departures.


9.) 18 Feb 2024 19:45:10
Lolll he fell for it that has to be the funniest rubbisht.


 

 

06 Jul 2023 22:44:29
Ed’s. With the rumours of the GK from the Japanese league, I was wondering if since ETH we’ve had a change of personnel within our scouting team or just a new approach directed from ETH?

Ports

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of the rumours. Onana remains the new first pick and a youngster from the US remains of interest to provide long term cover.}


1.) 06 Jul 2023 23:03:45
The lad in Japan was born in the USA, has a Japanese father and a mother who is from somewhere else. So he was eligible to play for three countries but chose Japan and has made his senior debut.

No idea how good he is ??‍♂️. Only 21 though I think.


2.) 07 Jul 2023 08:27:06
Brendan perhaps then Zion Suzuki is the USA youngster the ed is referring to.

{Ed002's Note - No. I have explained before.}


3.) 07 Jul 2023 10:55:09
After quick Google search for young US keepers linked to United, found the name of Djorge Petrovic, a 23yr old Serbian international who seems to be doing well for New England Revolution in the MLS.


4.) 07 Jul 2023 13:32:17
Big step up from MLS to EPL, but then again Ten Hag rarely change his goalkeeper last season.

If we sign Onana then I would imagine he would play every game apart from the eaely league Cup ones as happened last year.


5.) 07 Jul 2023 15:52:01
Great conversation about GK's apart from the question was really about our scouting system and set up. I was just using the GK as an example of what appears to be a very different approach to perhaps what we are used to and wondered whether ETH has given a different approach to our scouting team or got different personnel in.


 

 

21 Jun 2023 12:52:24
Rumours are Fulham are sounding out Fred. If this is true then I would certainly be going back to them and asking about Palhinha. Especially as Fulham have supposedly set an asking price for him now.

Ports

1.) 21 Jun 2023 13:38:44
90 million ports ?.


2.) 21 Jun 2023 14:21:01
Palhinha breaks up play and fouls a lot doing it. not what we are looking for.


 

 

08 Mar 2023 22:23:05
Mike Keegan, a sports correspondent who seems to have been fairly reliable recently on United news has reported a sale of the club could be agreed by the end of the month.

Ports

1.) 08 Mar 2023 23:22:43
Incredible news if true!


2.) 09 Mar 2023 07:40:06
I have a horrible feeling that the Glazers will stay.


3.) 09 Mar 2023 10:48:18
Reports in the sun today that they may take the club off the sales market. Basically no one has a clue. I’m in similar thinking to the above post and think they will stay, unfortunately.


4.) 09 Mar 2023 11:44:43
I think this is a massive worry for fans. I am choosing to believe they are trying to get higher offers from SJR and Qatar. I find it strange though that it has moved on to the next stage if you believe the reports. Can't believe SJR and Qatar would be offering all this time etc if they weren't confident of a sale? But you are right Tim, basically no one has a clue what's happening behind the scenes, haha.


5.) 09 Mar 2023 12:35:35
I wouldn't be worrying about the Galzers staying. I find the wording of "The Glazers may stay and focus of the driving the commercial side of the business" eh what have they been doing for 18 years.

The facts are that the two public bidders will meet over the next week or so to review the books before potentially making a new offer. Nothing has changed from the when the Glazers put us up for sale until now. No new golden goose laying eggs. I can't see why they would currently want to stay now.

This is all a tactic to intimidate the prospective buyers into paying more. The club will be sold.


6.) 09 Mar 2023 12:35:57
They will only sell for an inflated price which won’t happen so I’m afraid we’ll be stuck with the leeches
Was optimistic at first but not now
How much money do some people need.


7.) 09 Mar 2023 13:39:18
No one really knows. The papers need something to write about. They need subscriptions and advertising revenues. Clickbait. We will just have to wait and see.


8.) 09 Mar 2023 15:09:41
Exactly Mumbles, whatever we may think of them and however much we want them gone, they are not fools. They will let people think what they want in order to extract the highest price they can, I would expect nothing less from any businessmen. I feel sure they want out.

The one thing I would like to see from any and all bidders, is a clear and unambiguous statement on the future of the present manager. I have seen reports that the Qataris will want to bring in their own management team, including on the football side.
I find it hard to believe anyone could be so stupid as to do that and totally alienate themselves from millions of supporters. In any event who could you bring in who would be better. I personally would not want ANY other manager than ETH.
So although I don't think it likely, some clarity over the managers position would be welcome.


9.) 10 Mar 2023 00:13:00
Blackpool,

Nothing has really changed so your optimism and pessimism are based on your own opinion and thoughts only rather than any knowledge of the situation.


10.) 10 Mar 2023 08:11:44
Personally, I think the club will be sold. The only aim for the glazers is to get the best price, and this is their tactic of doing so.
Why would they relinquish a portion of the club only to Invest that money in the infrastructure (redeveloping Old Trafford and Carrington) . It makes no business sense.


 

 

31 Jan 2023 13:36:14
Sabitizer? ETH is a rascal!

Ports

1.) 31 Jan 2023 13:40:34
Chelsea in for him too. Either they ain’t getting enjoy and he’s their alternative or they want both.


2.) 31 Jan 2023 13:47:09
But now Chelsea want to sign him to go with there other 25 midfielders that they are trying to sign in this window.


3.) 31 Jan 2023 13:52:56
I guess you got to hope the player will look at where he'll get most game time having not featured much for Bayern and it's harder to see that at Chelsea than United but obvioulsy there will be other factors. Hopefully ETH is the main factor behind all this. If not, we have Tom Huddlestone who's been playing U23's for us!


4.) 31 Jan 2023 15:02:03
"Marcel Sabitzer doesn't get in the Bayern Munich team. I know they've got a two cemented in midfield but if he was that good he'd be pushing.

Again it goes back to panic. There was no interest in him on January 1"

I hope this kid Sabitzer comes in and makes that clown Paul Mersen eat his words. I cannot stand him, how is he even still employed by Sky Sports.


5.) 31 Jan 2023 15:17:27
Souness on Casameiro . "He was playing with great players, he’s not a great player. He’s never been a great player. I see him as a steady Eddie who will help Manchester United be more solid in midfield.

“I don’t think he’s got any great range in passing. I don’t think he’s going to make other people play. The Real Madrid team, midfield especially, is full of footballing types. He’s 30-years-old, and at £70 million, that’s too much money.

“I don’t see him making then any better when they have the ball. ”


Carragher about Martinez . He looks a little too short to play centre-back in the Premier League. We saw when United struggled badly against Brentford – a game where Martínez was subbed at half-time – how difficult it is for him if sides hit long balls into the penalty area to a striker relishing such service like Ivan Toney.


These people are clowns, i bet Merson had never even heard of Sabitzer before today and now he's passing judgement on him.


6.) 31 Jan 2023 15:19:37
He is scared Sim. Last year Man Utd wouldn't have managed to get it done but now United are growing and these people are noticing.


7.) 31 Jan 2023 15:27:05
He does realise eriksen only got injured on Saturday. We all know we need midfielders but it was less of an issue until now. Can’t really plan for a season ending injury. Total muppet is Merson.


8.) 31 Jan 2023 15:38:02
Sabitzer news moving quickly.
If we sign him then it feels like the leaks from the club has changed as well as no one saw this coming. Whilst we have only just had the bad news on Erikson it feels like the club were working on this deal behind the scenes. if this is true I feel even happier about the club.


9.) 31 Jan 2023 15:40:39
Would absolutely love Sabitzer.
Just can’t help but feel we’ve left it too late. Fingers crossed.


10.) 31 Jan 2023 16:06:59
I like that ETH is not telling the press what they want to hear. His press conferences are great and most people seemed to think what he said meant we were not going to be doing anything.

I think the leaks is a great point although I imagine in this case, because of Eriksen’s injury this had to move quick and had no time for leaks. But I certainly agree in general the leaks etc seemed to have cleared up. Hopefully this remains.


11.) 31 Jan 2023 16:28:26
Sabitzer deal all done apprently he is getting on a flight to Manchester. Good signing?


12.) 31 Jan 2023 16:30:17
Merson probably got his house on United not too four.


13.) 31 Jan 2023 17:50:42
Grim - would be excellent.
Good technically (not Eriksen level but a hell of a lot better than McFred) but an absolute pressing machine.
Think ‘Fred with an increased ability to pass and score’ and you won’t be far off.
Just hope we have a permanent option.


14.) 31 Jan 2023 17:56:49
We were linked with sabitzer in summer. Good player and right profile for what we are doing. Loan only but who knows if he does well we might look to sign him permanently. Think him and Casemiro will be very good and means Fred can continue his current role.


15.) 31 Jan 2023 18:29:14
Can someone shed some light on what to expect player wise.


16.) 31 Jan 2023 17:50:42
Grim - would be excellent.
Good technically (not Eriksen level but a hell of a lot better than McFred) but an absolute pressing machine.
Think ‘Fred with an increased ability to pass and score’ and you won’t be far off.
Just hope we have a permanent option.


17.) 31 Jan 2023 17:56:49
We were linked with sabitzer in summer. Good player and right profile for what we are doing. Loan only but who knows if he does well we might look to sign him permanently. Think him and Casemiro will be very good and means Fred can continue his current role.


18.) 31 Jan 2023 21:27:24
I remember watching him a few times at RBL and him looking good. Haven't seen a lot of him at Bayern, not sure he starts a lot.

However it's January, Erickson is injured, he isn't McTominey or Fred, he available on a loan, I can't see much bad about this deal at all, especially at such short notice from when Erickson went down at the weekend.

We weren't going to buy big, he looks like he could do a job and is better than what we have already as back up CM in the Chuckle brothers.


19.) 02 Feb 2023 09:38:37
Merson's job is to say something that gets a reaction. United are still Box Office so slagging off a United transfer is the way to make hay. You are not going to get anything insightful or brilliant from Merson but you might get a twatter post that gers a lot of likes because it's what they wamt to hear.

{Ed014's Note - good job you weren’t listening to that twat Agbonlahor on talk sport this morning!


20.) 02 Feb 2023 20:40:28
Was it worse than Gary Neville talking politics? I did enough his glorious appearance on Have I got news for you though.


 

 

 

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

 

20 Feb 2024 10:17:27
So here's a question for everyone, we've see the list of 16 players that will depart in the summer ;) people are saying that we need to sell Rashford and Fernandes. Onana is not good enough in goal. What exactly are people expecting ETH to achieve with this lot?

So would you sack ETH but keep this same squad OR keep ETH and back him with players he wants? We can be critical of the manager around certain things and we can be critical of the players around certain things but you cannot demand something from the manager and in the same breath criticise the players for not being good enough and wanting to sell over half the squad.

Ports

1.) 20 Feb 2024 11:01:30
Ports.
I don't criticise the manager for not competing with these players.
Nobody could imo.
I don't expect results much better than they have produced over the past 2 years. I really don't.
But a very different question is based on what we've seen from eth do we think he is capable of working under new management and a structure he is less comfortable with and building a squad to win the big titles?
As I posted last week I'm conflicted and torn. I'm not sure. So if the new management are not sure either I think they'll get rid and put someone who are that more sure of in charge.
I think eth has done what he can with this bunch of players to a large degree but I'm not convinced yet that he would do any better with different players.
Not fully convinced or convinced enough that I'd back him with another 200m. I see traits in his style that I don't like and others I do.
It's up to sjr and team if they decide he is the man then ill back him as I'm not the one who needs convincing it's them that need that.


2.) 20 Feb 2024 11:21:56
Ken, you say a structure he is less comfortable with but would you not suggest the structure that is hopefully being introduced is one that he is comfortable with as it would be closer to the Ajax model that he worked under and was successful as opposed to our current structure, or lack of!

My gut feeling is that SJR and ETH had positive discussions and SJR will want to go forward with ETH next season but under their guidance and support. Next season will be the make or break I think for ETH.


3.) 20 Feb 2024 11:43:56
I think ETH’s instinctive strategy to attack for 90 mins rather than control the game will count against him.

Too chaotic.


4.) 20 Feb 2024 11:51:18
As we are seeing change at the top there are a number of factors that could impact on whether EtH will remain.
1. Performance for this year, especially this second half with players returning from injuries.
2. Do the new senior structure just want a clean slate regardless of how well EtH does.
3. Once the Senior team set how they want the club to play (we have discussed before about having a style of play that remains consistent and is set by DofF/ Sporting director with managers picked that fit this) . Does EtH fit this style? If it is the Ajax way, will he happily adapt back to this even though he has made comments that this can't work (possibly with the players he currently has) .

I had thought that there would be a clean out of players and manager to reset with the ownerships own man and I still think this is likely. However, there are things suggesting that he has fitted well with new ownership, progression made and the youngsters that he has brought in. So would not be surprised if they give him another year with the stability that he will get.


5.) 20 Feb 2024 12:31:17
EtH doesn't deserve to be sacked. He's done about as well as anyone could given the issues and the squad he has had to work with.

Personally I'd like to see him given a chance. Yet the reality is that this squad needs totally rebuilding. We are talking about a minimum of 3 seasons before we have even a outside chance of fighting for the title. I've just posted a reply on the discussion page listing 24 players we could sell/ let go this summer.

Leaving us with 10 players who in my opinion should stay and have the potential to have a medium to long term future at the club (3-5 years) .

Those 10 are: Onana, Bayindir, Dalot, Martinez, Shaw, Malacia, Mainoo, Mount, Garnacho and Højlund.

If those 10 there are still question marks next to Onana and Mount. Malacia and Bayindir are likely only ever going to be squad players. Dalot I'm on the fence about. He could still develop into a solid first team player, or he could end up a good squad player. While Shaw I think is a player who will be key for the next couple of seasons, but I think due to his injuries and his reliance on his physical qualities that once he hits 30 he'll probably have a sharp decline.

The only other players who have an outside chance of being here in 3 years time is Kambwala if he signs a new deal and develops into the player his potential suggests. And Rashford if he can sort his attitude out and find his best form.

This squad needs totally rebuilding, we need at least 5-6 first 11 players to come in and smash it, along with 8-12 squad players who suit the playing style and can at a bare minimum allow the team to play the same way when a first team player is out, but ideally be good enough or potentially good enough to seriously challenge for a starting spot.

That's going to take 3 summers at least to sign/ promote and develop those players.

I think we will finish 4th or 5th place this season.

Yet I expect a massive clear out this summer, and most of the signings to be younger and less experienced.

As a result with a smaller, less experienced squad I would expect us to take a backwards step in terms of where we finish next season. Likely somewhere between 8th and 6th depending on the strength of our competitors.

Then see another 8-10 players leave that summer (2025). With another 5-6 players signing for the club.

With us pushing for a top 4 finish in the 2025/ 26 season.

Probably a few more departures and 3-4 signings in the summer of 2026.

The 2026/ 27 season would be the earliest I'd expect to see us challenge for the title. How close we get will depend on how much our team has developed as well as where our opposition are at the time. Will Pep still be manager at City, who will be managing Liverpool, will Arteta and Arsenal have reached their potential. Or maybe City have punched Arteta from Arsenal and Arsenal fall off. So many variables that we just simply cannot predict that far into the future.

However, based on our own squad turn over, the seeming focus on younger players who need time to develop and grow, and the time required for a new team to come together and understand eachothers game then it'll take a bare minimum of two seasons before our team are even going to built and developed enough to to have a chance of challenging in their third season.

For all of this squad rebuilding to take place effectively and on that time line then the club needs all of the right people in place before the start of next season. The right CEO, the right DoF, the right head of recruitment, the correct analysts and the right manager. All need to be in place and pulling in the same direction towards the same goal by the start of next season. If not then we run the risk of making changes that ultimately won't fit the clubs vision long term and will need replacing before the club can get to where we need to be.

Getting these people in place mean the right players leave at the right time. It means we sign the right players to fit the vision. Players with the right skill sets and profile to be part of our next title winning team.

Sign the wrong players, then that puts us back. Without the right people in place every signing this summer would be a gamble as to whether they are the right sort of player.

The same is true for the manager. Is EtH the right man to be at the helm for the next 5 years or more, 2-3 years rebuilding the squad and developing young players to reach their potential and to play the right style of football, then to be the man to take that team he has developed and built to the next level and actually win the biggest honours with them for the following 2-4 years.

EtH need to know what the job is and be willing to be the man to see that job through. If he wants to challenge for a win major honours over the next couple of seasons then Manchester United probably isn't the right club for him. Does he have the drive to stay here and see that project through, to not jump ship to manage Bayern Munich or PSG if the offer comes up in a couple of years time halfway through the rebuild.

First and foremost he needs to be willing and actually want to take on that job. Work under that new structure. Be fully committed. If he isn't then it's best to part ways this summer.

Secondly if he is willing to take that role, do the new people at the club feel he fits the new vision? Do they feel he has the skills, drive and personality to carry the club forward and fulfil their vision?

Again if not then he isn't the right man for the club and it's best he moves on this summer.

Personally I think he has the right credentials to do the job, and I feel he's shown he has the mentality to lead this club. He's shown strong leadership off the pitch and he's done a good job giving youth a s chance and helping those players develop. Garnacho threatened to go down the wrong path at the start of last season, under EtH's guidance he has grown from a good impact sub to a player capable of being a threat for the whole 90 minutes, he's improved his attitude, embraced a new role and has developed his game, especially his defensive work rate. He still has a long way to go, but he's definitely on the right track under the current manager.

EtH is an intelligent man and tactically astute. He has tried every which way to get the most out of this squad, while still trying to stick with his philosophy as much as possible.

I get that he can be a little aloof and lacks a little warmth. Yet ultimately that is why you have a coaching team. Sometimes you don't want the manager to be the good cop. In fact often it's best if the players have borderline fear of the manager, at the very least a deep respect and a tendency not to challenge his authority. It's the assistant coach or other coaches that should really play the good cop, the go between for the players and the manager. The managers eyes and ears in the training sessions. The guys who go and put an arm around a players shoulder after they've been chewed out for making a mistake or told to up their game.

So I don't see it as that big of a issue with EtH. It could also just be a cultural barrier, the way people from different cultures see things and interpret them differently.

Yet it's not about what I think, or any of you think. It'll come down to the new guys at the club and EtH himself. Between they will decide if he is the right man to take on this new challenge. If he is then I'd expect he'll get a new contract this summer (he will only have a year on his current deal, while there are supposedly clauses in that deal the new management aren't happy with. So a new deal gets to clear those up) . If he isn't the right man then he'll leave this summer, the club will wish him well and I'd expect him to be successful at his next club. He is a very good manager, and if sacked this summer won't be deserving of it.

Yet it's one of those situations where it's not about whether he deserves to be sacked or not. But about whether he suits the new plans of the new co-owners of the club.

This isn't about whether he's good enough, but about the fact that the role/ job/ project has changed and his suitability for this new role/ job/ project.


6.) 20 Feb 2024 12:37:00
Ports

I don’t expect us to win the league with the players we have, however languishing in 9th at times and struggling for top four, surrendering in the Champions League to everyone isn’t good enough. Yes injuries have had an effect but I haven’t see ETH make good enough use of the team. We have played little if any good football nor has it been cohesive, there is no pattern coming out after 18 months. His in game management has been mixed and fixation with Antony destabilising. He seems to have pushed for players he is comfortable with and not actually realised the standard of the league is higher than they are.
He is a disciplinarian and I like that, we have needed it, yet does seem to treat Rash different to others.

I am not calling for his sacking but have said he needs to improve. The bigger question is what the minority shareholders think, they are looking to get the best available in position but do they think ETH is that? I am not certain they will and that will be the key.


7.) 20 Feb 2024 12:54:32
Ports

The plan is to sack the manager, release all of the current playing squad on free transfers, bring in 16 new players, and win the league.

Its really not that complicated to follow ?.


8.) 20 Feb 2024 13:10:31
Ports

Way too much common sense for this site.

I doubt eth would not want a very athletic midfielder next to Mainoo and maybe a number 10 in the like of odegard, who maybe is not as flashy as Bruno but also not wasteful with the ball but you work with what you have.

Someone said he wants to attack for 90 minutes which is to his detriment. This team is not good at sitting deep and defending and eventually someone make a mistake or something and opposition scores. Sometimes the best from of defense is to attack.

Other complaints about Antony is just boring now, every manager gets a player wrong, on that basis Mourinho has to be the worst ever as he had debruine at Chelsea and let him go and not sure who let salah go from chelsea. Klop bought Keita for 54 mill in 2018 and he hardly played. guardiola spend 40 mill on phillips who hardly played and 100 mill on grilish, who now hardly plays. Its just bs stuff our fans moan about. Fergie bought his fair share of very disappointing players but like Guardiola had a super squad and could get away with it.

Not using tools at his disposal makes me laugh. Its unfortunate for us and no one can criticize any longer is the fact that the guys we let go or are on loan are generally a bust and they end up being back and proves most just not good enough. We can't get rid of players so not sure what magic tools he has that he is not using.

Critiquing him for how he treats rashford is ridiculous. The guy screwed up owned it and it was dealt with. sorry to disappoint people who don't like rash. We are a better team with him in the line up than otherwise.


9.) 20 Feb 2024 13:20:57
No I don't ports. I think they will give him less input into transfers and that he will walk or mutually part ways. That's my gut instinct into what will happen.
Will a really strong finish to this season alter that? I don't know.
That's what my opinion is.
I don't our new structure will be like the Ajax one at all. Why do you think it would be?


10.) 20 Feb 2024 13:38:28
Ahmad let's see what common sense the experts come up with.
No point have a discussion about what might happen with a bunch of people people that have not got a clue and expecting some sort of common solution.
I'm happy to sit back and wait.
My guess is there will be a mutual parting of the ways because eth will not want to make the compromises and changes he needs to make.


11.) 20 Feb 2024 13:43:26
Ahmad

Better team with Rash in it? Which year is this? Rash has disrespected the shirt, doesn’t put effort in. If PSG want to give us plenty of money I would take it. He shows the right attitude or shouldn’t play. I like home grown players so his attitude really disappoints me.

Antony, yes managers get players wrong but don’t usually keep playing them no matter how they play (Rashford as well)

You said, no doubt ETH would want a very athletic midfielder next to Mainoo and maybe a number 10 in the like of odegard. So why spend all our money on Mount and a Keeper and why £85m on Antony, why not prioritise these key players you identified?


12.) 20 Feb 2024 13:51:33
Ken, I don't necessarily think it will be like Ajax, more to the point that we will have football people above ETH who he can work with, Ashworth, Wilcox for example. Ajax he had Van Der Sar and Overmars. Currently it would appear he has no one of any credential.


13.) 20 Feb 2024 14:16:29
Eth is not know for his ability to compromise.
He is known for wanting substantial control in areas where I don't think he will be given substantial control.
So it's a case of if they back him up back him but if they don't ill back the new man as long as its not ole ?.


14.) 20 Feb 2024 14:19:10
Ken, I don't think where or how we finish the season really plays too much into it. Or at least it shouldn't.

Obviously a strong finish is better and creates a better atmosphere and more confidence heading into next season.

Yet the only really important thing is whether EtH is the right man for the project. Does he feel he is and does he want to take up that challenge, and does the new management structure think he is the right man and wants him to continue.

I don't think the new people at the club will base how the team plays for the next few months as any sort of major indicator as to the managers ability or suitability for the new project.

They will already know and it just depends on the views of the other new people who will join. I expect Berrada has been asked for his opinions, while I expect Dan Ashworth will also be key to making that decision, although I expect his opinions haven't yet been considered as he isn't in the role. If the club also hire a new head of recruitment then I expect their opinions will be considered but with less importance I'd imagine. More so about whether the managers views on what sort of players are needed match theirs and the clubs ideas.

The rumours are that EtH has some stimulations in his contract with regard his involvement in transfers. As to what that is who knows. It could be that he has final say on who goes and who signs, or that he can simply veto transfers he doesn't want.

Supposedly this is something that the new co-owners aren't particularly fond of and would want to see altered going forward.

Whether that is something EtH will be happy with who knows. But if he is to stay it will be under the new structure and he will have to be the one to adapt to it rather than it be adapted to suit him.

Who knows, maybe EtH was aware of previous issues with managers being pushed players they didn't want or weren't happy with. Or players given new deals against the managers wishes, and his insistence on having clauses in his contract to give him more control was a bid to stop the errors of the past resurfacing.

He worked with a more restrictive structure at Ajax and was happy to do so. Maybe he had more trust in VdS and Overmars than he has/ had in the management structure at United. Maybe he'll be happy to remove those clauses under the new structure, maybe he won't.

Who knows. Either way if he remains in charge next season it's because everyone thinks he's the best person for the job. If they replace him this summer it's because they feel the new guy they hired is better suited for the role. Either way and despite our personal opinions as fans our role is to support the club, the manager and the team next season. While we have exciting times ahead there will be ups and downs and the club needs supporters not fanboys who bitch and snipe at every decision, waiting and hoping for it to go wrong so they can say "I told you so" because being right to random strangers online is more important to them then the club being successful.


15.) 20 Feb 2024 15:35:41
Shappy

Always support the club, thick and thin, that is a given for all of us. I once spent an afternoon drinking with Wilf McGuiness, lovely man and that was his take as well, good and bad, thick and thin support the team and the club.

I suspect the transfer control will be a key area for ETH. If I was the new minority shareholder I would want to get the best structure in, best available people and ensure a very structured approach in which the manager is but one opinion and not the driver. For too long we have had a scattergun approach, then new manager turns up and start again. It has driven arguments about sticking with someone regardless of success. When SaF retired I felt we should be moving to a coach, coaching players in the same way Barcelona have it. The all powerful manager was great if you got SAF but then the other ones created chaos. Not just since SAF but think Sexton and Co. So it’s right we set up better control over transfers. It also means that EtH feelings don’t matter, the club decides and if ETH wants to be our coach he has an opinion but gets what he is given.
Ratcliffe has been given the power to deal with these situations so I don’t expect the majority owners to interfere, but a decision and clarity is important. We will be there to support the club and the team whatever that is. The manager is a transitory employee who we should not be bounced into automatically supporting, they have to earn our trust and no one is above criticism.


16.) 20 Feb 2024 15:55:03
I am not yet convinced ETH is tactically astute. Time will tell over the next few moths with a more settled squad.


17.) 20 Feb 2024 16:03:51
It’s ok saying it’s anoth 3 years project, but ETH had 2 years already and there are not many signs that things are any better and 400 million later too

We are two years in been awful purchases and loans many of whom were ETH personal recommendations, there still is no resemblance of a style, even though had injuries there should be a style emerged, the football we play is dire, boring and slow.

Lots of the problems have been of his own making, people keep mentioning Ajax they would not even get top 6 in epl… even when ETH was there

Is what we seen over past 2 years so far the standard we are looking for?

I know it’s well documented I don’t like him, but I fail to see what people see exactly, he is no bundle of joy, he not great with in game management he appears to be very stubborn and have a great knack of upsetting people, it’s not only him TBF the coaches are not great either!

I see if we’re starting again from scratch which looks likely, get rid of him and the coaches whilst we are at it, get someone in the new management team want and let’s start.

Because the rehearsal of which ETH had 2 years at is not looking that great

Don’t start saying 3rd last year, Ole got 2nd Jose got 2nd the football was no worse or better but arguably they achieved that with poorer squads.

I see nothing that warrants giving him more time.


18.) 20 Feb 2024 17:58:11
Strangeways, everything before INEOS and the club starting to be run properly doesn't really count in my eyes.

I know others will feel differently, but for me you can't judge how good a chef is when he's only been given gone off and mouldy food to cook with, a kitchen missing half the utensils and an oven that only works half the time and can't keep a consistent temperature.

For me it's a clean slate regardless of who is manager as we are only now starting to put in a structure that will allow success.

I disagree with using where you finish in the league from season to season as some sort of barometer for progress or success. It's deeply flawed, over simplistic and inaccurate.

For a start you aren't measuring the clubs progress against a consistent yard stick. The quality of the league and the other teams in the league vary massively from year to year.

For example the year Leicester won the title was probably one of the poorest quality leagues in many years. The fact that none of the more established teams could keep pace with Leicester who while having a good first 11, didn't have a great squad. Danny Drinkwater was a key player for them for Christ's sake.

They had 81 points, the same points we had when we finished 2nd under Jose (19 points off of winners City) .

The level of quality of the league varies massively across seasons.

To look at the relative strength of the league add the points totals of the top five teams together and the points totals of the bottom 5 teams. Then subtract the total of the bottom 5 teams from the top 5 teams. The bigger the number the greater the disparity across the league that season and the weaker the league was overall. A smaller the number would suggest less disparity across the league and a stronger league overall.

That would give you a more accurate estimate for the overall quality of the league. As the lower the difference means the league is more competitive, teams will drop more points against perceived lower quality opposition. While using the top five and the bottom five you are using half the league and covering for when you have one team just being massively superior or one team being absolutely awful.

I've said I expect we'll finish 4th or 5th this season. But with a massive clear out, a smaller and less experienced squad I'd expect us to finish lower next season all things being equal. However, if some of the teams in and around us have a drop in quality then we might well finish 4th or 5th again. But that would be more a mark of the drop off in quality of the league than it would be a mark of progress made by ourselves. As we will almost certainly be more inconsistent and drop more points due to having a smaller and less experienced squad who are just starting to learn to play together possibly in a new way with a new coaching set up.

Fans need to be prepared for that.


19.) 20 Feb 2024 18:27:29
Red man you’re here again having a pop at the manager!

I’m not rashford biggest fan at all but I totally agree with Ahmad and ETH, with our current options our best 11 and most dangerous 11 includes rashford!
To say otherwise is strange unless you are going to tell me you know a player within the squad who should start?


20.) 20 Feb 2024 19:01:18
But the thing is just look at how many players that ETH actually bought in buys or loans and exactly how many are good enough, that says it all, you can’t keep blaming the squad when virtually he bought in half of that squad, so if we are not saying because he finished 3rd is a reason to keep him what is the reason to keep him?
Poor eye for a player
No tactical awareness
Loath to change
Stubborn
Poor man manager
Poor in game management
Ability to upset everyone
Don’t seem to learn
No fixed style
Many the problems are self inflicted
Don’t even come across as likeable

So tell me what’s the positives with him that he deserves more time, I am curious.


21.) 20 Feb 2024 19:36:58
Tumble

I posted a while ago it might be a mutual divorce if the changes don't fit with what eth wants as he is not the type to just be given players and will want a big say. I am not in the camp that he is bad manager and suspect if he goes he will end up in a big club.

Even the players who have left never say a bad thing about him so all this stuff about his man management skills is just bs imo. He actually goes out of his way not to throw players under the bus which frustrates some of our fans.

Redman

When you have 33 year old keeper who is error prone on 375k you make a decision not to give him a new contract and to buy a younger keeper at 100k (fergie went through keepers like a cleanex box for a while until we got van der sar) .


Onana is not a disaster as people make him out to be but every mistake of his is magnified because of who he plays for. He does make me nervous but not to the point of he must go and need to see more and not one to quickly judge. He has been solid recently and only in his first year. let's wait and see.

When we spend what we spent in the last week of the window on Cas and Antony the next season you buy for other more pressing areas and he does not negotiate fees or salaries for players.

Mount has been injured all year its not the managers fault and personally believe he will turn out to be one heck of a player for us and will make sure to remind you on this. None of us have any idea what he wanted to do if he had cas, mainoo, mount available at the start of the season and have never seen them all available. I say wait and see before you throw stones at glass houses.

We are absolutely a better team with rash in the lineup.

I have followed this page for a long time and you just can't let anything go and see all the wrongs. Your issue is you can never get past a mistake and always hold it against a player or the manager.

You were on and on about "the rat" for months had convinced yourself its the end of us, I guess SJR is not as bad a you made him out to be and maybe has the best interest of the club at heart. My view is wait and see on most things.


22.) 20 Feb 2024 19:45:30
Chris

I am, as a fan, saying ETH needs to improve. You would be naive to think the new minority shareholder is happy with where we are and I strongly suspect he is looking for improvement, ETH will now know what is expected. That isn’t a pop, it’s laying out what improvements need to happen. Anyone who has had that objective setting meeting with a manager who reports to you will understand.
In terms of Rashford, we are carrying him, his reputation is getting him selected. A focussed Rash is in our first 11 at the moment but he isn’t focussed. We are hoping he does what he did in the past. He has to improve or should be dropped and sold if it doesn’t change. Consistency is talked about, how consistent has he been? We are 10.5 at the moment not 11, Those who do have the right attitude should get a chance unless Rash gets his head right immediately. Otherwise totally the wrong message to the squad.


23.) 20 Feb 2024 20:18:14
Ahmad

Ratcliffe option left us with the Glazers and the debt still in place, hence rightly referring to him as the rat for doing that. I had no doubt he would have a positive impact but as I have said a number of times we need the leeches out altogether and Ratcliffe has enabled them to stay, so that is bad.


24.) 20 Feb 2024 21:06:29
The fact that without knowing the man or having a clue about their plans and vision for the club you take the liberty to name call him speaks volumes and just a lack of respect or any objectivity.


25.) 20 Feb 2024 21:24:27
Shappy

Good point.

Chris

The reality is this team needs rash and Bruno on the pitch and in good form. we will not get top 4 without them two. We are doing well but much tougher games coming and need both in our starting 11.

Personally i think bruno has been poor by bruno standards for about 12 months now has far too many average games especially against the better sides. Not sure why that is as its not for the lack of effort.


26.) 20 Feb 2024 22:03:48
Ahmad

Objectivity

Do we still have the Glazers as owners? Does the debt remain outstanding? Did the Glazers pick up £1.25Bn from Ratcliffe? With £1.25bn in their bank, does that make it easier or harder for the Glazers to sit back for a while and not have to sell?


27.) 20 Feb 2024 22:11:43
Red Man you need to better understand how acquisitions work. The glazers will not be here forever. The day will come. What is happening now is sensible, regardless of how inpatient you might be.


28.) 20 Feb 2024 23:37:06
At the moment it's a clear choice of rashford or Anthony.
1. Garnacho would be moved to left if Anthony plays. Where he is far less effective.
2. Anthony is less effective than Rashford.
In an ideal world for me in the summer both rashford and Anthony would be sold.
I have been a huge supporter of rashford for years. I think he would excel if he moved abroad. The only thing I care about is if he excels at united and he had not done that for a long time. He looks disinterested and unhappy and has done fit a long time. He has behaved poorly in more than 1 occasion very publicly. You can see none of the aforementioned traits and you stand alone on that.
But I think both will be here next season.


29.) 21 Feb 2024 09:34:37
Tumble

People can question rash's attitude happiness etc etc. he got us top 4 last year period and carried the team imo. He has has a poor season to date by his standards and everyone's expectations. I have no insight to what is going on and if there are personal issues. All I know is that there is no one better in the squad someone can convince me off to justify rash not being in the starting 11.

All will be forgiven if he bangs 10 goals from here in big games which he seems to ahve a knack for over the years against the likes of city, liverpool, arsenal and I suspect we may get that. let's wait and see

I do agree if he moves he will light it up and agree club will never sell him.

Question? if arsenal or city come in with a massive bid, which is what it will take would you sell to a major competitor?


30.) 21 Feb 2024 09:59:52
Good post wazza and ahmad.
1 set of standards for redman one for everybody else. Online bullying he calls it himself. I'd suggest you and your like are the rats.
Redman sjr is a major shareholder.
Just to highlight your ignorance can you list all the shareholders and their shareholding individually of the a and b shares.


31.) 21 Feb 2024 10:37:10
Yes ahmad. My hope is that if he doesn't move abroad that Chelsea sign him.
I never care what a player can do for another team I only care about what he does for our team.
He did not secure us top 4 last year. No player does that ahmad it's a team game.
Even the fact you say that lads me to believe you never played the game and don't understand it.
Nobody that truly understands football would ever believe that imo.


32.) 21 Feb 2024 10:38:46
Ahmad I've never said the club would never sell him. I think they would sell him in a heartbeat now if a silly offer came in. But on his contract he has to be the one to force the move. I really hope he does.


33.) 21 Feb 2024 11:25:57
I think Rashy is having a woeful season (by his standards) . But comes on the back of a stellar one. So there is a player there, his problem is a mental one not ability. I wonder if a change might do him some good. This season his effort seems to have tailed off and his decision-making is poor. Both our wide players seem to hurtle towards the goal and try to get a shot in rather than make the most of the chance by putting it in the box. Garnacho has been a little better in recent games.


34.) 21 Feb 2024 14:08:10
Ken/ Tumbleweed

Back to stalking me again. Guess the insults are a compliment because you can’t shut me up with them and you must becoming more frustrated because you can’t control someone for once. Surprised they don’t let you just open up your Ken account again rather than hide behind the fake Tumble account, after all it is just more of the same.

On Shareholding, ignorance is an interesting word, just it’s isn’t my ignorance. Given my working history mostly in senior financial management roles and my deep understanding of this area that I use daily, I would be happy to give you some lessons.


35.) 21 Feb 2024 15:15:53
Please list me the United shareholders with the individual shareholdings.
I'm sure you will find it easy to get online.
This will make it clear for everybody and stop you peddling your false narratives about Sir Jim's shareholding.


36.) 21 Feb 2024 21:45:56
Ken

I am not playing your game and not spending one minute reviewing or posting the corporate share structure at United.
There have been no false narratives about Ratcliffe from me. He is not a majority share holder, may individually have more than an individual Glazer but the glazer family retain majority control. He has less than 30%.


You defend the Glazers far too strongly.


 

 

04 Feb 2024 20:51:20
I might owe Dalot an apology. Still prefer Wan-Bissaka but that block off Bowen was absolutely outstanding.

Ports

1.) 04 Feb 2024 21:05:51
He’s got far more dimensions to his game than AWB. If he could gain a bit more composure I’d happily lose AWB tbh.


2.) 05 Feb 2024 06:10:36
ports with the wealth of talent at portugal he starts every game for them. a very good player imo. if people want to judge defenders based on mistakes here and there, there is not a single defender that will past that test.


3.) 05 Feb 2024 07:00:26
Dalot is twice the player AWB is. The only thing AWB has over Dalot is his excellent one on one tackling. Otherwise Dalot is a far superior player in every other aspect of football.


4.) 05 Feb 2024 07:15:09
He is way in front of AWB, it’s clear ETH thinks the same too…. Is Dalot a great modern day full back no, but AWB is even less so.


5.) 05 Feb 2024 07:41:22
I know unruly, bit different but I kinda like my defenders capable of defending.


6.) 05 Feb 2024 09:24:01
I don't disagree Ports. The perfect fullback would be a blend of Dalot and AWB.


7.) 05 Feb 2024 09:30:10
Jesus he makes one great interception and has a half decent game he's Cafu now.
He's a bang average full back just like AWB.
Very poor defensively and constantly out of position.
I think this is one of the positions that Ten Hag will look at in the summer if he is still in the job.


8.) 05 Feb 2024 09:48:22
Ahmaf who Are all the full backs that dalot is keeping out of the perusal team. Who do they play for? I'm not sure they have a wealth of talent sitting not in the squad?


9.) 05 Feb 2024 09:57:21
Sim, watch games and try to remove emotion out of it. No one is saying that he is Cafu, that is just you making stuff up.


10.) 05 Feb 2024 11:48:30
Unruly - i do watch the games every week. He's a poor full back.
If you think Dalot is the answer at full back then we are bang in trouble.
Stop looking at things through your rose tinted red glasses.


11.) 05 Feb 2024 11:53:15
Tumble

I don't know who else there is in terms of right back options for Portugal. I rate Dalot personally and nothing to do with that block. Very good on the ball, touch, control, passing and good pace and chips in a few goals. I can live with the occasional defensive errors, they all do it.

Simo

He gets up the pitch and when we lose possession he can get caught out of position. Its part the risk all teams take when they push their full backs up the pitch and into midfield areas, which seems to be the new trend. Its more to do with us being sloppy and losing possession than Dalot being out of position imo.


12.) 05 Feb 2024 12:23:55
Everyone has different opinions which i respect.
Personally i think he is bang average and the right back position needs looking at in the summer.
I would keep Dalot as a squad player and sell AWB.


13.) 05 Feb 2024 16:28:15
Ken, Cancelo, Semedo and Pereira, Cedric and João Mario are all players who have represented Portugal playing RB over the last three years.

Cancelo is an excellent full back and was brilliant for City for a few years. He fell out with Pep and has since been loaned to Barcelona where he's first choice.

The fact that Dalot is currently keeping him out the national side is pretty impressive to be fair. Portugal are in a similar position to England where they have 3 or 4 international quality RB's. Dalot being one of them.


14.) 06 Feb 2024 09:46:29
I don’t remember Ken playing for Portugal Shappy.


15.) 06 Feb 2024 10:50:44
Portuguese granny qualified me gds2.


 

 

20 Jan 2024 00:03:17
Question for Shappy, rumour has it Benjamin Sesko’s release clause is €50M this summer. Would you go for him or apuld you rather go for Solanke for same price, perhaps more ?.

Ports

1.) 20 Jan 2024 10:46:24
I’d rather spend a bit more and try and get Isak from Newcastle but very unlikely as they wouldn’t want to sell to us

To be perfectly honest I don’t see many great centre forwards around

Most overhyped and overrated

50 million these days gets you a bang average player or worse

Knowing us we’ll sign Calvert-Lewin for 90 million.


2.) 20 Jan 2024 13:15:14
Latest rumour I saw is Brobbey. Although another rumour I saw is that Ineos will be clamping down or Erik raiding clubs for former players or players or players he trained with once in the 80s. Hopefully a swerve.

{Ed002's Note - Brian Brobbey (S) Everton interest remains but so does their financial plight. Eric ten Hag has a remaining interest but I doubt that position is supported by the club. Ajax will not want to sell.}


3.) 20 Jan 2024 15:38:17
Here's a radical idea, given we have a potentially very good player signed last summer, let's give him the ball on a regular basis, I think he will do rather well!


4.) 20 Jan 2024 16:06:53
Ports, There are many good young players with potential we could sign for 50m or so. I heard something about some cracking Danish striker, Rasmus something. Maybe we should sign him.

Seriously though the problem isn't finding potential great players to chuck a boat load of cash at. What we need is far harder to find.

We need someone whose good enough now to play regularly and lead the line, but someone who won't totally block the pathway for Hojlund. Someone who won't throw their toys out the pram when they start on the bench to give Hojlund a start, or do so if they are subbed off around 60 minutes to give Hojlund half an hour.

Realistically there are only two profiles of strikers we should sign this summer. Either someone between the ages of 26-28 who is a good player, but not in or will ever be in that world class bracket. However they need to be the right tactical fit to make the most of their skills. Or we have to sign a striker who is more experienced than Hojlund, probably between the ages of 23-25, has world class potential, but is a different style of striker to Hojlund.

Personally I'd prefer the second option. However, signing that sort of player would be hugely expensive. Probably in the 70-100m territory given the current state of the market.

What we absolutely shouldn't be doing is signing either an aging formerly world class player on massive wages who'd expect to play every game and block off Hojlund's opportunities to develop meaning he stagnates and doesn't reach his potential and in 2 years time we are left in the situation where we have a older player whose badly declined leaving and youngster who never developed as our only striking options.

Likewise signing another exciting teenager or 20 year old striker doesn't solve any of the issues we have with Hojlund's lack of experience or inconsistency. While both young players will get in the way of each others development. When the team is struggling you need to be able to take a youngster out of the firing line. That doesn't work if the only other option to play is an equally as inexperienced young player.

Which again brings us to two options. Either spend big on a players whose more experienced than Hojlund, has potential to become a top player, but stylistically very different to Hojlund. Or to sign a player in their mid-twenties whose that next bracket down from the world class players.

The reality is we can't afford to spend 70-100m on a striker as well as addressing the need for at least one CB (ideally two), two midfielders, a right back and possibly a RW player as well.

Signing a striker for 80m or so means we get one CB and one midfielder, and if we are really lucky a RB. That probably means keeping Maguire and McTominay as we will need them for squad depth due to not getting a second CB and CM. It also probably means another season of Antony starting or at least playing regularly on the RW.

I've said we probably need around 7 players (CB, CB, RB, CDM, CM, RW, ST), we'd be very lucky to get 6, five is more realistic. If we try and sign a player or two in the 80m ball park then 3 or 4 at best is more likely.

If I was playing FIFA would Solanke be a player I'd sign? Absolutely not, but in the real world with real world limitations do I think Solanke for 50m (2m LESS than we paid for Fred) would be a good signing? Absolutely.

I think we could easily spend twice as much on a player who wouldn't do half as well. He's done a very good job in the EPL for a few seasons now. He's done that at a side that have typically been pretty poor and struggle to create any really good opportunities until this season. Under Iraola this season Bournemouth are playing a much better style of football and Solanke is showing that in a team that creates chances not only does he press well from the front, create chances for his teammates, but he actually scores at a good rate as well.

The only real issue with Solanke is could we get him for 50m? Which is about the most I'd want to spend, if he's going to cost 60 or 70m then he's not worth it. Because ultimately we are signing a rotation option/ place holder for Hojund.


5.) 20 Jan 2024 21:22:22
Sooner have Greenwood back.


6.) 20 Jan 2024 21:46:58
Solanke……. ??.


7.) 20 Jan 2024 23:09:41
Any thoughts on David at Lille? Seems a decent option.


8.) 21 Jan 2024 00:02:25
Personally, I'd much rather United tried for Mayoral.


9.) 21 Jan 2024 11:52:12
Face it, when we come calling the price goes up. can't see us getting y players in. We will have to walk away from a cew deals before negotiators start to take us seriously again.

When we sign a decent prospect they suddenly get priced at superstar levels. See hoyland, Amad, anthony and friends.


10.) 21 Jan 2024 13:51:42
I don't care how young, raw or inexperienced a player is, two Prem goals from our main goal threat is embarrassing. I'm not saying Hjolund won't be worth the fee we paid in a few seasons (in fact I hope he'll be worth even more some day) but too many factors have gone wrong with players around him and left him right in the spotlight. Not his fault. There's no-one at the club in a similar position for him to aim at and learn from other than Rash and Martial and neither seem in a position right now to be inspiring anyone. There has to be another option up top, not a worldy who forces him out the team permanently but can rotate.


11.) 21 Jan 2024 17:22:53
Can’t believe what I’m reading. Solanke, really? He’s hardly got a track record of scoring goals on a regular basis. Would be money down the drain.

Is Solanke really going to improve United?

There are far better options out there. Ivan Toney for one. Although I don’t know what the asking price is. And I think he might want to stay in London.

I’m not a scout so can’t roll off lots of strikers names that would be suitable. But if Solanke is where we end up then I’d sack all scouts at United as they’re clearly not doing any work.


12.) 21 Jan 2024 17:52:44
I expect Toney to leave in summer but it will be £80m I reckon if he hits the ground running again.
By all accounts Utd barely have a 10th of that fee right now. We're talking a stop-gap / rotation option in Jan aren't we?


13.) 21 Jan 2024 17:54:00
solanke at united. really lol.


14.) 21 Jan 2024 20:15:37
Shappy is entitled to his opinion. I agree with everyone else on this one. Anyway I'm not sure shown any interest.
We only have 1 match a week now pretty much until the end of the season. An fa cup run might mean a couple of mid week games.
We have a big squad still in terms of numbers.
Top 4 is gone.
So I'm not sure we need anybody in even a 6 month loan.


15.) 21 Jan 2024 23:59:39
What do we do if Hojlund breaks his leg in midweek training Tumble?
Rashford (not a CF) or Martial (well, Martial)


16.) 22 Jan 2024 07:23:57
Read martial might be having sugery on his hip, which means gone for the rest of the season. We would need a striker on loan if that is the case. No one besides Hoiland can play there with some degree of success. Personally I would take the Bayern guy on loan if its reasonable. He is good in the box and can finish.


17.) 22 Jan 2024 07:28:57
7 goals in 20 games Spenno, still our top goal threat after Bruno and McT, probably shows you how dysfunctional our attacking forwards have been.


18.) 22 Jan 2024 12:11:04
Sort out the wings, get Bruno higher up, Casemiro and Mainoo in behind and Hojlunds goals will come.

I'd like to see us sign an experienced CF who will offer support to Hojlund next year.


19.) 23 Jan 2024 00:55:24
Lots of people turning their nose up at Solanke, a d that's fair enough. I didn't mention him because I thought everyone would think he's a great player.

But if you're going to shoot down my suggestion then at least have the cajones to make an alternative suggestion yourself.

So who would people sign?

We are going to have 50m at most, you need to think of someone who would be available for that sort of fee, has a minimum of 100 professional games under their belt, probably between the ages of 24-27, ideally having had some EPL experience so as to limit the chances of them flopping.

So let's have it then, who are your suggestions?


20.) 23 Jan 2024 06:21:16
I would sign Sesko or the Bolognia striker who I have never seen play . Both by reports well within the 50 mill if true.

Its all banter as we will not sign anyone permanently this window imo and maybe a loan deal at best. Come summer that when we will see proper players making moves.


21.) 23 Jan 2024 22:16:24
Ahmad, the issue we have with Højlund is that he's young and inexperienced. I'm not sure signing a 20 year old Sesko as competition for the 20 year old Højlund is the right answer.

I'd also be careful about what reports say. Højlund was reportedly available for 35m, we paid 72m. More than double.

Joshua Zirkzee could be an interesting option, only 22 so he doesn't really add much experience, although he has played almost 100 senior top flight games. Although I suspect we'd hear the same neighsayers deriding his signature as "just another Dutch player bought by EtH", before the kid had even kicked a ball in training for us.

He seems decently talented and could develop well, although I'm not sure he's any better than Højlund right now, and I don't think he has a higher ceiling either. Similar profile of player as well, so doesn't offer anything different. Just a like for like replacement for Højlund, but with 12 months worth of experience more and probably a little bit less talent.

The problem is that there really isn't much choice out there currently for top strikers.

Go back 8 years ago and you had players like Messi, Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Benzema, Suarez, Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Aguero, Eto'o, and David Villa all in their primes.

Look around now and the market is pretty thin on the ground.

Kane, Haaland and Mbappe are probably the only three who are comparable to the aforementioned players.

Not many other top strikers about. The ones in that next bracket down are decent but not world class players. Yet still going to cost you 60-80m.

Or you spend 50-70m on a top young talent, like a Højlund or Sesko, and hope they make good on their potential.

Very slim pickings in the striker market currently.


22.) 24 Jan 2024 07:53:40
shappy

We did not seem to do too bad having a young Ronaldo and Rooney in yester years. Not signing another top talent for the sake of Hoiland is a wrong.

There are no guarantees Hoiland will be a world beater and betting the farm on him is very risky. If I am building a team for the future, I would want plenty of young top talent in the squad and let the best man win.

There are quite a few young strikers out there that don't get a mention atm but are coming. We might get a surprise name or two before the summer window opens.

It will be interesting to see what the new CEO and new DOF decide in terms of players we go after as they will have plenty of knowledge on players who might not be linked to atm and have a different view on Targets. I do not think for a second they will allow eth to buy what he wants if they are not on board with it or if eth is even here next year.


23.) 25 Jan 2024 23:21:43
ahmad, Rooney and Ronaldo playing in the same team is a very different kettle of fish.

For a start they didn't play in the same position, one was playing games on the right wing the other either left wing or up front. So they were never competing with each other for game time. In a similar way to us having Hojlund and Garnacho in the team right now. Both young players, but playing in different positions.

The other big difference is the quality they had around them. When Ronaldo and Rooney were teenagers playing for United it really didn't matter much if they performed well or not because they had players like Keane, Scholes, Giggs and RvN in the team around them who'd take the pressure off them to be the match winner every week. To carry that burden.

Simply put we don't have that same quality around now to carry half a dozen youngsters in our side. We already have the aforementioned Hojlund and Garnacho along with Mainoo. Three young players who could form a core part of the team for the next 8-10 years.

We need a few players with a bit more experience to come in. Especially when you consider that players like Varane, Casemiro, Eriksen and Maguire are likely to leave either this summer of next. Along with the likes of DDG who left last summer. That's a lot of experience leaving. Exciting young talents are great to see, but we still need a bulk of players with at least 3-5 years experience of professional football under their belt.


 

 

27 Dec 2023 10:42:40
Enjoyed that (2nd half) last night. Got to mention ETH’s subs, 3-2 up coming from 2-0 down and he puts Kambwala, Hannibal and Gore on to see out the game. I loved that as nervous as it made me and the kids didn’t let him down.

Ports

1.) 27 Dec 2023 12:33:51
Agreed ports. Bringing Anthony on to the right was a great move and he did really well to help set up the final goal and the young lads gave great legs and running ability for the last 6 mins.
How many teenagers turned out for us yesterday? 5 or 6?
Garnacho was great on the right. Statistically our worst performer of the front 3 in the previous or 4 games he was back to his best yesterday the criticism he got for his previous few games from the likes of neville Scholes keane redknapp etc ringing in his ears.
Coming from the right he got into better positions and his passing much better instead of cutting in shooting every time like Anthony and rashford had been criticised for.
Consistency is never there for young players. It's great to see that option of him in the right let's hope we see more of the same regularly.
Mainoo garnacho rasmus maybe even willy and gore have the potential to become regulars over the next few years if they continue to develop.


2.) 27 Dec 2023 13:23:26
Tumbleweed, agree, I actually think Antony isn’t a bad sub to bring on as he comes on with lots of energy and puts a lot pressure on the opposition. Maybe the rest of the season as a sub for him and gradually getting more game time will help him.


3.) 27 Dec 2023 13:27:39
This was the first time I've seen Garnacho on the right and I guess it answers a few questions. I'd thought it was really a choice of Rash/ Garnacho on the left then Rasmus and Antony, but on this match alone it looks like we have the correct combination with Antony being the sub.
I can't say that ten Hag's in-game management has been impressive this season with many managers outfoxing him. We got caught offside repeatedly in the first half (to be fair it's a big part of Villa's game that has been working well) but fair play to Erik he tweaked something at half time and we were all over them second half.
It's not too often that I've been off my chair excited by Utd in recent years but this was one of them. Hope we can build on it.


4.) 27 Dec 2023 16:02:15
I would not read too much into our set up against villa. the test comes if we can play the same 3 against teams who sit in and our wingers have no space to run into and need to retain possession and make good decisions.


5.) 27 Dec 2023 19:59:34
You all got this over excited when we beat Chelsea now the usual suspects are at it again…! When will you learn, it’s not some miracle that ETH stumbled on, more than likely because Villa pushing up so high allowing pace in behind that’s the only thing we do have is pace!

Just more papering over the cracks I’m afraid is the more likely outcome.

But if winning 1 game here and there turns you on so be it! And that makes ETH some master tactician good on ya…

Let’s see how the next 3/ 4 go before your jumping out your prams thinking this is some turning point, one swallow don’t make a summer……….


6.) 28 Dec 2023 00:19:20
I don't think anybody is under too many illusions.
But that was a good win last night and good to see so many younger lads coming on for the last 10 mins or so.
Lots of problems for the new dof ceo and team to address. Until they decide what the future holds in terms of strategy there is no point in slamming eth all the time.
I watched rasmus trying hard, very much learning on the job, overawed at times, out of his depth at times so like me others were pleased to see him get a goal last night. Don't be such a miserable git, in a season of little joy it's nice to see something positive and a player so pleased. A few young lads getting a run.
Eth will not be fired until the sjr and team have decided who they want to lead their project.
If that guy is available now and wants to start now then they might make that change. If he is not available or wants to start in the summer then there is no point in sacking eth.
Or the 3rd option is that eth is the many they choose.
Illsupport whomever they choose and look for the positives. I'll support eth until they remove him.
A bit like I described above like rasmus. He appears to be learning on the job he looks out of his depth at times he is inexperienced at this level of club and scrutiny he can come across as abrasive and stubborn and although he is not the most endearing of characters there is something I like about him.
I supportbut realise he has been far from flawless. But I do see a guy busting a gut to do well.
You are the one throwing your touts out of the pram because you don't rate him and want him fired. I faced the same with ole but still supported the team and was pleased every time they won and was happy to say so when it happened.
Try to separate the team from the coach if you can, I found it easier when ole was in charge it allowed me to enjoy the wins.


7.) 28 Dec 2023 06:12:32
Ken nowhere did I say it’s not good to win, it’s very rare these days so yes take it when I can, but if you read it I said not really worth getting too excited over like most went overboard when we beat Chelsea (they are worse then us) but are trying to implement a style with new coach and only 5 months in, we’re 18 months!
So beating Villa whilst it’s good it’s not exactly a new dawn, only a handful of teams that will play that high against us because of the pace.
So yes just for you Yippee we got 3 points! But not so yippee if we go and lose the next 2 back to the boring useless play… would anyone be surprised if ETH puts Antony back in…Probably not would anyone be surprised if Onana gives another goal away… probably not.

So I approach these wins as one offs nothing more…. but Yippee Ken I’m head over heels we were 2 down and won…

I won’t bite on the vile abuse you gave Ole even when winning!


8.) 28 Dec 2023 08:15:20
Toldya

You lack any credibility as you look to discredit everything positive all the time. Beating villa because they play a highline blah blah blah. Nothing about them being close to top of the league and if you listen to the pundits they are brilliant.

If the line up changes for the next game its the managers decision and who cares, I bet most dreaded seeing ericksen start vs villa and had already written the game off.

IF people are sitting there and think we should go to forest and smash them, they obviously do not follow this league. There is the occasional away game that a team surprisingly wins with comfort but more often every away game is a slog for even the top teams. Check out the away league table results.

The only thing that matters come saturday is a win. I will leave the players and eth critism to others if its a grind. Will be a tough game but we should Win!

Our away record is actually decent considering we have played Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool away and should remedy the Bournemouth, palace losses at home with away wins later this season.

Lots to play for and many opportunities to disappoint guys like you.


9.) 28 Dec 2023 16:16:54
Toldya, back again with a new name AGAIN ???

Just out of interest which team do you support?

I'm just wondering because you slag off Manchester United and put down everything to do with the club more often than most of my non-United supporting friends. Even more than most of the Liverpool fans I know.

If you're idea of support is nothing more than constant negative comments and sly digs then I truly do feel sorry for any partner or children you have. If must be a miserable existence for them, everything they do criticised and put down.

Can you not just enjoy a good result and a good performance. We won a game against a side that was nearly top of the league a week ago. Against one of the most in-form teams in the league. A team that beat both Arsenal and City in back to back games this month already by the way.

If you can't enjoy that then please stop watching us, as there is literally no point.
Just another sad and bitter glory supporter whose spent too many years denying they were a glory supporter to be able to walk away now and support someone else. Left feeling trapped, bitter and angry, only fit for slagging off the team they professes to care about.

No one has said the game is a turning point, no one has said we have turned a corner. No one has said that all is well now and that we are back. Stop trying to make excuses for your bitterness, or trying to justify coming on here and slagging off the team after a good performance and a good result.

There is no excuse for you to be on here slagging the team and fellow fans off after a good win.

You are doing it out of either fear that the team might improve and prove all the nonsense you've spouted as wrong, or just plain bitterness as you can't accept anyone else being happy.

There is no other reason or justification. You are not wiser than the rest of us, or a clairvoyant, you aren't on some noble quest to save other fans from disappointment when we inevitably lose another game.

You just can't take it that other people are happy and are getting enjoyment out of our football team.

You need to take a step back and have a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror before you totally isolate yourself and make your life an utter misery.

Ask yourself openly and honestly why you feel the need to try and deflate other people's balloon?
Why can't you accept other people being happy?
Why do you go to such lengths as to having to repeatedly make new email accounts to create new accounts on a football forum only to try and spread misery and slag off a football club?

What is wrong with you?


10.) 28 Dec 2023 21:48:56
Shappy. Let comments you don’t agree with wash over you. You aren’t the judge and jury here. There are obviously some troll comments along with the long winded preachy ones. Chill man.


 

 

15 Dec 2023 18:32:42
Going to throw a right curve ball in regarding Sunday. For me, I think this is a free hit for ETH. Going to Anfield with 13 first teamers unavailable is ridiculous (sorry keefy, I know it’s only an excuse for Newcastle and tottenham and we have to suck it up) he said he knows who his captain will be and my guess would be Shaw or McTominay. However, and people will hate this and I don’t agree with it in principle based of this season but I’d give it to Rashford and put the ball right in his court and see what he’s really about. He steps up and performs and ETH is a genius and the team benefit. He doesn’t, and it confirms what I think we all believe about him and we look to cash in in January. If Rashford, a Manchester United “fan” can’t turn up with the armband on away at Anfield, our biggest game of the season, there’s no motivating him whatsoever and he doesn’t belong at the club.

Ports

1.) 15 Dec 2023 21:23:50
Ports I agree with a lot of that. Personally I was calling for him to be put straight back out against Chelsea after his walkabout at Newcastle. My thought process was I'd love to say to him go out there and I dare you to do what you did at Newcastle in front of these fans at old Trafford. Apologise for sunday through your performance tonight. Or go walkies again and they will eat you alive.
So I can see where your coming from and I don't disagree.
Play him on the right give him the armband and challenge him to deliver. Its be a man time.
I'm really looking forward to the match. There will be positives to come from the result be it a win or I can see positives coming out of a bad defeat. I've no idea who will play. I hope mainoo gets a start.


2.) 16 Dec 2023 00:38:19
I’d be surprised if Ten Hag gave Rashford the armband, motivational or not he’s not put the performance in to warrant it, he has to earn it, it won’t be given Willy nilly. If anything it sends the message it could have been his….


3.) 16 Dec 2023 07:09:02
There’s not one leader in the current available group!
It’ll be mctom, good example of rewarding mediocrity!


4.) 16 Dec 2023 10:23:58
If he’s fit I’d give it to Varane, has seen more battles/ success that most of them put together. A captain in the defence is always good when your under the cosh.


5.) 16 Dec 2023 15:19:12
Poor leadership to give the armband to a clearly unperformimg player, who is showing little desire on the field, what message does that send to the rest of the squad.

Rashford needs an extended period on the bench and warrant his place back in the first eleven, Shaw is the obviously choice followed by Maguire and McT.


6.) 16 Dec 2023 16:12:43
Grim

Garnacho lost the ball 15 times against Bayern and never looked for Hoiland. same stuff rash gets beat up for. Tied with lae as our all time leading scorer vs Liverpool, can't be that sh. t as everyone make shim out to be.


7.) 16 Dec 2023 17:15:19
ahmad

Garnacho was the only one that ran at them and his attitude shows he is giving it all. Unlike Rashford.


8.) 17 Dec 2023 07:19:01
redman

As long as Garnacho is running at defenders and losing the ball over and over again its okay then. most managers would pull you at halftime. He should have figured out early he was not going to get much out of their right back and looked to set up others. it happens to every winger. some of your stuff just makes no sense.


9.) 17 Dec 2023 08:52:21
ahmad

Garnacho is 19, has not had a regular full back, plays to tactics that are not attack minded, involve crossing or feeding the centre forward. He is raw, yes stats may say he gave the ball away but at least he is giving it all. He was the only one Bayern seemed worried about. I see talent and will champion development in a 19 year old, I am glad the manager has kept him on. If you want to denigrate a highly talented prospect who is doing well at his age in a failing team that’s your right, but United have always encouraged exciting wing play, not turn inside don’t cross. I would rather see Garnacho trying and learning and growing than see sulky Rashford and Antony any time.
As to look to set up others, you mean stop turn back inside, pass inside, back and across so his stats will be better, that is exactly what the problem is.


10.) 17 Dec 2023 10:57:27
I just want my captain to be very vocal and be shouting, gesticulating and telling people off. Not even necessarily the best player on the pitch. See Steve Bruce. Playing ability aside Rashford is not that player.


11.) 17 Dec 2023 12:34:53
Giving the armband to Rashford is something I think would demotivate the rest. Also is he one of those Ole offered it to and turned it down?


12.) 17 Dec 2023 13:45:06
Think it was 16 times Garnacho lost possession, but at least he had possession to lose, look at Rashfords stats over the previous 10 matches, he has been non existent on the pitch.


13.) 17 Dec 2023 14:25:46
Reman

If its hard for you to understand. watch arsenal and see how their wingers reroute the ball and keep possession to create something for some one else. 19 or not saka is 19 too.


14.) 18 Dec 2023 01:54:52
Ahhh Saka is 22 no?


15.) 18 Dec 2023 08:14:38
Redman

I have no interest in denigrating players and people will attest to that as I stick up for most our guys realizing they have flaws, some poor games but no such a thing as a perfect player unless you are Messi.

That's your specialty. one week its Rash, next its Dalot, next is Cas, Onana, Maguire and pick a week and its someone. If we went by your views we would have a team of Garnacho, Shaw and Mainoo and Hoiland and play 4 a side football:)

if Rashford lost possession 16 times there will such uproar. Apply the same standards to everyone once they are on the pitch, no such a thing as a free pass for one guy but the other guy we lay into him for the same thing.

I was watching Rash yesterday when he came on, he is wide open on the left unfortunately we were unable to put 3 passes together to get him the ball. That's not on him, when he finally had the ball he put in a brilliant ball at the near post, which Hannibal somehow missed.

You are extremely biased when it comes to the younger players vs established players. I get it they should be given some slack.

Earth

You are correct and my bad.


 

 

 

Ports's rumour replies

 

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08 Mar 2024 15:57:05
Didn’t he you to pretend I am KLOOT was a clue to who he actually was as if we’re all supposed to know him or am I imagining that?

Ports

 

 

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08 Mar 2024 09:15:12
Absolutely Fizz and he has the cheek to say someone's comments must have an agenda! ?.

Ports

 

 

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28 Feb 2024 15:17:38
I think we need to not just be looking at an individuals attributes but looking at who is going to complement and get the best out of Mainoo and whoever else plays in there. Mainoo, Mount plus one other could be a really strong Midfield. Not sure if Onana is that one. I'd opt for Douglas Luiz or Paulinha ahead of Onana if they were options. I'm.

Ports

 

 

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21 Feb 2024 16:29:38
Fair enough.

Ports

 

 

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21 Feb 2024 16:13:20
Surely he’ll start picking off the other glazer siblings shares or is it not that simple?

Ports

{Ed002's Note - It is not that simple.}


 

 

 

Ports's banter replies

 

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22 Mar 2024 19:32:26
Ed, I think this is the most important consideration. Personally, I’m not overwhelmed by any of the current rumours so see little value, personally, in changing.

Ports

{Ed077's Note - I think the most likely candidate is Potter (no inside info) and that is, I'm sure, going to divide the fan base I'm the least.}


 

 

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22 Mar 2024 22:19:42
Ken, I thought it was great when you said “Honestly it’s not that big a thing to me” ?.

Ports

 

 

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22 Mar 2024 15:53:01
How come Ken got 6 votes?

Ports

 

 

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21 Mar 2024 21:47:18
I think his performances in cups shows he is capable of setting up a team to win every match. But approach to cup games is different to league games. SAF had the same approach to any game. Saw an old clip yesterday recirculating where Neville interviews SAF and he talks about being a goal down and getting players in the box to score and risk being countered but the risk is worth the reward.

ETH showed on Sunday he is prepared to throw players on to get back in the game but you have to in a cup or you’re out. In the league it’s to easy to “not lose” first. Be braver, go for wins. You’d be best winning 3 out of 5 then winning 1, drawing 4.

Ports

 

 

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21 Mar 2024 19:27:33
I look forward to hearing how your first performance review goes with them!

Ports