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Ports's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Ports's rumours posts
08 Aug 2026 11:40:28
I’ve seen this name linked before but knew nothing of him. Marc Casado of Barcelona. Just read he’s set to leave them. Quick Google, 22-year-old defensive CM. Apart from name, age and position, anyone know much about him as a player? I imagine we’ll be linked because, why not, he’s a cm. ?
1.) 08 Aug 2026 19:47:03
He's a good player, but physically he's quite small. It's not clear he'll adapt so easily to the EPL.
2.) 09 Aug 2026 08:27:33
I've not really seen much of him, perhaps ED001 could offer his thoughts on the player?
{Ed001's Note - I have not seen a lot of him to be honest mate.}
3.) 09 Aug 2026 09:11:41
We were linked with Casado previously about a year ago if I recall correctly.
4.) 09 Aug 2026 09:28:03
Thanks ED001.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate, sorry it is not much help.}
5.) 09 Aug 2026 11:06:31
As you would expect of any La Masia academy graduate, he's very technically gifted and intelligent on the ball. What he lacks, though, is physicality; he's only 5'7 and is fairly lightweight. He works hard, but is a little too easily brushed aside, which is why Barcelona are open to selling him, especially if they can replace him with Rodri. His sale would represent all profit, and he's a player they see more as a squad depth option rather than a current or future first-choice option.
They've even deployed him at RB at times as cover, and to discover if he could adapt to a less physically demanding position.
He's a good player, no doubt, but if he's too lightweight for Barcelona in La Liga, then he'll definitely struggle in the hustle and bustle of the EPL.
6.) 09 Aug 2026 10:53:09
No probs ED001, hows life in Dubai?
{Ed001's Note - all good mate, just looking forward to the season starting. How are things with you?}
7.) 09 Aug 2026 13:10:28
All good thanks ED001, so am i. Although I do hope United make some more signings, especially defensively.
{Ed001's Note - I am sure they will mate.
24 Jul 2026 13:32:35
Read last week, and it’s very difficult to know what to believe and what not to at this time of the year, so usually best to talk all stories, reports, whatever, with a pinch of salt. But one that has interested me was one story that United wanted Baleba’s agents and Baleba himself to push or agitate for a move to United before the club would explore and then take this forward.
I guess this is to give the club a better start position in negotiations. Well, it appears today that this is/has happening/happened, with stories coming out the agents have contacted United and Baleba saying a move to United last summer was a dream. As I say, take with a pinch of salt, but potentially one to watch.
1.) 24 Jul 2026 14:15:14
Ports - It sounds like he is desperate to come to United, but Brighton are no mugs when it comes to transfer fees. They will command top dollar, and I don't think that United will pay their valuation. They allegedly want north of 80 million for him.
2.) 24 Jul 2026 15:27:51
It's quite possibly one of those transfers that can wait a while. We do now have 2 new midfielders. Mount acquitted himself reasonably well last year, and with Mainoo and Bruno, there's the core of a solid squad, albeit yet to prove itself. So there's no desperation at play for the time being.
I think Tielemans will be used in the creative role should we be deprived of Bruno through injury. And it will be interesting to see how they mesh together. I think he may be even more effective than Bruno at finding those incisive forward passes for forwards to run on to, which may suit Mbeumo more. About 1/2 of Bruno's assists last year were from set pieces, many of which went to Casemiro.
That's probably not reproducible, so goals are going to have to come from other sources.
The question then is, do Brighton want to hold on to a player by holding out for a sum no one will give them after last season's dip in form, and then have him underperform again, further reducing his value, or cash in for a decent price and profit. A deal really ought to be doable at £75m or less... That is, assuming United are even interested. Somehow those players we failed to get during our initial phase of interest, and then finally get acquired, don't turn out too well. Hargreaves? Sancho? As indeed do those players who supposedly wanted to go to City but we scuppered the deal.
3.) 24 Jul 2026 15:53:08
Mount acquitted himself reasonably well last year - you must have been watching a different Mount. He had two or three half decent games.
54 games in 3 seasons.
He's been an absolute waste of money at 55 million pounds.
He's basically cost us a million pounds a game so far.
We won't be able to give him away due to his injury record.
4.) 24 Jul 2026 16:41:15
I watched pretty much every game last year. When Mount started, or mostly came on, we played better. The link up with the forwards and Bruno was better.
5.) 24 Jul 2026 16:57:11
From an ability perspective, I think Mount gets some unfair criticism. From an availability perspective, it's definitely been a frustrating transfer.
6.) 24 Jul 2026 21:28:09
Mount is a fine player and would be a huge asset to us if he was able to stay fit, but he can't, unfortunately. Great engine, gets around, very clever, has a good eye for an assist and a goal, but rarely starts or is able to stay fit.
I feel very sorry for him that it just hasn't happened here. I would love to see him stay fit.
7.) 24 Jul 2026 22:08:18
Madrid have come in for Rodri, which, if it happens, means Tchoumeni could be back on.
8.) 25 Jul 2026 10:00:06
I think if Rodri moves, then they'll sell one of Camavinga or touch my nanny.
Camavinga never really pressed on, sadly - Tchou is a much better player.
9.) 25 Jul 2026 11:57:46
The thing that puts me off these Madrid lads is the fact that they would much rather prefer to stay at Madrid given the choice.
10.) 25 Jul 2026 16:23:07
For your sake Eric, I hope it's the former!
11.) 25 Jul 2026 20:43:08
I hope we still away from Camavigna. He needed Ancelotti and Modric putting him in the right place. He would have Carrick and Mainoo here.
12.) 27 Jul 2026 11:41:19
All being said, I still think the club covets Baleba most, and they're waiting on Brighton to move his asking price into a more acceptable range.
13.) 28 Jul 2026 20:58:08
I'd agree with them. He would be the one I'd like to see sign.
10 Aug 2025 16:32:18
Currently in Turkey, and on their sports channel they’ve just reported Besiktas will look at Sancho as an alternative to Lauriente? Plays in France I think.
Not sure if any of that has been spoken about in England yet and not sure if Sancho would be interested but be good if we can move him on ASAP.
1.) 10 Aug 2025 20:22:53
What's he worth let's be honest!?, no commitment, no pride, no drive and turns it on now and again!, a spoiled egotistical brat!, be embarrassed if my child showed as little interest from such a privileged position, massive queues for his signature not!, needs grow a pair!, I'd take a tenner for him and put it down to a very bad purchase to be honest.
2.) 10 Aug 2025 21:33:28
Got no self respect. doesn't seem to love the game. downhill for him now probably be in America in 3 years.
3.) 10 Aug 2025 21:39:52
I have the feeling the Sancho situation will run towards the end of August and he will end up back at Dortmund. Whether as full sale or one more loan!
30 May 2025 08:32:17
Morning. Although it feels a bit disappointing that Delap has chosen Chelsea. Being one to try and look at the glass being half full when it comes to the football side, I think this season we will finally be getting players who WANT to play for United. This is something I don’t think we’ve had since SAF left bar a few individuals. Cunha is a great example of this, it was only United and I love that. We need players who want to represent the club if we are going to move forward.
With Delap gone, Arsenal appearing to be in for Sesko I do wonder whether Gyokeres is an option although you’d think he’d end up at a Champions League side. I wonder if Ramos from PSG is an option and for some reason, I feel like an outside option is Kane. He’s won his title but I’ve read his family aren’t happy in Germany. The idea of coming back and beating Shearer’s record must be tempting for him. I’m not sure this is a move we should rule out.
1.) 30 May 2025 10:04:00
I am with you Ports as a bit of an optimist when it comes to or club (wrongly recently) . Delap for me would have been great if we had an existing striker numner 1 in and we wanted to split the playing time, allow to challenge and bring in as a number 2.
He felt a bit like Rooney when we brought him in. but we had Berbatov/ Tevez so they could give him time to bed in (not that he needed much)
At the minute we need a ready made number 1, does not need to be a huge name even though I would love an Osihmen/ Gyorkeres. If not them then a player who has been number 1 striker somewhere and scored.
Chelsea - Delap in and looks like they want another which could be Gyorkeres/ Ekitike
Arsenal - Seems split on manager/ sporting director but expect one of Gyorkeres/ Sesko
Newcastle - sorted with Isak
Liverpool - dark horses to get one of the big options but could look at Ekitike
We could be left on the outside looking at the best of the rest. reality of where we are but think with no Europe we can improve our position as a whole team with improvements in all 3 of the attacking positions.
2.) 30 May 2025 10:42:27
I really hope we can bring in a very good if not great striker who can instil a bit of that fear factor again, a player who's a handful and the opposition CBs dread facing. Doesn't feel like we've had that for a long time.
If Arsenal do get Sesko then maybe the Gyokeres move still has some legs in it. It wouldn't be the first time we'd managed to sign a very good player without the lure of European football to offer (despite what went on to follow, Pogba signed in an 'off' season) . Selling the dream of starting this new chapter and aiming for the Europa spots (I assume) won't appeal to the elite players but we're not in for those, the ones a rung below might be up for the challenge though?
3.) 30 May 2025 12:40:38
Getting a top class striker will be difficult in this market of limited options and with so much competition for them. Especially from teams that can offer European football and realistic chances of winning major silverware.
We will almost certainly end up shopping for a striker who is either unproven or that next bracket down from elite.
I still maintain that I'd be doing everything we can to get Jonathan David across the line. He might be in that next bracket down from elite, but he is miles ahead of our current options and for free it is surely a no brainer. Then we can afford to maybe look for a young talented striker with potential who can rotate around with David.
I'd also be pushing really hard for Mbeumo to join alongside Cunha to make sure we've added more goals across the front three so we are less reliant on the strikers to get all the goals.
4.) 30 May 2025 15:55:51
I have to say I'm not 1 but Sissons in not getting delap.
Obviously he has good potential but too far from the finished article to lead the line imo at united given where we are.
He might be the next shearer but might also be the next rasmus.
5.) 30 May 2025 17:04:58
I'm not bothered about a player choosing not to come here.
I'm more bothered about or ability to pick the right player. Then it's down to the player to want to come here. Delap wanted to go elsewhere, I'm okay with that.
I'm hoping mbeumo joins, a really good premiership player coming into the prime of his career.
6.) 30 May 2025 17:41:12
#Brad76
Did I misunderstand your comment, or you said we bought Rooney while already having Berbatov and Tevez?
7.) 30 May 2025 18:26:44
Would anyone go for Wissa? Knows the league, had a great season, if we go for Mbeumo too, they already form a great partnership, and it would not block potential younger strikers.
8.) 30 May 2025 18:33:24
Delap choosing Chelsea is a blessing in disguise. The board will be forced to reach a little deeper into their pockets for a Gyokores / Osimhen-style player. I expect it will mean the end of Bruno, although if the plan was to play him in a deeper position next season, that might not be such a bad thing. The £150m he’ll bring in will cover the Cunha fee, a striker, and a new keeper.
{Ed077's Note - I was never a big fan of the whole Delap idea so I'm happy he's going to Chelsea instead
9.) 30 May 2025 23:03:06
With you Ed. We need to buy goals now. Delap doesn’t guarantee this.
10.) 31 May 2025 08:30:15
Brad. I'm not sure you have your signings in the right order??.
11.) 31 May 2025 08:31:11
Redseven 150m no chance.
12.) 31 May 2025 11:22:32
Ken - He’s worth two Dhurans. He’s their statement signing. Maybe they won’t go all the way to £150m, but I expect they’ll go close if we hold our nerve. Worst case scenario Bruno stays.
13.) 02 Jun 2025 03:33:01
I won't comment on the striker options other than to say you should ignore the "potential" and go for players who want to to play for you and have the right character. Get that sorted first. Pretty much what Klopp did when he first started at LFC. People laughed when he signed Milner but he paid it back in spades just in the way he changed the dressing room culture.
Mind you I think you missed the boat by not going for Kelleher as GK. Already an upgrade on Onana (not that that would be hard) and wouldve been cheap (and home grown) . He is only going to get better imho and you prob wouldve had that position sorted for the next 6 years or at least until you had the money to afford an elite GK.
09 Aug 2024 16:59:26
Currently in Turkey and talk of United speaking with Fenerbache for Ferdi kadioglu.
1.) 09 Aug 2024 19:03:13
Are you getting the hair or teeth done ports?
2.) 09 Aug 2024 19:30:57
Gone for the Jurgen Klopp smile option!
3.) 09 Aug 2024 19:59:09
I didn't know Turkey did hair as well as teeth.
4.) 10 Aug 2024 00:40:57
Oak bark, they do all plastic surgery too. Can get yourself a new hairline and the missus a BBL at the same time ?.
5.) 10 Aug 2024 08:55:15
Just make sure you have a good Turkish translator with you when you go to the surgery, tick the wrong box and you'll get yourself a pair of double D's instead of a new fringe or a set of pearly whites ??.
Ports's banter posts with other poster's replies to Ports's banter posts
28 Oct 2026 09:49:11
The communication from Manchester United is an absolute disgrace.
From the silence on Sunday to the stories emerging now, what exactly is going on at this football club?
Is Michael Carrick backed by the club or isn't he? It really shouldn't be that difficult to answer.
Last night, we're hearing that the club wants the players to take responsibility. If that's genuinely the position, then come out and say it. Make a statement backing Carrick, make it clear where the responsibility lies, and stop leaving the fans to piece together the club's position through media leaks.
The fans have backed Carrick. They've made their feelings clear. That support deserves to be acknowledged, not left hanging while the club hides behind silence.
Then we have the stories suggesting the club can't afford to sack him. Whether that's true or not, it's another absolute mess. In my opinion, those stories have potentially made Carrick's job twice as difficult. What message does that send to the players? What message does it send to the fans? Some will now believe he's only in the job because the club can't afford to get rid of him, rather than because the people running Manchester United genuinely believe he's the right man.
And now we have stories about Ratcliffe considering the positions of Wilcox and Berrada. On the face of it, that sounds encouraging, because accountability needs to start at the top. But forgive me for being cynical. Given the reaction from fans on Sunday, I can't help wondering whether this is simply another PR exercise designed to appease supporters rather than a genuine attempt to address the problems at the club.
That's the problem with Manchester United right now. Every decision, every leak and every supposed change in direction creates more questions than answers.
This club is an embarrassment, both on the football side and in the way it communicates with its own supporters.
The fans deserve honesty. Carrick deserves clarity. The players need to know where they stand. And those running the club need to start acting like they understand the responsibility that comes with their positions.
Back Carrick publicly, or make the decision to move him on. Explain what's happening behind the scenes and take responsibility for the situation you've created.
Enough with the silence, the leaks and the apparent attempts to manage the PR fallout.
Manchester United is supposed to be one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Right now, it can't even communicate a clear message to its own supporters.
Absolute shambles.
1.) 28 Oct 2026 09:58:49
Great post Ports.
2.) 28 Oct 2026 10:08:19
Agreed the latest communication from the club is laughable, Carrick is backed until Saturday.
I know managers do get into a position where their status is "week to week" or "game to game" but pretty farcical for the club to actually admit it.
I mean what happens if by some miracle the ball goes in off someones backside and we beat Chelsea, Carricks safe until another loss?
3.) 28 Oct 2026 14:17:15
Is SJR is seriously considering changing management, you are not going to get clear communication about any of it. I think It is encouraging that the Carrick firing was paused, it would have been easy to make him the fall guy.
Hopefully there are changes above Carrick. Then the new team can consider the future. I don't trust the current regime to make these changes, so I welcome change above him. Leading to better future decisions.
We will not get better until we realize where we are. Sticking a bandaid on it and trying to get Europe this season is not necessarily the solution. What is the quickest path back to the top? Let's take that path.
Mcguire, shaw, rashford, dalot, Martinez zirkzee, and others should probably all be leaving on the next 12 months. That is a massive change. Amorim's message jt will get worse before it gets better was right, you have to change half the squad. We need to bring in and develop new leaders. We need young promising players to have time to grow.
I don't think amorim's system was ever a right fit for utd. But I think his personality was bang on. We need to find the right manager to set the standard but with a system that feels more like man utd. Attacking fullbacks, wingers, crosses, passion. Fight, youth given opportunity, success.
This week of silence and dithering could possibly lead to the changes we need at the top, so be patient a little longer.
4.) 28 Oct 2026 17:34:59
You're not going to get blow by blow executive updates about what's happening- that'd be farcical.
When there is news to share we will find out.
5.) 28 Oct 2026 18:28:29
No one expects that Eric. What I don't expect is complete silence and for the media to decide their own stories.
6.) 28 Oct 2026 19:14:32
I understand the fans having some sympathy for Carrick, but let's be honest, the football has been atrocious. Last year against Leeds, the Martinez sending off masked the appauling team performance and the ineptness of Carrick for continuing to play Ugarte.
From my perspective, employ a credidable and proven DOF and manager/head coach. Make it f*****g work!!!
7.) 28 Oct 2026 20:39:36
But Ports, what I'm saying is there may be bigger considerations and discussions afoot that mean the club will stay silent until they've made a clear decision.
They're not releasing any press statement saying they've lost faith in the CEO
Or DoF, so they won't sack Carrick until that's sorted. Or if they are seeking a Carrick replacement, they won't say he's staying for a few games until they've made an appointment.
8.) 28 Oct 2026 21:33:40
Ports i think Eric is right.
We lost a match on Sunday and on Tuesday it was said Carrick will remain in charge.
What more do you want?
There has been a raft a poor outcomes from the decision making of berada and wilxox. Perhaps sjr it's looking to change them now.
Its a time for calm rational decision making by sjr.
I don't subscribe to the view that he is an idiot and i don't think he got to where he is today by not seeing the obvious. Very critical of the pervious regime for their financial waste he will see what the poor decision making of berada and wilcox is costing. Their waste is undermining all the other good but difficult financial pruning that was needed.
This is just my opinion
Sjr and owners must be calling into doubt the decision making of B&W.
Maybe they have lost his trust he is looking at alternatives and or seeking external advice.
If i'm in his shoes i would be strongly considering not allowing them appoint another manager at this time.
An internal review of their positions needs to be conducted before allowing them to appoint another manager.
I would suggest that B&W are hanging on by the thinnest of threads. SJR does not stand on ceremony and won't suffer fools. Replacing a structure from the top down is harder than from the bottom up.
This is an inflection point in the ineos project and the fact SJR has said nothing tells me that he has a lot to think about.
Would you allow them to pick another manager? So if you don't trust them who is going to make the decision? Changing ceo is huge but add to that your most senior football exec role is massive when unplanned.
It takes out both chains of command above the manager and from the owners perspective it cuts off their chain of command downwards.
When there is something to communicate we will hear but i think silence is good news.
As i always look to the positive and look to the best likely outcomes to any given strategic dilema i'm hoping that there is more afoot. If sjr is considering either of their positions then its the wrong time to sack the manager.
I think we need to remain calm and hope all this gets us a little bounce? I'm not a hopeful on that front.
Its all well saying fire them but in a well oilled machine that's a huge upheaval in a dysfunctional machine it will only make things worse unless its done well.
For those that want everybody fired wilcox berada and carrick and i think most would agree they all should go for one reason or another then who do they appoint? Who makes the decisions? When can we get them?
If sjr is considering their positions then its hugely complex.
I don't know the under structure to Berada too well after wilcox on the football side, where Vivell sits is anybody's guess he appears to be at odds with wilcox so that's a positive.
Carrick is in all likelihood a dead man walking but he might hand the pressure of being the last one out the door if he can get a few results.
9.) 28 Oct 2026 23:06:29
Clubs dead!
10.) 29 Oct 2026 05:40:04
I'm as frustrated as the rest us over the communication from the club. Particularly as that was something Ratcliffe himself identified as a problem under the previous regime, and was something he was aiming to improve under his stewardship.
However, I also think that in modern society of instant news, and social media our expectations have become unrealistic in terms of the timeline of us being informed about key aspects of the running of our club.
I remember news breaking of a managers sacking BEFORE he was even informed. That is massively unprofessional, and is something that indicates poor management of our club. If the club is being run correctly then there are processes that need to be followed and that means we will have to be patient. As hard as that is.
I think as a fanbase our patience is running out due to the fact that we have been waiting for over 10 years for this successful rebuild of the club. The best way I've found to deal with it is to understand that my level of frustration has absolutely no impact on anything to do with the club, only my personal wellbeing. That doesn't stop me being frustrated, but it reduces the amount of time I stay frustrated for.
The club will tell us what is happening when there is something to say and at the right time. In the meantime all we can do is speculate as to what is happening and why. If that helps you deal with your frustration then great. However, if it only makes you more frustrated then maybe it's best you don't engage with it as it's only negatively impacting your wellbeing and making something you have no control over have a greater effect on your life. Which is unhealthy.
11.) 29 Oct 2026 09:15:34
Eric, I think you've completely missed the point of my post, mate. I'm not saying there can't be bigger discussions going on behind the scenes or that the club should announce something before they've made a decision.
The point is the complete lack of communication and the unnecessary circus the club have created through their own silence. There's a massive difference between not having a final decision and leaving everyone, including the manager, players and supporters, guessing about the situation.
Nobody is asking them to publicly announce they've lost faith in the CEO or DoF, or to reveal every conversation taking place behind closed doors, you've only jumped on this point and completely ignored the rest and I used this as an example of the stories that start to come out. But they could easily communicate that a decision on Carrick's future hasn't been made, that he has the club's backing in the meantime, or that discussions are ongoing. Something that provides clarity rather than allowing the media to fill the vacuum with conflicting stories.
Instead, we've got reports that the players need to take responsibility, speculation about whether Carrick is staying or going, stories about the club's finances, and absolutely nothing official to clarify the situation.
And that's before you consider the impact all this speculation has on Carrick himself. If he's staying, the club's silence and the stories surrounding his position have arguably made his job twice as difficult. If he's going, then make the decision and deal with it.
My point isn't that the club must have an answer immediately. It's that their inability to communicate properly is creating a problem that didn't need to exist. That's the criticism, and explaining why they might be staying silent doesn't address it.
12.) 29 Oct 2026 09:22:27
Shappy, I think you're missing my point. This isn't about my personal wellbeing or how long I choose to stay frustrated. I'm perfectly capable of switching off from it. It's about the message the club is sending out and the unnecessary media circus they've created through their own lack of communication.
Nobody is expecting instant answers to every decision, nor am I suggesting the club should brief the media before speaking to the people directly involved. Of course, proper processes need to be followed. But there's a massive difference between taking time to make the right decision and allowing a complete vacuum of communication to be filled by endless speculation, conflicting reports and stories about whether Carrick is backed, whether the players are being held accountable, or whether the club simply can't afford to sack him.
The point is that the club has allowed this situation to become a circus when a clear, timely statement could have prevented a lot of the unnecessary noise.
Ratcliffe himself identified communication as a problem under the previous regime, yet here we are again. What exactly has changed?
More importantly, this isn't happening in isolation. We're talking about a club already drowning in negativity, distrust and division. Every day this drags on, it adds another layer of toxicity to an already toxic environment. It creates uncertainty around the manager, gives the media more ammunition, divides the fanbase further and potentially makes Carrick's job even harder before he's even had the chance to get on with it.
What's particularly poor is that Carrick, the individual at the heart of all this, will be the first one facing the media and having to answer questions about the club's stance on him. The people running the club have created this uncertainty, yet he's the one left to deal with the fallout and face the questions they should be answering themselves.
Whether Carrick is staying or going, the club needs to own that decision and communicate it properly. If he's backed, say so. If he isn't, make the decision and move on. Leaving everyone to interpret anonymous briefings and contradictory reports isn't patience or professionalism; it's poor communication.
And that's my issue. Not that I'm frustrated about something I can't control, but that the people running Manchester United continue to create avoidable problems for themselves and the club. We've had over a decade of this nonsense. At some point, accountability has to mean more than simply telling fans to be patient.
13.) 29 Oct 2026 11:54:52
Ports, isn't it the case for most clubs? They stand by their manager only to fire them after some weeks.
They can't say something in public to your liking. They cant, for example, say that they really want to sack Carrick but they must find his successor first.
Or they can't say that they may sack Wilcox and Berrada and then their succeror would choose the next manager.
14.) 29 Oct 2026 13:13:34
I'm not diagreeing with your sentiment Ports. But, Clubs are not run like clubs anymore. So, I accept your point totally and am in no way defending the clowns in the circus, but Man United is a corporate entity first and foremost, and so anything they put out impacts the share price and shareholder value.
Which is ultimately all they care about. So they stay silent until they have something material to communicate. As fans we despise it.
27 Oct 2026 10:57:09
Think this is the most embarrassed and ashamed I've ever been of this club. And still there are some fans that think a change of manager is all that is required!
1.) 27 Oct 2026 12:42:26
Ports,
I only think relegation will lead to the Glazers selling up. Perhaps February 2027 will be interesting, when the drag along clause expires. Maybe this is SJRs way of bringing the price down.
Seriously, it is embarrassing.
2.) 27 Oct 2026 14:25:38
I don't think anyone thinks that a change of manager is ALL that is needed. Doesn't mean it isn't needed.
3.) 27 Oct 2026 17:05:47
Yeah, not one person has suggested only the manager is the issue.
14 Oct 2026 11:12:22
Funny how football is supposedly "all about the fans" whenever a pundit or ex-pro wants to give us a sentimental speech about the match going supporters.
Now Martinez has come out and said what a lot of United fans have been saying for YEARS, and suddenly he's out of order, disrespecting his teammates and should have kept it behind closed doors.
For those who haven't seen the interview, here are a few of his comments after the Atletico Madrid defeat.
"I expect more from our technical director." Calling out Jason Wilcox.
"We expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete."
"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? "
He also questioned whether the manager had been backed sufficiently and pointed out that the club's problems go beyond the coach and players.
Now, you can debate whether a player should say those things publicly, whether the timing was right, or whether Martinez has performed well enough himself. That's fair enough.
But what makes me laugh is these are EXACTLY the sorts of things a number of people on this page have been saying for months, if not years. We've questioned the hierarchy, recruitment, lack of planning and the constant tendency to make the manager the fall guy while the people above him carry on regardless.
And what happens? Criticism for not calling out managers, accusations of making excuses, and lectures about accountability.
Yet now certain individuals are praising Martinez for essentially saying the same things they've been criticising fans for saying.
Apparently, when a fan says the hierarchy is a problem, they're making excuses for the manager.
When a player says the hierarchy is a problem, he's showing passion, ambition and a desire to see the club succeed.
Same argument. Same problems. Different messenger.
And let's not forget the pundits who spent years telling us that fans should be listened to because football is for the fans. Funny how quickly that principle disappears when someone actually challenges the people running their beloved club.
Wayne Rooney reckons Martinez has gone too far, while Jamie Carragher has called the comments awful. Both are entitled to their opinions, of course. But it's interesting how quickly the focus shifts to how the message was delivered rather than whether there's some truth in what he's saying.
Welcome to the conversation, lads. Some of us have been having it for years while being told we're talking rubbish.
1.) 14 Oct 2026 11:39:28
Martinez has been reading my posts over summer.
2.) 14 Oct 2026 12:36:22
At least Martinez has shown that he has a pair. I loved his interview. It was a brutally, honest interview.
3.) 14 Oct 2026 12:49:12
I thought it was awesome.
4.) 14 Oct 2026 13:06:35
Where are the fans who wanted him out of the club after the Falklands banner incident? Where are they all now?
5.) 14 Oct 2026 13:33:48
People seem to forget Roy Keane used to do exactly this, calling out teammates and questioning the club's ambition whenever we lost a big game.
Think about it from the players' side. They worked themselves into the ground last season to finish 3rd. They were told to expect backing this summer to actually push for the title. Instead, they're watching mates at other clubs compete for the league and the Champions League year after year while we're stuck treading water.
Players who gave everything for this club last season have every right to be asking serious questions of SJR and the Glazers. Martinez saying it out loud doesn't make him wrong; it just makes him one of the few actually willing to say it how it is.
6.) 14 Oct 2026 14:11:40
I thought the criticism was rich coming from Rooney when he did the exact same thing. Calling out the club for not bringing in enough quality.
My take is that Martinez spent the summer playing in a very good Argentina side. He came back to a United side that is obviously not up to this level. This is compounded by the club talking about being on the brink of challenging for titles.
The people running things are piling pressure on the manager and players to deliver. But they're not providing the funds required to do this. I completely understand the frustration. The squad massively over performed last season in finishing third. Instead of rewarding this, the club hierarchy has hung them out to dry. Leaving Carrick with a squad incapable of doing what the club has promised to do.
The club needs to be honest. If the ambition is to win trophies, there needs to be investment to back it up. If the goal is to keep costs low and hope for champions league, say this. Don't send a mid table squad and manager out with the pretence that were a big club.
7.) 14 Oct 2026 14:12:54
There is a difference between fans saying it online or down the pub and a player saying it publicly.
What he said is a personal opinion, some people will agree others won't.
The issue is that he has publicly spoken which will cause the club problems. In any walk of life if you make a negative public comment about your employer, especially one that damages the employers reputation, then you'll be reprimanded accordingly.
It's not professional, even if you agree with him, and I certainly agree with aspects of what he is saying, it was not a smart or the right choice to say it.
8.) 14 Oct 2026 14:15:20
I wanted to sell Martinez in the summer. He has 1 year left on his contract. He was linked with a £35 million move to other clubs. Given his injury record and consequently, a lack of availability it was a no-brainer for me.
That aside, I do like Martinez, he is a fighter. His interview was fantastic. As a fan I both applaud and thank him. He could have continued to get paid and say nothing.
9.) 14 Oct 2026 14:40:56
He also said, we done well last season but have not changed and other teams get to know what your going to do that's calling out Carrick in my book
I think Martinez is useless as CB in EPL and said it for ages plus he been awful this season and I have no problem if that was his last ever game for United, he won't be a miss.
But glad he said it, it needed to come out, I expect he will trot out an apology in couple of days. emotion, lost in translation BS but hopefully made SJR ears person up a little and realise he is grinding this club into the ground with this level of penny pinching, buying inferior players and appointing inferior staff all over the club.
10.) 14 Oct 2026 14:48:09
Is it professional for the person running the club to publicly announce that the club aims to win the EPL by 2028, while knowing that the funds required to achieve are not available?
To me, there seems to be a fundamental friction between the expectations the club hierarchy is creating, and the reality the manager and players are faced with. As I've said, the players feel like they've been hung out to dry by a club that promises the moon, but delivers scraps. They've every right to be angry about this, and voicing this publicly is no less professional than the blatant lies trotted out by the higher ups every year.
11.) 14 Oct 2026 15:22:18
The biggest concern is a significant amount of posters here could foresee this season would be a disaster, but the "elite, footballing" people at the top could not. And if they were to sack him, would probably look to someone equally as useless as Howe.
Bad times ahead.
12.) 14 Oct 2026 16:06:45
If only he did complain about all these things last season when we were winning. When all metrics and running statistics went down. It could make a lot of good to the club to not think we are not on right path because of some wins, even if we played badly, terrible. But in his mind (as he said in the press) we had a fantastic season.
But everyone who follows metrics knew what we all see, was coming if we didn't improve massively. You can't expect every metric and running stat to go down and keep winning. But football fans doesn't care about that.
13.) 14 Oct 2026 16:40:16
The club is trash and its the main guys that have ruined the club by takin under the table payments from citys sheikhs and ruined the club and that's why fergie and Gill left they knew something fiajy was happening!
14.) 14 Oct 2026 17:07:20
I hope not redman or need be over your house spoiling for a fight after you called for his work visa to be revoked for using his freedom of expression.
15.) 14 Oct 2026 22:21:15
Oh so it's ok to deny my freedom of expression
Many rumours say he wanted out in summer so he might have welcomed it and actually may want to thank the millions of England fans who said the same!
02 Oct 2026 10:12:15
With all the stories coming out of football at the moment, City and Barcelona accusations, someone has mentioned to me that Rui Pinto lad has apparently suggested he's going to make another announcement tonight at 6pm. If that's true, it feels like football needs a massive reboot IMO.
With that in mind, if you could make one change to football, completely separate from all the financial rule-breaking stuff, what would it be?
Personally, I'd like to see the transfer window open the day after the FA Cup final and close the day before the Premier League season starts. Once the season begins, that's your squad for the year.
If you need to strengthen during the season, that's where your academy should come in. It would also put much more emphasis on clubs developing their own players rather than constantly looking to the transfer market.
1.) 02 Oct 2026 10:53:42
Picking 1 thing i'd like to change is too limiting ports.
1. Offside rule i'd change to 'if any part of you is onside then your are deemed onside. Ie there must be clear daylight between attacker and degender to be deemed offside.
2. i'd limit all clubs to a definitive amount of player ourchases PA. So you can only make a maximum of 4 or 5 signings per season.
3. 20 min sin bin for non dangerours cynical deliberate fouls that stop breakaway attacks or a penalty awarded in those circumstances even if the foul takes place on halfway line. (A bit like penalty try in rugby) its one of the worst cheating offences and the punishment of a yellow or free kick does not fit the crime imo.
They are my top 3 ports.
2.) 02 Oct 2026 10:58:05
Yeah agree Ken, just 1 is a tough ask, we could discuss for days. I also considered and like the idea of limiting the amount of transfers you can make in the window.
3.) 03 Oct 2026 15:09:02
Wage cap
Better quality of referees
Scrap VAR
If your on the pitch your active for offsides.
1 month summer transfer window, no winter window
Proper manager at United with some decent coaches and players!
20 Sep 2026 18:14:36
Seen this performance too many times for my liking. We all know the story. Those performances just before the manager got sacked. I'll be very surprised if Carrick is in the dugout v Tottenham.
1.) 20 Sep 2026 18:21:41
Utd - spurs shaping up to be a real 6 pointer.
2.) 20 Sep 2026 18:22:51
I think thag goal saves him a bit longer unfortunately.
05 Nov 2026 14:27:14
Fabregas to Barcelona or Arteta to Barcelona and Fabregas to Arsenal I think will be their next moves tbh.
I tend to agree on Hurzler, he's obviously a talented coach but I think Brighton is so well set up, they support their coaches to be successful which is why new managers come in and can continue to be successful and take Brighton to the next step as a club. This isn't against Hurzler, it's more that as a club we can't offer that platform for them to reach their potential.
I think, given the choices and the realistic options, I would be tempted to go for Naglesmann and replace Wilcox with Vivell. Two easy appointments.
05 Nov 2026 07:20:37
My objection to Howe isn't necessarily Howe himself, it's that plonker who is his assistant coming in with him!
04 Nov 2026 14:06:46
I think, history would suggest that if we can get a 1st choice target, Emery for example but not until the end of the season, then it would be wise to wait until then if that is their wish.
The issue is how you manage the rest of the season and the message it puts out to the players. Can Carrick realistically stay in charge? Who would come in and take the team til the end of the season and accept that is the role and timeline? Ideally you maybe look at getting someone who has worked with Emery previously who can start the process for him? Pako Ayestarán was Emery's assistant at Villa and was Beneitez Assistant at Liverpool. Perhaps they could come in? My concern is getting in someone with an idea of style until the end of the season and then the new manager starts with new ideas.
I think if they can secure Emery for example though, I think this makes Carrick's position very difficult and the right thing to do is move him on for all parties sake.
02 Nov 2026 14:33:54
I guess it will come down to where United are at this point in the season. Relegation battle then would be inclined to keep Fernandes, Top 4 challenge and the same outcome. Mid table and not threatening either end of the table then I guess cash in and look to start (the next) rebuild from January.
I think Martinez is trying to make the decision for the club IMO so give him what he wants in January.
26 Oct 2026 17:33:52
So with all that you've said there, bless us with your solution je suis.
07 Nov 2026 08:08:36
Yeah I agree Dodgy. I think this is an area carrick let's himself down. He tend a to stick with the "safe" selections if you like. Throw Lacey in, young players very rarely let you down for effort. It's a real shame Dorgu is out because I agree, would be good to see him in this team from LB.
Even stick Heaven out there. When you have 2 right footers on the left, naturally the side is unbalanced and almost predictable.
06 Nov 2026 16:56:33
You can suggest the tactics were at fault, but there was a moment in the game that sums up my concern perfectly. Cunha had the ball, was looking for Dalot to make a forward run and was visibly encouraging him to go. Dalot didn't make the run, the opportunity disappeared and Cunha was clearly frustrated. This was highlighted in the sky sports analysis. It lead to the first goal.
Now, that might seem like an isolated moment, but it highlights a much bigger issue. That run would have done one of two things: either dragged a defender out of position and created space for Cunha to drive into, or provided a forward passing option that could have turned their defensive line and put us on the front foot. Instead, Dalot offered neither.
Compare that with the second half against Roma. We started seeing those forward runs, players committing themselves to getting beyond the ball, making movements that stretched the opposition and gave the player in possession options. Suddenly, there was more space, more urgency and a much greater attacking threat. The structure looked completely different, not necessarily because the tactics had dramatically changed, but because players were actually making the movements required to make them work.
That is where I think the distinction between tactics and execution is getting lost. Tactics are only as effective as the players' willingness and ability to carry them out. You can have a perfectly good tactical plan, but if players aren't making the movements, taking up the positions or recognising the opportunities that the system requires, it's never going to work.
It's very easy to point at the manager and say there are no tactics when performances are poor. But are there genuinely no tactics, or are we watching players fail to execute what they're being asked to do?
I'm not suggesting Carrick is beyond criticism or that every tactical decision is right. But I do think some of the criticism is overlooking the responsibility of the players. There has to be a level of accountability on their part too.
A manager can only put a structure in place and give players instructions. He can't make Dalot make that run. He can't make players show for the ball, move intelligently or commit to what they're supposed to be doing.
And when those basic movements and responsibilities aren't happening, the whole system starts to look disjointed. Suddenly, it looks like there's no pattern, no structure and no tactical identity.
But sometimes what we're actually seeing isn't an absence of tactics. It's an absence of players consistently buying into and executing them. The second half against Roma showed what can happen when they do. That's why I think it's far too simplistic to put everything down to the manager.
06 Nov 2026 12:27:37
I've maintained for a while that one of the biggest reasons players go to ground so easily is because, if they stay on their feet, they often don't get the foul. This Isak incident is a perfect example of that.
It's exactly why VAR was introduced, or at least should be used, to distinguish between genuine contact and players going down to win a penalty. The irony is that VAR seems to have reinforced the very behaviour it's supposed to discourage. Players are almost being told to believe that unless they hit the deck, they won't get the decision. Stay on your feet and play through the contact, and you risk getting absolutely nothing. We're effectively rewarding players for going down rather than rewarding them for trying to stay on their feet.
{Ed001's Note - it is very sad and very much to the detriment of the game.}
05 Nov 2026 16:45:58
I disagree. Relegation might hurt the club commercially in the short term, but it won't necessarily financially cripple the Glazers. In fact, I think you're giving them far too much credit for being emotionally invested in the club's sporting success.
They've already demonstrated that their priority is extracting commercial and financial value, not winning trophies. Relegation wouldn't suddenly change that mindset. They could cut costs, sell players, restructure the club and continue to protect their own interests.
Who do you think suffers most? The supporters, the staff, the players, the local community and the club's long-term future.
I'm not sure destroying Manchester United in the hope it hurts the Glazers is the best result. We need to get the Glazers out so Manchester United can be rebuilt properly whilst being in the top league and still having some pull.
Why should the supporters sacrifice the club they've loved all their lives to punish owners who have already shown how little they care about its sporting fortunes?
04 Nov 2026 14:09:19
I have been one of Dalot's biggest critics but I'll give him credit where credit due, if the rest of the team showed as much commitment as him, I don't think we'd be in this position. Sadly for Dalot, he's just not good enough IMO.