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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
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.
16 Sep 2026 09:52:24
There seems to be a strange narrative from posters on here around JJ Gabriel that Manchester United somehow weren't providing him with a route towards the first team.
Gabriel joined United at 11. He progressed through the academy, became one of the standout players in his age group, moved into the U21 environment and was training around the first team at just 15. He scored 26 goals in 29 youth appearances last season, won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award and then started the current campaign with goals and assists for the U21s before scoring a hat-trick last week in the Youth European Cup.
That isn't a club hiding a player away in the academy. That's a club accelerating a player.
Another important point is that it was highly reported that Gabriel was expected to be involved in the first-team squad against Brighton tonight before his request to leave became public. United had therefore apparently reached the point where a genuine senior opportunity was potentially on the table.
A pathway has clearly been created for the lad.
United's approach appears to have been fairly logical IMO, Academy - U18 football - U21 football - first-team training - pre-season involvement - potential competitive senior squad involvement.
That's exactly how you would expect an elite club to develop a 15 year old.
You don't need to throw a teenager into 30 Premier League games overnight to demonstrate that he has a pathway.
The pathway is about continually increasing the level of exposure and responsibility.
Gabriel had already been training with senior players and had been involved around the first team. Ryan Giggs even publicly argued that he should continue developing around the senior squad rather than simply being sent away on loan.
So the idea that United were blocking his progression simply doesn't appear consistent with what has actually happened with his development.
And in terms of Academy players progressing into the senior team, no other club has given more debuts to academy players than Manchester United in the last 10 years, 46.
So for everything that is wrong with the club at the moment, this, IMO is not a stick that should be used to beat the club with.
1.) 16 Sep 2026 13:21:54
Good post, Ports.
2.) 16 Sep 2026 13:14:31
I'm sure it's Carricks fault. Sack him immediately!
3.) 16 Sep 2026 14:22:32
Nothing to do with 30 EPL games. If they had any sense, he would have been on the bench against such a poor team as Saba and given 10 mins at the end. It would have elated the kid, stepping on the pitch with 75k fans cheering him.
It would have also made him realise what he still needs to learn and do to get into Men's football.
It was a win win situation, but the club knows best!
4.) 16 Sep 2026 14:30:41
Eddy Howe is waiting, and it appears Conte is favourite... if Carrick continues like this, it won't be long.
5.) 16 Sep 2026 15:16:40
Nice1 Ports.
6.) 16 Sep 2026 16:16:22
Ah yes, because obviously the best way to develop a young player is to chuck him on for 10 minutes because there are 75,000 people in the stadium. Brilliant insight.
I'm sure the coaching staff, who see him train every day and have a much better idea of where he is physically, tactically and developmentally, simply hadn't considered the revolutionary concept of giving him a cameo.
There's a difference between wanting to see a talented kid get minutes and actually understanding what his development requires. "It would have made him realise what he needs to learn" is particularly good.
I'm sure the 10-minute appearance you've prescribed was the missing piece of the professional development plan. Much better than him playing 90 mins in the U19's competition and scoring a hat-trick!
7.) 16 Sep 2026 17:18:49
All great posts Ports. I think the other piece here is simply the question of whether the family feel the club is the right launch pad for him. When they sign the Pro contract they are giving their full backing to the club. Maybe they are looking at the full picture at the club and decided now that they should find a different place to develop.
This night not only be about the money, the first team minutes, the development plan right now.
Is the club headed in the right direction? Are they sure? First Pro contract is a big step, especially when every top club in Europe is courting you.
8.) 16 Sep 2026 18:18:03
Ports well word is he was going to be in squad and get mins tonight and this is a much harder game then Saba ever was so yes sticking on in a champs league game when we was coasting would have been far better and against very inferior players.
9.) 16 Sep 2026 18:50:57
From my side, this was an opportunity to lift the mood around the place and across the fanbase.
Would the club be using JJ a bit to get some positive news out, sure. But would JJ and any other player use United to get a better deal, absolutely. It is a two way street.
I just feel it is another episode of the club getting the decision so badly wrong, and there are the usual posters on here saying he we are better off without him etc.
10.) 17 Sep 2026 09:50:02
He literally couldn't play against Sabah so probably for the best we didn't break the rules to bring him on.
10 Aug 2026 13:03:44
Interesting that it’s come out that Mourinho was in line to replace SAF before choosing Chelsea. I always felt and have maintained I thought Mourinho was the only person arrogant and confident to step in to SAF’s shoes and not be overwhelmed by it. How things could have been.
1.) 10 Aug 2026 13:43:26
It's telling that Fergie spoke to Pep, Klopp, and Jose about taking over, but they all turned him down. I suspect that they could see the age profile of the squad, and didn't think the club had the ambition for a proper rebuild.
If Jose took the job then, I feel he would have got another season from those players.
Possibly a title, at least in the mix. But he would have been frustrated with the lack of spending in season 2 and would have gone after that.
Still, it shows that Moyes was nowhere near first choice and explains why Fergie made such a big deal about supporting him.
2.) 10 Aug 2026 15:33:33
I think the problem with any of those managers was the smarts to know that following Fergie was always going to be a poisoned chalice. No matter how they did, unless they were winning back-to-back Champions Leagues they would not add to their reputation or career path.
We could have been a little more astute and known that, and understood it, and had a fall-guy approach with a replacement in 2 or 3 years.
That way you're not following the man, you are following the man that followed the man. Much more attractive to those with proper egos and capabilities to match.
3.) 10 Aug 2026 16:09:22
According to the documentary, Mourinho had actually accepted the job, but then called SAF in tears to renege on the deal, choosing to go back to Chelsea.
Things undoubtedly would not have been the same. My guess is that, had Mourinho made it through the first season, we would have acquired very different players.
He would still have had to deal with the world's most incompetent CEO from a footballing perspective. So I imagine, probably not more than 2 years in, he would have tired of working for a club that was being run by clowns, only interested in money.
03 Aug 2026 08:12:00
I get why some fans are frustrated with the lack of movement, but I think we also need to consider that the club's thinking may have changed based on what they've seen in pre-season.
At the start of the summer, the media had us all convinced we were signing three central midfielders. Santos and Tielemans came in pretty quickly, and since then it's gone quiet. Everyone's assuming we've stalled, but what if the plan has simply evolved?
Whether you rate him or not, Mount has been used in a deeper midfield role throughout pre-season and, credit where it's due, he's looked good there. If Amorim and his staff believe that's a genuine option, then suddenly the need for a third specialist CM isn't as obvious.
You'd then have Santos, Tielemans, Mainoo and Mount competing for the two deeper midfield positions. Santos has impressed, Tielemans is proven Premier League quality, Mainoo is expected to kick on again this season, and Mount gives you another option if his transition continues.
Then look at the No.10 role. Bruno can't play every game, and if the club believe Lacey is ready for first-team involvement, you've potentially got your cover there without spending another £50m on someone who blocks one of the academy's brightest talents.
Pre-season isn't just about getting minutes into players. It's also about managers finding answers within their own squad. Mount looking comfortable deeper and Lacey looking capable further forward could easily have changed the recruitment priorities.
I'm not saying we definitely won't sign another midfielder, but perhaps we're all still judging the window based on what journalists were reporting six weeks ago rather than what Carrick has actually learned from working with the squad.
Sometimes the biggest "new signings" aren't signings at all, they're players who the manager suddenly sees in a different role. If that's happened with Mount, and Lacey is trusted to cover Bruno, it makes perfect sense why the club may now feel that Santos, Tielemans, Mainoo and Mount are enough in central midfield, allowing them to focus the remaining budget elsewhere.
1.) 03 Aug 2026 08:42:53
I like all that Ports, but Mount's fitness record is poor, so his availability is questionable. If he could stay for, then your assessment is sound, but it's a big if.
I like Lacey.
He can also play out wide, and Cunha can play 10. We have lots of options for forward players, although we still lack a killer goalscorer. We may see Sesko kick on, we may not.
2.) 03 Aug 2026 09:08:14
I would not put much weight into pre season performances, they are fitness exercises against teams at different stages of their pre season.
If the club genuinely think Mount is an option for cm, fair enough, but weve had 3 seasons of evidence that he isnt. Still remember people believing he could play cm next to Casemiro under Eth, and that was a catastrophic failure.
3.) 03 Aug 2026 09:09:35
Maybe Amorim still being involved is what has people worried. ?
4.) 03 Aug 2026 09:32:52
It's got that bad with our manager turnover, fans don't even know who is in charge any more.
5.) 03 Aug 2026 09:48:46
Getting 2 x CMs in already this window has alleviated the pressure on getting a 3rd. I think, if we do get one more in, it will be the right one, I'm sure the transfer dept are calm at the moment.
What I think is much more of a priority is the LB situation.
However, with the Rashford situation not being cleared up, it's creating a domino effect where he stays and Dorgu is a LB choice.
For me, it's not the worst scenario.
If that does stay the same, I would like us to get another CM and forward option in then.
I think it's going to be a busy last few weeks for the squad.
I would treat Mount and Lacey as bonuses if they can contribute. I wouldn't be hanging my hat on either of them. We still need a few more additions of quality to compete on all 4 fronts.
6.) 03 Aug 2026 10:13:48
Amorim ?? What a wally. ?♂️
7.) 03 Aug 2026 10:31:20
I just think Moynt's fitness is such a concern, you cannot rely on him being one of the four. I like him as a player, and, by all accounts, seems to be a good member of the squad, but he just cannot stay fit for extended periods. He would need to do that for a full season to change that view.
I also think that we would lack a more physically dominating player. I think Kone could be a good answer, but we might be waiting for one if the Madrid players. Not sure that will be resolved any time soon. Could be another case of rumours all summer and then Noone is signed.
8.) 03 Aug 2026 11:08:23
Mount reminds me of Owen Hargreaves, a really good player who we all want fit because of what they offer the team, but in reality is holding us back from moving on.
9.) 03 Aug 2026 11:37:04
Mount 'starring' against Atletico (and getting MOM in many match reports) will suit United down to the ground, as it's proof we won't need a third midfielder signing. Mbuemo grabbing a few at CF won't speed up the chase for a centre forward either. Maybe LB is the only addition we can expect before the window closes...
10.) 03 Aug 2026 13:54:50
You never rely on anything pre season, it's a warm up. If the club are basing signings on pre season, that would be amateur.
We still need what we needed at the start of the window.
Without those three key players, we are going to struggle to make top 5. With the right three, we have a good chance of challenging the top 3 positions. It would be delusional to think otherwise.
11.) 03 Aug 2026 14:01:02
That's a fair assessment, Spenno.
I watched the game as well, and Mount was brilliant. He deserved the MOTM award. My only worry is whether he can stay fit long enough to put together a decent run of games.
Shea Lacey impressed me too. He's clearly got bags of talent, but because of his size he'll probably get bullied physically at times until he fills out.
We've hardly spent anything this window when you take into account the wages we've freed up and the money we've brought in from player sales. I'm still hopeful we'll get a CB who can also cover RB, plus another CM before the window shuts.
12.) 03 Aug 2026 14:43:53
You make a very good point, Ports.
Plans can evolve.
Mount's injury record would be a concern, and as Red Man says, pre season is a different pace.
There is a need for a 5th cm on that basis alone.
A forward depends on Rashford. If he won't leave, we simply don't have space for another top tier signing or wage, imo.
LB Hall would be a great option at the right price. What that is, I've no idea.
I like Robinson at Fulham too.
Gore, Amass, Vietk, Collyer and Bayindir all need new homes. Obi and a couple of others' loan deals need to be sorted.
1st team exits look to be down to Zirkzee and Rashford at the moment.
13.) 03 Aug 2026 17:42:35
Red Man, nobody is saying the club is basing transfers solely on pre-season. But, it's entirely logical that performances in training and friendlies influence whether they sign three midfielders or two, or whether someone like Lacey earns a squad role.
That's called evaluating your squad, not being amateur.
The only delusional thing is insisting nothing can change over six weeks while claiming to know exactly where we'll finish in May.
14.) 03 Aug 2026 18:18:04
Ports,
Yes, young players at 18,19 can take a step up. A player like Lacey can take a step up and put himself in contention. Heaven can show his strength has improved. However, we knew what our squad of the more mature players was at the end of the season. We knew, and the club should know, what is there.
Unless a Ronaldo jumps out, the key signing requirements are not going to change based on preseason friendlies.
The ones buffing up Mount as meaning we don't need a class CM are only helping the Glazers trying to keep expenditure down.
30 Jul 2026 14:01:57
Sky reporting that Madrid are expected to make a bid for Rodri very soon. I wonder if United have been waiting for this to happen to then bid for Tchouameni. Would be a shame if he became available but United had gone elsewhere. I also read that although the boy has signed a contract, this was done prior to them expecting to go in for Rodri so he could still be available.
Think Rodri moving certainly starts a merry-go-round of CM's.
1.) 30 Jul 2026 16:14:17
I think that's exactly what's happening. The club will likely have a pipeline of deals teed up, which are contingent on certain outcomes.
If Rral buy Rodri, Camevibga for sure if surplus to requirements, and maybe Tchouameni. All being said, let's not waste all summer on this. Just bring in Baleba.
2.) 30 Jul 2026 16:34:26
If Rodri comes in along with Diomande (not sure they will stop there), then they will definitely be needing to sell. Whether that is Tchouameni or another is anyone's guess.
It would be no surprise if we are having conversations with everything dependent on the Rodri deal, and I think he would be a brilliant move at anywhere around the £65/70m mark.
Should it happen, it would also mean the logic at the start of the window of 3 midfielders with one in each of the £30/50/80m bracket!!
Onto Lewis Hall after that, especially with Eddie Howe leaving and looking like a real reboot in Newcastle.
3.) 30 Jul 2026 17:06:51
Rashford is causing a bottleneck also. If we could move him on, it would help considerably.
4.) 30 Jul 2026 20:51:40
I can't see any destination for Rashford... maybe big spending Spurs, but would we sell to them? Other than that, there's nowhere... unless Barca do what I said they would and offer a loan in the last week of the window!! Wouldn't surprise me.
5.) 30 Jul 2026 21:41:26
I don't expect Tchouameni to be going anywhere.
Also, hasn't he openly said he doesn't want to leave Madrid? Rarely works out buying a player that doesn't really want the move. United have tried that before to no success.
6.) 30 Jul 2026 22:18:34
It seems Utd have options Kone, Nemencha, Warton, others, and I hope Sadiki in addition to Tchoumeni or Camavinga. They'll have an idea on costs for any targets.
I'd think Tchoumeni is first choice and they want to rule that out before moving on with others.
7.) 30 Jul 2026 22:55:45
Maybe we could convince Newcastle to take Rashford, but he wouldn't want to go to that sinking ship. He says he will only go to a UCL team, or stay at Utd. Nice of us to let him do whatever he likes. He arranged a cut price deal for himself to Barca, and they still preferred to spend double on Gordon.
If Rash causes issues this season, I would payout his contract and release him. Only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel. If he comes back and is hungry and plays like a man possessed when he gets his chance, then we don't need a backup striker or left winger.
Big decision for Carrick. Does he trust him.
8.) 31 Jul 2026 06:41:09
I'm pretty convinced he will leave. Whatever is being said, I don't see a way back for him. I think plenty of teams will move for him, and I would be making it clear to him that he isn't first choice at United.
9.) 31 Jul 2026 11:42:56
Fallguy, I get that sentiment, and I think it's great that United want players who want to sign for United. With this situation, he may prefer to stay at Real, but if they are saying their plans lie elsewhere, as long as he wants to sign for us when it's clear his future isn't at Real Madrid, that's ok imo.
If he's told his future isn't at Madrid and he says he wants to sign for City, PSG or whoever, then I agree we shouldn't pursue him. We just need to see what Madrid say when/if they sign Rodri.
10.) 31 Jul 2026 12:22:59
Think we've got more chance of signing Charlton than Tchouameni. He is an elite midfielder, one of the best in the world in his position. I'd say we only have one player even close to being one of those (Bruno).
He would be brilliant, but why would he, and why would we be his automatic destination if Real wanted to sell him? I don't see it, but I'd absolutely love to be wrong.
28 Jul 2026 16:49:26
I've read he's also stalling on not signing an extension. I imagine there's a bit of posturing from all parties going on. I expect, being 19, he wants assurances of 1st team involvement at some point and won't sign until he gets it, and the club won't guarantee that and making noise they're happy to sell if he doesn't sign.
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.
23 Jul 2026 17:55:47
IWOTB, don't worry, there is so much flying about, who knows what's happening at the moment. ?
23 Jul 2026 15:27:13
We have signed Eze and Cassim.
23 Jul 2026 09:35:46
What's even more impressive with these signings is that we are signing them from our main rivals, which for me speaks volumes about these players and where they see as best for their future.
On top of this, we are signing Tottenham's top talent as well.
I expect some fans will put a negative spin on these players' reasons for coming, but I think it's exciting and a good sign for the club.
16 Sep 2026 17:36:50
What club should he go to then and why?
16 Sep 2026 16:16:22
Ah yes, because obviously the best way to develop a young player is to chuck him on for 10 minutes because there are 75,000 people in the stadium. Brilliant insight.
I'm sure the coaching staff, who see him train every day and have a much better idea of where he is physically, tactically and developmentally, simply hadn't considered the revolutionary concept of giving him a cameo.
There's a difference between wanting to see a talented kid get minutes and actually understanding what his development requires. "It would have made him realise what he needs to learn" is particularly good.
I'm sure the 10-minute appearance you've prescribed was the missing piece of the professional development plan. Much better than him playing 90 mins in the U19's competition and scoring a hat-trick!
15 Sep 2026 20:17:13
Club is a shambles, but people on here want the club to bend over backwards for a 15 year old and his dad?! 15 years old, playing U21s and involved in senior team preseason, due to be in squad for tomorrow night and refuses to train.
15 Sep 2026 18:27:32
The dad changed his name to JJ Gabriel to make him more "brandable". That's what you're dealing with. Not everything has to be the club's fault. Great talent but surrounded by wronguns. Better out the club and be someone else's problem if he's not committed.
11 Sep 2026 17:38:26
You're right, RedMan. You didn't start the post, and obviously you have never brought this subject up before, or used posts to keep on about it, so it was silly of me to suggest you constantly do. I apologise.