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17 Sep 2026 21:26:48
Watching Palace against Lech Posnan and Wharton is soooo good. Head an shoulders above every other player times two.
Seems to stroll but covers a lot of ground and he sees passes nobody does and delivers so accurately. If he scored more goals he would be even better. Almost a scholes and we should be signing him.
17 Sep 2026 21:21:38
As mentioned bringing in Conte and there would be carnage because he does not take prisoners. In one sense it's exactly what we need but I have two reservations
Firstly that he doesn't usually bed in younger players from the academy and secondly if he feels the club won't back him after several months he might easily walk away leaving us in an even worse mess
Would Wilcox and the others be able to put their own egos aside and do what Conte wants?
1.) 17 Sep 2026 21:39:30
Conte and Mourinho are very alike. Immediate dividends, lots of money spent to get there without much investment in youth, and it they burn their bridges in season 2-3. It doesn't seem a ride United would go on but what a ride lol :D
If anything does go pear-shaped in the next month I guess it's Eddie Howe isn't it? Just hoping perhaps in vain that those good vibes Carrick had in the tail end of the season can return. We weren't playing well, but the results were there which is a decent enough sign. It's quite staggering to see what's happened in a short space of time.
I have never felt any ill-will towards Rashford but his return has definitely mixed up the balance somehow.
I look forward to seeing how Baleba can affect this team. Seems to be a lot of resentment towards Tielemanns on here. I was excited by his signing but he's looking off the pace at the moment. Not sure what Santos brings other than potential and another body in the ranks. Should probably have kept the cash in the kitty for the January sales IMO.
2.) 17 Sep 2026 22:01:46
Howe?? Won nothing his teams played ok but not a lot more than that.
Disagree Spenno about Tielemans. He is used to playing in a well coached team where each player knew his role and took responsibility unlike this current United team who are a team of individuals who often lack fight.
3.) 17 Sep 2026 22:05:15
I really hope it's not someone like conte. He wouldn't last the season before walking out in a strop.
Eddie Howe is ok, but not great. He had Newcastle playing some high tempo football, but not sure he can lead a team to the top. But that might be ok for a few years as United are light years away from the top at the moment.
I'd prefer they went with someone who can build something. Amorim was almost right, and I think if he didn't try and play 3 at the back and say some silly things he might have done a little better.
I reckon someone like Sebastian Hoeneß would be worth looking at.
4.) 17 Sep 2026 22:51:13
If your the board/owners and your choosing Howe you know they lack ambition. I don't think he's the one imo. They will take the easy option. 1-2 years back in the same position.
5.) 18 Sep 2026 10:09:55
Oh I don't fancy Howe either Salford. But the pool is quite shallow. The days of secret meetings between Fergie and Pep regarding his successor are long gone. I think I'm probably on the shortlist!
6.) 18 Sep 2026 10:42:18
The problem many fans suffer from is allowing their emotions to rule their head. Getting frustrated with performances and allowing that frustration to cloud their judgement. Wanting a manager who'll come in and "take no prisoners" almost like it's a punishment for underperforming. Some might even feel a level of satisfaction when a player gets booted out of the team or falls foul of the new manager.
However, that rarely works in modern football, and even on the rare occasions that it does, it doesn't last long.
We might not like it, but modern footballers are pampered, and they typically don't respond well to the stick. It's the carrot that gets the best results. Going too hard on them always results in either forcing a player out (typically for a big loss, which effects your ability to replace them), or you cannot move them on and they contribute to a negative atmosphere in the dressing room bringing the rest down with them.
While I'm not happy with the current performances, I think we still need to give the management team more time to try and find a solution. Because ultimately if they can't find the solution, then it's unlikely someone will. You might get the dead cat bounce, but it'll soon slip back. In truth they probably will struggle to find a solution. We know the squad is incomplete and there are clear weaknesses in the squad that are difficult (maybe impossible) to work around and perform at the level we want/expect.
It's a process, and we are not complete yet. Which is something we need to keep in mind when judging current performances.
7.) 18 Sep 2026 11:35:13
Welcome back Shappy.
I don't want any manager to take no prisoners for the sake of it. I do want a manager who will not allow players to continually misplace passes. I want a manager who will make sure that the players fully understand the positions they are supposed to be in especially defensively and call them out when like on Wednesday our defence was all over the place.
I want a manager who decides on a way of playing that should suit the players he has available but how he wants to play and then is not afraid to ditch the biggest earners /stars if they don't perform
And at the very least I want a manager who demands fully concentrated effort with no slacking for 90+mins a game every game.
I also want a manager who stands up to the board and makes them understand what has to be done to get United back to the top table.
8.) 18 Sep 2026 13:47:36
Good post that Shappy. I am not a fan of Conte either.
9.) 19 Sep 2026 08:38:18
If we want someone to come in and kick ass then just send Keane into the dressing room.
Conte is a knee jerk reaction to a poor start to the season, but we aren't the only ones having a poor start so let's not get too excited.
10.) 19 Sep 2026 12:21:15
Salford, I've never really been away, I've read the posts daily, but with it being the first couple of weeks back to work (I'm a teacher) it's been incredibly busy and I've just not had the time to post as much.
I think what we have to try and remember is that we don't know what the manager and his coaching staff are doing behind closed doors. The comments he makes to the press and in public are almost definitely different to those he expresses behind closed doors.
You sometimes see fans wishing the manager would "speak out" in the press, whether that is against the owners or the higher ups at the club, or to publicly call out a player. But we forget that the manager isn't a fan like us, he is an employee and he has to conduct himself in a professional manner.
Employees are legally bound to act in a certain manner that doesn't negatively affect their employers.
The problem is that in football is a very emotive sport and we often get players and managers say something in the heat of the moment. Which leads us to expect them to be brutally honest all the time.
For all we know Carrick might be bring his concerns to his line manager or even to those higher up. But his job is to worry about what is happening on the pitch, it's is Wilcox's job to try and provide him with the players he needs for that, and it is Barrada's job to make sure the club is spending within our limits and not financially hamstringing ourselves.
Each man has their own area of expertise, and a different remit for their role. Just like any management chain the people below aren't privvy to the bigger picture that those above them have and are working within.
Carrick might highlight what players he needs, to Wilcox to play the way he wants/needs the team to play. Wilcox has to factor in not just what Carrick wants, but what the squad needs both short and long term. He not only needs to try and give Carrick the players he wants, but he has to think beyond this season, and how the squad will take shape in years to come.
That might mean not spending on a player that Carrick wants now because we have a youth player who can fill that role over the next couple of years, and instead considering the problems further down the line that Carrick isn't (and shouldn't be) thinking about right now. Maybe several players who play in the same position have their contracts end at the same time and to avoid a massive issue in a years time Wilcox might look to bring someone in now who Carrick doesn't think is vital for this season.
Barrada then has access to a bigger picture than Wilcox, he has to factor in what money can be made available for transfers and wages, while also considering existing commitments. For example this summer we didn't spend the reported £170m-ish on Tielemans, Balaba, Santos, Thompson, Orozco and Darlow. The payments for they will be spread out, some going out this summer, some at future dates.
But we also have large fees going out on players we have already signed, many of which were before the current management team took over. He also has to factor the other spending the club are committed to. All the incomings and outgoings. Yes spending more on the first team squad right now might bring better performances and results this season. But it could create bigger problems down the line once we are committed to that spending.
Ultimately fans tend to want revolution at their club, quick and immediate results with wholesale changes. Yet that nearly never works, and even when it does it tends to sow the seeds of its own destruction which will bloom further down the line.
Clubs need to evolve if you want to be able to get to the top and stay there. Look at the clubs who have been successful over the past decade.
Man City spent money, but they also had a plan to adapt and evolve, they hired a managers who would look to play a particular way so that when they managed to get their dream manager in the squad was built to be able to adapt to his style. Unfortunately, Pep had evolved his style quite a bit by the time they signed him and they made wholesale changes to that squad, but even then that was spread over a three year period. They also broke the rules at least 115 times to be able to do it as quickly as they did.
Liverpool hired Klopp who built on some of the principles that Rogers himself installed. Then over a 3-4 year period they rebuilt the team before they could truly succeed. There were times under Klopp in the first year or two where some questioned him and what he was trying to do. Liverpool would play with such intensity that the players were exhausted by the 70th minute and they regularly dropped points to conceding goals late in games.
Arteta at Arsenal was in some quarters considered a joke until last year, he was able to grab an FA cup with the team Emery built when he first took over, then 4 years with no trophies as the club dismantled and rebuilt the squad. They won the title last year, were strong in Europe (something they've never really been before) and they are the overwhelming favourites this year in the league and amongst the favourites for the UCL.
All three teams took 2-4 years to dismantle and rebuild the squads, and they did not become the all powerful teams they became overnight.
We are in a process, and it's a process that if done correctly shouldn't be derailled if we are forced to change manager. Which is why I'm calm about the whole thing, disappointed obviously with recent performances and results, but I'm not losing my head over them.
Last summer we brought in Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo in attack, add to that Bruno for the shirt term, and Lacey for the long term. Along with Amad and Dorgu who should hopefully develop into top class players and we look like we won't need to make wholesale changes in our forward line over the next 3-4 years. Sesko, Lacey, Amad and Dorgu can develop, while Mbeumo, Cunha and Bruno shoulder the bulk of the goal scoring burden. Rashford and Zirkzee will probably leave and ideally we would have a more experienced head at CF to help Sesko grow into the role. But that's probably the only areas we could do with spending/upgrading/replacing.
This summer we spent in midfield, and with Baleba, Mainoo and Santos all being 22 or younger we look settled in midfield for the foreseeable future. Add Tielemans and Mount as more experienced options, and the possibility of young lads like Kone, Orozco, the Fletcher twins or Thwaites breaking through from the academy we look well stocked. The only issue is that maybe we lack a little experience in there, if Mount leaves it would be good if we could get a more experienced player in to replace them for the short term while the younger lads develop and gain come consistency.
We now have an attack and midfield that should improve over the next couple of seasons without having to spend much if anything on it.
The problem area now is defence, and they say that attack wins games, but defence wins titles.
We have a couple of young lads in Yoro and Heaven who look to have what it takes to make it to the top. But we have to remember that defenders peak later than attacker's and midfielders. Their position relies more on experience, communication, and unity/teamwork, all things that take time to develop in players. In truth they are probably 3-4 years away from really being ready to command a first team place.
What we need is top class first choice players who are available more often than not. If you could wave a magic wand and make it so Martinez and MdL wouldn't be injured for the next 2-4 years then you solve the issue instantly. But that isn't going to happen, and we probably need to replace them when we can. Martinez, Shaw and Maguire all have their contracts end next summer. So we will be forced to address defence then. We also need to sort out the fullback positions, with none of them good enough.
So when we consider that Carrick has a squad without any fullbacks who are good enough, regularly injured CB's with young players who are 3-4 years away from really being ready to be relied upon regularly at CB as the only real cover in that position.
A midfield that is entirely new and trying to find the right balance, while also in truth probably a couple of years away from being the kind of dominant midfield you would expect at a title challenging side.
And a forward line that are trying to cover for everything behind them and finding the right balance early on as some players recover from injury, and others trying to find their rhythm after a world cup interrupted summer and pre-season.
No team has had more shots than us so far this season, but we aren't quite hitting our stride yet and are not converting enough of our chances. But the underlying numbers are encouraging.
Maybe when Baleba is able to get into the team we can start to find a better balance in midfield, but I still think that will take a bit more time.
However, until/unless we are able to get MdL back fully fit and playing regularly, we will continue to struggle in defence and give up too many chances. Even when he is back and fully fit he will only be one of four defenders and the other three will continue to be inconsistent either due to not being good enough, inexperience, or due to struggling with fitness.
As the season progresses my prediction is that we will score well, and the midfield will become better as the season progresses, but that we will continue to see us give away too many goals and be too easy to score against. That won't change until we bring in 3-4 new and better defenders, regardless of who the manager is.
11.) 20 Sep 2026 14:23:53
You certainly made up for lost time with that one, Shaps ?.
12.) 22 Sep 2026 12:55:46
Shappy, so we completed our midfield rebuild. So re our not being complete yet, assuming defence and also attack need improving of you agree, are we really saying this midfield is the answer.
23 Jul 2026 16:31:48
I am trusting the Utd management to make good signings and am happy to be surprised. But my biggest concerns are we still haven't signed another striker or creative player. Anything happens to Sesko/Bruno and we are in trouble.
1.) 23 Jul 2026 18:30:44
They are obviously key players, but I do think we have some options if they weren't available.
A front four of:
Mbeumo, Amad, Dorgu,
Cunha.
Isn't awful, for example. The problem, though, is that the bench wouldn't be that inspiring: Mount, Lacey, Thompson, Zirkzee, and possibly Rashford.
I don't see us signing someone who can cover Bruno, but we do need another ST who can cover for Sesko, meaning we aren't playing someone else out of position when he isn't available.
I'd be happy if we could get Mateta for 25-30m. EPL proven, good experience, and it would allow us to play in a similar way with either Sesko or Mateta. It would also free up Cunha to play instead of Bruno if we needed.
2.) 23 Jul 2026 19:32:47
Contrary to popular belief, I'm no Rashford fanboy, but if we can't sell him, we ain't buying a new forward, and he will cover the CF position too.
3.) 23 Jul 2026 20:05:08
Eric, if Rashford plays to his potential, he could do well, but will he?
Shappy, Mateta is a big lump and will hold up play to allow players to join attacks, but he is far from clinical with his finishing. None of the other four we already have are replacements for Sesko and able to lead the line and guarantee 20 goals a season playing on that role.
They are all best at coming inside off the wing.
If Bruno is injured, who is so creative? Mount is, but too often injured. Santos and Tielemans will create, but nowhere near the level of Bruno.
4.) 23 Jul 2026 20:46:07
Salford, one of the problems with our players is that they're far too willing to defer to Bruno instead of trying to create themselves. If Bruno gets injured or is rested, other players will have to grow a pair and step up.
I don't care if it's Cunha, Amad, Tielemans, Mount, or whoever. The rest of the squad needs to start taking some responsibility for creating chances.
5.) 23 Jul 2026 21:47:08
Seriously, are you saying Sesko is clinical? Far from it, in my opinion, and he is still injured; shin problems at his age are not great either.
We 100% need an experienced striker.
6.) 24 Jul 2026 00:00:50
I don't think Sesko is clinical, but he is better than Mateta. He's still young and will get better. I agree we need a more clinical one, but who? I would take Vlahovic on a free if he is available. He has played at a high level, and is built for our league.
7.) 24 Jul 2026 08:59:19
I personally think we will see a much improved player in Sesko this season, assuming he stays fit.
He has a season in the PL to get adapted, and looks like he has been working on building strength.
We definitely need an extra striker, whether that is a loan, a cheap older player, or, as some have said, we use Rashford (not ideal) if he is not going anywhere.
Plenty of time still in the window, and most clubs still have to do the bulk of their business.
8.) 24 Jul 2026 11:06:13
Sesko for me has got so much to learn, he seems to lack a striker's intelligence. If you watch him in a game, Bruno and Casemiro were forever telling him where to run, where to be, etc. If someone has to tell you that in a match, it's too late. Strikers make their living on instinct, coupled with shin problems at such an early age, and now not being taken with the squad currently is concerning.
Yes, he may get better, but we can't take a huge gamble with just him as striker, and not much coming through either that appears to be fancied. We 100% need an experienced striker with pace. Hopefully Sesko can learn lots from him.
Mbeumo was poor at number 9 last season, don't see Cunha being much better at it either...
Just hope the club got a plan, better than the other non plans coming out of Manchester!
23 Jun 2026 18:14:12
Eds. Any truth in the online rumours that Mateus prefers to go to Spurs or is it just the usual make up a headline in the summer.
{Ed001's Note - as far as I am aware, he has made no such decision at all. Seems like clickbait.}
1.) 23 Jun 2026 19:05:13
The West Ham itk joyfully said that Fernandes really wants to move to United, but seemingly we are quite a distance away on fee.
2.) 23 Jun 2026 21:10:20
Thanks Ed
{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}
3.) 23 Jun 2026 22:59:55
His agent, Jorge Mendes, is a very clever man, briefing the media to get United to pay the full fee.
4.) 24 Jun 2026 11:32:49
Why would Mendes care what fee was paid? If anything, it makes it less likely his client ends up at United, which means way less exposure for sponsorship and image rights.
5.) 24 Jun 2026 13:06:09
The higher the transfer fee the higher the agent fee in general. Sometimes agents are also paid by the selling club for sorting the deal. If you're getting 20% of the fee (10% from each buyer & seller), then, as an agent, you're likely to try to get the highest value.
6.) 24 Jun 2026 22:05:31
85 million for a player who has been relegated two years running and not been a stand out in either team.
Ridiculous how he's been priced at that.
Move on, let Spurs have him.
Rather get the lad from Bournemouth.
7.) 24 Jun 2026 22:20:54
I'm with you, Bolger.
8.) 25 Jun 2026 13:23:50
Scott is a good player. Mateus Fernandes looks to have really extraordinary potential, though. I said it elsewhere: if we were paying 70M for him (60M+10M add ons), I suspect most would view that as good value. To then say 80M or 85M is a massive overpay doesn't seem very consistent to me.
I'd also chill out on it a bit. I hope we get him, but if we don't, I'm liking some of the other names we're linked to. Like Scott. Or Nmecha. Or Wharton.
9.) 25 Jun 2026 13:45:53
Of all the mids at the World Cup, I'd be keen to see Nmecha at Utd. He would be a great addition, imo.
10.) 25 Jun 2026 15:45:18
Wharton would be interesting for me. Not sure how he's not made that England squad. Great passer of the ball, and sets the tempo well. Something we've not had since Carrick.
11.) 25 Jun 2026 18:10:00
Carrick used to sit a bit deeper than Wharton. I tried to watch him as much as I could towards the end of last season. Some of his passes were very incisive, but I never felt he dominated midfield.
12.) 25 Jun 2026 18:51:40
He's 22, Salford. He'll only get better. And I think that's just where Palace played him, their 3-5-2.
13.) 25 Jun 2026 21:18:07
Unfortunately for Wharton, he just didn't have the vibes that Jordan Henderson brings to the squad. Good midfielders are ten a penny, but if you find someone with good vibes, you've hit the jackpot.
14.) 25 Jun 2026 23:04:11
Stiller and Frankfurt would be a good buy.
15.) 26 Jun 2026 08:28:59
Do we have to buy all of Frankfurt? Some parts aren't that great.
16.) 26 Jun 2026 11:40:53
The thought of Mainoo and Scott against an elite CL midfield fills me with terror.
17.) 26 Jun 2026 12:04:18
Mainoo was outstanding towards the end of the season, and there are rumours that Carrick may play a 3, so I think it would work.
18.) 26 Jun 2026 21:58:02
AJH, how would you see a 3 working? Bruno and Cunha surely both play, and presumably Mbeumo.
19.) 27 Jun 2026 05:26:15
I've no idea, Don, just a rumour I read. It would give us more control up front, but reduces the attacking threats.
20.) 27 Jun 2026 09:25:52
Upfront? I meant in the middle.
21.) 27 Jun 2026 16:00:31
For 80+ million, let him go. We could get a much better player for that outlay. He's not a bad player, but never in a million years an 80 million player. 2 relegations in 2 seasons. Not the winner we need. I'd take Camavinga or Tchouameni over him, and likely for less money. Wharton would be a better option for similar money.
22.) 27 Jun 2026 17:48:12
I don't think Tchouameni would be cheaper, and I suspect there'd be higher wages and signing on fee.
23.) 28 Jun 2026 09:14:55
Maybe Spenno. But undoubtedly a better player than Fernandes.
24.) 28 Jun 2026 19:01:12
Eric, that very much depends on what the manager wants that player to do.
Touchi is better at some aspects of the game and very weak at others (highest level context).
If Carrick wants that type of defensive midfielder, he is one of the best. But if he wants a player to control the tempo, good range of passing, then there are many better than Touchi at that.
The problem with football fans is we all want what we want, and compare what we get to what we imagine it should be like.
It's about what Carrick wants from his no 6.
If he wants someone in his own mould then Touchi is not it.
But if he wants a Makelele type then Touchi is that.
imo, Touchi is an old school 6. Ederson is primarily that type of player.
Fernandes is not as good a player or as strong defensively but plays the 6 role differently, as did Carrick himself. He can also play 8 or 10.
I think both are very good players, very different.
Touchi is excellent in his way. Fernandes has the potential to do the same in his way.
Ideally you'd take both. ?
25.) 28 Jun 2026 21:35:56
Time will tell, hopefully, Ken. We've not made a signing officially yet.
26.) 29 Jun 2026 11:26:44
For the record, Eric, I'm not a fan of Touchi and there are others id personally prefer to both of those, but that's irrelevant. It's what Carrick wants. Kone from Roma is more suited to the EPL than Touchi, imo.
I'm hugely impressed by the young Moroccan lad, but he is only a kid and not ready for the EPL for another year at least.
id like to sign him and loan him back to Lille for another year, which is their request, I think, but we don't have the money for that.
I like Bruno at Newcastle, Baleba at Brighton, and Scott. Fernandes looks like he is about to blossom too. So I think we will get at least one of those, id be hoping for 2.
27.) 29 Jun 2026 21:50:14
Bruno G at Newcastle would be fabulous. Huge fan of his.
28.) 30 Jun 2026 18:22:07
Well, he's signing for Spurs. £85m is a ridiculous fee. A relegated team doubling their money on a player they had for one season. Plus, his willingness to join Spurs says a lot about his ambition.
29.) 30 Jun 2026 18:50:14
He's dead to me. ??
30.) 30 Jun 2026 20:06:49
3 relegations in 3 years incoming. That must be some kind of record. ?
31.) 30 Jun 2026 20:42:59
There does indeed appear to be something in that rumour. ?
32.) 01 Jul 2026 11:37:23
Brendon81,
That would be funny!
21 Jul 2025 21:22:07
Is it true that Rashford has signed but may be banned from registering and so unable to play? If so what's the point of him signing?
1.) 21 Jul 2025 22:06:11
Its a possibility he might not get registered.
I don't care what the point is as long a he is gone.
They couldn't register olmo until jan last year in la liga.
They have sold a few so it might not happen this year. It is the reason Williams didn't sign because they could not Guarantee his registration would go through.
2.) 22 Jul 2025 09:17:06
Whether they register him or not they still have to pay his wages.
3.) 22 Jul 2025 11:06:51
Barca’s financial challenges continue to impact their ability to register new players. Rashford has agreed to a wage reduction to help free up space on their wage bill and comply with La Liga’s financial regulations. However, Barcelona may still need to offload current players to create enough room to register him.
A similar issue occurred last season with Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, whose registrations were initially blocked due to Barça exceeding La Liga’s salary cap.
The Spanish Sports Council temporarily allowed their registrations despite La Liga’s objections, and although La Liga appealed the decision, the court upheld the CSD’s ruling, allowing Olmo and Víctor to play for the remainder of the season.
La Liga maintains that Barcelona violated financial fair play regulations by failing to meet the 1:1 salary-to-revenue ratio required for player registrations.
4.) 22 Jul 2025 15:34:48
Funnily enough I think that would be karma biting him in the ass.
5.) 22 Jul 2025 18:26:16
Do you seriously think this not already been addressed! Yes it happened last seasons, but now players and agents are aware of this potential problem, it amazes me you think this been overlooked…. unbelievable.
6.) 22 Jul 2025 19:05:22
German, Tebas recently warned that Barça still lacks sufficient cap space to register new signings like Joan García or Nico Williams, sales or salary savings were needed, that is why the Williams deal fell through.
7.) 22 Jul 2025 19:06:33
German I realise that there must be a point but what I was trying to get at is how they can sign knowing that there is such an issue. For example do you think Rashford would be prepared if nec to sit on the sidelines for six months if nec before his registration was allowed.? Or more cynically do Barcelona just have the clout or connections to flout the law?
8.) 22 Jul 2025 21:33:21
German, its the reason Williams didn't sign. He was not guaranteed to be registered it bairns last season to olmo.
They have sold a few but according to their league they still have to do more to comply.
Im sure they will but there is no clearance from la liga yet.
So you are right agents and players are aware Williams and his agent were aware and decided not to take the risk.
9.) 23 Jul 2025 06:31:13
Oh so Williams said oh I would have signed for Barcelona but now I just go and stay where I am and whilst I am at it, I will sign a 10 year contract…Williams and his agent just flirted with Barcelona to get a 10 year huge contract, the papers have jumped on same bandwagon about he could not be registered
I can’t get my head around why you think it’s only the press in U. K. who go after United and make every story be sensationalised it happens in every country towards there biggest team, having lived in spain for considerable amount of years I would say it’s much more vicious in Spain and you also have to remember it’s very political, you are talking effectively 2 countries within 1
Rashford will be registered, Rashford will play and Rashford will do very well.
10.) 23 Jul 2025 18:41:01
It’s a matter of public record that Nico Williams’ agent approached La Liga to inquire whether Barcelona would be able to register the player in the event of a transfer. La Liga reportedly informed them that Barcelona would need to resolve certain financial limitations before being able to do so.
Subsequently, Barcelona lodged a formal complaint regarding that approach. The exact nature of the complaint hasn’t been made public in full detail, but it’s understood to relate to the way Williams’ camp sought clarity on registration viability.
This suggests that there was genuine interest from both sides, but also that Williams’ camp were not given a positive answer.
{Ed077's Note - Barcelona need some FFPR room in both transfer and wage funds. Remember all the trouble they had to actually register OLMO last summer ? Have they even gotten the green light to register Garcia (new GK) they signed earlier in the window? They can cry all they want but Nico and Bilbao (and the actual people involved) were right to seek clarity and assurances on the viability of the whole deal before completing it, in my view at least.
11.) 23 Jul 2025 19:30:31
Of course they were right to do so. They did check with the league as the league have gone public on it. i'm sure they will sort it before the end of the window and have given rashford their word. But I'm sure they have olmo their word last year.
12.) 24 Jul 2025 10:13:14
Ed077, I don't think William's camp did anything wrong in speaking with the league over Barcelona's ability to register him if he was signed. They were after all working in their clients best interests. They had probably seen how Olmo spent the first half of last season sitting out as he couldn't be registered and they didn't want the same thing to happen to their client, especially with it being a world cup year.
I'd imagine Barcelona's annoyance is based in whether the league disclosed anything specific about Barcelona's financial position. Which if they did then I think Barcelona have a right to complain about private details on their accounts being disclosed.
It's a tricky situation, and without knowing exactly what happened it's hard to judge the situation. Like always we probably only know about 20%, at best, of what has actually gone on.
Either way Williams not joining them has probably worked in our favour as they definitely wouldn't have signed Rashford if they got Williams. While him signing a new deal also works in our favour as it makes it less likely that Barcelona will go back for Williams next summer when Rashford's loan has ended, which should increase the chances of them making his loan a permanent move if he's successful there (which I think he will be) .
The biggest issue we will have now is if Rashford is successful it'll be constantly used as a stick to beat us throughout the season. Much like his mild success at Villa was.
Ultimately Rashford is a good player, and is actually one of our best. The problem is that the relationship between him and the club has broken down to the point where the only positive solution for both parties is a parting of the ways.
As a fan I'm not really interested in whose fault it is, I expect both parties have to share a proportion of the blame. It's just sad that one of our own has got to the point where he has to leave despite being fairly successful with us (he is our 11th all time leading goal scorer, and he did it during a real downturn in our history) .
He is at least three times the player Antony is, and Antony was very successful at Real Betis in Spain. So I'd imagine Rashford being a better player and playing in a much better team in La Liga will do very well. And I genuinely hope he does. The only positive he can provide us now is by showing off how well we produce players. Which hopefully creates more competition for our players and inflates the money we receive for them.
{Ed077's Note - shouldn't the clubs FFPR situation be open information? Afterall their financial reports are publicly posted ?
Salford7's banter posts with other poster's replies to Salford7's banter posts
14 Oct 2026 20:22:24
Still early in the game but PSG so clinical against the quiet neighbours. What's so impressive is how even as double Champions League winners PSG players press and run so much. Utds players should watch and learn.
1.)
14 Oct 2026 20:36:23
3 - 0 PSG in 30mins. Loving it
If at all possible what about Enrique for manager
13 Oct 2026 22:20:43
Predictions for Leeds.
1.) 14 Oct 2026 06:06:45
Cold and depressing.
2.) 14 Oct 2026 07:34:34
It is the only winnable fixture, but even that is a stretch with CATW!! Mr 22.2%.
04 Oct 2026 21:14:21
Why anyone thinks the billionaire owners of City are going to gracefully back down and quietly accept a plea deal is beyond me.
The Arab pysche places an inordinate amount of value on not being publicly embarrassed, not losing face. That is far more important to them than any effect their actions have on the game.
1.) 05 Oct 2026 19:00:48
This is correct. And will. play a part. It is literally not illegal to lie blatantly in a court case as saving face and protecting your honour is seen as expected. There is also no punishment for doing so.
01 Oct 2026 00:37:00
It's a sad fact that so often money trumps morality and decency. Football long ago sold it's soul to money.
Now the City wagons are drawing tighter together with Pep and Etihad Airways joining the counter offensive. That's to be expected. If City lose Guardiolas achievements count for little. Etihads owners will naturally support their "brother owners" especially as where they come from corruption and bribery is not unknown.
What's more disturbing is our Prime Minister being interviewed and appearing to be more worried about City being convicted than the truth being revealed.
I understand that City have been a force for good in regenerating deprived parts of Manchester but if they did this with "dirty" money by cheating and breaking rules it undermines so much of what they did.
More importantly I detest any Prime Minister who is prepared to back a cheat. Our leaders are supposed to set the rest of the country a good example and punish miscreants not cow tow to them no matter how rich they are or how much they donate to this country.
I appreciate the economic fallout from this could have big economic consequences for this country but some things are worth more than money.
1.) 01 Oct 2026 03:48:12
From the bit of the interview I heard he didn't go quite so far as to back a cheat. He did say that the investments by the club in Manchester had been of great value to the city and it would be a shame to lose that. That's not unfair. What have our owners done? Run the club into the ground.
He's apparently an Everton supporter and campaigned for the club against their punishment, which did ultimately see the penalty reduced after errors were adjudged to have been made. He said he didn't want to take sides but you could maybe tell he was soured by the PL's treatment of Everton. I think any fan would be.
The apparent scale of the subterfuge compared to the Everton case and the effect on all the other EPL teams over a long period of time is of a so much greater order that it's hard to imagine what a fair penalty would be. The judgment covers a period from 2009-2018 but even if the club doesn't cheat any more, the reality is that today's success and the clubs ability to pay top $ for everything is based on the sustained prior period of cheating for the years in question. It's not unlike a criminal; getting rich and then reverting to legitimate businesses once a lot of money has been made.
2.) 01 Oct 2026 08:44:35
He should have kept out of this. His express mention of the investment made in Manchester the City immediately raises red flags. Yes there has been huge investment but first and foremost this is a football matter.
He should have said "this is something that the football authorities must deal with and I won't comment further until they have".
, instead his comments make me suspicious that his former role as Mayor and current position as PM will be used because of the huge amount of money previously invested and potentially might be invested by thy City owners in this country. It's an understandable thing but not the right one for him to get involved.
This is about the whole integrity of our national game and something that he should have really emphasised giving his own personal background this is about how we the fans have been sold a lie and dreams realised by some now crushed.
3.) 01 Oct 2026 09:47:53
This is exactly what sports washing is, making people look the other way by throwing money at it whilst you're doing all of your dodgy things. The fact they are still denying all of this really worries me and if they get away with it I think that will be me done with football.
I'll never go and watch United against City whilst they still have these owners, what's the point, the game would mean nothing, we know what they are.
4.) 01 Oct 2026 09:53:57
The PM shouldn't be making comments about Man City and should be focusing on running the Country instead.
5.) 01 Oct 2026 11:12:14
It has absolutely f*** all to do with Andy Burnham and he should keep his nose out of it.
6.) 01 Oct 2026 14:12:43
You guys are being way too harsh.
I watched his speech at the Labour conference. He is clearly highly focused on running the country.
Having been mayor of Manchester for 9 years he's also going to be highly attuned to what's good for the city, and I don't see how this matter enhances its, or indeed the country's economic wellbeing. From Brexit onwards, the UK has made itself a far less attractive place to invest in anything as it is.
Also, because of his connection to the city, he's obviously going to be asked about it, whether he likes it or not.
We all suspect that the findings are true, despite Citeh's protestations. Nevertheless, rushing to judgment works both ways.
The negative reaction is completely over the top.
7.) 01 Oct 2026 14:28:22
Yh this is the elephant in the room, the UK is tied to the UAE and other gulf states for investment like the investment that's taken place in Manchester or Canary Wharf as examples.
I honestly can't see to severe a punishment for City as to put future investment into jeopardy. Andy Burnham has just said the quite part out loud that no one wants to really acknowledge as they are too busy enjoying Citys negative press coverage.
8.) 01 Oct 2026 18:03:12
DSG, you are probably right, but isn't this the ultimate point. that someone or body of authority with a backbone stands up and says "No. you can stuff your money. we are not for sale. Some things are worth more than money".
At the moment it looks like GB Plc is on sale to the highest bidder no matter how reputable they are.
9.) 01 Oct 2026 20:16:42
Newname,
If he was clearly focussed on running the country his comments would be more about growth, economics & how to deal with a bond market in meltdown. Yet he made no comment about that, then came out with an inappropriate comment about the City situation, then when realising how bad it was, oops, issued another statement about whether wrongdoing was established, almost forgetting a guilty verdict had been announced, hence compounding the initial error, making it worse, that's amateur.
This isn't just about rivalry, this is something that politics and politicians should go nowhere near, not least because it sounds like favouring a club over the main governing body but also because it is interfering with a set process and that opens a whole set of further questions. It can make everyone feel like there is a political reason, so he can say well we tried, please don't stop investing in Manchester. What about the rest of the country?
My concern is that if the Premier League are thwarted after the position they have taken, that City are then in control of the rules, we won't have a league that means anything.
10.) 01 Oct 2026 22:22:58
Interesting that the PM has today distanced himself from the case. Obviously aware now of how his statement yesterday was inappropriate.
11.) 02 Oct 2026 00:10:23
Burnham was asked about the city situation, he'd also spoke about it before the verdict. I prefer him trying to answer, and it not being perfect than give some non committal stock answer.
The gulf states, invest in many countries, they basically keep the US afloat.
Those investments carry a lot f influence.
I'd expect Burnham to be hesitant, as on balance if you like it or not, he is acting in the countries interest to keep gulf states and the petro dollars flowing towards the UK.
12.) 02 Oct 2026 14:55:50
Leaders always need to prioritise.
13.) 03 Oct 2026 15:14:39
lol that's the best joke of the year from his speech you could see he is highly focused on running the country, you clear misspelled Running its should be Ruining the Country with his down the pub 1970s crap trap. let's have a beer at the football tosh. that's about his level.
29 Sep 2026 22:15:40
Just seen on Sky Sports News the video by the City CEO refuting all charges. It strikes me that the City hierarchy are not total fools. Obviously if guilty they are likely to try to downplay their offences, but to totally refute all charges begs the question.
What if they are actually not guilty of the most serious charge from which all others (as they claim) stem.
1.) 29 Sep 2026 22:46:19
If any new documents or evidence appear now after all this time, then it's authenticity should be seriously questioned. My guess is that city will try and call the panel biased and want this taken out to a normal court.
This is what they did when they took the APT thing to the high court. If they can prove the rules are anti competition etc then the rest is a moot point.
2.) 29 Sep 2026 23:00:34
They've already said that they'll try to take it to the High Court if the appeal fails. That has always been the City strategy, to drag the process out for as long as possible. Presumably, they'll also be pushing to revive the Super League idea while they appeal.
3.) 29 Sep 2026 23:07:33
They come across arrogant and above the law. They are used to getting what they want. I'm not sure they will this time.
4.) 30 Sep 2026 09:42:21
If this did happen and all charged were dropped, I'd hope all the clubs come together and refuse to do business with them.
5.) 30 Sep 2026 09:44:45
Salford, this was something I was considering yesterday while watching all the fallout from the announcement.
If City somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of the hat and are ultimately cleared of everything, I think the Premier League's reputation would be left in serious trouble. It would inevitably raise questions about the organisation's credibility and, more importantly, its ability to administer a fair and credible competition.
I can't imagine the other 19 Premier League clubs, or the numerous clubs who have competed against City during this period, being particularly satisfied if City were found to have done nothing wrong, given the volume of information that has emerged throughout the process and presumably the considerable amount of evidence that the public haven't seen. The Premier League simply have to win the case.
On the flip side, City's categorical denials throughout the entire process raise questions of their own. If they ultimately lose their appeal and are found to have breached the regulations they are accused of breaking, then surely the issue isn't simply about the breaches themselves. Their continued insistence that they have done nothing wrong would inevitably become part of the wider discussion around the case and this needs to be considered when sanctions are given out.
6.) 30 Sep 2026 09:55:48
In my experience of [V.I.P.] Arabs, constant denial and having the view that he who shouts loudest and has the most money / seniority owns the truth.
As said, "in my experience". Think of that what you will.
7.) 30 Sep 2026 12:06:06
Their defense seems to be that the rules weren't fair, so we didn't play by the rules. In no way is this a legitimate defense of the charges. Throw the book at them, and the punishment should be harsher given their lack of transparency and refusal to accept that they broke the rules.
8.) 30 Sep 2026 13:04:39
Which entity runs the Premier League?
The Premier League?
Manchester City?
One seems to think they run it and the other needs to show they run it.
9.) 30 Sep 2026 13:16:34
Money runs the Premier League.
Man City think they have enough money to drag things out until they become so messy that they destabilise the entire league.
We see all the potential issues the verdict can create: clubs awarded trophies, clubs entitled to compensation, clubs that might feel they should never have been relegated. Yet, City are still acting like the case doesn't exist: spending hundreds of millions on new players, paying massive wages, signing new sponsorship deals.
My only explanation is that they are operating under the assumption that they can keep the case unresolved for long enough to plot their escape.
10.) 30 Sep 2026 20:17:49
If they continue to deny the charges and lose an appeal, then the punishment should be harsher.
Just like a criminal court where if you plead not guilty and lose your case.
13 Oct 2026 18:27:27
I think all the players we bought have the potential to bring us nearer to the title but they are all let down by a) rubbish defence b) not being played correctly and coached into a system that plays to their strengths c) like the rest of the squad have clearly not had a serious physically hard pre season training.
13 Oct 2026 00:01:25
Seems like Conte has already been approached by United according to some of the Italian press.
11 Oct 2026 18:26:38
Season is already gone
Only realistic chance of a trophy was carabao Cup as big teams often rest players.
Premier League.. Miles off
Champions League.. Won't get out of group stage playing like this
F A Cup.. Other teams will have more desire
So with City firing on all cylinders Arsenal clearly better and even Brentford and Brighton better than us it's really going to be a mediocre season.
30 Sep 2026 20:07:50
We can't get rid of our best left back even if he is injury prone until we get at least one top replacement in.
29 Sep 2026 18:05:32
Not over til the fat lady sings. City will try to drag this as long as poss or threaten to in an a probably successful attempt to reduce their punishment.
Actually making a judgement was prob the easy part finding a punishment that is workable, fits the crime and does the least damage to English football will be vv difficult.
14 Oct 2026 20:36:23
3 - 0 PSG in 30mins. Loving it
If at all possible what about Enrique for manager
14 Oct 2026 19:58:31
Or maybe Carrick is happy with the outburst because it might compel the owners to actually buy him defensive reinforcements and a striker
As others including pundits have said it doesn't matter who is the manager if he has not got the right resources to use. I fully expect Wilcox to survive.
Carrick too in the short term if reinforcements are brought in because if the team fails to perform after new blood he will then be a scapegoat with no way to go but out the door.
13 Oct 2026 22:30:48
So losing to a Someone team who are doing so well on La Liga is not a disgrace and United didn't cave in. They had a few good chances and who knows what might have happened if Yoro went off.
I really feared a thrashing since the draw was made. We haven't got a fit decent striker and we all know the defence needs reinforcing
Bruno should be rested against Leeds obviously carrying an injury and especially against them we can't afford any passengers
Tieleman can play the number 10 role.
I would also give Baleba and Santos a run together. In pre season Santos looked okay and now with the legs of Baleba alongside he should do better
I would like to see Lacey play at some stage against Leeds and stick with Heaven and Yoro at the centre of defence unless De Ligt is fit enough to play. We need the youngsters to bed in. It will be tough but hopefully they have the character to come through it and prosper.
Realistically this season we are not going to win anything anyway.
12 Oct 2026 18:27:32
Santos and Tielamans are good players. They are just looking bad becaise we have not had a good manager for years Amorim possibly excepted (I am sorry that Amorim wasn't given more time because I do think he would eventually have got things right)
Overall though look at our past few managers and not one has been at his peak of his profession or near it.
The team needs a strict disciplinarian who won't allow any slacking but also be savvy enough to inspire today's young emotionally insecure young players and he has to be able to give the team a positive identity and ways of playing.
12 Oct 2026 18:22:06
Frankly we are due a thrashing. If Atheltico turn up and cna be bothered theyihbt score five or six.