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26 Oct 2026 22:32:44
Does anyone actually have proper knowledge about the level of control Utds managers have had these past years.
When all is said the truth is that United have actually spent a lot of money on players. Add up the fees on Cuenha Mbwuemo Mount Sesko Santos Tielemans Baleba Yoro and it's a lot of money.
I am sure every manager at some time is refused by his board to buy a player or two
Hard questions must be asked about Carrick.
Why did he agree to the purchase of thee central midfielders when a left back was a necessity. Why did he not push for a top central defender and a striker. If he did and was rebuffed then it should have made him question his position and he should have walked away.
Asking somebody to do their job and then handicapping by depriving them of the tools they need and expecting them to succeed is irrational and cruel.
Also why is it that other teams can identify players that don't cost fortunes but who still come into the Premier League and perform at a really high level. Brighton and Brentford are especially good at this. Yes the expectation and pressure is greater at United but as Bournemouth proved it's what you do the pitch with what you have that counts.
All these issues will await the new manager if there is to be one. To expect him to get the team playing properly means being patient. He will also have to make do without being able to buy the very best players at the moment. Utds finances don't permit paying the highest fees and more importantly the very best players no longer see United as the place to be. Their view only strengthened by the abysmal way things have been at the club for the last decade.
1.) 27 Oct 2026 06:36:45
Based on what the club have put out about the recruitment structure, ensuring (apparently) that the players brought were not for managers but for a club structure/plan I am not sure how much Carrick would have had a say. I am sure they discussed it with him and he would have had an input, but once the budget was set the midfield was the key direction to replace Casimero and add depth.
All other positions were likely coming from player sales that did not materialise.
Left Back should definitely have been addressed, however when we have Dorgu, Shaw, Amass, Dalot and Mazouiri who can all play there I can see why at the time it was lower in the priorities once the above was taken into consideration. However, with the injuries, rubbish play from replacements and lack of trust in Amass it is looking less and less like good planning.
Carrick got the players united at the end of last season and that probably papered over some cracks in quality, unfortunately we are seeing these cracks now and the players turning. If stories are to be believed, the team are not fit and the quality of training/plan is not there. you could argue their execution of it is not there either.
2.) 27 Oct 2026 08:03:05
I think Carrick, as head coach rather than manager, had a say as to what positions needed filling but virtually no input as to who would fill them.
Yes, we had options at left back, but the first choice was Shaw who has been prone to injury, and is also aging. Dalot and Mazraoui are primarily right backs and are not good enough anyway. Dorgu is a wing back, better going forward than back, and Amass is unproven and will never be a top level EPL player. Failing to improve the back line was an incredible failure. Defense wins matches and everyone and his mother knew we were desperately deficient. I'm absolutely positive that Carrick, who actually said he was hoping for further reinforcements, and the whole team was deflated by the failure of the club to back the manager in the transfer window.
I was one that though Carrick deserved a chance, but was listening to Gary Nevile yesterday saying how he's hoped Carrick wouldn't get the job and that the club went out and got a top experienced manager. The doubters were right. The team was clearly not prepared well to face a rigorous season. The problem however was that any top manager - assuming he'd work for the evil incompetent clowns who run our club - would have insisted on being supported in acquiring best in class players rather than hit and hope middle of the roaders, or nothing at all. Our club doesn't apparently have the funds to support those types of acquisitions. The owners have priorities other than footballing quality.
Twenty years of sucking the club dry. United have spent more on finance costs, dividends and sacking managers than City brought in through sham contracts. That's a £2bn swing in cash flow. Add to that the incompetence and we are where we are.
It's past time for the fans to turn their backs.
3.) 27 Oct 2026 08:59:20
Out of curiosity where will United finish this season? Seems you have a crystal ball if you state with 100% certainty that Amass will never be a top level EPL, without him even being given a chance.
4.) 27 Oct 2026 22:40:26
He'll be good for us in the championship though next season.
5.) 28 Oct 2026 10:10:08
The guy I know who works with the club said Carrick says "this is what I want" wether that is fitness, conditioning preparation or players and he has some form of approval but not total control.
All delegated except training and tactics.
Reflecting on ex managers comments this all makes sense.
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!
Salford7's banter posts with other poster's replies to Salford7's banter posts
03 Nov 2026 22:59:08
Let's hope the players feel that intensity and joy and resolve to carry on in second half mode.
Couple of points
Roma collapsed once we got a goal which definitely helped. Defensively we were still too open and a better team would have punished us. Dalot at left back just cannot defend against decent attackers.
Bruno didn't look overjoyed or even happy after the match and even when he scored there was no smile. He definitely tried and the interplay with Cunha for one of the goals was really good as was his chasing from the start of the second half. But I didn't see any joy and that worries me. All the other players were buoyant at the end.
Cunha showed his class and desire today. His winning goal could only happen when a player has confidence and shows how important confidence is to any team
Shame about Baleeba. You could see how upset he was when he had to come off and I think he will prove to be a good buy for us.
Lacey should play more let Amad and him run themselves into the ground by tracking back to do the defensive work as well as attacking and they can play 45 mins each a game or 60/30
29 Oct 2026 21:39:24
Meantime in Saudi Ronnie marches on to his 1000 goals. A hat trick tonight even though he doesn't run around much any more he still knows where the goal is better than our strikers.
1.) 30 Oct 2026 01:44:29
He will go down as one of the best ever because of his longevity is ready to forget how skillful and athletic he was in his prime and even as a teenager.
Unbelievable availability and consistency over 20 + years. For 10 or 12 years he was right up there as best player with messi.
Now, as you say, he knows where the goal is and can still finish.
But as we've seen at the higher level he is not very effective anymore.
In his prime a genuine superstar now a genuine legend of the game imo.
I'll be interested to see what he did when he retires. i'm sort of guessing he won't go quietly?? and that he will take up a role at Madrid and become president at some point. Or buy United?.
2.) 30 Oct 2026 09:32:23
Its kinda pathetic, 40 something still carrying on and scoring a few tap ins in a pub league so he can get to 1000 goals. Will anyone apart from his online fan club actually care.
Meanwhile the Portugal manager had actually managed to move him on and instead of just going, he'll be back again for the next matches and will cause more hassle, because it's all about him as usual.
3.) 30 Oct 2026 09:50:17
Bilko, I agree that it would be better for him to retire gracefully. But when you've had the success and reached the heights he has then I think we can forgive him (and maybe even admire) for the determination he has to reach his targets. He has more determination and professionalism than our entire squad combined.
4.) 30 Oct 2026 10:24:13
Whilst blocking good young up and coming Portuguese players from developing and getting in to the Portugal squad and telling his manager what to say in press conferences. The guy is embarrassing now. Yes, he was a fantastic player, one in a million, but those days are over and he can't accept it.
5.) 30 Oct 2026 11:43:22
Shappy,
It's gone beyond professionalism and determination at this stage. He's just a total narcissist man baby at this stage. He's like the Donald Trump of football.
And what's professional about running to the media every time he's dropped for a game. What sort of example do you think he's sent to the young players in the Portugal squad, or in fact the United squad during his second coming with his petulance?
6.) 30 Oct 2026 17:21:04
I'm not saying I agree or support some of his current antics. Just that I understand why he is like that and I'm prepared to accept it as part of the circus that is modern football.
Lets be honest, at least 60% minimum (if not 70 or even 80%) of all things in the media and online that are football related, has nothing to do with what happens on the pitch during games.
How many articles/news reports/social media posts/YouTube videos are there on transfer rumours, on the politics of football, on players personal lives, on training ground or dressing room gossip/drama, on ownership issues, on the money involved in football, on corruption, on different tactical insights, etc.
Now compare all that time and influence to the actual football matches and reporting on the results of matches.
Unfortunately the vast majority of what football is, has little to do with actually playing the game itself.
Ronaldo gathers attention like few other footballers, and as such everything he does is looked at under the microscope, and overanalysed.
In truth in 20 years time all that will be remembered are his highlights and his records. The rest all gets forgotten.
26 Oct 2026 23:04:39
Congratulations to Harry Kane. A great professional and a great example to all the lazy divas and drama queens who steal a living playing football.
26 Oct 2026 22:06:35
Respect to Saka for winning the humanitarian award at the Ballon Dor
awards tonight. Was not aware of what he did outside the game and it's heartening to know that young players are not just thinking about themselves.
26 Oct 2026 00:14:23
If it costs £25m to get Emery pay it because the cost to the club for being out of Europe or worse relegated will be so much more.
In economic terms it's a no brainer
Problem is the board lack brains.
1.) 26 Oct 2026 05:58:57
If Emery were to leave Villa to come to us in the state we are in I would question his sanity.
2.) 26 Oct 2026 06:22:20
Why would Emery leave Villa to take up a poison chalice?
3.) 26 Oct 2026 09:19:12
I can see why any club would want Emery - he literally lost his team's entire spine barely months ago, and already they've gelled and are second in the Champions League standings.
There is no single reason why he would leave what he has to join the carnival that is Manchester United.
4.) 26 Oct 2026 09:48:12
How far can he take Villa though with FFP in place. what's the ceiling, champs league qualification and maybe a cup?
If he got it right at United then the sky is the limit.
Impossible job though until Wilcox is gone.
5.) 26 Oct 2026 10:03:31
It is indeed impossible. We've had massively experienced managers in recent years, the hip up and coming ones, the beloved former players, and each time we kid ourselves that the next one is going to resolve everything.
6.) 26 Oct 2026 16:51:58
ED001,
Carrick is simply too nice!
Those interviews that Martinez and Bruno gave go to show how soft he is. Martinez in particular, should have been dropped and banned from training.
He never had the balls to drop underperforming players. I can't think of any reason, other than a lack of experience, as to why more of the Youth players weren't given game time.
The United Managers job is a poisoned chalice!
{Ed001's Note - it is right now, whoever gets the job has an uphill battle with the ownership.}
7.) 26 Oct 2026 19:01:02
Oliver Holt made what I thought was a good point the other day.
I'm summarising, but basically, whilst we have those up above still in place, and the same squad, the job is a no-brainer.
Fail, and the fans will direct their ire towards the board and the players. Because we're a fan base that always hopes a new manager does well. Leave with your reputation basically unscathed if it all goes to pot.
But succeed? Against all odds? You're a magician, and your reputation rises rapidly.
04 Nov 2026 19:40:08
SJR should keep either Vivell or Wilcox only if the current or potentially new manager wants either or both of them. The manager has to be allowed to manage.
I would not be averse to Carrick staying if he stabilises things and we can see a clear upward trajectory and style of play.
If Carrick is not the preferred choice then ideally i would like the new manager to start asap otherwise waiting til the summer gives him less time to see which players can actually adapt to the style of play he wants and which players he wants to sell and buy.
I really can't see a top manager wanting to come in just as an interim manager.
02 Nov 2026 23:51:01
If Bruno goes we have nobody who is anywhere near as creative as him. Tielemans will have to step up but he isn't as good.
Twfarding Martinez I fully expect him to go to Spain or Italy. Probably to Athletico Madrid to play with his Argentina centre back partner. Wherever he goes I think he will play well because he will be playing in a decent team and feel more settled less inclined to make rash challenges and enjoy his football. In an ideal world with the right coach o would keep him. He is s terrier, a fighter and we nerd that mentality albeit focused properly.
31 Oct 2026 19:12:40
Icardi??? Ridiculous.
29 Oct 2026 22:36:21
If Van der Saar did come in he at least would know what a proper player is but no guarantee he could build the foundations nec for long term success. The Dutch and Premier Leagues are not the same.
25 Oct 2026 17:32:37
Cunha Mbwuemo Tielamans Amad Baleba Yoro Lammens Bruno Mainoo all not terrible players. They should be performing better.
04 Nov 2026 19:43:12
Dalot is nowhere near the worst player we have ever had. Even during Fergies reign we had several much worse signings. Dalot is just suffering from a lack of confidence and lack of playing structure in a team which is all over the place.
02 Nov 2026 17:55:41
I lived in Salford was brilliant to go to the Cliff training ground and see the players train. Took my kids when they were young and they stood in awe as Stam towered over them but was so nice to them as he signed an autograph.
02 Nov 2026 17:52:33
How about the late great Duncan Edwards. Know he is no longer alive but he is still more mobile than a lot of our defenders.
01 Nov 2026 20:28:57
Amad played very well for his national team. Yes he should have scored from his chances but he was at least trying. Like the rest of the team his confidence is too low.
I don't believe that the players don't care. Nobody goes to work happily week after week knowing they are likely to be criticised deeply if their performance is not great.
Look at how de Zerbi has given Spurs a structure. A shape. A way of playing. Discipline.
Yes Carrick needs a left back and striker which are major points but the current squad are definitely capable of much much better than they are showing.
I concur that we should play Yoro and Heaven. Maguire is not the future so little point playing him and especially if he has little positive leadership effect on the other players.
Amass needs to bulk up. Pre season he was bullied every game he played. Promote other bigger youth players or play three at the back for the moment use Amad and Cunha as wing backs and have a middle four of Baleba Mainoo Tielemans and Santos. Then play Mbwuemo and Bruno. Give the midfielders instructions so that you have a double pivot which enables the defence to be shielded but then allows the midfielders to take it in turns to support the attack. This way they save energy until their fitness is better. If we control midfield then it should make it easier for the defence and attack.
Key to all this is discipline. Every player has to be instructed again and again by drills how to keep their position. How to keep the shape of the team that is necessary and how to make sure they don't let runners roam freely like Rodgers did. And that means Carrick or the new manager has to lay down the law and push them til they totally understand and follow what they are told.
31 Oct 2026 21:26:28
No way relegation. Financially it would be a catastrophic event that has the potential to destroy the club. The Glazers know it too. It's in their interests that the club is successful or their asset becomes worth less and less.
They trusted Wilcox and Berada. Most of us were happy that they were hired. In retrospect it was not a good decision. The Glazers are not football people. Loyal United fans know more about football than them but most of us thought their appointments would finally be beneficial when we came third last year. The poor recruitment in the summer needs addressing and so do those who oversaw it.