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03 Dec 2023 12:53:13
Heard a rumour today that United and Barcelona are exploring the possibility of swapping Sancho and Raphinha initially on loan, but with a possible view to it becoming a permanent deal if it works out.
If there is any truth to this then I think its a possible deal that could work out for all parties.
United and Sancho need to part ways, while Sancho probably doesn't want to take a step down/ backwards.
United really need someone who can lock down the RW spot, and Raphinha was one of the best RW players while at Leeds.
Unfortunately for him it seems Xavi doesn't quite rate him, despite him playing well when called upon.
Stylistically I tend to think that Sancho does fit better in a side like Barcelona and Raphinha in a side like United.
I'd be pretty happy if the club managed to pull something like this off, what is everyone else's view?
1.) 03 Dec 2023 15:28:02
I mean I’d be delighted if we can pull that off. But I can’t see it.
2.) 03 Dec 2023 21:44:52
Sounds like a computer game transfer to me.
3.) 03 Dec 2023 21:52:43
Would rip your arm off for that deal but it’s all pie in the sky.
4.) 05 Dec 2023 01:58:03
We could do with new negotiators, or they might come back from Spain with a bunch of Rapini.
5.) 05 Dec 2023 09:07:03
Shappy
Wishful thinking. Why would Barcelona do that. He will end up somewhere in Italy as that's generally the league players end up when they don't work out in PL. He is not good enough for any of the top 3/ 4 teams in Spain and unaffordable for any in the next tier.
Its one of those players who will be hard to shift unless we take a bath on the transfer.
6.) 05 Dec 2023 21:09:51
Rumours today it’s Rashford ??♂️.
7.) 09 Dec 2023 20:22:57
I’d be happy if Rashford went tbh along with Sancho. The pair of ‘em aren’t bad players, as long as they get their own way. We aren’t currently in a place where we can carry talented babies though, so I’d get radical and get rid of the pair.
08 Jul 2023 14:41:19
DDG is gone, club just wished him well and said goodbye on Twatter.
1.) 08 Jul 2023 14:49:36
Great servant, but right time for MU and himself to move on, some of the replies made my blood boil though, clearly not fans but even still. he's got my respect and wish him well in his next venture.
2.) 08 Jul 2023 15:22:56
He's big, he's brave he's Spanish Dave
He makes great saves, he never shaves,
Flying through the air
Come and have a shot if you dare!
He indeed has been a great servant as well as a true professional in his behaviors. He will inevitably divide some on opinions, but no one can doubt some of the class saves over the years (Mata's freekick)
Ed002, what teams would be interested? Roma? Saudi clubs?
3.) 08 Jul 2023 15:43:50
Our best player over the last 12 years, gutted he is going but it is the right time for him and the club.
4.) 08 Jul 2023 15:22:56
He's big, he's brave he's Spanish Dave
He makes great saves, he never shaves,
Flying through the air
Come and have a shot if you dare!
He indeed has been a great servant as well as a true professional in his behaviors. He will inevitably divide some on opinions, but no one can doubt some of the class saves over the years (Mata's freekick)
Ed002, what teams would be interested? Roma? Saudi clubs?
{Ed002's Note - David De Gea (G) If Mr Mourinho stays at Roma, then perhaps interest. Perhaps someone in Spain or the Middle East. Manchester United have a list of potential replacements but want a new contract.}
5.) 09 Jul 2023 07:07:25
Good time for both parties to move on. Clearly looked very uncomfortable under ETH’s system. That being said, a brilliant keeper for us over the years. Wish him all the best. Italy seems an obvious move in the absence of decent Spanish interest - or of course Saudi!
28 May 2023 09:30:51
Heard a rumour this morning that United might look at Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich, as well as closely monitoring the situation with Ryan Gravenberch.
Bayern yesterday sacked their CEO Oliver Kahn and their Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic, possibly opening the door for some players to leave who might have been intending to stay under the previous regime.
Pavard would be an interesting option, capable of playing both CB and RB he'd be a very good option.
Gravenberch too has great potential but just can't get the game time he needs with players like Kimmich and Goretzka ahead of him.
1.) 28 May 2023 09:50:18
Think Ed002 said that Pavard is reluctant to consider us because he wants to play primarily as a cb.
2.) 28 May 2023 11:30:14
A RB who can also chip in at CB is a good shout, as is Frimpong.
I think Bayern have a number of players who should be of interest. I assume the Mount thing has legs and if so that would probably kill off any interest in Gravenberch and De Jong, and what of Sabitzer.
3.) 28 May 2023 12:13:02
Interesting thread this and might have legs as we know Erik likes players who can play multiple positions to limit the impact of injuries in the squad.
4.) 28 May 2023 13:25:20
Back in February, it was reported that his expected fee this summer could be £26.8m because his contract is up next year - that would amount to a bargain.
That said, it's likely that Bayern would still want more than that for a versatile defender approaching his prime.
The problem is that he wants to play CB and there can be no assurances offered by United that he'll be first-choice ahead of Varane.
He can play RB, but he might be reluctant about coming to a club where that could be his only consistent option.
That does also render Barcelona as a questionable option given that the superior Kounde is already playing RB to accommodate other players.
Personally, I'd expect him to move to a Serie A club.
5.) 28 May 2023 22:50:42
We really need to be looking at Gravenberch. I’m not sure if he’s even available but if he is and a a low price it’s a no brainier. Le fee is another player I hope we take a look at.
6.) 30 May 2023 10:44:36
varane missed 14 league games, went off 6 times, efl only played 90 mins in the final missed 4 games and subbed off once. Class act but never been consistantly fit for games throughout his career. Any cb coming in would get a minimum of 25 games a season if fit/ available.
25 Apr 2023 19:27:31
Evan Ferguson signs a new deal at Brighton, I think that rules him out this summer unless someone pays way over the top for him.
1.) 25 Apr 2023 23:11:49
I think its the right move for him and Brighton. he's best off staying at Brighton where he can develop and grow.
2.) 26 Apr 2023 10:04:02
Not good enough. May well be in the future, but not now. We need the finished article, nothing less.
3.) 26 Apr 2023 16:20:51
Syd, I disagree. He's better than both Martial (due to being fit and available) and Weghorst. Ergo if we signed Ferguson he'd be the best striker at the club.
I'm not sure the finished article is what we need. We have a 3-5 year rebuild project on our hands. Much the same that both Klopp and Arteta had when they took over Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.
We need to be signing players who will peak over the next 2-6 years, players who are already at their peak will likely start to decline by the time we are ready to seriously challenge and thus will need replacing again.
4.) 27 Apr 2023 01:20:13
Ferguson may well be better than Martial and Weghorst. But all 3 are not good enough.
We need a finished article. Nothing less. Finished article, Premiership proven Kane or Naples' Big Os.
If we are to challenge for the title next season, then they are the two options.
No more potential nonsense. Time to bring in the next best thing after Haaland. Greenwood/ Rashford as back-up.
5.) 27 Apr 2023 18:25:40
Syd, we won't be challenging for the title next season, we are too far behind Arsenal let alone City. While Liverpool wil likely bounce back next year as well.
6.) 27 Apr 2023 21:34:24
You think we're too far behind arsenal shappy?
I think this season of there's has been a one off. They've been brilliant as a unit in their first 11, but they lose one or two then they struggle as we've seen recently.
And whilst they have had some of the best players in the league this season. I think it's just that, this season.
Saka, Odegaard, Saliba who have been outstanding aside, the rest don't impress that much. Partey has been good, as has Martinelli. And xhaka also has surprise me in his importance to the team. There's no denying the quality and potential.
But again, in the ecstasy of a possible unexpected title win I think arsenal fans and the media have overhyped a lot of their squad.
Claiming partey as the best dm in the league, Ben White as the best rb and comparing saka to the likes of mbappe vini jr and Messi are all examples of them being overhyped.
And with them having such a young squad, will they be able to handle the disappointment of bottling the league? Will it make them stronger next season for experiencing the title race? Or weaker for losing out after almost all season at the top?
On top of that, city although unreal will again invest. Liverpool I expect to rejuvenate. I expect we will invest appropriately. And we may even see chelseas mish mash of a squad finally gel.
It could go one way or the other, very easily. They could build on it, or they could struggle to get top 4 next season.
With a raw manager and a young squad on the back of disappointment. I'd lean more towards a struggle for them next season.
02 Apr 2023 10:59:55
Ed002, I see on another page you said Manchester United have reignited their interest in Khephren Thuram. I was wondering what other midfielders are of interest to the club for this summer?
{Ed002's Note - Something like this:
Joao Palhinha (DM), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (CM/AM/DM), Taylor Booth (CM) - looking unlikely, Khephren Thuram (DM/CM), Marcel Sabitzer (CM) - chances are drifting away, Frenkie de Jong (CM), Jude Bellingham (CM) - very unlikely, Manu Kouadio Kone (CM/DM) - in discussions to move elsewhere, Mason Mount (AM) - unlikely, Mohammed Kudus (AM).}
1.) 02 Apr 2023 13:16:14
Fantastic, thanks.
2.) 02 Apr 2023 15:35:30
So that's 10 midfielders, none of whom are likely to move to us. Amazing. ????.
3.) 02 Apr 2023 17:36:00
Personally I think we need someone more on the defensive side, if they are a good ball carrier that would be a massive plus.
I think with players like Bruno, Eriksen, the young lad Hannibal as well as players like Sancho and Amad who can play as a No.10 I think we have enough creative midfielders currently.
However, the drop off in Quality when Casemiro is out is massive. While the futures of both Fred and McTominay are up in the air.
Maybe letting one of McFred leave and signing one of Palhinha, Thuram or Kone from that bunch would give us more balanced midfield options.
4.) 02 Apr 2023 21:40:04
We def need cover for Casemeiro but what top player wants to sign as cover? More importantly we need to sign a midfielder who drives the team on and won't accept the limp displays like we saw today.
5.) 03 Apr 2023 07:14:42
Salford, I think Palhinha might be difficult to sign as at his age (27, 28 in July) he'll want to play regularly. However, younger players like Thuram or Kone who will both be 22 by the start of next season have time on their side to learn from Casemiro and eventually replace the 31 year old.
6.) 03 Apr 2023 08:02:31
Sabitzer now looking unlikely?
7.) 03 Apr 2023 08:07:26
Who is the other club who is in talks with Manu Kone?
Very good all action player.
8.) 03 Apr 2023 08:53:08
Interesting to see the stance on Sabitzer, and the chances of signing him drifting away as Ed puts it.
How does everyone feel about the player, should we be looking to get him permanently? He's clearly an upgrade but has he done enough? I think it depends on departures more than anything.
9.) 03 Apr 2023 13:48:22
Spenno,
He’s an upgrade on our squad players but he’s never going to be first choice for us, I would be surprised if we signed him permanently or if he starts any big games once Casemiro and Eriksen are back.
10.) 03 Apr 2023 14:44:20
Spenno, I like Sabitzer, but he's not set the league alight since he's signed. In fact he's hardly started when Casemiro has been available.
Also at his age you'd imagine if he was to leave Bayern's bench you'd expect it'd be to be first choice somewhere, not to be another bit part player. At 28 he's at his peak, he should be playing every week.
11.) 03 Apr 2023 23:57:22
I think Sabitzer is the epitome of the term ‘bang average’ He does a bit of this and a bit of that, but ultimately he’s nowhere near good enough. In fact, he’s not much better than McTominay, if at all.
12.) 04 Apr 2023 14:21:27
Sabizer is meh for me, I've not seen anything other than a lot of effort.
13.) 04 Apr 2023 17:25:42
Definitely bang average. i haven't seen anything from him to be honest.
14.) 05 Apr 2023 20:05:30
I like Sabitzer. Tidy, does the basics well. Would be a good squad player for me. Obviously, he might not want that at this stage of career, but if we could get him fairly cheap, it's a yes from me.
15.) 06 Apr 2023 22:06:51
He’s definitely better than Mctominay, and it’s perhaps a little unfair to judge him on his first few games in a new league having not played too many minutes. He has started to look better in the last few games and popping up with goals and assists, he was one of the only ones with any credit from the Newcastle game, so maybe if he continues to improve we will look to sign him.
Shappy's banter posts with other poster's replies to Shappy's banter posts
14 Apr 2024 11:11:16
Moving away from what is happening on the pitch I want to ask the question would our squad be better now if we hadn't kept players who weren't good enough for so long.
Moved them on and keep the squad size down and enable us to give some of the academy players more game time for them to develop.
This season we can look around the EPL and see several of our former academy players thriving and playing well for other clubs. All of them playing consistently at a better level than many of the players we have been playing each week.
James Garner has become a regular at Everton and is developing nicely. I wonder whether he'd be even better now than he is if he had more game time over the past couple of years.
Looking at how Casemiro has declined this year and the fact we have no one bar Mainoo who can play as a deeper midfielder, would Garner not have been a better option than Casemiro this season? He's certainly playing better than the Brazilian.
You then have Teden Mengi looking very good in a battling Luton side. He's arguably been one of their best players alongside the likes of Doughty and Barkley this season. Still only 21 and certainly his qualities would have seen our defence be able to play a higher line and maybe concede fewer shots. Did we keep the likes of Jones, Bailly and Lindelof around for too long blocking his pathway?
Finally there is Anthony Elanga, 5 goals and 8 assists for a struggling Forest side. Only Bruno Fernandes (14) in our squad, has more goals and assists than Elanga's 13 in the EPL this season.
Would he have not been a better option to Antony or Rashford at times this season?
We have seemingly allowed him to leave, while we have hoarded the likes of Sancho, Antony, Pellistri and Amad over him. Possibly because we spent big fees on those players. Yet he has easily outshone all of them with regular game time this season, mostly playing on the right hand side as well.
Now I'm not saying any of these three players are or will ultimately be good enough for where we want to be. Just that with game time they are showing themselves to be better than many of the players we currently have in the side.
Seeing them flourish with regular games at rival EPL clubs just goes to further highlight the flaws in having a bloated squad and the lack of foresight in keeping players on the books for financial reasons over footballing ones.
Would our squad be perfect with Garner, Mengi and Elanga in it over the likes of Casemiro, Lindelof and Sancho? No it wouldn't, but it would be better than what it is now.
We have 36 players on the books in the first team squad, that needs to be trimmed down to below 25 this summer so that the next batch of talented academy players don't see their development stagnate, forcing them to leave to reach their potential like Garner, Mengi and Elanga have had to.
1.) 14 Apr 2024 11:55:41
Kambwala, Shappy, Kambwala.
2.) 14 Apr 2024 12:52:16
Ork, I agree he needs game time. The question is where that will be most beneficial for him.
Players like Garner and Mengi stagnated because we kept them for a season and they hardly got a kick.
Both players needed to go out on loan as we had too bloated a squad to be able to give them the number of minutes they need.
I'm all for keeping Kambwala here next season as long as it's either as a first choice or at most a 3rd choice option at CB.
That means he has to play at least 1000-1400 minutes of football next season. If he doesn't play that many at a bare minimum then we will be restricting his ability to develop and reach his potential.
I want him to be a success, to do that he needs to play.
If we keep him in the squad as 4th/ 5th choice and he only plays 300 minutes of football then we will be ruining his chances of maximising his potential.
He's at a key age, physically he looks ready to play men's football. He clearly has the talent and skills to be successful at the highest level. Now he needs to play to show he has the mentality to cope with the demands and have the opportunity to make the mistakes he needs to make to learn how to play his position to an elite level.
Without that game time the mistakes he made yesterday will stay in his game and he won't be able to iron them out.
Keeping him and playing him regularly next season means accepting he will make mistakes. Mistakes that will cost us points and ultimately might be the difference between finishing in a UCL or a Europa league place next season.
That's all part of the parcel of developing young players. They cost you points at times during a season, or they make the mistake that gets you knocked out of a cup. Hopefully they learn from it and become better players because of it.
Garnacho for example has just as much potential this season as he had last season. Yet it's the consistency of minutes that have seen him rapidly develop from a impact sub last season to a player who can consistently perform across the whole 90 minutes this season. Although I also feel a change in position from left to right has forced him to play with his head up more, adding greater variety to his game. He certainly has a better impact on the team when he plays on the right compared to the left.
If we want to see Kambwala have a similar development trajectory to Garnacho and Mainoo then he needs to play a similar number of minutes. It's that simple.
A pathway into the first team isn't always about just throwing out those players who aren't good enough and chucking a youngster into the squad in their place.
It's about carefully planning the best route for a player to develop to the point where they can regularly play in the first 11 to the standard required.
For Kambwala that might mean a loan next season to a carefully selected club where he'll play most weeks and ideally in a similar style to what our first team will play. Helping him develop the skills and understanding needed to play the way the first team will need him to play. While he's on loan that probably means keeping one or even both of Lindelof and Maguire to be that 4th/ 5th choice option next season.
They can be the ones to play 300-500 minutes for United across the season, while Kambwala plays 2000-2500 minutes elsewhere. Giving him the game time he needs to develop and be ready to hopefully come back to the club and be the replacement for Lindelof/ Maguire for the 2025/ 26 season and push to be the first sub/ rotation option at CB or even push to be first choice.
I think the game yesterday highlighted that he needs more game time a development to be ready to play regularly for the first team to the level and consistency required.
If he's going to struggle and make simple mistakes against a midfield table side like Bournemouth, then he will likely cost us too many goals to be a regular starter next season.
We need to be realistic about how and when he will be ready for us, we then need to plan a pathway for him that means he will get his chances when he's ready to be step up and be a regular starter.
He also has it a little against him compared to the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo in that they can make mistakes without it likely leading to us conceding a goal. Kambwala doesn't have that luxury, which is why I think he needs a loan next season. Let him play somewhere where he can make these mistakes and learn from them, so that when he comes back those are mostly ironed out of his game and he's ready to compete for a regular first team spot.
There are few fans on here who are a bigger supporter of youth at our club than me. Ideally my dream would be to have the capability to field a first 11 of academy players, all of which are good enough to be first choice in a title winning team.
However, I appreciate that for them to succeed that they all need a personalised pathway to progress into the first team. That there needs to be a balance between creating space for the youth to get chances, but also have a squad capable of challenging on all fronts so that when the youth players get a chance, they have quality players around them to learn from and to support and carry them at times through a game so they can develop.
It's a balancing act underpinned by a desire to develop young players along with an understanding of how to give them the space and opportunities to grow.
3.) 14 Apr 2024 22:08:19
For reference and simplicity ?
500 mins = 5-6 games
1000 mins = 11 games
2500 mins = 28 games.
4.) 15 Apr 2024 11:21:50
James Garner do me a favour Shappy.
09 Apr 2024 16:22:27
Shappy has written an article entitled, The Entire Manchester United defence needs to be rebuilt
1.) 09 Apr 2024 18:04:03
Shappy - Some supporters often talked about a ball playing GK being transformative last summer but I’ve always been of the opinion we needed at least two new CB’s.
I was absolutely gutted when we lost out on Kim Min-Jae. How you can go from him to Evans is mind blowing, two completely different types of CB. I’m not having a go at Evans, he’s done very well, but hardly the type of CB the Club needed if you want to play a higher defensive line.
If we want to play modern football we’ve simply got to get that defensive line higher. That’s a non negotiable. We need two physical, aggressive, mobile, fast CB’s that will allow us to push that defensive line 10-15 meters further forward and condense the space in midfield. They must also be comfortable on the ball.
The type of CB’s at the Club must change. Maguire, Evans and Lindelof just aren’t mobile or quick enough. It’s time they were all moved on.
We need a new No6, a mobile, aggressive, ball winner also comfortable on the ball and press resistant.
We obviously need a new CF. I often wonder if Hoijlund was the right choice of CF considering the way we play. Would a false 9 type be a better choice. Someone to drop off the front, a good dribble and passer, someone that could look to feed our wingers making runs in behind, whilst also allowing us to keep the ball better? We don’t really create chances for our No9, I expect Rashford, Anthony and obviously Garnacho to all be here next season so I don’t really see that changing. Maybe something a bit different to Hoijlund might give more options to the team.
Two new CB’s, a new No6, new CF, then a new LB.
2.) 09 Apr 2024 18:24:33
Thanks for taking the time to write this Shappy.
I agree with most of the article:
Maguire and Lindelof need to move on while they can still command a fee (and lower the wage bill)
Varane and Evans will leave for free
I think Martinez will stay, so long as he gets more protection from midfield. Still many doubts about his fitness and suitability for the highly-physical Premier league (woukd be amazing in a less physical league) . So, depending on what doctors think, maybe he might go as chance he’ll never recover to be the player he was last season.
Dalot will probably stay. Think AWB will be sold - not good enough for United.
Shaw’s injury record a huge concern, but maybe Shaw and Malacia can be rotated until Harry Amass bulks up a bit.
Thus only guaranteed remainder will be Kwambala, who probably needs a loan in a less demanding league for a season.
Possible defence next year:
Goalkeeper:
Onana
Patrick Schulte
Ben Mee
Left-back:
Shaw
Malacia
Amass
Right-back:
Dalot
+ incoming (Denzel Dumfries? )
Centre Back:
Kwambala
Possibly Martinez, depending on medical assessments
Incoming? (Branthwaite, Todibo, Silva, Inacio? )
As an aside, wondering if anyone with knowledge of the youth teams knows who the next break through youngsters might be? Obviously lots of excitement about Lacey, Ibragimov, etc, but seem a bit young at 16 years old.
Wondering if anyone has any insights who might be the next youngsters fast-tracked into first team contention?
3.) 09 Apr 2024 19:24:15
DLIB, I actually think Onana has had a very understated impact on the team. He's done much better than most give him credit for and unfortunately he needs more technically sound defenders who can receive a pass under pressure turn and move the ball forward.
Kim Min-Jae would have been a phenomenal and transformational signing for us last year. Unfortunately when we've been as far off the pace as we have been it will be tough to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich for top players.
As for Højlund I think he's been a very good signing, and to be honest I didn't see anyone else on the market who would have been better other than Kane. Yet we all know Kane would have cost us 40m more than he cost Bayern, that's if he would even want to join us over the Bravarians.
Osimhen for me will flop in the EPL, and there are so few other proven strikers. Maybe in hindsight we should have gone for Gyökeres, but could you imagine the fan backlash if we tried to sign a striker from Coventry for a big fee?
Højlund will be a great player for us, we just need to start playing for him. We have too many greedy wide players who would rather shoot themselves then give someone else a better chance.
Personally I think the striker signing is probably the hardest to get right this summer. We need someone who is good enough, can challenge/ rotate with Højlund but won't cost the earth. If they are capable of playing in the wide positions as well then that would be a huge bonus as I can't see us signing all the defenders and midfielders we need then signing a ST and a winger. One who I think could be a really smart signing if we can get him for the right price is Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
He's the really good EPL level player, has some room for growth and can play right across the front line. For 40-50m he'd be a really smart signing, unfortunately I doubt we could get him for that price. Openda has had a breakout season at Leipzig, but again would cost a fortune. Jonathan David could be an option, can play across the front line, and might be a little cheaper than some other options. Another who could be an interesting and potentially cheaper option is Terem Moffi from SJR's Nice. He's at that same stage Openda was at last year, done well in Ligue 1, however top clubs aren't quite yet convinced to sign him and he might need a year or two at a stepping stone club before a top side comes in and spends big on him.
Which means we might be able to get him for around 30m this summer, which if he kicks on would be a steal in the current market. But we might need to take more of a gamble on a forward as established ones have a starting price of 50m and EPL proven ones probably starting at 60-70m.
The No.6 position is so key as well as that position unlocks the whole team, they shield the defence, and allow the other midfielders to play to the best of their ability. For me I can't see past Florentino Luis, he'd be expensive, but I don't see a better option out there. His all round game and proven ability in being the foil for midfield partners like Enzo Fernandez and now João Neves makes me think just how good could Mainoo be alongside him.
Athletic, quick, mobile, aggressive, technical, with a top level passing range. For me Florentino is the guy who could get closest to Rodri as the best CDM in the world. 24 years old, 25 at the start of next season, just starting to enter his prime and has a great amount of top level European experience. He could be the guy to guide Kobbie and give him the license to get forward more often, and we've all seen what he can do when he's around the opposition's penalty area.
Dream summer for me probably looks something like Branthwaite, Todibo, Ait-Nouri, Florentino Luis and Bryan Mbeumo.
Three EPL proven players ready to step up a level, plus two great players with a good level of experience and just starting ot enter their prime from the continent.
Rebuilds the defence, solidifies the midfield and offer flexibility and quality in attack. The list might not be flashy as some might like, but all 5 in my opinion massively upgrade us and with a limited chance of them flopping.
4.) 09 Apr 2024 19:27:36
Wallace, I agree that AWB isn't good enough, but I can't see us replacing him this summer. Given that Shaw and Malacia have been out pretty much the entire season and we cannot even be sure they will be back for pre-season means we have to sign a LB this summer. I'd love for Amass to be ready, but as talented as he is I'd be stunned if he really was ready to play EPL football, he's only just turned 17. Literally only a handful of players have ever been ready to play EPL football before they were 18.
Two CB's for me is an absolute must, Branthwaite being my preferred top target, along with someone like Todibo.
5.) 09 Apr 2024 22:35:30
Like I said in an earlier post, new back 4 and a real No6. All of a sudden we’re back in the game.
Our defence is awful - Maguire, AWB, Linekof are all not right for our style of play. Varane is always out, and sadly Martinez is crocked too. Wonder if we played him as our 6 next season?
6.) 10 Apr 2024 00:12:14
Again, 'Varane is always out'. he's our most played CB in the league!
{Ed001's Note - that's not a fair stat to use as it is skewed. You seem to forget that he is the first choice, so he goes straight into the team when fit, while others that you are comparing him with might well sit on the bench for weeks while fully fit and available. How many of his appearances has he actually been fully fit for?}
7.) 10 Apr 2024 02:25:36
Branthwaite, Todibo, Ait-Nouri, Florentino Luis and Bryan Mbeumo.
Plus a backup GK and Frimpong.
Perfect window.
Shappy what do you think the outs will look like?
8.) 10 Apr 2024 03:03:13
Shappy
I'd be shocked if we got Branthwaite, Todibo and Ait-Nouri in one window.
Ait-Nouri will likely cost over £50m, Branthwaite £60-70m, Todibo maybe £40m.
That's a potential outlay of £150-160m in one summer for three defenders, I'd be stunned if that happened.
The consensus is that this summer we'll also need a CDM and a CF - that'll surely be another £100m+.
SJR is expected to bring a level of nous and shrewdness we've been starved of for many years.
I doubt very much that he'd consider paying over £250m on 5 players unless he can raise at least half that figure through sales.
Greenwood and Sancho could be easy sales, Casemiro would be, Rashford could be if PSG were serious.
Like yourself, I'd rather keep Maguire than Lindelof.
I know the latter has a little more finesse, but he's hardly Varane and possesses not a single standout attribute. He also makes Onana look uneasy by staying too close or moving to foolish areas that draw the press because he's scared of receiving the ball under pressure.
Maguire, for all his faults, never goes missing and can occasionally slip into a beast-mode level of physicality that few CBs in the PL could dream of.
Nice optimistic post mate.
9.) 10 Apr 2024 06:03:59
Be good to see how many games Varane finishes too. He can’t be trolled on as the back e if our defence. Time to go.
Ork - I agree if we have to keep one. Ideally I’d ship both out as neither good enough, but Lindelof needs to move to Italy where he’ll have a fine career. He gets bullied in the Premier Leagie, has little pace, and is prone to switch off too many times.
10.) 10 Apr 2024 08:03:09
Lots of good posts all.
It is tough to know who we will bring in as in reality we have potential holes and questions all over the park.
Defence definitely needs addressing in all positions but I doubt we will do that all in one go. CB is key and depending on how Martinez injuries look I expect us to bring in a top end player as well as someone younger with development. I would allow that second player along with Kambawala get some decent minutes next year. Right back can wait, whilst AWB is top quality is his good enough for year 1 of the new rebuild. Left back is more important and we can't go through another seasob like we have done. Shaw/ Malacia need more cover or replacement even if they both stay. Shaw/ Martinez if fit are able to cover the 2 positions so that would be a bonus next year.
Other than that we need Holding midfielder/ second striker as well as right winger depending on what happens with Rashford/ Antony once the hierachy is finalised/ potential new manager.
Probably all too much in one window so get a few key ones done, keep bringing through from the youth, clear out the dead wood and then go again in the next 2 windows.
11.) 10 Apr 2024 08:48:35
I think there is a stat around somewhere that varane and Evan's have been the most available ed. Evan's clearly not first choice these days, although we would have been screwed without him.
McGuire, martinez, lindelof and Shaw have all been unavailable for far more games.
Kambawala I'm not sure, and possibly he was available more but not first choice, as you say.
The real question is McGuire or varane. Often fitness is given as a reason to select McGuire, who over the course of his season has had a pretty good fitness record. Varane is more money, but younger and better and enables a higher line.
The brave choice is get rid of both and bring in the new. Can't see Ineos doing that though!
12.) 10 Apr 2024 11:52:19
Eric, I wouldn’t paly Martinez as a No.6 and I doubt EtH would either as he moved him from midfield to defence because he wasn’t dynamic enough to play in midfield in the Eredivisie. The idea that he’d then be good in the far more dynamic cut and thrust of the EPL midfield seems a bit of a stretch.
Spenno, while Varane isn’t quite at the same level as Phil “the crock” Jones in terms of injuries, he isn’t someone you’d bet your house on being fit and available for all the remaining games this season. He’s also out of contract in the summer and will only stay of he has assurances of being first choice. Which given that he struggles to play 180 minutes a week for a sustained period is just something we can’t promise. Let him go this some and bring in someone who suits how we want to play, is young enough to be a fixture for the next 5 years and someone who’ll be fit most of the time.
Ork, I’d be very surprised if we didn’t sign at least 5 players this summer. We are in the unfortunate position of being in need of players in multiple positions regardless of where we might lack quality. At centre back we will see both Varane and Evans leave on free transfers. Martinez is an injury concern having missed pretty much this entire season and the last couple of months of last season. Which leaves Lindelof and Maguire (neither good enough), both of which could leave this summer, and the young lad Kambwala. We need a minimum of two CB’s this summer and would be surprised if we signed less than two.
We’ve also spent the majority of this season without a special-ist LB, Shaw continues to struggle to stay fit, while Malacia is having an injury nightmare. Neither are guaranteed to be fit and ready for the start of next season, in fact its likely that at least one if not both won’t be fully ready for the start of next season. We will need to bring in a quality LB option.
Casemiro is declining and is our only special-ist defensive midfielder, he also could leave this summer. Therefore, we need at least one signing here, ideally two. I’d expect to see one CDM sign then either Casemiro stays another year, or he leaves and someone like Dan Gore is promoted to be a squad option.
Either way we are now at for signings, and this is before we address the issue of only having one striker in the squad (Martial will be on his bike this summer) . This is actually the hardest area to recruit this summer in my opinion. There are several reasons for this, from the typically high costs of forwards (and our limited budget to sign one), to the fact that there are very few great or even potentially great forwards available making it a very competitive market.
Finally, there is the chance that Bayindir might leave this summer, in which case another back up keeper will be required. This might be the 6th and probably final signing I see us making.
There are arguments that we need to upgrade RB, and they are valid. But I expect we’ll keep Dalot as first choice and AWB as back up next season. Likewise, there are valid arguments that we need another wide player, especially with Sancho and Greenwood almost certain to leave. Yet its highly unlikely we will sell Rashford due to there being no one who can afford him and his wages. He is a conundrum, as on form he is one of the best forwards in the league, we just need to work out how to get him back into form. Garnacho for me has nailed down the right-hand side position as his spot for the next couple of years. Long-term I expect he’ll switch back to the left-hand side, yet currently playing on the right is forcing him to play with his head up more and that is helping develop him into a far more rounded threat. He needs to stay there for at least another season or two. If both are on form, then we have more than good enough first choice wide options. The issue is that the quality in depth is questionable in Antony and Amad. The realistic solution is signing a forward who can primarily be back up for Hojlund, but also a rotation option on both flanks. The only other choice might be playing Mount wide at times (something he’s shown he can do to a high level at Chelsea) .
In terms of raising funds, I think we can easily raise 100m through sales, maybe more depending on who we sell. We will also massively slash the wage bill this summer which will help with PSR. Finally new owners are permitted to make a financial investment into the club in their first year, this can be used on signings if the club want. Which means the new owners have one chance this summer to boost the transfer kitty if they want, which I expect they will.
Utd Road, I think the outs will look a little like this:
Williams, Alvaro Fernandez, Donny, Pellistri, Hannibal, Shoretire, Greenwood and Sancho will all be sold, raising probably around 100m (60-70m for Greenwood and Sancho, 30-40m for the other 6 at around 5-10m each) .
Those eight will be joined by Heaton, Evans, Varane and Martial all leaving on free transfers. While Amrabat’s loan will not be made into a permanent deal.
Which means that’s 13 players leaving, raising around 100m and saving about 78m a year on wages. None bar Varane have played significant minutes or been a real contributor to the club this season.
We then have a list of players who could leave either because they want first team football, or because the club have received decent offers for them.
Bayindir may want to leave to play first team football. If he does it’ll be a minimal fee and the club will have to find a replacement.
I’d expect one of Lindelof or Maguire to leave, but not both. Neither are good enough to be first choice, but both have some qualities as a back up 4th choice CB. Really, it’s a flip of a coin over who stays and who goes. It most likely depends on what offers we receive.
Casemiro could well leave, he is declining and on a massive salary. The club could be caught in a situation where if they don’t sell him this summer and he struggles again next season or even declines further then there won’t be any takers for him in 2025 and the club might be forced to keep him until the end of his contract. He wants to play regular football, and if we buy a first choice No.6 this summer, he will be a back up player to them. SJR has bee outspoken in his criticism of signing Casemiro, which suggests he will be on his way this summer.
Eriksen could leave to play regular football, as could McTominay. Again, I’d expect only one of them to go and not both. This could go either way. Eriksen is technically the better player, yet its McTominay whose had the bigger impact. Eriksen would only raise a nominal fee, whereas McTominay would bring in a decent fee (20-30m maybe) .
Outside chance that Amad pushes to leave, but I’d expect the club to resist a sale given the lack of depth in wide positions.
Players like Antony, Bruno and Rashford who certain sections of the fan base want sold won’t be sold this summer in my opinion. Either because they are just too important (even if not in great form) or because the club will lose too much money, or because they is no interest from clubs wanting to buy them.
So, on top of the 13 leaving (Williams, Alvaro Fernandez, Donny, Pellistri, Hannibal, Shoretire, Greenwood, Sancho, Heaton, Evans, Varane, Martial and Amrabat), I’d imagine Casemiro will leave, maybe bringing in a 20-25m fee maybe. My preference would be for Maguire and McTominay as they would help raise another 40-50m between them, and I feel Lindelof and Eriksen are the better players. Yet I get the feeling it will be Lindelof and Eriksen who leave maybe bringing in 15-20m at most. Which to be fair Maguire and McTominay have contributed more this season, so I wouldn’t be against that. They just have to be squad player’s next season. Amad will stay in my opinion, while Bayindir will leave and be replaced with someone like Patrick Schulte if the current rumours are anything to go by.
13.) 10 Apr 2024 11:52:24
I don’t see why not dodgy. Just depends who the new coach will be and how they may fit into our new style.
Ps I’m fully expecting ETH to go now based on Ed2’s comments. Potter, de Zerbi or Nagelsman it is.
14.) 10 Apr 2024 12:04:14
Varane is out of contract and leaving in the summer DB.
08 Apr 2024 13:47:33
Shappy has written an article entitled, What Does The Manchester United Team Need To Improve
1.) 08 Apr 2024 15:03:19
I've not opened this yet shappy it will be read in a bit but you can write 20 paragraphs on stuff that's not a problem so I'm expecting this to be very long because the subject matter is a very long list. ???I'll enjoy the read later. ?.
2.) 08 Apr 2024 19:16:01
Good post Shappy.
3.) 08 Apr 2024 19:59:47
Shappy - Casemiro looks spent. I don’t know if he’s injured, just not fit enough or if his weaknesses are just being brutally exposed more by a different system in midfield but his mobility and speed look to have sadly deteriorated to a point which has almost become embarrassing for a player of his pedigree and stature.
Players just breeze past him with ease, he can’t run, turn or recover and has resorted to desperate lunging tackles. It’s almost sad to see such a decorated player exposed in such a way. He’s also been very poor in possession as well this season.
With the return of Mount from injury, perhaps we’d benefit from Bruno dropping deeper. He has the tenacity and running capacity to fill the position and his ability on the ball might help us in the build up. I think he’s played deeper on a few occasions and always done pretty well in my opinion.
Whilst by no means a perfect solution, Casemiro just doesn’t look right and Mctominay presents other issues. It would allow Mount and Mainoo to play their more natural positions and asking Bruno, as captain to do a more disciplined job for the team makes sense, rather than an inexperienced youngster or a player new to the Club returning from injury.
Thoughts pal?
4.) 08 Apr 2024 21:12:26
I wouldn't play Bruno deeper as his tendency to play the dangerous pass would potentially lead to turn overs close to our defensive third. It works occasionally but isn't something we should look to do too often.
If I was going to drop another player deeper alongside Casemiro it would be Mainoo as he has the intelligence and ability to play that role even if he lacks the experience.
However, at this point I don't see much point in trying to be pragmatic as there isn't much to play for at this point with UCL football a massive long shot at best. It makes more sense to try to better imbed the preferred playing style.
We just need to sign a better No.6 than Casemiro.
5.) 08 Apr 2024 21:37:56
Think ten Hag’s best shot at hanging onto his job is trying to show there is a positive style and proof of this progress and plan that he assures us exists every week. I’d take any of that over any win or European spot!
6.) 08 Apr 2024 21:56:24
Shappy - I didn’t mention being more pragmatic. I tend to agree with Spenno, we need to see evidence this style of play can work.
If not Bruno then Mainoo needs to drop deeper and Mount come into the midfield. Little point in persisting with Casemiro now in my opinion. He just doesn’t have the fitness, speed or mobility and will likely leave in the summer anyway.
I say let’s see what a more energetic and mobile midfield can do, plus he needs to justify why he spent £60m on Mount.
If EtH he can string a few performances together in the remaining fixtures and evidence this system can work it might just buy him more time.
7.) 09 Apr 2024 14:55:08
DLIB, dropping an extra player into midfield in an attempt to increase defensive stability is definitely a pragmatic move.
It's not a decision born out of being more attacking or to create more chances but to mitigate a weakness and add defensive stability.
We have seen that in build up Mainoo or Dalot has dropped in along side Casemiro making the 3133 into something more like a 3223, then as the ball progresses that player (Mainoo or Dalot) moves further forward so we have more options higher up and the ability to press teams higher and better.
The problem comes when we lose the ball then the opposition evade the initial press and release the ball into the midfield. Now those players who formed the press are behind the ball with just Casemiro left to cover the midfield, often outnumbered.
The only other option is to drop a player into midfield alongside Casemiro all the time, but then that's one less player further forward and it lessens our ability to press high, meaning we will likely have teams be able to attack our midfield more often, and potentially with more players (as more can move forward as we have less players pinning them back) .
So it doesn't necessarily solve our problem defensively, but it would definitely reduce the effectiveness of our high press.
03 Apr 2024 07:39:10
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Concerns about Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
1.) 03 Apr 2024 08:05:51
Your opening statement is garbage. I have a Masters in Psychology. I’ve worked in sports and business in these very topics.
For starters attitude and motivation are completely different psychological constructs. Attitudes can and do change. Some daily. Ask Tory voters from 5 and 10-years ago if you’d like an example. Ask people about their diets and eating habits. Or smoking. An attitude can change immediately based on a life experience or a single well formed argument.
Motivation: it’s the role of the manager to find out what motivates each player individually. SAF was elite level at this. So was Jose in his prime. They could make players feel like they could run through walls. And of course they change. Each of us in our work and family lives experience peaks and troughs. We are motivated by internal and external rewards (and I assume you know what they are) . Finding the right reward for the right player is key. But, and this is a big but, so is knowing when and how to punish for poor work ethic. This is where ETH is floundering and stubborn.
Anyhow Dr. Shappy. By all means have an opinion. But don’t try and sound academic about it when you clearly haven’t got a clue. It weakens your entire premise and changes people’s attitudes towards you.
Did you see what I did there?
2.) 03 Apr 2024 10:26:06
Brd.
I couldn't agree more.
I've been posting about traits I don't like to see in any manager and eth has many.
Without being on the team you can't be exact but there are certain traits that are quite obvious from the outside and you hear bits on the outside too.
3.) 03 Apr 2024 11:33:16
What more motivation would you need than the reward of winning a game of football in front of thousands of people that worship the ground you walk on? Oh yeah, not to mention the £350k a week you're getting paid to do it. £350k a week, to turn up for 90 minutes and put effort in, or at least look like you are.
This is a group of overpaid, primadonnas who have allowed countless managers be held accountable for their performances. If this was any other line of work they would have had their P45s a long time ago.
ETH, love him or hate him has no doubt divided opinion, but I'm sick of seeing the focus be on him constantly whilst the players yet again get let off. Just look at the last 15 posts here and see how many are focused on ETH.
4.) 03 Apr 2024 12:33:37
Some players simply need to go. They either don't fit the way we want to play, or they have shown they only turn it on when they need a contract. The club needs to facilitate the required outs and find some ins that can pull the team out if this mire.
Wonder how many of the squad are demotivated by seeing rashford's performances week in week out yet he still is paid the most in the squad and picked and played everytime.
How many players are frustrated by bruno playing yet another stupid pass when a simple dangerous pass was the best option.
How many are frustrated watching bruno, anthony, rashford shooting from 30 yards through traffic rather than trying to create a chance for hoylund.
Unfortunately I don't see a big clear out in the summer. So we will be the same misfit squad next year. Some manager (eth or new one) will have a lofty expectation placed on their shoulders when the squad does not match that ambition.
It is a long way back to the top.
5.) 03 Apr 2024 12:57:22
Kurtis.
Nobody I've read is giving the players a pass. I think you are so steadfast in your loathing of some players that you give the manager a pass. If you think eth is blameless for our plight I'm surprised
Everybody needs motivation. The money has little to do with it in most cases.
6.) 03 Apr 2024 13:38:37
Kurtis, you're right about the players but ETH keeps picking them.
7.) 03 Apr 2024 13:48:04
Tumble - I think those that support EtH also accept he’s not perfect or blameless but several players have now consistently under performed for different managers and the same problems are still occurring.
I think EtH was on the right lines, he wanted to sell the likes of Maguire, Mctominay, Martial, AwB etc he has also dealt with Sancho but they all still remain at the Club. It’s hard to progress and succeed when you are forced to use players that don’t fit your system or the direction you want to take.
Whilst I don’t speak for all those that went to give EtH more time, my fear is that if another manager is appointed all these players will get yet another chance.
We know Maguire can’t play a high line, we know AWB is poor in possession, we know Mctominay is also poor is possession and can’t control the midfield. A new manager is not suddenly going to change this.
The new CEO does not start until the summer and the DoF has still not been appointed. Who is going to make the decision? EtH may ultimately lose his job, I accept he’s far from perfect but I’d like the footballing structure in place first and the experts to make the decision.
I fear appointing a new manager now may cause more harm than good. There are no obvious candidates and the thought of Southgate or Potter fill me with dread.
If we accept the rebuild may take some time why not get the experts in place first and let them review the situation and make the decisions. I think most people are only saying give him another year.
I fully accept all teams suffer from injury but we have a poor, unbalanced squad and have suffered long term injuries to key players. I’m convinced that without all the injuries we’d have finished in the top 4 again.
If the EtH outers have a replacement in mind, I’m all for listening to a reasonable and articulate argument, but without the footballing structure in place I don’t trust the Club to make the right decision.
8.) 03 Apr 2024 14:22:29
Agreed DLIB, he is far from perfect, no good manager is. A very balanced post again.
We must look beyond the manager and go to the core, to the structure, the players, and the injuries to top it all off have been atrocious.
Another good manager, that will unfortunately fall on a poorly ran clubs sword. Scratch that, a terrible club.
9.) 03 Apr 2024 14:40:34
Wow angel you were pro sacking ole Pro sacking Jose Pro sacking lvg.
Who was the good manager you supported moyes?
I understand he has done pretty much as well as eth since eth came to England but is moyes the guy you think should have been given more time? Is he the good manager your refer to?
You wanted the others fired so it can only be moyes.
If you think it's an awful club why bother?
Manchester United is not an terrible club its a great club.
10.) 03 Apr 2024 14:46:12
Plenty of studies have been done on the motivation of money. It’s the most short lived motivator there is. And can be very clearly seen in sqids such as ours. Very highly paid, underperforming jokers.
11.) 03 Apr 2024 16:37:24
Tumble - I don’t want to speak for Angelred, but maybe like me and some others he has learnt over the years that maybe the manager is not the problem.
Several players have consistently demonstrated poor or inconsistent form, a poor attitude and a lack of hunger, motivation and/ or desire. This despite the appointment of several different managers. There is nothing wrong with getting to the point when debating if sacking yet another manager whilst retaining many of the same underperforming players is the solution.
Fan opinion is often vilified, but like many others I have watched and absorbed every Utd game for the past 40 years. I watch any football that’s on the Tv. I read articles, forums, books, listen to podcasts. Whilst I don’t claim to be any kind of expert, I think many fan opinion and knowledge of the Club is often far more valid that some journalists or pundits that don’t watch Utd on a regular basis.
Reports suggest Utd now intend to keep a lot of players EtH was willing to let go last summer with the futures of Maguire, Mctominay, AWB, amongst others still undecided. The same reports also suggest that the Club have no intention of selling the likes of Bruno or even Rashford. There is talk of a new contract for Mctominay.
We’ve seen years of Rashford struggling against a low block, we’ve discussed at length his inconsistent form and seemingly poor attitude or body language. We’ve all seen Bruno continually surrender possession. We all know Maguire lacks pace and has mobility issues. Mctominay is not a dominant, ball playing midfielder. I could go on and on. A lot of these players are only suited to one brand of football. Sit deep and counter attack.
My question to Ineos or any Utd fan that’s wants to see the back of EtH, if all the same players are retained, EtH is sacked, how can we expect to progress and evolve the style of football no matter who the manager?
I think we now have enough evidence to suggest this is not a coaching issue and a lot of these players are simply not good enough or have the correct mentality for the Club to challenge for the top honours.
12.) 03 Apr 2024 16:49:06
Squids? Eric itz bad enough having players with 2 bad feet ??.
13.) 03 Apr 2024 17:57:05
Dlib who says all the players are being retained?
Where have you seen that? I'm confused as to why you think that's the plan?
14.) 03 Apr 2024 18:02:46
Dlib it very much is a coaching issue.
I'm not sure what evidence you have that says there is no coaching issue.
After 4 years of eth coaching Anthony is doing what exactly?
Now we have rashford and garnacho doing e a try what Anthony does.
What is Bruno's role?
Why is our midfield so open? Why do we concede so many shots?
Why do we score so few goals?
If that's nothing to do with coaching I'm not sure that you know what a coaches responsibilities are.
15.) 03 Apr 2024 18:41:29
Evidence Tumble, evidence. Whenever a new manager is appointed all the underperforming players have been given another chance, plus reports in the media suggesting players will be retained. Ok, if you don’t want head the lessons of the past let’s just see what happens if EtH is sacked, we’ll soon have the answer if that happens.
I don’t think you understand what coaching is? If managers could magically make players better then Pep or Klopp could win the premier league with a bunch of amateurs. They couldn’t even win the league with this bunch of Utd players.
Managers can have a massive impact on teams, I’m not diminishing their importance, they implement tactics, organise the team, provide inspiration and motivation but they don’t magically transfer average players into superstars.
Generally teams consistently improve by recruiting better players.
EtH hasn’t been able to consistently pick his best side. His most important players have been missing for most of the season. Look what happened to Liverpool when they had an injury crisis last year. If it was all down to coaching what happened to them?
My point remains several of these players have underperformed for different managers, we’ve had long term injuries to important first team players, a lot of the players are simply not good enough and that’s been proven over a number of years. Let’s move on now!
16.) 03 Apr 2024 22:52:04
Shappy. I want to pick up on something from your toilet paper gossip column worthy literature.
You wrote the following.
Some players are driven to success because they are chasing glory and sporting immortality. They want their names to be remembered. Other see it as a way out of poverty and their only chance to build a better life. You need the former to be successful, the latter will lose determination once they get their big contract, for them football is a job, and like the vast majority of people they will do just enough and no more.
Tell that to players such as Sadio Mane.
Sure there are a few out there who fall into this category, but 'the vast majority's is a bit wide of the mark.
17.) 04 Apr 2024 12:50:42
Jimbo, so are you suggesting that Saido Mane was only in it for the money and not for the glory?
Sure he used football as a way out of poverty, but his choices during his career suggest there was something other than pure money in his thinking.
He had other more lucrative offers when he chose to join Liverpool, but he wanted to go to a team he believed could win titles.
When he left Liverpool he had the option to go to Saudi and earn a ridiculous amount of money, but chose to join Bayern Munich instead for less money. Probably because he felt he had more time in his career and he wanted to stay at the top and try and win major titles.
To me that suggests that he has a drive to succeed and be the best he can be, to make a name for himself and play for glory.
Sure it's a bit more nuanced than the slightly more reductive glory/ money split I've suggested. But broadly speaking most players will fit predominantly into one of the two categories. They either became footballers for the glory, for their names to be held in the same company as the greatest players, to win titles and become immortal for the fans they represent. Or they want the footballers lifestyle, they want the money and the fame, maybe they want to get their family out of poverty, maybe they just want the big house, flash cars and young women.
I don't judge them, it's their life and what is important to them is their business. Just obviously as a Manchester United supporter I'd prefer the majority of the players in our squad are from the former category rather than the later.
18.) 04 Apr 2024 13:34:55
No need to be rude Jimbo.
19.) 04 Apr 2024 13:41:34
DLIB, I don't anyone expects ETH to turn average players into superstars but like you say we should at least to expect to see some evidence of tactics, organisation and motivation, plus maybe some improvement of some players.
As it is we see none of these things. The team is a disorganised mess with no obvious way of playing. Certain players are totally unmotivated and only a couple of players show any sign of improvement.
On top of all that ETH continually picks players who are obvious liabilities.
I'm not expecting mircles but I see zero signs of anything you would expect from a half decent coach.
20.) 04 Apr 2024 13:52:00
Dilb that's exactly what good managers do. Turn players into great posters.
21.) 04 Apr 2024 19:34:43
No shappy, you've stated one or the other. I'm saying Mane falls into both categories.
I used to think your ridiculously long posts were worthy of my time, however they are now becoming more nonsensical as the days run on.
02 Apr 2024 15:46:44
Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Concerns about EtH at Man Utd
1.) 03 Apr 2024 01:37:26
I asked a psychologist and they said you were talking nonsense. Stopped reading after that.
2.) 03 Apr 2024 10:53:46
They'd have been right reseven absolute hogwash.
I've employed enough of them corporately and visited enough of them personally to know that there is hardly an element of truth in that article and it was written by somebody that doesn't understand the basic principles of psychology.
17 Apr 2024 21:37:00
Fans on here change their mind more often then they change their saggy, stained Y-fronts.
Pretty sure under Ole very few fans were giving him any credit for keeping the players happy, or being easy to get along with.
In fact I'm pretty sure most wanted a manager who would "put a rocket up the players behind", be demanding and not want to be the players friend. A disciplinarian who'd set high standards, and punish players for being late, or disrespectful.
We get that in EtH, and suddenly "he's not easy to get along with", "players don't like him", etc.
15 Apr 2024 14:04:32
Angel, it's hilarious. Rumours that he can be "difficult" to get along with surface and the a couple of weeks later some sections of the fanbase are suggesting we've hired Rain man to manage us ???.
14 Apr 2024 15:58:05
Frimpong has had a phenomenal year at Leverkusen absolutely no doubt about it. However, I've often said a big problem with our recruitment is we sign players who are playing well in a totally different tactical set up to what we play.
Frimpong is a talented player without a doubt, but his current form is only possible because he is playing in a system that maximises his strengths and minimises hie weaknesses.
The 343 system suits him perfectly as it gives him the extra player in defence to cover his defensive shortcomings, while the front three means he's able to double up with the wide forward (Wirtz) to find space on either the over or underlap.
Unless we are hiring a manager who will employ a 343 type formation then it seems foolish to sign a player who has only ever thrived in that sort of team set up.
14 Apr 2024 12:18:29
The dressing room is too big, has too many players, and has too many cliques.
It's impossible for any manager to keep a group of players this big and disjointed together and pushing in the same direction. While the going is good it works. But the moment things get tough this squad turns on itself and they eat eachother.
I don't think it's possible to have 36 first team players and to not have a group of them dislike or become disenchanted with the manager as simple there there too many players to get regular minutes. Meaning there is always a core group of players who don't play regularly and as such won't buy into the manager or his tactics.
They will be the first ones to turn on the manager when things get tough as they never really bought into him in the first place.
You then have those who are regulars in the first team but who have close friends or are in cliques with players who aren't. Players who maybe have fallen out with the manager.
For example is it a coincidence that Rashford's form went completely out the window around the same time that Sancho (a close friend) had a very public fallout with the manager?
It could be a coincidence or it could be linked.
The same happened when Jose turned on Shaw, the form of several of the players close to Shaw dropped.
These players who have torn loyalties between the manager and friends who don't like the manager will be the next to turn against him.
Then there are the ones who have no particular strong feelings either way, but they tend to go with the crowd as they have no reason to fight against it.
This tends to leave the manager with a few close loyalists, often the players they have brought with them or have worked with before.
But by this point it isn't enough to save them, they don't have enough players to put out a team that is truly playing for them.
12 Apr 2024 22:09:50
RedGuard, that to me makes the most sense. It gives EtH a chance, which I think he deserves.
While it means the club don't have to pay him any compensation for sacking him.
That the new structure is in place to be able to fully assess the club and what they need to do. While also giving them the time to plan it.
While if the intention is to make "club signings" this summer and going forward then it really doesn't make a massive difference in terms to rebuilding the squad. As it's not as if they would be buying players for EtH this summers, only for him to leave a year later.
We are all impatient, and want to see change happen ASAP. But it's more important that we make the right decisions rather than just jumping the gun to make any changes.
The club could sack EtH this summer, pay him 8m compensation, then hire the wrong guy and need to sack him next year and pay out even more compensation.
Until people like Ashworth, Wilcox and Berrada are all in place, have had time to assess the club, decide what needs doing, create that plan and have the resources in place to start acting it out, then nothing should be done. As simply put it could very easily be the wrong step.
17 Apr 2024 21:46:19
Option 2 for me. Blooding youth is not just throwing them in. Play too many and they get a thumping and it could impact them mentally, while you might see sections of the fanbase start to write them off.
We need a pretty substantial rebuild this summer, and that cost money. We need to finish as high as possible to make sure we are in the best position both financially, but also to make us as attractive a club to sign for/ work with as possible.
Imagine we give a loads of youth game time and they had a few bad results 4 or 5 nil thumpings. A few of them who aren't emotionally mature enough take a massive hit to their confidence and never recover from it.
We finish 11th or 12th, which restricts us financially, we struggle to get our first or even second choice signings who go to teams playing in Europe. We sack EtH obviously, only to find none of the best young managers want to manage us and we get stuck with Southgate as the only option.
15 Apr 2024 14:30:28
Mainoo, Garnacho and Højlund are the only one's I'd say definitely have a long term future at our club.
You then have players like Onana, Dalot, Martinez and Mount who I think probably have a long term future at the club, but due to varying issues from poor form, injury and question marks on where or how they fit in the team, means that they aren't dead certainties for me. Although all should be kept for the next couple of seasons or so.
You then have Rashford, Bruno and Shaw. Players who can be key players, but have either struggled for form or injury. These three should be kept for now, but very much next season should see them playing for their futures. Bruno turns 30 at the start of next season, so isn't a long term option. While Shaw turns 29 this summer and is likely to soon start to decline due to his game relying on his physical traits, they are also likely to decline earlier due to his injuries. So he isn't a long term option. Rashford could be here longer, but that might be because we can't find someone to take on his wages more than due to his performances and impact on the team. Although if he can get his head straight and back to his best form he can be one of the best forwards in the league.
That's 10 players who should be here next season, with 3 of them probably playing for their futures.
The rest need to be shipped out over the next couple of summers. Players like AWB, Maguire, McTominay and Antony will probably get a stay of execution as we can't shift everyone and while none of them are good enough, they can at least contribute to the side as squad options. Players like Amad and Malacia also probably stay yo see if they can get fit and prove themselves to be useful either at first choice or squad options.
That's another 6 taking it to 16 who should form part of the squad next season.
Everyone else should be moved on if a club can be found for them. Not all will, but we need to move as many of them as possible.
15 Apr 2024 14:15:26
It seems like a non-story to me. A 19 year old lad has probably in the heat of the moment let his frustration get the better of him, and committed the grievous crime of "liking" a tweet or two that criticised the manager he was frustrated with.
He's then calmed down, probably had someone have a word with him and removed the likes.
Has he apologised? I dunno, I expect he probably has. But frankly that's between him and the manager.
It's typical media making a mountain out of a mole hill. Unfortunately I expect we'll have to endure plenty of these kinds of reports over the next month or two. The media smell blood in the water and know any stories about United are a sure fire hit. Making them their money, regardless of whether the story has any truth in it at all.
The Sancho situation was completely different. Sancho publicly criticised the manager and called him a lair, refused to remove the posted message, and refused to apologise.
Not only was Sancho's initially digression far worse as it was a public statement made with intent and in his own words, as opposed to simply liking something someone else posted. It was his subsequent actions that made the situation untenable. While Sancho was also a 24 year old man with far more life experience and should be far more grown up than the 19 year old Garnacho.
Expect these rumours to be a near daily thing, certainly after every game we fail to win, between now and when the decision to remove EtH is made official.
14 Apr 2024 12:52:16
Ork, I agree he needs game time. The question is where that will be most beneficial for him.
Players like Garner and Mengi stagnated because we kept them for a season and they hardly got a kick.
Both players needed to go out on loan as we had too bloated a squad to be able to give them the number of minutes they need.
I'm all for keeping Kambwala here next season as long as it's either as a first choice or at most a 3rd choice option at CB.
That means he has to play at least 1000-1400 minutes of football next season. If he doesn't play that many at a bare minimum then we will be restricting his ability to develop and reach his potential.
I want him to be a success, to do that he needs to play.
If we keep him in the squad as 4th/ 5th choice and he only plays 300 minutes of football then we will be ruining his chances of maximising his potential.
He's at a key age, physically he looks ready to play men's football. He clearly has the talent and skills to be successful at the highest level. Now he needs to play to show he has the mentality to cope with the demands and have the opportunity to make the mistakes he needs to make to learn how to play his position to an elite level.
Without that game time the mistakes he made yesterday will stay in his game and he won't be able to iron them out.
Keeping him and playing him regularly next season means accepting he will make mistakes. Mistakes that will cost us points and ultimately might be the difference between finishing in a UCL or a Europa league place next season.
That's all part of the parcel of developing young players. They cost you points at times during a season, or they make the mistake that gets you knocked out of a cup. Hopefully they learn from it and become better players because of it.
Garnacho for example has just as much potential this season as he had last season. Yet it's the consistency of minutes that have seen him rapidly develop from a impact sub last season to a player who can consistently perform across the whole 90 minutes this season. Although I also feel a change in position from left to right has forced him to play with his head up more, adding greater variety to his game. He certainly has a better impact on the team when he plays on the right compared to the left.
If we want to see Kambwala have a similar development trajectory to Garnacho and Mainoo then he needs to play a similar number of minutes. It's that simple.
A pathway into the first team isn't always about just throwing out those players who aren't good enough and chucking a youngster into the squad in their place.
It's about carefully planning the best route for a player to develop to the point where they can regularly play in the first 11 to the standard required.
For Kambwala that might mean a loan next season to a carefully selected club where he'll play most weeks and ideally in a similar style to what our first team will play. Helping him develop the skills and understanding needed to play the way the first team will need him to play. While he's on loan that probably means keeping one or even both of Lindelof and Maguire to be that 4th/ 5th choice option next season.
They can be the ones to play 300-500 minutes for United across the season, while Kambwala plays 2000-2500 minutes elsewhere. Giving him the game time he needs to develop and be ready to hopefully come back to the club and be the replacement for Lindelof/ Maguire for the 2025/ 26 season and push to be the first sub/ rotation option at CB or even push to be first choice.
I think the game yesterday highlighted that he needs more game time a development to be ready to play regularly for the first team to the level and consistency required.
If he's going to struggle and make simple mistakes against a midfield table side like Bournemouth, then he will likely cost us too many goals to be a regular starter next season.
We need to be realistic about how and when he will be ready for us, we then need to plan a pathway for him that means he will get his chances when he's ready to be step up and be a regular starter.
He also has it a little against him compared to the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo in that they can make mistakes without it likely leading to us conceding a goal. Kambwala doesn't have that luxury, which is why I think he needs a loan next season. Let him play somewhere where he can make these mistakes and learn from them, so that when he comes back those are mostly ironed out of his game and he's ready to compete for a regular first team spot.
There are few fans on here who are a bigger supporter of youth at our club than me. Ideally my dream would be to have the capability to field a first 11 of academy players, all of which are good enough to be first choice in a title winning team.
However, I appreciate that for them to succeed that they all need a personalised pathway to progress into the first team. That there needs to be a balance between creating space for the youth to get chances, but also have a squad capable of challenging on all fronts so that when the youth players get a chance, they have quality players around them to learn from and to support and carry them at times through a game so they can develop.
It's a balancing act underpinned by a desire to develop young players along with an understanding of how to give them the space and opportunities to grow.
14 Apr 2024 12:07:38
Fizz, I think EtH is potentially the best manager we have had post SAF. Or at least the best potential fit for our club.
Yet the way the club has been run top to bottom has made managing our club an impossible task.
Competing at the highest level is hard enough when you have a well run club, it's simply not possible with a badly run club. Certainly not in the competitive environment that is the EPL. Too much money and too many other clubs ready to pounce if you drop your level even by a few percent.
The players are a problem, but I don't entirely blame them. I'm sure they aren't playing badly or lacking motivation because they want the club or the manager at least to fail. They are professional sportsmen, they are super competitive by nature. It's not possible to become a professional footballer without that competitive desire.
I do however believe it's not impossible to lose that drive in the wrong environment. To become too comfortable, unchallenged, and devoid of that fire in your belly.
Do we give the players too much, too soon? Yeah, almost certainly. Big contracts handed out like candy in the playground.
While the clubs decision to hoard players, to not let those who aren't good enough leave (or push them out), means the managers have had to deal with having too many players and not enough time to focus on developing them or a team identity.
Anyone whose tried teaching will tell you, explaining an idea or theory to 10 people and getting them to have a clear understanding of it is far easier than trying to do so with 30 people.
The bloated squad will therefore make it harder for the manager to get his ideas across clearly, and limit his time with each player individually to help them gain a greater understanding of their role within the team. What they need to improve on and how they can do it.
It is also much harder to create a strong team mentality in a bloated squad. Too many players who are on the periphery of the team, knowing they will get limited chances and become demotivated. That sees a drop in the level they train at, which means the first team players are not being pushed as much in training. Which limits their ability to be pushed into peak form.
You then have your little cliques forming, maybe by nationality or common spoken language or culture, or maybe their role in the squad, or due to personality and shared interests. It's impossible to create a strong team dynamic when there are groups within your group. It brings into question where your loyalties lie. Who do you back when you have to choose between the good of the team and one of your mates from your clique?
Has Rashford for example been adversely impacted by the Sancho debacle? Who does he support in that situation? The manager and the team, or his friend?
All the best (certainly the most successful managers) tend to want to work with a smaller group. Jose said he wanted 20 outfield players and 3 goalkeepers. Pep and Klopp have strong squads, but not massive ones. Arteta reduced the size of the Arsenal squad during his time at the club, making it smaller but with higher quality.
You then also have the issue that we have a disjointed squad. I refer to it as the Frankenstein squad, made up of different parts from different managers. There is no clear coherent theme or style of player, making is particularly difficult to choose a style of play that will get the best out of the players we have.
There is no manager in existence who could make this group of players successful under the circumstances that they would find at our club.
There are too many problems, no support from above, and no plan or vision to work towards.
In my opinion EtH has done the best job of keeping the plates spinning under the circumstances he has faced. Is he a perfect manager? Absolutely not, he has his flaws just like any manager.
SAF was probably our best ever manager, yet he still had flaws. He was tactically limited, and would rely heavily on his revolting door of assistant managers to bring in new ideas and help evolve the team to suit the changing game. He could be too outspoken at times, and picked fights he shouldn't have. Such as the one that opened the door to the Glazers buying the club. He also made mistakes by allowing personal opinions to dictate decisions too much. Like giving chances to academy players who signed up to his son's agency, or falling out with certain agents, meaning we couldn't get deals done for their clients, or throwing out members of the media from press conferences leading to an increase in negative media stories around the club.
No one is perfect, even the best. It's about finding the right fit and having the foresight and drive to put into place plans to mitigate those weaknesses or potential flaws.
Like hiring tactically intelligent coaches to support a manager who isn't as tactically knowledgeable.
Or having a clear hiring structure that doesn't give the manager too much power.
Or having someone acting as the bridge between the academy and the first team, someone who can help the club create pathways for the young players to get into the first team.
All of these things are what the new owners are trying to put into place at the club. Highlighting how lacking the club has been in being able to support a manager and create an environment where they can succeed.
EtH has been given too much sway in our signings, possibly because he was aware of the club's poor recruitment and he didn't want to be saddled with players who he didn't want. He isn't an expert in terms of recruitment, it's not a strength of his, yet it's something he has had to do because the structure at the club doesn't support the manager with a good and consistent recruitment plan.
Personally I'd like to see EtH be given a chance with a well set up club. A club that supports him and gives him the chance to succeed.
However, that can only happen if both the manager and the club are willing to work together with a new structure in place.
While there is also a tipping point, a moment where too much water has passed under the bridge and the club and the manager will need a clean break.
A point where too much has happened and it is no longer recoverable for a manager. Maybe too many bridges have been burned, or he is perceived as being undermined and not in control by the players. At that point it becomes too big a task, probably an impossible task to get things turned around and going in the right direction.
Maybe that point has been reached with EtH, if it hasn't yet it feels like it is coming soon.
While I don't want him to fail, and I am certainly not enthusiastic about the potential replacements mooted, if he has or does reach that point then it is best we part ways sooner rather than later.
I think with the right set up and support around him EtH will be a very successful manager. That maybe here, but is looking more likely that it will have to be somewhere else. His style of play and his personality to me suggests that Germany and the Bundesliga might be the best fit for him. Somewhere where a high pressing, transitional game is commonly used and understood by the players. While players due to the culture tend to need less mollycoddling.
I'm still supporting the manager and not calling for his head. But I'm starting to see signs that this might well be the end of the road.