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12 Aug 2024 21:24:10
Sander Berge left out of Burnley's squad for their first game of the season this evening.
Seems to suggest that there is something in the rumours of him leaving. Will it be to ourselves, or to someone else?
1.) 12 Aug 2024 22:06:16
He’s also missed most of pre season with the same injury that kept him out of tonight. Nice try Shappy!
2.) 13 Aug 2024 07:53:27
Romanoesque!
3.) 13 Aug 2024 08:58:48
Be a shame to not keep the trend of signing injury prone players going!
4.) 13 Aug 2024 11:45:59
Wazza, where did you hear he is injured, I've scoured the internet and not found any mention of him being injured. The Burnley manager didn't mention him as being out injured.
5.) 13 Aug 2024 12:47:50
He has not played any pre season due to injury so was not considered last night and it was reported at the match last night that he was left out due to that reasoning.
6.) 13 Aug 2024 12:50:09
Shappy, Parker said so, and confirmed it's what has kept him out of some pre-season fixtures.
You can't have Googled too long as it's the first thing that comes up when searching Sander Berge injury.
"He picked up an injury in Spain. He had a bit of discomfort in his quad. It's not a big injury, it's quite a small injury to be honest with you. "
Nice clickbait though!
7.) 13 Aug 2024 13:33:59
Wazza to be fair I searched last night and that article you've quoted was published at midday today, 15 minutes AFTER I posted saying I hadn't seen anything to say he was injured.
From what I read he was expected to be in the squad and wasn't, which seemed suspicious. As it was he is injured, so that's that then.
12 Jul 2024 18:16:32
Sancho back at the club and training with the first team.
Apparently talks between Sancho and EtH have taken place and they've agreed to draw a line under the situation.
He will now be available to take part in pre-season games.
Is this a case that Sancho has realised his options weren't as good as he thought?
Or is this the player and the club doing what is needed to push up the offers to facilitate his move away.
I guess we'll see what happens over the next couple of months.
1.) 12 Jul 2024 19:28:08
If true, my opinion of ETH has gone up a little. Sancho still has a long way to go.
2.) 12 Jul 2024 19:55:26
Or sancho has realised this board ain’t getting rid of another manager for players and he’s having to knuckle down
Still hope he’s gone tho.
3.) 12 Jul 2024 20:02:32
2 adults in a room, having a chat.
It's surely a bit of both, no offers and ETH drawing a line, giving a clean slate to align with the current mood of the club. Everything is new.
I hope he can put his head down and make the best of his second chance at the club.
4.) 12 Jul 2024 20:08:07
Hopefully just the club strengthening their position, and Sancho isn’t smart enough to be any the wiser.
5.) 12 Jul 2024 21:17:13
Well this is interesting. People can and do have the right to change their minds. He’s better than Antony who Ed said was available for transfer, and with Greenwood on the way out and likely Pellestri too, makes sense for him and Amad to compete.
Plus he can play 10. Why not let bygones be bygones. If he wants to come back and show the form he shows in Dortimund then awesome for both parties.
6.) 12 Jul 2024 21:41:06
I’m in the get rid camp. Glad they’ve come to an amicable cease fire, but a Leopard doesn’t change its spots and he’s still the petulant kid that fell out with the boss in the first place.
7.) 12 Jul 2024 23:45:46
I would suspect that the big boys “suggested” that ETH needed to sort it out between them both as well as Sancho realising he was damaging his chances.
I am also in the out basket.
8.) 13 Jul 2024 06:24:10
I don't really care about the detail of what has happened and him being back and no issues with it. The realty is he has been poor for us even before the spat under previous managers barring the odd game and not sure he can cut it at united and hence selling him would be ideal.
9.) 13 Jul 2024 06:54:52
Agreed Ahmad.
Beyond what happened, he’s not very good and needs to be moved on.
The laziness and ego are part of his personality, people don’t change.
10.) 13 Jul 2024 07:10:46
As Ahmad said he has been at the club three years now, hasn't set the world alight has he?
Maybe the wages are putting people off, clearly he has the ability and mentality as we saw at Dortmund, unfortunately the consistency might never be there and he is destined to sit the last few years of his contract out at United.
I guess this doesn't help our PSR and getting some of the big wage earners out.
{Ed001's Note - when was this fabled Sancho ability shown at Dortmund? If people had actually watched him play, instead of reading his PR bull, they would have known he was terrible there except when coming on very late as a sub. Even then, it was more down to rank amateur defending that he got decent stats. He is so far up his own backside that he can lick his own tonsils and will not achieve anything until he grows up.}
11.) 13 Jul 2024 09:20:52
Absolutely spot on Ed001. People saw highlights of that game against PSG and couldn’t see past it. He was no good for Dortmund, couldn’t hold down a starting place, and his G&A numbers were as poor there as they’ve been for us. That’s without mentioning his attitude and mentality.
The last headline I read started “England International Jadon Sancho…”. PR nonsense.
12.) 13 Jul 2024 09:44:51
I will still be surprised to see Sanchi still with the club once the window shuts.
However this allows for him to show what he can do in pre season, see whether he can reintegrate with the new coaching structure.
Would not be surprised if he still moves late in the window.
13.) 13 Jul 2024 10:11:47
We dropped a bomb buying him, and now we are paying for it, no one will pay the money we want or the wages either so to get rid we are still going to end up subsidising his wages.
Not surprised they made up, there wasn't really a choice, it doesn't look good on Sancho but neither does it on United. I rather suspect that's all parties are working together to find a solution that will involve him playing elsewhere next year.
14.) 13 Jul 2024 10:19:39
Absolutely bang on the money Ed001. Bang on it. Get rid asap.
15.) 13 Jul 2024 21:34:15
Get rid. Bad attitude and not good enough anyway. Not worth the hassle.
16.) 14 Jul 2024 07:25:17
Ed 1 is totally correct here. It’s total PR spin, because even though I know he’s not a great player, and all my Cory fan mates say the same, my mind still thinks he should get a (yet another) chance. It’s brainwashing. He’s done nothing positive of note since he joined the club, and Italian and German leagues are far more suitable for him than the rigours of the Premier League.
Being him back, get him training and fit, sell him for maximum value. Smart move by the club.
If he does stay, he now has to win back over the fans too who frankly want rid.
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.
Shappy's banter posts with other poster's replies to Shappy's banter posts
15 Aug 2026 10:52:57
Let's mix things up a little from the transfer talk and discuss how this team that Carrick is building might actually look/play on a regular basis.
For example, lots of us (myself included) feel we need another midfielder, but who should be out starting midfield and why?
I get that it's a squad game, but ultimately a regular first 11 always emerges with them playing 80-90% of the time (certainly in the meaningful games when available).
So we currently have Mainoo, Tielemans, Santos, and Mount (technically we have Ugarte but he will be out for most of the season).
For me the only one I think will be almost nailed on to start regularly is Andrey Santos. Which given that Tielemans is such a big signing for us and Mainoo is our star midfielder might seem a little odd. Yet for me he is the one who has a totally unique skillset that cannot be replicated or covered for by the the others.
He alone is a natural No.6, a defensive midfielder who can shield the back four and play out consistently from the back. He is also the only one who you can't question his mobility and work rate. Without him I think every other possible combination looks a little lightweight, and lacking natural defensive awareness.
Which means our midfield will likely depend on who we pair with him, will it be Mainoo or Tielemans.
Obviously both will play, but who will start more often than not?
Most of us who want another midfielder signed also wanted Mainoo to be starting more last season. Yet even without another signing it looks like Mainoo will face a tougher fight for first team football this season.
Personally I'm torn, I want to see Mainoo play, but I know that right now Tielemans is the better player of the two, and why sign a 29 year old in their peak only to bench them for a 21 year old. Also is it sensible to have a midfield made up of a 22 and 21 year old, especially if we are likely to have at least one 20/19 year old at CB behind them. That's a real lack of experience right through the spine (especially when you consider that Lammens only has one season of top level league experience, and Sesko is going to be the starting striker).
So who do you think will be the regular starting midfield duo, and why?
1.) 15 Aug 2026 12:44:28
Good question. Mainoo is no doubt talented, he really, really needs to increase his defensive output, he's bottom 40% for duels won and possession won. He's bottom 20% for progressive passes completed.
You would imagine it will be Santos and one of Tielemans or Mainoo, depending on the opposition.
Santos and Tielemans are much more balanced, and we are, however, lacking a left-footed midfielder.
I like the idea of Lewis-Skelly coming in, he's got everything we need. I'm not sure the club will spend that kind of money though.
2.) 15 Aug 2026 13:13:27
The advantage of Lewis-Skelly would be he kills two birds with one stone, covering both midfield and left-back.
But, he'd be an expensive addition to be a modern-day John O'Shea.
3.) 15 Aug 2026 14:05:57
Only 3 Arsenal players started 80% of their games last season.
Most players don't start more than 40 games a season.
11 Aug 2026 14:14:21
What do people make of the rumours of Myles Lewis-Skelly being offered to both us and Chelsea?
Personally I'd snap Arsenal's hand off at the chance to sign him.
1.) 11 Aug 2026 15:47:45
I'm a bit dubious of a rival offering us a player of theirs. I know we are nowhere near their level at the minute, but why are they offloading so easily to us at what will be a hefty price?
Also, is he that good? I think we need to be looking at those players ready to take the step up, not fall down a bracket.
I tell you who looks pretty decent. Young lad at Newcastle named Lewis Hall. Reckon if we act fast could get in there before Newcastle get some money in and have time to replace him. ?
I do like the idea of Seys, though. Hopefully will be another Lemmens and will have him to help settle whilst challenging with Shaw.
2.) 11 Aug 2026 16:42:18
I like Lewis Skelly. He's a young lad, and we don't know how high his ceiling is.
But I also agree on Hall. I'd pay whatever they want (within reason). He is excellent, and could be here for 10 plus years.
It does seem we are looking for value for money, and are not prepared to pay big bucks, even for the really good players.
3.) 11 Aug 2026 18:16:19
Lewis Hall would undoubtedly be a great signing, but who would be the better signing?
Hall for 80m or Lewis-Skelly for 40m plus 5m in add ons?
Is there that much between them? Both homegrown, both comfortable playing LB or CM, both young, with a lot of potential. On one hand, you could argue that Hall has a stronger grip on his first team place at Newcastle, but, on the other, Lewis-Skelly is younger and has held down a place at a title winning club, and started in the UCL final.
Hall also has a slightly sketchy injury history, while Lewis-Skelly has practically never been injured.
I'd say it's very close between the two of them, and for me there isn't an outright winner. So, it might come down to which one is more achievable this summer. Also, if they are so closely matched, can you really justify spending significantly more on one than the other?
4.) 11 Aug 2026 18:16:36
Don't see us paying what Arsenal will want for one of their rejects. They also have a lot of games and a big squad. If he's not good enough to make it as an alternative in any position, they can't rate him that highly.
5.) 11 Aug 2026 19:25:21
Lewis Shelly solves Lb and 4th CM.
Very sensible signing.
Any question marks on his personality? Does he only want to play CM?
6.) 11 Aug 2026 21:06:55
Dare I suggest a swap deal with Rashford......
7.) 11 Aug 2026 21:11:03
19-year-old left-footed England player who started the Champions League final. Plays CDM and LB. Makes incredible sense.
Hall and Lewis-Skelly would be brilliant.
8.) 11 Aug 2026 21:59:23
imo, Hall is miles better. I just don't think Skelly is that good.
And also, what Adam said about Arsenal wanting to get rid.
9.) 12 Aug 2026 07:26:26
Squad depth is poor.
One injury to new lad Santos, and there is no DM in the squad.
There is also no natural striker apart from Sesko.
Couple of injuries can easily derail the season. Hopefully the decision makers address this before the window.
10.) 12 Aug 2026 08:51:36
Nobody is going to take Rashford, unfortunately, by way of any means, sale or swap, until he drops his ludicrous wage demand. He simply isn't worth that money. The End.
11.) 12 Aug 2026 11:58:53
Fizz, no way he should drop any wages to move somewhere. The club were stupid enough to offer him a massive contract and that's what he gets.
He can see out his contract, move for free, and get a nice sign-on somewhere else.
12.) 12 Aug 2026 11:51:23
Right now I think Hall is a shade better than Lewis-Skelly, but then he is two years older and more experienced.
Who has a the higher ceiling? Who knows, ultimately though it's not about who has the most potential but who ends up the better player. Hall has had a few injuries, that concerns me as our biggest flaw in defence is having too many injury prone players. While it's hard to develop and reach your potential from the physio's table.
Both have been in and out of their clubs first team, and both for the same reason (the managers wanting a more physically dominant player there to help with aerial balls). Oddly both are playing at clubs where the managers have often deployed more natural CB's in the full back positions.
Apparently Lewis-Skelly still sees himself more as a midfielder who is playing at LB, where as Hall now sees himself more as a LB who used to play in midfield. Maybe Lewis-Skelly really wants to play in midfield, or maybe he will accept that his senior career is better suited to LB.
Who knows why Arsenal are prepared to sell him. Maybe they don't think he's good enough, or maybe they need to balance the books and selling a former youth player releases more money as pure profit. Especially as he isn't a nailed on first choice starter under Arteta. Selling a talented, albeit squad player for pure profit probably balances the books far more adequately than either selling 2 or 3 squad players to make the same money back, or having to sell a first choice option.
They have Calafiori as first choice, with Hincapie and even Timber who can cover LB and play in a more similar way/more natural replacement for Calafiori. While they've just signed Bruno G to be first choice in midfield along with Rice, meaning Zubamendi and Merino are the depth options. So less need to keep Lewis-Skelly as back up for midfield.
Ultimately Arsenal have more experienced and better suited options for how the manager wants to play in their squad, making Lewis-Skelly probably the biggest expendable asset they have to raise funds. That doesn't mean he's a bad player, Newcastle sold Elliott Anderson to Forest to balance the books and because they had more experienced options in their squad. Does that make Anderson a bad player?
Sometimes top sides actually ruin young players by keeping them, but not playing them regularly enough for them to fully develop into the players they're talent suggests they could reach.
Look at ourselves for example, we held on to Dean Henderson because he was "too good" to sell. In doing so we stunted his development and created issues within our own squad. Fast forward to this summer and we have agreed to sell the highly talented Vitek to Middlesbrough rather than stunting his development sitting on our bench behind Lammens. However, we have maintained the option to potentially bring him back in the future or benefit further from a big sale to another club. Meaning if Lammens doesn't work out, or if he wants to move on to another club in a couple of years time, we could potentially bring Vitek back if he's good enough.
Well run clubs should be allowing youth players to leave if that is in the best interests of the player and ultimately the club. The problem top clubs have is they have a tendency to attract the best youth players, but it's hard to give them the game time they need to grow during their formative years in professional football. Some might benefit from a loan, others will need to leave permanently to continue to develop. If the club is being run well they will let them leave but insert clauses/ways to bring them back in the future if they reach their full potential.
11 Aug 2026 14:03:01
Let's all make arses of ourselves and have our best guess at what this season will bring.
Answer the following questions and test your sanity if you dare. ?
Top four:
1. Arsenal
2. Manchester United
3. Liverpool
4. Spurs
UCL winner: Bayern Munich
FA Cup winner: Manchester United
League Cup winner: Man City
Manchester United player of the season: Senne Lammens
Manchester United best summer signing: Andrey Santos
Manchester United top scorer: Bryan Mbeumo
Three teams to be relegated: Ipswich, Coventry, Hull
Biggest surprise team in the league: Tottenham Hotspur (finish 4th).
Let's see how close we can actually get.
1.) 11 Aug 2026 14:38:44
I'll do a top 5 now that qualifies you for Champs.
Arsenal
Chelsea
City
Liverpool
United
UCL - Madrid
FA Cup - Chelsea
League Cup - Brentford
Biggest surprise - Coventry top half.
2.) 11 Aug 2026 14:52:46
Forgot to add.
Player of the season, Bruno.
Signing of the season, there's only two of them.
Top scorer Mbeumo.
Relegated.
Hull
Ipswich
Leeds.
3.) 11 Aug 2026 15:09:29
Top four:
1. Manchester United - It's happening!!
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. Spurs
UCL winner: Real Madrid - Jose's first season before it falls off.
FA Cup winner: Spurs.
League Cup winner: Man City.
Manchester United player of the season: Tielmans.
Manchester United best summer signing: Tielmans.
Manchester United top scorer: Sesko. Starting to think that we will not get Hall, so looking at Raum as FB option, and Sesko would love this.
Three teams to be relegated: Ipswich, Hull, Sunderland.
Biggest surprise team in the league: Manchester United ... 21 is coming!!
4.) 11 Aug 2026 15:19:53
Top 4.
United.
Arsenal.
City.
Chelsea.
FA Cup: United.
League Cup: United.
CL: United.
Relegated.
Hull, Ipswich, Coventry.
United player of the season: Bruno.
Best signing: Santos.
Top scorer: Sesko.
Surprise team: Spurs.
5.) 11 Aug 2026 16:43:00
Ken's been on the sherry.
6.) 11 Aug 2026 17:02:03
Not at all. I'm not putting money on it. But I go in to every game, hoping and expecting to win. If we don't, no skin off my nose.
7.) 11 Aug 2026 19:27:43
Utd
Arsenal
Man City
Villa
Liverpool
Chelsea
Bournemouth
Hull
Ipswich
UCL Utd
FA Cup Utd
League Cup Chelsea
Yeah, a treble and.
8.) 11 Aug 2026 20:44:34
Top four:
1. Arsenal
2. Manchester City
3. Chelsea
4. Manchester United
5. Liverpool.
UCL winner: Real Madrid.
FA Cup winner: Arsenal.
League Cup winner: Liverpool.
Manchester United player of the season: Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United best summer signing:
Santos (not much choice at the moment).
Manchester United top scorer: Cunha.
Three teams to be relegated: Ipswich, Fulham, Hull.
Biggest surprise team in the league: Coventry.
9.) 11 Aug 2026 22:28:48
Feckin loopy juice on here. Love it.
Utd fill the board, 4 trophies.
Surprise team Arsenal, relegated for the first time in their history.
10.) 11 Aug 2026 23:59:37
Top Four: United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea.
UCL: Barcelona.
FA Cup: Arsenal.
League Cup: City.
11.) 12 Aug 2026 10:09:27
Top four:
1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
UCL winner: Man Utd.
FA Cup winner: Man Utd.
League Cup winner: Arsenal.
Manchester United player of the season: Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United best summer signing: Andrey Santos.
Manchester United top scorer: Bryan Mbeumo.
Three teams to be relegated: Ipswich, Sunderland, Hull.
Biggest surprise team in the league: Coventry avoids relegation.
07 Aug 2026 21:54:44
Oh no the sky is falling. Oh wait, it's just a lack of knowledge and patience.
So far we have signed Darlow, Tielemans, and Santos.
How does that compare to our top 6 rivals.
Arsenal: Bunro G, Meslier and Tzlois.
City: Anderson.
Liverpool: Jacquet, Munoz.
Villa: Manzambi, Gomes, Garnacho.
Newcastle: Toure, Bamba, Steur.
The only two sides that have heavily invested are Spurs and Chelsea after finishing 17th and 10th respectively.
Spurs: Fernandes, Tonali, Robertson, Sensei, van Hecke, Dubravka. (Although 3 of them are free transfers).
Chelsea: Quenda, Rogers, Lacroix, Palestra, Emegha, Welbeck and Henderson.
While that only portrays half the picture, City for example, have lost several key players (Bernardo, Stones, Akanji, Ake, and Trafford), and look like they are about to lose Rodri. As well as the best manager in the league in Pep of course.
Arsenal have signed a back up keeper and a young winger, along with Bruno. Are they any stronger? Not really, especially when you consider some of the squad depth they've lost in Trossard, Kiwior, and Norgaard.
Liverpool have brought in a young CB and a young winger, while losing Salah (their best ever EPL era player), Robertson, and Konate.
While Newcastle have lost half their squad.
Us on the other hand have strengthened the key area of weakness from last season, have a more settled squad (Liverpool, City, Chelsea and Spurs all have new managers), we also have a young squad who (if all things go as they should) should be developing and getting better.
On top of that we might (almost certainly will) sign another 2 or 3 players to strengthen the squad further.
I think the bigger complaint from fans seems to be that we either aren't signing enough players, or the players are the biggest/most expensive signings. Personally, I prefer quality signings who improve our team over shiny ones that we can brag about to rival fans. But that's just me.
1.) 07 Aug 2026 23:12:16
Another man to find some positives, good man Shappy.
I think we all need more too, Shappy, and I'll be disappointed if we don't get 2 or 3 before the window shuts. I remain hopeful on that front.
Well, jaysus, have to wait and see what happens.
2.) 08 Aug 2026 00:14:50
When others stand still, you have an opportunity to catch back up. We have been terrible for a decade and we have a glimmer of a chance to compete again. Pep is gone, and Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea, Tottenham are joining City with new managers. We have a chance. Now is not the time to be cautious. Not saying risk our future by betting all on black. But we were told this management team was different. Hopefully they can secure another few signings to strengthen our squad.
Yes, we need to judge the window at the end, but it is also okay to push the club to do more with a few weeks left and not enough business done so far. Don't be so quick to turn on your fellow fans who are just looking for a bit more from the management team. Not heard many complaining about the first 2 signings. Let's hope they have a few more lined up. We will need them to compete across all 4 competitions.
3.) 08 Aug 2026 00:20:53
Yes, we should totally wait for the last day of the window and give as little chance as possible to our new signings to settle in on time.
4.) 08 Aug 2026 06:45:46
For the reasons outlined, Utd will win the league this year. It is nailed on.
Carrick at the wheel.
Let's get behind the team.
Ignore the negativity, it is just noise.
The club are moving in the right direction.
You might not like that direction, but those who don't are probably the ones who didn't like the previous direction either, or the last window, or the last manager, or the last season etc etc.
Some people are just negative.
5.) 08 Aug 2026 00:58:48
What evidence does anyone have that players bought in July do better than those bought in August?
Surely if there was any evidence of this then all clubs would be signing players exclusively in July, imposing a self regulated early transfer window on themselves.
Do people genuinely believe that signing for a club two weeks sooner makes a massive difference in the success of a player?
Good signings will succeed regardless of the date they sign, while bad signings will fail regardless of when you buy them.
I've seen players move 40 miles down the road at the start of the transfer window and flop, and I've seen players move halfway around the world on deadline day and be an instant hit.
Surely the best way to settle into a new job is to actually do the job, which for football players can only happen once the season starts.
Why does everyone care more about when we sign a player over signing the right players.
I've got a theory, due to the quality and professionalism of our new management team we aren't getting any rumours about potential new signings to keep us distracted and to debate. So in its place is just mindless whining about dumb stuff like when is the right time to buy a player.
The reason people are unhappy is genuinely because the club is finally being run well.
6.) 08 Aug 2026 07:26:42
And some people have had too many edibles.
7.) 08 Aug 2026 07:41:03
Of course it does, Shappy. Not in the bigger picture for the player himself, but for the club and early results, of course it does.
You can't tell me we wouldn't be better off signing Lammens earlier and possibly not losing points early or dropping out of the cup.
Football is not like a regular job, and you rarely see players come today and play tomorrow.
I don't mind one late signing, but at the moment I do think we are late to sign at least one more player.
The only thing you are right about is the noise thing. Everyone wants less noise around the club and transfers, but when it happens, we kinda don't like it.
8.) 08 Aug 2026 10:22:50
I agree with Shappy. We signed the crucial spine of the midfield largely in the first week or two. This season is no different than any other. Strange. Trololo makes an issue over Lammens, as it kinda proves Shappy's point. He was the signing of the season last year, officially, across the league, and he arrived on deadline day.
Not saying later is better either, but reality is that it doesn't make any odds from the past few seasons and the hits and misses we have had.
9.) 08 Aug 2026 11:30:58
Happy with the actual deals done so far, although if people genuinely believe that Tielemans and Mainoo can play alongside one another, I've got some magic beans to sell you. Their profiles are completely incompatible. Likewise, Mainoo and Mount just wouldn't work.
It'll be Andrey Santos plus one of those two in the middle of the park, imo. Santos is actually our no.1 midfielder currently - his profile is an out and out no.6, whereas the others are all 8s.
I'm pretty desperate for Lewis Hall. I think he'd be absolutely transformative for us. Cunha would absolutely thrive with Hall behind him, for example. I'd almost be tempted to throw bonkers money at Newcastle at the expense of a third midfielder and hope that Santos can stay fit...
A Lewis Hall and Endrick end to the window would turn it from a 7/10 to a 9/10 one.
10.) 08 Aug 2026 11:50:19
With the odd exception, I don't see many thinking the sky is falling, just that we were expecting a tad more dynamism.
Given how many bodies we need, paying over £100M for a player doesn't seem like the best idea. The 2 we have signed are good sokid additions, and we continue to invest in takented youngsters. However, we all accept we need a few more, and the season starts in 2 weeks, with the window closing a week later.
We likely need 3 signings in the next 3 weeks (CM, ST, LB), so that will be some activity in a short period.
We look far more professional now. We don't appear to be having our pants pulled down, and I am sure there is work going on behind the scenes.
I think we have a good team and squad, if they could stay fit. Martinez, MDL, and Mount all have dodgy fitness records and, with all the extra games, we need to increase numbers.
11.) 08 Aug 2026 19:26:15
Cap, as I said, it doesn't mean much for the player himself, but to the club results overall. If Lammens was bought on time, we could have had a better start. Because he wasn't, he didn't play in several games, which made us drop points, and go out of the cup early.
So no, it doesn't prove Shappy's point at all.
As most of the posters said, I'm pretty happy with the transfers we made, but for sure there was an opening to make more signings on time, while others are "sleeping".
12.) 09 Aug 2026 09:32:31
I like to think I'm pretty patient, and don't expect all signings to take place in July - historically, most players move in the latter stage of the window, and United have often signed players on final day. It was part and parcel of the transfer window; personally, I grew up finding final day great to watch. Nowadays it's put down to bad planning, and everyone goes into meltdown. I don't know if we'll leave it that late this time, but it wouldn't be anything unusual.
However, it does take a little time for even those 'Prem Proved Players' to bed into a new club, let alone the foreign ones who still seem to be trying to settle months, even a season, later.
Even if we signed Haaland on the final day, I wouldn't expect him to be linking up perfectly with Bruno et al., effectively, in his opening games.
I can see both sides. We often hear how clubs are 'working on a deal' for months, and I genuinely don't know what that means. I thought you just clicked on a player's name, clicked 'Submit offer' in the drop-down box, and sent it. :D Job done.
Conversely, I've seen it pointed out how 'easy' our opening few games are, and it would be a wasted opportunity to drop points in them as the team hasn't gelled over a good few weeks of training together.
13.) 09 Aug 2026 19:18:58
Good players can just turn up and play. I'm not a big believer in needing to play lots of games together with someone for it to work. Yes, players can get better once everyone gels, but if you can't come in and play well from day one, you're not a good footballer.
04 Aug 2026 16:28:24
Hey Ed's would it be possible to post this url here to the FPL Manchester United Rumours league I've created.
Many thanks.
15 Aug 2026 10:35:49
Oakbark, he probably should be worth more based on the current market, but he in one of the few players Arsenal can sell for a decent fee and raise profit from it, without seriously weakening their first team squad.
There are fewer clubs that he would be prepared to move to, and even fewer if them are in need of a LB/CM player right now.
Really it's just us for a long term replacement for Shaw, and Chelsea as a replacement for Cucurella. I doubt he'd move to Newcastle if they needed a replacement for Hall, Liverpool and City don't need a LB, they won't sell to Spurs, and none of the other EPL team have the money and draw to sign him.
We are the club that make the most sense, a history of developing young players, a need for a player with his ability/skill set, we need more home-grown players, we have the money and we are a club that he would consider leaving Arsenal for. However, United are not being run by the same clowns as before and they won't over pay for players, not even their first choice options.
Chelsea make slightly less sense as they've already bought two young LB's this summer, are not in European football (which might deter MLS from wanting to join them), and they've already spent a lot this summer and signed a lot of players. However, this is Chelsea and their entire transfer strategy seems to be to buy as many young players as possible. So they would almost certainly be interested in a possible deal. But it couldn't be at a silly price.
Which means that Arsenal cannot demand as high a price as say Newcastle could for Lewis Hall, as Arsenal want (maybe even need) to sell, whereas Newcastle don't.
Both players have a similar level of potential, although both are slightly different in profile despite both being brought up as midfielders through youth football but have found LB their position in senior football.
Hall being nearly two years older, and more experienced is ahead of MLS in terms of his development and his performances right now. On the other hand though he has suffered a little bit with injuries.
Either one would be a great signing for us, the question is how much more value would we get from paying 75-80m for Hall over 40-45m for MLS?
In the short term Hall is the better option, has played well in a team that hasn't been at their best, compared to MLS having a great team around him to shelter him. Hall is the better defender, having been tested more than MLS. But does that make him worth paying the extra 35-40m for him? Nearly twice as much. While Hall is only the better short term option if he is fit and available to play (he has missed 34 games over the last two seasons for Newcastle due to injury).
Personally, I'd take MLS over Hall right now, he's cheaper (less pressure on him, and more to invest in other areas), he's more adaptable that Hall in my opinion, and more importantly, he is far less injury prone (with so many of our defenders suffering with regular injuries, I just can't justify signing another with a questionable injury record).
Plus we have a great track record of signing young Arsenal defenders and them doing well, thank Heaven(s).
09 Aug 2026 11:06:31
As you would expect of any La Masia academy graduate, he's very technically gifted and intelligent on the ball. What he lacks, though, is physicality; he's only 5'7 and is fairly lightweight. He works hard, but is a little too easily brushed aside, which is why Barcelona are open to selling him, especially if they can replace him with Rodri. His sale would represent all profit, and he's a player they see more as a squad depth option rather than a current or future first-choice option.
They've even deployed him at RB at times as cover, and to discover if he could adapt to a less physically demanding position.
He's a good player, no doubt, but if he's too lightweight for Barcelona in La Liga, then he'll definitely struggle in the hustle and bustle of the EPL.
02 Aug 2026 11:15:33
I think they've made the smart move to add some great experience to a very young squad for practically nothing in today's market.
I'd have loved to see Welbeck come home for a couple of years to help Sesko progress and add some experienced cover.
I assume we never really got involved, as I'd assume Welbeck would probably have chosen us over Chelsea if he had a real choice.
This means our club has other plans. I think they've earned the right to be trusted, and for us to wait and see what pans out.
If we get someone like Watkins for a reasonable fee, then letting Welbeck move to Chelsea unchallenged doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Let's see how the entire window pans out.
30 Jul 2026 10:12:07
I would be very surprised if JJ Gabriel doesn't go on to become a top player, how high he goes though will be down to his mentality, the ability of those around him to keep him grounded, and a little luck.
Having the ability to play in the EPL and being physically ready for the demands of playing in what is probably the most physically demanding league in Europe if not the world is another thing entirely.
His body is still growing, and that makes him more susceptible to injuries, which can both derail his development, as well as potentially risking his long term fitness. Lots of players who started playing regularly at a younger than average age (in top flight mens football) end up having injury issues from their mid-twenties onwards.
If you look at our squad we have Shaw and MdL who were both regulars at 17 years old, both struggling with fitness. Michael Owen and Rooney are others who started picking up injuries and saw a drop off in performances in their late 20's. Jack Wilshere was another, as was Francis Jeffers, Jack Rodwell and James Rodriguez.
JJ will need protection and guidance to ensure that his development is optimal to allow him to gain experience, grow as a player, and protect his body as it develops. As well as being shielded from the risks of fame and fortune while he's too immature to handle it. He will need a good group of people around him, family are great, but young lads have a tendency to rebel against their families during their teens and early 20's. That is a time where they tend to value the opinions of their friends more than that of their parents and older more experienced adults (especially those in positions of authority). Sir Alex was very good as pairing young players up with a first team player to act as a mentor, to be a confidant, a role model. He would make sure they shared hotel rooms on trips, have lockers next to eachother etc. Hopefully there is someone Carrick can pair JJ with who can be that mentor and role model in the first team. Someone to be a voice of reason when the risk of fame and fortune threatens to pull him off the path.
I expect he'll get some minutes during pre-season, and maybe even some in the first team this season (most likely in the cups, or maybe a few sub appearances towards the end of the season in the EPL). When he does get games expect the media hype to be crazy with hyperbole, which for a lad who hasn't even sat his GCSE's will be difficult to deal with.
30 Jul 2026 09:37:51
He's entering the final year of his contract and the club needs to decide whether to stick or twist with him. Either they offer him a long term contract with the view to him becoming first choice, or they sell him and buy the long term first choice option.
The problem is that we have a lot of inexperience in defence and down the left hand side. Which makes sticking with him a bigger gamble than it normally would be. If we had prime Rio and Vidic playing at CB and maybe a keeper who was in their late 20's then you stick with the young lad. But given we have a keeper with only one year worth of top level experience, and the likelihood that we'll have at least one of Heaven or Yoro playing at CB can we really bank on a 19 year old academy LB to cover for the likely injured Luke Shaw? That's very risky.
From the clubs perspective the ideal solution would probably be getting Amass tied down to a new long term contract then send him out on loan for another season while buying a top level LB to push Shaw into squad depth. Then Amass comes back to challenge the new LB next summer when Shaw's deal expires.
However, is that what Amass wants? Another year on loan while a new, probably expensive, LB comes in and has a year to establish himself while Amass is away on loan. Leaving him to come back to an established, top level LB probably in their early to mid twenties ahead of him and his pathway looking difficult into the first team on a regular basis.
Personally if his agent isn't looking at other options for him then they are failing to do their job. He has to put his career ahead of United having a solid back up plan, and I don't blame him for that. Which gives him very little reason to sign a new deal that could tie him down to a back up role for the next 3-4 years.
If he won't sign a new deal then the club have little choice but to sell him this summer and get something for him. That has always been our failing in the past, holding on to players until they leave on free transfer.
We also have Diego Leon who the club have faith in, while we aren't certain on where Dorgu will end up playing.
I expect that if the club are prepared to sell Amass then that's probably a pretty solid indication that we will sign a LB this summer. Lewis Hall is supposedly prepared to hand in a transfer request to push through a move this summer, although I wonder if that will change now that Howe has left Newcastle. As there are rumours of a falling out between the two of them.
The club will have a plan, with a bit of luck if we do sell Amass then hopefully there is a buy-back, first refusal, or a sell-on clause in any deal. Meaning that Amass can move on and continue developing in his career, while we retain the option to bring him back if that is the best option for us in the future, if not then maybe we make some extra money down the line when he moves on again (which is an almost certainty if he goes to a Championship club, as he will end up at a mid-level or even a European level club in the EPL in the future, I'm sure of that).
While as fans it's always disappointing to see talented academy graduates leave the club, in truth I think we all know that we are more likely to have a success over the next couple of seasons with LB options of:
Hall or Truffert, Shaw, Dorgu and Leon.
Than options of:
Shaw, Dorgu, Amass and Leon.
If Amass leaves then I wish him well and I hope that we maybe see him back at United one day as a top class first choice LB option. We have to remember that the reason that fan run clubs more often than not fail is they cannot take the emotion out of the decision making process. It's easy as fans to condemn the club for letting a top young prospect leave the club, but ultimately that might be the best decision for all involved given the context.
15 Aug 2026 10:37:52
He looks like he will be a good signing, if only 13 years too late for poor Ronnie. ?
15 Aug 2026 10:36:40
Yeah, I'd go with DDG and RvN.
13 Aug 2026 12:40:41
When looking at the youth players from what I've seen of pre-season so far it's clear that some are closer than others to being ready for the first team.
Shea Lacey looks ready and has been impactful every time he's been on the pitch. He's the one for me who looks most ready to step up.
Harry Amass has looked pretty solid most of the time, and a threat going forward at times. However, I think against Leeds we saw that he's maybe not quite there yet, a little naive at times still when defending, and not as dangerous going forward when up against EPL level players who are close to full fitness. I think we can see why the club is looking at a loan or even a sale of Amass if they can bring in a top level LB this summer. I think he's probably 6 months to a year of regular football away from being ready for the EPL on a regular basis.
JJ Gabriel looked bright in his cameo, but physically I think he's a year or two away from really being able to compete against the kind of physical players that you find in the EPL. Much will depend on how his body develops, we are in a slightly tricky situation with him as I'd say he could benefit from a loan abroad to a less physically demanding league like the Netherlands or Belgium, something that is a step up from youth football, but isn't too big of a step for where his body is in terms of his physical development. However, he can't go out on loan until he's 18 as he's still a child. He's in that unfortunately gap where he's too good for youth football and needs something more challenging to continue to develop, but his physical level isn't ready for professional football in England as it's too rough. This was the same problem Angel Gomes had. I hope the club can find a solution.
The Fletcher twins have looked decent, but it's obvious they are still a long way from being ready for the first team. Both could do with a good loan spell to get extra game time at a higher level.
Dan Amner looks a little raw still, probably another season with the under 21's before a loan next season. Same for Jim Thwaites I think.
Tynan Thompson looked decent yesterday, at times though his inexperience showed. With him making the wrong decision and maybe trying too hard to impress. I'd maybe look at a 6 month loan to a Championship club for him to get regular minutes, as he's one that could maybe come back after Christmas and if he's developed a bit he could be ready to play some minutes in the first team if we need, or send him back on loan if he'll do better getting more game time and we don't have a strong need for him.
13 Aug 2026 12:50:20
Realistically, though, of those 11 players, how many are likely to be regular starters?
Lacroix, Rogers and Quenda, maybe?
The rest are going to be squad depth, with the hope that they might step up. If not, they will be sold again in two years' time.
In a similar way, we have signed 5 players this summer:
Darlow
Orozco
Santos
Tielemans
Thompson
Yet, realistically, only Santos and Tielemans will be regular starters; the other three are squad depth or young guys we hope will develop into first team players over the next couple of years.
Eight of Chelsea's 11 will be lucky to start more than 10 league games, and combined probably won't play more minutes across the season than their first choice keeper.
13 Aug 2026 12:44:16
He's earned it after last season's performances. Let's hope he can continue to deliver. Sometimes young players have a great first season, then take a slight step back in their second season.
Fortunately, he seems to have the quiet confidence that means the pressure of the No.1 shirt won't be too much for him.
As with all young players, though, you only really find out about them when they get their first setback. Does it derail him, or does it cause him to double down and refocus? We saw that with DDG. He had a tricky start, but he didn't let that get in his head, and he just focused on improving and getting better.