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28 Aug 2026 14:16:16
I see Wolfsburg and Christian Eriksen are still connected. He has not officially retired and says he is targeting playing for Denmark in the 2028 Euros.
He is in very good health and hopes to play again.
I must say it would not be my desire to play on after the 2 episodes he has had. But the medical advancements have been huge in this area.
I wish him well whatever he chooses to do but I think discretion would be better than valour at this stage of his career.
Couple of scares he's had, but has been passed fit to continue if he wishes. He has not played yet this season so he might bow out or even move away to a less competitive league than Germany to extend his career.
Looking at what Herrera has done he might choose to do something similar.
1.) 28 Aug 2026 18:22:48
I would think someone might be telling me something, and next time I might not be as lucky... Not sure if brave or stupid to continue playing...
2.) 31 Aug 2026 09:30:51
Everyone reacts differently to major life-changing situations.
For some, having something like what Eriksen has gone through, they would take that as the sign to hang up their boots and adopt a slower pace of life. Which is a perfectly reasonable response.
Others, however, might look at it as a sign that life is short, and to make sure they spend as much time doing the things they love. If that is playing football, then I can understand why Eriksen wants to prolong his career as long as possible.
Fortunately, he is wealthy enough to be able to get advice and support for the best medical professionals in the world, and I'm sure he would be basing his decision on what they suggest.
Also, no club would offer him a contract which goes directly against medical advice and which could endanger him.
For example, after his first incident and subsequent ICD implant, he was unable to continue his career in Italy as they have a blanket rule forbidding players to play with heart devices. However, that isn't the case in other leagues or at international level, which enabled him to continue his career back in England.
I wish him the best of luck with the rest of his career, and I hope he is able to bow out on his own terms.
14 Jul 2026 15:24:11
Reports Villa, Newcastle and Fulham have all made enquiries for Mount and all 3 have been knocked back and told we are not selling.
I'm surprised if that's true.
I would have thought 30m coming in and his wages off the books would be attractive.
Perhaps if we get a 3rd cm they will soften that stance.
Rarely been available, so I'm surprised if they don't want to sell.
1.) 14 Jul 2026 15:37:03
If true, Ken, very disappointing. He is a great player, but he's never available, as you say.
2.) 14 Jul 2026 16:44:20
I believe there has also been enquiries from Inter Milan, Napoli and RB Leipzig, all of which have been rebuffed.
The club have made it clear that Mount will be with us for season 26/27. He is still highly rated, if only he could stay healthy, I am sure we would see a top player.
3.) 14 Jul 2026 17:09:27
I like Mount, but he can't stay fit. We wouldn't even need to replace him. His best position is probably cam, and Bruno and Cunha are both ahead of him there.
4.) 14 Jul 2026 17:23:50
Much will depend on the fee, plus I'd imagine the club might have to subsidise part of his wages as well.
However, breaking even on him (making a profit) and getting rid of at least half his wages would be better than keeping him whilst he gets injured again!
5.) 14 Jul 2026 18:00:40
Great player? Seriously? Done f*** all since he signed!
6.) 14 Jul 2026 19:45:56
#Scholes_18_18
Yes, he's a great player. He was the best player for Chelsea when they won the UCL. His issues are not skills and talent, it's fitness.
7.) 14 Jul 2026 19:58:13
Yes, 5 years ago. He's done nothing for us, nothing at all. Even when he's fit, he shite!
8.) 14 Jul 2026 20:01:45
We will need squad depth next season. Mount is a good player when fit, perhaps being a back up and cup player will suit him.
9.) 14 Jul 2026 21:20:38
Utd rd, I think he was a very good player, but it's been 4 years since he played consistently and well.
He is 27. A bit part won't suit him; if he's fit, he needs to get games and rhythm.
10.) 14 Jul 2026 22:14:11
I agree, overall I'd have sold him, but I'm happy with him as depth, and give him yet another chance. There's a player in there.
I think the 7 is a burden he can't carry, fwiw. I don't like to see it. It reminds me of Owen wearing it.
11.) 14 Jul 2026 22:17:37
He's not on "squad depth" wages though, is he.
If we are going to stick to a wage structure where the best/better players are paid the most, then players like Mount will have to be sold.
12.) 14 Jul 2026 23:38:45
I agree that he is a vg player, but, especially because of so many injuries, he really needs a long, unbroken run in the side to flourish. With Utds recent signings, I don't see how he will get such a run.
13.) 15 Jul 2026 08:39:54
If the coaching staff, and football management team at Utd want to keep him, they likely see more in him than we do.
Good versatile squad player to have around. (Even better if he can stay fit!!!).
14.) 15 Jul 2026 12:33:02
If we are able to bring in another midfielder, as well as an attacking player, it is possible that we will be able to manage Mount's minutes next season. In that case, maybe a player of his quality could have a big impact without the need to risk his injuries by having to play him.
Not an ideal situation, but maybe they have decided that, for what we would get for him, it would not clear his book value and we would have to spend too much replacing him.
If it does not work out, then get rid in 2027/28 season.
15.) 15 Jul 2026 14:50:44
United need 8 home grown players >21 in our 25 man squad. We have 9 right now. Shaw, Maguire, Mount, Rashford, Heaton, Mainoo, Mee, Heaton + Darlow. Unless we're replacing any of the above, we need them to meet the requirements. UEFA's rules may be even stricter. Do we have 4 3 year academy players?
{Ed001's Note - you don't need them, you can have a space in the squad.}
16.) 15 Jul 2026 17:33:17
Said it before, and I'll say it again.
The best ability is availability, and unfortunately he's not it. I like him, but we need someone who is consistently able to play.
17.) 15 Jul 2026 22:19:21
Newname, you counted Heaton twice ? Rashford wants to go, so would be down to 7, 6 if Mount leaves.
18.) 17 Jul 2026 04:48:21
I heard these rumours last week, but I didn't think they could possibly be true. I'm baffled as to why they were rejected. When he plays, he's very good, but that is nowhere near enough. We should've created a bidding war and got those wages off our books to use towards a premium signing.
04 Jun 2026 13:27:17
Bit of an old school one was talking to a colleague of mine in the North East this morning and he says that United have conceded they won't get Tonali and Hall from Newcastle this summer and will look to focus on Hall with other midfield options being focused on from elsewhere.
Not sure if this guy is itk but thought I'd share.
1.) 04 Jun 2026 17:01:35
Hopefully we get a summer of these rumours, surely it's what this page is about.
It would make sense for Newcastle to not want both to go to the same club, and I can see them prioritising Hall, with Tonali's price and other options making him less likely.
2.) 04 Jun 2026 22:07:16
Seems Newcastle are backing Howe. And, according to reports, the relationship between Hall and Howe is not a good one, so it makes sense they may want to cash in. If that's the case, I hope we do our due diligence on him, as we've had enough dressing room issues over the last few years!
3.) 07 Jun 2026 10:37:41
I know Newcastle needs to balance the books a little, but they've already sold Gordon for around £70m already, that's on top of losing Isak last year.
They have ambitious owners who won't want to be seen to be losing all the momentum they have built already.
Surely they will only let one more big name established player leave this summer at most.
So it'll come down to who they feel is most expendable or who is easiest (maybe cheapest) to replace.
If that is the case I'd imagine they'd be more open to letting Lewis Hall leave over Tonali.
Top midfielders are harder to come by and are typically far more expensive than fullbacks. Also Howe has often rotated Hall with Dan Burn at LB, partially due to Hall having a few more issues with injuries, but also for tactical reasons. Also there are rumours that the relationship between Hall and Howe is not the best.
Personally I'd be happy with either of Hall or Tonali, although I have a mild concern over Hall's injury record, but probably not enough to feel that he would be a bad or risky signing. I'm a massive fan of Tonali and think he'd be a phenomenal signing (even at the 90m rumoured that Newcastle would demand). I feel he is massively underrated, partially due to how Newcastle play. He's a tenacious warrior off the ball who covers every blade of grass, has great experience, shows leadership on the pitch, and is far more technically gifted than most people realise (due to Newcastle's playing style), while he's also very intelligent and can adapt to many different tactical demands or playing styles. However, he's very similar to Ederson who we have just signed for around half of what Newcastle are demanding for Tonali. With that signing all but sealed now I would imagine we'd want to sign another midfielder with a slightly different profile now rather than one with a very similar one.
Personally I feel we need a proper holding (sitting) midfielder next, someone who'll be the central hub and knit the whole team together. Ideally they would be tall, good in the air, have elite reading of the game, be press resistant, and have a great passing range. Effectively they would be a Carrick 2.0. I've seen Mainoo being asked to play that role more under Carrick and while I think he has most of the tools to play that role (he'll need to work on his passing range, but will probably never become dominant aerially), I'm not sure if it's the most natural role for him.
He's very press resistant, and great at dropping deep to take the ball off the CB's, and he's fantastic at carrying the ball forward and using his dribbling ability in tight spaces to break lines of pressure. His passing over short and medium distances is great, but over longer distances it can be a little hit and miss (partially I think because he isn't looking that far ahead so misses the opportunities to hit early longer balls in behind the opposition). However, personally I feel he is best suited to playing more as a free 8. Given the freedom to drop in and help out where we need him, but also able to get forward and be that late arriving midfielder into the box to make the most of his excellent shooting.
I think while Mainoo can do a good job as a No.6 (as long as he has someone more athletic and aggressive alongside him), it probably doesn't get the most out of him.
Add to that we will have Ederson, Mount and probably Ugarte as the other options currently, I feel that a natural No.6 type holding midfielder is what we need most, which isn't Tonali's best role (although like Mainoo he can play this role if needed). Ederson in my opinion is everything we hoped Ugarte would be and as such he'd be a great replacement if we can move Ugarte on this summer.
I'm intrigued by the links to Mateus Fernandes, another player I really rate. He's another all round midfielder who can play many different roles and is tactically intelligent enough to do well in any of them. He'd be a good replacement for Mount. Alex Scott would be another great shout for this role.
Yet it is a natural No.6 that is still missing, a role that has at times been most effectively covered by Casemiro (although he's been excellent this season when he's been able to get further forward).
Tchouameni would be the dream signing, Baleba would be a solid signing with great potential, other options that fit the role could be: Angelo Stiller, Tyler Adams, Eduardo Camavinga, Reuben Neves, Boubacar Kamara, James Garner, Lucien Agoume, Lamine Camara, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pablo Barrios, or Mamadou Sangare.
Some have great potential, others would be really solid options. Personally, unless you can get a generational talent in this role then I'm not sure it's worth spending a huge amount here. Mostly because while I think it's a vital profile our squad needs, it's not a profile we need in every single game and maybe not even for the whole 90 minutes in games either. It's a role we need in the big games and the tough away games, but probably not at home against mid-table or bottom half sides.
We need this player in games where we won't dominate possession and will need to be able to defend as much as we attack.
4.) 07 Jun 2026 13:20:41
Shappy,
Stiller reminds me of Carrick. He would be a good alternative and cheaper than Tonali. I know Baleba has had a good season, but I really rate him. I think he would be a great signing for around £50 million.
5.) 07 Jun 2026 20:13:20
It feels like Baleba remains of interest, and it doesn't look like he's high up on anyone else's shopping list. Maybe that should be a concern, especially if Brighton are still demanding elite money. He did improve towards the end of the season (wonder why?), but was pretty average otherwise compared to last season.
6.) 08 Jun 2026 10:11:44
I was meant to put: hasn't had a good season.
14 Aug 2025 11:54:01
Looks like collyer going on loan to West brom
Good for him hope he does well.
1.) 14 Aug 2025 14:11:45
Best idea for him at hopefully a top championship club. Will either mean he comes back ready to compete or we are able to sell on.
Good luck to him.
2.) 14 Aug 2025 15:30:34
Even more depleted in central midfield then. Surely there has to be another coming in.
3.) 14 Aug 2025 16:13:37
If you believe Cameroonian media outlets, then there is ballons!
4.) 14 Aug 2025 16:42:32
Even before Collyer we were light in midfield, maybe not from a numbers point of view, but certainly in terms of the quality needed in that area.
We would have Casemiro, Ugarte, Mainoo, Bruno in his likely new role and then from youth we would have Kone when he recovers. All for 2 spots. Bruno is a guarantee starter, so it’s one more needed. Unfortunately none of the others have the skills or talent required. So a new player is definitely needed.
I would say there is 0.1% chance of Baleba happening due to the £100m+ valuation.
Seen Wharton mentioned recently, but I’d imagine Palace will have a similar valuation. So probably another with zero chance.
Guess it’s down to whether the club want to go with a player way down their list of targets or wait it out until next season.
I’m hoping they break the bank for Baleba, but I’m not hopeful.
5.) 14 Aug 2025 18:54:08
Why zero chance fall guy have you been listening to the back of fag packet know it alls on here about we have no money!
6.) 14 Aug 2025 20:19:21
While I'd like to think that Collyer going on loan must mean we are signing a midfielder I sadly expect that it was always the case that one of Collyer or Kone would go out on loan to get game time this season.
We play with a midfield pivot, meaning there will only be two places up for grabs. Which without European games reduces the amount of rotation we need to make.
We have Casemiro, Ugarte, Bruno and Mainoo nailed down as the four senior options. Really we need one youth option who will play under 23's most weeks but can come into the first team squad for some games to cover for injuries.
They seem to have made the decision to keep Kone with the squad and develop him in house this season. They seemed to come to this conclusion while on tour, which makes sense that a couple of weeks after we've got back we are hearing about loan deals being lined up for Collyer.
That said I still think we will sign Baleba. I just think that one of Collyer or Kone was always going to go out on loan regardless this season to get the senior game time they need.
7.) 14 Aug 2025 20:54:14
Didn’t say zero chance. Almost zero though.
It’s been widely reported that Brighton will want north of £100m. Although this is unconfirmed it’s likely fairly true based on what Chelsea paid for Caicedo.
They don’t have to sell so are unlikely to reduce the price.
United aren’t going out spending that kind of money this window.
21 Jul 2025 17:36:44
Looks like vietek and Harrison are both leaving on loan again. Really important for young keepers to get experience.
There was some suggestions on here that they play a part of our 1st team squad this season. I for one am glad that's not happening i hope they both get good game time and start learning their trade. Its the one position that we rarely young kids get experience in the epl.
1.) 21 Jul 2025 17:50:05
It was clear they both need loan time, no way we can stick a rookie in goal, Chido needs to go loan too, he not ready to be our number 9 1st or 2nd choice.
I know some think pick the kids, but really probably only 1 maybe 2 might be good enough.
They need the experience I would say the same with Leon too, he is not Roberto Carlos like he thinks, quit yet.
2.) 21 Jul 2025 19:49:11
Agree on obi but not Leon he had been playing mens diurnal for a year so a bit ahead. Only saw him for 45 min but he looks very aggressive and maturity in his play beyond his age.
Wide areas are also easier for younger players in a lot of cases.
3.) 22 Jul 2025 00:40:50
Are you already suggesting Leon has an attitude issue? Why does he think he’s roberto Carlos?
4.) 22 Jul 2025 09:44:14
I don't think anyone was seriously suggesting that the academy keepers be first choice, just given a run out in pre-season to see if they could be a squad option if needed.
Although I fully agree that they are much better placed having a loan for a season and playing mens football regularly.
Chido in an ideal world would also be better off with a loan, but with a dearth of options at the club then he will probably get more chances here this season then he probably should at this stage.
Diego Leon has been playing senior football for a while and is far more ready than the others mentioned. Like Ken said playing wide is also easier for young players with less pressure. It might have only been 45 minutes but he does look more ready to play at this level than Amass does. So I can understand why the club are looking to loan Amass and keep Leon.
Ultimately all youngsters will have rough edges to their game that needs rounding out, and they will make mistakes. How they learn from them ultimately determines the player they become.
We have a lot of talented young players in our first team squad, players like Yoro, Heaven, Fredricson, Dorgu, Leon, Mainoo, Collyer, Kone, Amad, Chido and Højlund.
Not all will make it at the highest level, even the ones that ultimately do, will make mistakes along the way.
We need to get behind them and support them rather than tear them down, I can assure you they will do that enough by themselves. We forget what it was like to be a young man trying to find his place in the world, second guessing ourselves, and repeatedly going over our mistakes. Even the ones who portray confidence bordering on arrogance are internally questioning themselves.
I also think that this modern world of social media only amplifies the negatives around people and their actions. Which given the way the younger generations are glued to their phones probably makes it that much harder for young footballers who will likely see a lot of the negative options on them that float around social media.
I do know of a couple of young EPL footballers whose management team around them ban the player from all social media for 3 days after they play any senior game to protect them both from the negatives and the hype that tends to follow. To give them space to reflect on their performance themselves and with they're coaches to form their opinions before they get influenced by the views on social media.
As fans as supposed "supporters" we probably should think before we type in frustration. Will our anger and negativity have a positive effect if the young player reads it? Probably not, in reality it'll probably have a negative impact. Especially if it is one of thousands saying the same thing.
Players in their mid-twenties with over 200 professional games under their belt should have the emotional maturity and experience to handle criticism and to be able to put it in context. Teenagers or lads just entering their twenties will likely not yet have that emotional maturity or experience.
Maybe imagine that if the player was your son, how would you want thousands of people to react, and what would you want them to say about a poor performance from him? Then maybe respond like that.
The best advice I ever received was "a wise man stays silent when angry" as words said in anger cannot be taken back, and often cause irreparable damage.
5.) 22 Jul 2025 21:34:23
German how do you know what Leon thinks?
6.) 23 Jul 2025 06:32:00
Ken the same way you seem to know how we all think!
7.) 23 Jul 2025 21:40:53
Great to see you can read and write Shappy :-)
I was one of those who suggested lifting some youth to the first team, and also supplementing with a Lammens or Garcia - with the view that both Onana and Bayendir were being shipped out - that isn't the case now it seems.
For those who can't read - try to read between the lines and you may be less obtrusive in your responses.
8.) 24 Jul 2025 10:37:40
Jimbo, I think at the end of the season there was a lot of unknowns around our keepers.
Heaton was out of contract, Bayindir showed himself to not being up to challenging Onana. While Onana continued to struggle (although I do feel that it is being overstated/ hyped about how much he has struggled) .
Under such circumstances where we could have lost all three first team keepers it made perfect sense to bring in two new keepers and promote an academy keeper to be third choice. However, that isn't what has happened.
While I don't think Onana is anywhere near as bad as he is being made out, he will need replacing. The trouble is that we won't be able to move him on this year. Partially because of his high wages and the fee we paid for him means we need a significant fee for him. But also because the hype in the press and on social media about how poor he's been will have put off any potential buyers.
That's something we don't consider enough as fans, but what we say about our players online does reverberate across the football landscape more so than a lot of other fan bases. We are partially responsible for creating the narrative around our players and that narrative will impact potential buyers for our players.
This was definitely the case when it came to selling Mason Greenwood. The noise out fans made around him and the whole situation only added fuel to the fire which definitely impacted other clubs who were looking at him. We helped create the negativity around him that made fans of other clubs not want him to sign for their club which definitely put some teams off as they didn't want the public backlash from their fans.
Look at Nicolas Jackson for example, he's a very good player, but one who struggles with one aspect as a striker. Yet the majority of the negativity around him online doesn't actually come from Chelsea fans. As such they will still be able to get a good fee for him (more than they paid for him) . Now if he'd been at United for the past couple of seasons he'd probably be spoken about in a similar way to how Højlund has been. Which would make it almost impossible for us to sell him for even what we paid for him let alone a profit.
We want to sell Højlund, but can anyone hand on heart say that if they were in charge of another club and having heard what United fans say about him that they would be interested in signing him?
Ultimately some signings work out and others don't. United fans have a habit of writing off every one that doesn't as the biggest flop in history and speak about them like they aren't even Sunday league level.
Yet in reality a lot of our "flops" in recent years have gone on to be successful elsewhere.
I suspect many of Onana, Antony, Rashford, and Højlund etc will have very successful careers when they leave us.
Yet all have been spoken about by United fans as if it's a miracle that they ever managed to become professional footballers.
With Onana now unlikely to leave and with Heaton signing a new one year deal it looks like Bayindir will be the only one to leave. With us looking to sign a higher quality keeper to come in and challenge Onana for the No.1 spot. Which gives us no room in the first team squad for a young academy keeper, so it's best they leave on loan.
With a bit of luck the new keeper we sign this summer steps up and takes Onana's place and then he moves on next summer. Probably along with Heaton retiring. At which point with two keepers leaving we sign one and promote one of the lads who have hopefully had a good season on loan this year.
9.) 26 Jul 2025 05:51:04
It’s not the fans so much, but the Manager and RA in this respect as devalued his own players considerably, TBF no one pays much attention to fans ramblings when they are buying or valuing a player, but they certainly do to a fellow professional (manager) when he says they have crap attitude, not good at this or that, that certainly devalues a player, did he think he was adding millions to there value with such naive remarks!
RA not helped himself here.
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10 Sep 2026 14:57:20
Champions League back at OT tonight, that's a positive.
1.) 10 Sep 2026 17:04:25
Absolutely, can't wait.
We played them this afternoon in the EUFA Youth League. U19s play a mirror fixture of the first team games in ECL.
A good start. We beat Sabah 5-0. A certain 15yr old, JJ, scored a hat trick! We had 44 shots. They had none.
Hopefully a sign of things to come tonight.
2.) 10 Sep 2026 18:24:30
Back in the Champions League, but still playing on a Thursday night.
Only us. ??
3.) 10 Sep 2026 18:55:22
Sesko starting. Yoro too. Rashford on the bench. Will be interesting to see how Cunha does on the left, because he hasn’t been playing well centrally. But surprised that Santos wasn’t given a start.
4.) 10 Sep 2026 19:52:13
The CL theme always sends shivers.
5.) 10 Sep 2026 22:45:29
Nice easy win. I doubt they will get a point, but what a story for them to qualify.
03 Sep 2026 00:24:28
Well now everybody is set.
City look like the strongest squad on paper.
Goals all over the squad and real depth in most positions. Good keeper and above average defenders. If the new manager gets them to gel quickly then I'd make them favourites.
Arsenal I'm not so sure. I think they will regret some of their outs and won't score enough goals to win the league again imo.
Chelsea again I'm not so sure they have only 1 game a week and that will play in their favour. Martinez was a great signing imo. I think like us their defence will be their weak point.
I'm not sure who their midfield will be.
Liverpool worse off than us for defenders much worse imo!
Midfield looks pretty sparce. Attack looks good and full of pace out wide which suits isak put their defence is manky.
Spurs. Will improve in sure but will be vulnerable while they are all finding their own feet. It's practically a new team and squad.
Villa again lots and lots of ins and outs. Emery will sort them quickly enough but have they replaced what they've lost I don't think so
Then ourselves. I think our play will be better than last season.
I'm happy that we've improved our midfield considerably.
I'm happy with our attack. Personally I'd have preferred one or both of Zirkzee or Rashford to have moved and a different striker come in. But on the whole I'm happy going into the season with what we have. It's up to Carrick to get the blend right and the goals coming regularly.
Keepers look solid.
Defence. Well there is not much to be said. Full back options are poor.
Cb's are too hit n miss on form and availability.
Again its up to Carrick and the likes of Yoro, Heaven and maybe even Dorgu to step up. I think Yoro will break through and become our 1st choice Deligt also needs a run uninjured.
Brentford and Brighton could be snapping at the heels of the big clubs in thunt for a European spot.
Arsenal and United have the most settled squads it will be interesting to see how quickly all the others gel and find consistency.
Big question marks over most, smaller question marks over City and Arsenal both are probably a level above.
I think it will be a great season with lots of ups and downs odd results and as competitive as we've seen for quite a while.
1.) 03 Sep 2026 00:49:26
I think our starting eleven is actually weaker this season than it was last. None of our midfield signings are better than Cas (at least not yet), and Maguire and Shaw (who already weren't really good enough for a team with title-winning ambitions) are both one year older. Hopefully Sesko having a full year of EPL experience under his belt can make up for this somewhat (I'd say the same about Heaven and Yoro, but the manager doesn't seem to trust either of them, for whatever reason).
The two teams above us have both strengthened, further widening the gap, and Chelsea will be nipping at our heels (Spurs too, if they can start to gel quickly).
On paper, I think Villa are weaker this year than last, but I can see Newcastle pushing for top four this time around despite some big outgoings. Liverpool are a bit of an unknown quantity at the moment. They haven't strengthened dramatically, but if their signings from last summer can start to find a bit of form, I can see them competing for a Champions League spot as well.
All in all, I think we'll perform worse this season than we did last, both due to the clubs around us getting stronger and the increased demands on the squad that come with playing twice a week.
2.) 03 Sep 2026 03:43:20
How come City have not been punished for FFP, and yet they can buy & sell like nobody's business. Very fishy.
3.) 03 Sep 2026 04:18:47
I think we are weaker than last season. On current showings, I just hope that Baleba turns out a good signing, but he had half a decent season for Brighton and one awful season, so that may take time. The other two are, well, squad players, so Cass in the team made us stronger than this new midfield. Defence is another year older and slower, and now our 1 and only striker seems to be picking up injuries far too much for a 22 year old.
If we get 3rd or above, I'd be ecstatic. Doubt we get anywhere in the CL, maybe a semi of a domestic cup. I don't get all this attackers one transfer window, midfield next, then defenders 3rd year; by the time we get to defence some attackers will leave, it's ridiculous.
4.) 03 Sep 2026 06:08:47
I expect Chelsea to win the league comfortably this year. Plenty of goals in the team and one game a week.
5.) 03 Sep 2026 07:55:06
I think our unsteady defence is centrally slow, out wide open, and vulnerable. The centre of midfield does not have a ball winner; ball players, but not a No6 holder. I think people believe Baleba is that one, but I am not sure he is.
Up front, we have one central striker when fit. As we saw at Hull, we struggle with a low block, and Hulls defenders are not top level.
We are a couple of injuries from a big problem: LB and scoring goals. Legs and defensive midfield, porous central defence lacking a leader.
Positives are Cunha and Mbeumo, with Sesko to come; perhaps Baleba and Mainoo can make good runs.
I feel we will win more than lose, but Top 5 is our realistic target; anything more is a bonus.
6.) 03 Sep 2026 10:40:18
I've enjoyed watching Chelsea so far - they look like they might do well. Not sure whether any team will win anything comfortably, though. I'd be surprised if they, City and Arsenal, aren't in the top three, based on the last few games, leaving another scrap for 4-5th between everyone else again.
7.) 03 Sep 2026 12:13:12
I still think 3rd is up for grabs, City and Arsenal to fight it out for the title.
I think Mainoo will have a very good season. I expect Baleba to have a new lease of life, and for them to be the main MF. We also have depth with Tielemans and Santos to cover the extra games.
Up front, Rashford is back, like it or not, and Lacey looks ready to get proper game time, so again we have more options.
In defence, if Mdl and Martinez can stay fit, I don't see CB as an issue, we have depth, albeit you may want to argue about the quality.
Full backs remain the challenge. I don't think Dalot is awesome, but nor do I think he is as dreadful as some believe, same for Shaw. Depth is the problem, and we shall see if that hurts us.
If Baleba shows his '25 form, then that athleticism and muscle will have a huge impact.
If Rashford does knuckle down, maybe we will see a return to some sort of form.
If Sesko gets properly fit, he might make a real difference.
Of course, if my Grammy had wheels she'd be a bicycle.
8.) 03 Sep 2026 14:05:51
Or maybe a scooter?
9.) 03 Sep 2026 15:27:32
I'm a little worried about the defence, but I think we will be okay, and it could be a blessing for Amass as we may be forced to use him more often, and he could prove himself. I do like the look of him.
With the midfield, Baleba is most certainly a ball-winning midfielder, and I feel that he and Mainoo complement each other very well.
Mainoo looked exceptional v Ipswich, and I think he is a very, very strong midfielder.
Overall, I give the window a 6.5. Of course, a LB and CB would've been brilliant, but it is what it is, and we have to see how we get on. I think the squad depth is greater than last season.
10.) 03 Sep 2026 16:21:18
How anyone can think the Mdl and Martinez are the answer to the CBs is beyond me. Firstly, neither can stay fit, so getting them both fit at the same time for any prolonged period is wishful thinking.
How long is it even going to take Mdl to get match fitness? Will he come back to a decent level after surgery? Will he break down again?
Martinez, will he get any quicker? Nope.
Will he grow? Nope. Will he not be so rash in the tackle again? Nope. And you think this is a good duo? I have what you're taking, please...
11.) 03 Sep 2026 21:39:22
Good enough to get 3rd last season between them.
31 Aug 2026 09:37:14
5 games between now and 20th Sep
3 league games then we have a 2 week intl break
Everton (a) City (h) and Fulham (a)
And midweek cup ties in CL Sabah at home and Brighton in League Cup at home.
1st really big test for Carrick with 2 games a week.
Can we win all 5?
I don't expect City to beat us at home but we do need to improve away from home 2 big league games away that we need to win.
1.) 31 Aug 2026 10:03:51
Big few weeks coming up, Ken. That defence really does worry me though. Dalot and Shaw as number1 full backs is shocking, and the cbs don't fill me with confidence either. The midfield will improve as we go, and I think will be very good.
In forward positions, we have lots of options, so I'm happy enough there. Hope we do some business at least a lb b4 the deadline, but it doesn't look likely.
2.) 31 Aug 2026 10:53:49
You do know that back 4 and team have more points than City, Arsenal and everybody else since Jan.
I agree, we need to improve, of course we do, but don't worry, Tim, it's only a game.
We are not as bad as some people worry about; the results, in the main, say something very different.
We do need more, given the fixture schedule ahead and in order to keep improving.
The defence is poor for the higher level we aspire to, but the results have been good in the main.
3.) 31 Aug 2026 12:40:10
I actually feel more confident with our defence against teams that will have more possession and will be more methodical when in possession. When we attack and commit players forward, we look vulnerable on the counter. I hope that is where Baleba will come in and make a difference. We absolutely need to strengthen defence, though.
I must admit, I'm not his biggest fan, and I've been vocal in my criticism of him, but we certainly look better when Dalot plays at rb. Would love to see a lb come in now, and then Shaw's role becoming more a cb until we can move him on. I'm not saying Shaw starting as a cb, just that's where he'll compete for.
4.) 31 Aug 2026 13:35:42
I get that, Ken. I just feel that Shaw, especially, is a weak link back there, and teams deliberately target his side. Also, can't rely on his fitness. I'm not stressing, believe me, I just think we could improve further with someone else in that position. Just my opinion, though.
5.) 31 Aug 2026 14:21:53
I'd be of the same opinion, I think everyone is, but as someone said above, in the medium term, the wrong signing is worse than no signing. Especially at United, as we have made a lot of wrong signings in the past, and they live with you longer now than before, because it's harder to get rid of them if they don't work out, and very expensive.
6.) 31 Aug 2026 15:41:43
Agree totally with that.
27 Aug 2026 19:57:05
Couple of really good signings today went through imo.
Chelsea got a very good keeper in Martinez for 7.5m and fixed a real weak point in the team.
And Villa have got a very good player in Goretzka on a free from Bayern.
Both good players for what they need right now. Let's hope we can do the same for lb and cf.
1.) 27 Aug 2026 21:37:19
Also agreed a deal for Leao as well.
27 Aug 2026 19:17:41.
I have just read an article on what Ander Herrera is doing this season.
His 1st club Zaragoza find themselves in the 3rd tier in Spain.
He has signed for them after leaving because jnrs at 37 and has waived any wages and is playing for free in order to help them.
What a brilliant gesture in today's game full of greed and selfishness.
Super stuff. He said he has had a great career looked after his money well so does not need anymore and is proud to be able to do this for his club. Lots of footballers do things for others and charity no doubt but this is possibly the most selfless act I've seen from a player in a long time.
I tip my hat to him. ???.
1.) 27 Aug 2026 19:26:36
I read that too. He always said he would finish there, but to do it for free is awesome. Top bloke.
2.) 27 Aug 2026 19:32:47
Brilliant guy, great gesture from him and agree, tip your hat to him.
3.) 27 Aug 2026 19:35:50
Classy. Santi Cazorla did the same for Real Oviedo. Not sure about playing for free. There was some league rule forbidding that.
4.) 27 Aug 2026 19:52:04
I think he is taking minimum wage and donating it to the club charity in full to navigate that rule, Davy.
5.) 27 Aug 2026 20:18:34
I do it all for free mb. Quite the stress reliever for me tbh.
I hope you're keeping well yourself. ?
6.) 27 Aug 2026 20:45:32
I saw that article also. Top guy to do that. Glad to see he looked after his money properly.
If he wants to continue his charitable works, maybe he could sit down with, and explain to, Jamie Carragher how he managed to carefully look after his earnings such that tax authorities are not chasing him.
21 Sep 2026 08:58:38
I did not say he was our best player i thought in yesterdays 2nd half he was the best of a bad bunch.
20 Sep 2026 20:42:22
I thought tielmens was it best player in the 2nd half.
Ive noticed that every time he gets the ball and looks up there is nobody running off the ball. He is looking for movement that never comes All so static.
At villa he had players moving with intent here he has to give it to someone standing still that inverably gives it backwards again painful to watch that 3 games in a row.
19 Sep 2026 21:44:49
Yeah i like de zerbi i like what he did at Brighton and he did OK at marsaille.
I didn't want him at united as i think he is very emtional same as conte.
I think he is a good coach bit of a head case at times but i don't mind a but of that but i think he is a bit ott at times.
He has a brand new team it will take time. He needs results quickly. They don't look cohesive at all and lack a striker big time. Some poor buys at hugely inflated prices. Most on here had them to finish above united this season.
15 Sep 2026 22:37:13
Jsu, you got it spot on, and I didn't argue with you that he would be off; I argued that at q5 it's unlikely that he will play him too early. If he wants to go, and he did try to leave a year ago, then that's his prerogative.
I think he should have been in squads, and in and around the qst team more, no doubt, and get the chance to prove himself with them more often than he has.
There are some freaks of nature. He could be one.
I hope he goes on to be great. The potential is there, by all accounts.
Massive shame to lose him, but he wanted to move last year, and he obviously has a better offer on the table. Massive loss, and it doesn't look like it's going to change. The mind boggles sometimes, looking from the outside, as to how this can happen. It's up to the club and manager to make sure they are all on the same page, but they haven't been, for some time obviously.
A 15 yo should not be refusing to train, imo. He is getting bad advice in that regard.
28 Aug 2026 22:41:23
He's rubbish. I'd take Weggy back before that donkey.
19 Sep 2026 15:00:57
No i think its a good rule stops a lot of nonsense. I think a 5 min should be compulsary for head injuries for checks but a sub should be allowed to replace him.
18 Sep 2026 12:32:16
Ive posted everyday jsu. Why would i be quiet?
17 Sep 2026 00:03:18
One of the most annoying players I've witness in my life time. We have had plenry of poor players but he annoys me more than most of the bad ones. Right up there with other wastes of space like anthony davenport milne martial shaw rashford weggy. They all don't annoy me for the same reasons but i don't like any of them as players or characters.
13 Sep 2026 20:04:06
Don, I feel your pain. ?
13 Sep 2026 19:57:40
Fallguy, it was a terrible watch. Very little sense of urgency. Some of the worst full-back play I've ever seen. No composure after they scored. Really strange substitution, imo, that totally backfired: Tielemans for Sesko. No zip in our play, no confidence to take a man on. All too slow and safe.
Dorgu was shocking and Dalot the same.
Maguire falling for their gamesmanship was silly.
I can't understand how the goal was allowed, but you could argue we got what we deserved from the game. Terrible decision; it should not even need 10 seconds to decide. Enzo made a play for the ball that prevented Martinez from playing it.
A very poor show altogether.