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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.
18 Jul 2025 17:42:47
Amass left out of pre season tour. Either a loan or full sale incoming. Leon is impressing in training apparently.
1.) 18 Jul 2025 18:08:53
Not really a surprise.
I like Amass, but he does seem to lack that physical edge for the EPL - hopefully he just goes out on loan, maybe that could bring out that extra level.
For the sake of his career though, in light of how quickly Leon is settling and showing, he needs regular minutes.
Best of luck to him.
2.) 18 Jul 2025 19:19:22
Send him to Blackburn and toughen him up ? i like him, there's talent there.
3.) 18 Jul 2025 20:27:24
Sell him with a few clauses inserted.
4.) 18 Jul 2025 20:40:32
He's going on loan I believe.
5.) 18 Jul 2025 21:16:59
The last young left back we sold has ended up at Real Madrid….
6.) 18 Jul 2025 21:26:38
I'd imagine a loan, he's got talent, he's just a little lightweight right now. He needs to grow into his body, that'll take time.
7.) 18 Jul 2025 21:48:39
I think that’s fair Shappy. He looks too small right now. Some adult first team action elsewhere will sort that out.
8.) 19 Jul 2025 03:20:58
If I was a betting man, I would say Leon will have cemented his position as LWB by Xmas. Dorgu will be understudy. Come next summer, the conundrum will be do we stick or twist with Amass/ Dorgu. 3 into 2 doesn't work.
9.) 19 Jul 2025 10:05:35
He is not going to be sold, a loan to a Championship team is the intention.
They want him playing regularly, he needs this to happen as physicality is his issue, not ability.
He is still highly regarded at the club. Indeed one of the reasons Alvaro Carreras was allowed to leave was that the club felt that Amass had a higher potential ability ceiling. Also, it needs to be remembered that Alvaro requested a transfer and the club would not want to keep a youngster who expressed a desire to leave.
10.) 19 Jul 2025 11:02:01
That's a bold statement to make about a player you have never even seen play before jimbo.
11.) 19 Jul 2025 11:39:25
Very bold statement, whilst I agree Dorgu will only be understudy, it’s something to say that’s to a player we never ever seen play regularly in the EPL, but of course the kid talks like he is Roberto Carlos just hope he can back it up. But to imagine he will be first choice is a stretch by Christmas… hope it’s right, but I think maybe wishful thinking more than reality.
12.) 19 Jul 2025 21:27:24
Ken/ GSC, he is competing against Dorgu who looks lost at times.
They will fight it out, but he looks the part, and talks the talk.
We will see by Xmas.
13.) 20 Jul 2025 01:40:45
Dorgu was the best player today, hopefully a sign of things to come now he’s settled, the kid is a workhorse.
14.) 20 Jul 2025 09:53:04
I think some people have been very quick to right Dorgu off. He was highly rated when he signed, and he clearly has all the right qualities to be a very successful signing.
But joining a club in January makes it very hard to for a player to be instantly successful. Vidic and Evra had a pretty poor start to their United careers after joining in January. While they also had the luxury of joining a very good United side full of quality players and under arguably our best ever manager. They were also several years older than Dorgu with far more experience to lean on and help them early on in their United career. Even with all of those extra benefits they still struggled, and arguably had less of an impact in their first 5 months as United players.
Dorgu looked very good yesterday. He is now more settled at the club, he is having a pre-season with us, getting to grips with the tactical demands from the manager, settling better with his teammates and building those on field relationships.
I think he'll have a very good season with us. Obviously he'll make mistakes from time to time and his performance levels will not be consistent, as you'd expect from any 20 year old. He'll cement his place as the first choice LWB this year.
Luke Shaw looks like he'll be played at LCB, which makes the most sense for me. The wingback positions is the most physically demanding position on the pitch, and while Shaw's skillset looks well suited to the role, we know his body doesn't stand up well to the physical demands at LB let alone the more demanding wingback role. Maybe playing LCB is his best chance of actually staying fit, although I feel that might just be a fools hope.
Amass will almost certainly head out on loan, he needs to play regularly at senior level to develop his physicality. He's a little on the small side, but the real problem is he doesn't know how to use his body at this level. His small stature should give him a lower centre of gravity and make him harder to push off the ball, but he doesn't know how to use his weight correctly right now and is getting bundled off the ball far too easily. A year in the championship should do him wonders.
Diego Leon impressed yesterday in spells, but was clearly still getting to grips with the club and the increase in speed and the physical demands in Europe compared to South America. I think he'll stay as the understudy to Dorgu this season.
Next summer depending on how both Leon and Amass have done the club will have a decision to make about whether to let one leave either permanently or on loan, or maybe both and look to buy another LWB if neither show that they have what is required.
Dorgu though I'm fairly confident will have shown himself to be a very good player for us by this time next year.
15.) 20 Jul 2025 16:08:39
Why do supporters try to judge players and likeness them to another from a past era. it’s quite pathetic If Dorgu becomes half the players Evra and Vidic was it will be something and we have to be fair he not looked great so far, I seem to remember someone mentioning Shaw was world class!
I know supporters love the romance of kids breaking through, some were even saying one of them for GK and Chido for striker neither are ready yet that’s quite clear
I still say pound to a penny, Dalot will be RB number 1 choice and Dorgu was only bought for back up
We need to buy some Pace and some experience, for CB Midfield and CF, they are all necessary 100%.
16.) 20 Jul 2025 21:50:43
I been told by a relative that Preston want him on loan for the season, good club, good fans have good links to all big clubs in NE.
17.) 20 Jul 2025 23:10:53
GSC your above post implies Dorgu is backup to Dalot. they play on opposite sides of the pitch fella.
18.) 23 Jul 2025 17:42:26
You need to read up on Dorgu and his favoured position from his own words.
Dorgu can play left or right, in fact states he prefers right, but I did not imply back up to where, just he bought to be a back up…simples.
23 Jun 2025 22:10:31
BBC reporting we are in advanced talks with al nassar for casimero. No figures mentioned. Maybe a gift for ronaldo signing his contract. Selling him for 10.m +And saving 18m on wages would be a dream result.
With the new financial year kicking in i think it likely we will see some sales and income coming in from 1st July.
They in turn will help unlock some expenditure. Should be a very busy 21 days.
1.) 24 Jun 2025 02:10:56
Kinda torn on this one. His best days are clearly behind him, and his wages far exceed the value that he adds to the team, but he at least cares about winning. He tries his best week in week out, which is more than can be said for most of the players at the club.
Obviously, we take the money, but there are plenty of players I’d rather see leave than Cas.
2.) 24 Jun 2025 06:01:08
Exactly Redseven, Cass is total professional, mind you you don’t get to win what he has without being…. Plenty I like to see shown the door before him, money side of it, is no concern of mine, too many people get hung up on the £££s the club don’t have no concerns about taking ridiculous money for me to attend, travel, buy a burger buy a pint, so why should I care about there finances, they employ accountants to do that…. my concern is a winning team.
3.) 24 Jun 2025 08:43:00
Casimero has been a great professional whilst with us and offers nothing but 100% and as we saw last year still can perform. However, we need to get legs in the middle of the park to allow us to play Fernandes or Mainoo in there so I am okay with him going, get wages off and bring in another player.
Would be happy with a midfield rotation of Fernandes, Mainoo, Ugarte, New signing, supplemented by Collyer and the youth players.
4.) 24 Jun 2025 09:15:06
People are hung up on the money though German because it impacts what the club can and cannot do within the transfer window. I don't think any of us have the greatest grasp on FFP and PSR but we do know the club is not in the best position financially so any sale of a player on high wages and any bid from Saudi you hope comes in over the odds is going to help with what the club can do in the window which leads to having a winning team, hopefully.
5.) 24 Jun 2025 16:25:15
Midfield of can’t pass a ball 10 yards headless chicken Ugarte and no legs or mobility Mainoo, with Collyer back up will be awful, as seen last months of the season Cass kept them all out the team, so that would be a step backwards imo…
so missing 25% of your games is good? Oh great….
6.) 24 Jun 2025 23:23:50
Maze would you get of your cross mate. It's not just the odd post you parade negative on it's everybody's Post. I hate to read anyone's posts because I know that when a good healthy debate opens up. Your odds on to project gross negative attitude into it.
Go hustle on the LFC page cause your the biggest and darkest cloud with nothing positive
SNIYGNGTS.
7.) 25 Jun 2025 06:26:02
Red villain, sorry did not realise there was much to be positive about, please enlighten me with all the positives with United, so I can have a party!
Easy answer skip my post or you the woke brigade and people can only comment if it’s all nice and fluffy comment…. get in the real world not the fluffy woke 2025 world.
8.) 25 Jun 2025 21:37:04
2 proven PL players whos runs in the first 5 games of the season had a higher workrate than most.
A manager with a pair of steel ones that has seen what we have been saying for ages
Finally the dead wood and the badd eggs are getting the boot
That's all the positives I need to be happy
Add a GK and real CF and I'll be F. Ecstatic for the season
Ps I've just got the black jersey for a £10 And it's perfect so get in.
04 Dec 2024 13:47:10
Seeing quite a few links to clubs looking at dalot.
That would be a great result for us if we could sell him.
A very average player not suited to a wing back role at all long term imo. Really poor crosser of the ball and suffers from severe concentration lapses.
Always gives his all but so did ralph milne.
1.) 04 Dec 2024 14:06:02
Ken,
I agree with you. The club needs to raise their standards aswell. I do believer others should leave before Dalot. However, Utd could do with the money, if the PSR rumours are to be believed.
2.) 04 Dec 2024 15:26:09
Psr rules are all changing MH. I've a lot less concerns around that going forward.
3.) 04 Dec 2024 15:38:46
When he gets into high positions up the pitch, his head explodes. If we could get an upgrade, would be great.
Not unhappy if he stays as a backup though.
4.) 04 Dec 2024 16:09:20
Decent back up angel but if we can get good money for him it might pay us to sell.
5.) 04 Dec 2024 16:34:49
It's almost unbelievable so many clubs want him, given he is cr4p. Maybe they see something in him.
6.) 04 Dec 2024 16:55:48
He's not crap Tony, far from it. But I believe we need better as first choice.
7.) 04 Dec 2024 17:18:33
He is decent back up at best i'd agree so if someone wants to buy him for 20m plus I think it would be a good deal for us.
He is good back up for Portugal. He has good attributes and would do well I'm sure.
Does he possess the attributes needed to play rwb for our manager I don't think so.
All the noise could be him angling for a new contract. If the coach thinks he fits the system he will get one i'm sure. I don't see him being happy if not regular starter once the team settled down.
8.) 05 Dec 2024 11:20:17
We need Davies.
9.) 05 Dec 2024 12:06:55
Steve Davis. snooker loopy.
10.) 05 Dec 2024 15:57:43
I wonder will anyone sign rashford ajh but you think he is crap so obviously not.
11.) 05 Dec 2024 18:57:45
I don't think Rashford is crap ken, I think he has amazing ability. However, his application and effort is poor and his head seems elsewhere, he's had long enough to fix it but doesn't seem able to.
12.) 05 Dec 2024 21:39:49
I agree. He just shirks any physical contact and work.
I really think he should move for his own good. I'd like to see him excel elsewhere but I don't think he has the drive.
13.) 05 Dec 2024 21:46:56
Far more valuable and problem assets in the squad than Dalot.
Tumbleweed!'s banter posts with other poster's replies to Tumbleweed!'s banter posts
04 May 2026 01:02:03
Now that we have secured cl football as a fan from a football perspective turns to 3 key questions.
1. Who will the coach be? No idea and I've no strong opinion on it yet. i'd like to see who they will talk to.
2. Who will they sell?
Definite squad members next year imo will be lammens shaw maguire yoro heaven mainoo amad cunha mbeuno sesko.
Cas ugarte zirkzee rasmus bayindir rashford vitek I think will all be sold /released /loaned.
I think we would be open to break even offers on others like mount dalot maz martinez de ligt if offers came in that made sense i think the club would consider them strongly.
Obviously not all will be sold but perhaps 1 or 2 from that list.
3. Who will we buy? Taking into consideration the proposed definite leavers above.
2xcm 1lw 1cf. 1gk would be required at a minimum. Plus maybe 1 or 2 coming through from the academy to play some meaningful game time. Amass lacey even JJ.
Plus replacing any of the possible exits at rb for example if either maz or dalot were to leave.
Or cb if martinez were to leave.
The answers to the questions are very Co dependent so can't be answered in isolation.
Very interesting summer ahead.
1.) 04 May 2026 07:51:36
As you say, a very interesting summer ahead.
2.) 04 May 2026 09:32:07
With the absence of any obvious replacement manager, I expect Carrick to be confirmed once the season is over.
Ultimately, this rebuild is not about individual names, it is about building a balanced, functional system, starting with replacing Casemiro.
The usual suspects are obvious: Anderson, Baleba, Wharton and Tonali. With Mainoo now central, the focus must be on balance.
Anderson and Wharton both overlap too closely with Mainoo stylistically, while interest from City will inflate Anderson's price, and I cannot see us getting involved in a bidding war.
That leaves Baleba and Tonali, and of the two, Baleba offers the intensity and ball-winning that Mainoo lacks. He is the more natural fit, and likely the simpler deal.
Replacing Manuel Ugarte is more about depth. A Mateus Fernandes profile offers long-term development, while Joao Gomes brings immediate Premier League reliability. I wouldn't be surprised if either of those become targets.
Further forward, United did well last summer, and the forwards look effective now. A player like Mateus Mane, who is younger and can provide options off the bench, would be a great addition.
Up front, the priority would be a striker who stretches defences, but they are expensive, and I don't see an urgent need if both Mbeumo and Cunha can play in that role.
In defence, consistent injuries to Licha and MdL may force another signing. If an offer arrives for Yoro, I think United would consider it, especially with Heaven clear ahead in progression. A Premier League-proven option like Marcos Senesi would add immediate reliability.
The academy remains a question. While talents exist, how many are ready now to make the step up to men's football? Carrick's reliance on established players this season might not be viable next season with the number of games we hope to play.
3.) 04 May 2026 11:20:12
The manager question is the one that seems to dominate the discussion right now.
I'm neither for nor against Carrick. I think, from the outside looking in, he has done a good job. If the club decides to stick with him, then I'll back that decision. Like many fans, I also have a few reservations or unanswered questions about him as a manager (which, to be fair, I'd have over any manager we hire).
Where most fans differ on the manager front tends to come from the basic fact that we are all basing our opinions off of less than 20% of the information needed to make that decision.
Firstly, there is a subtle difference between the best manager available and the right manager for the job.
Ultimately, we are best off hiring the right manager for the job, even if others on the surface look like "better" managers.
Again, some of us are basing our opinion on who is the right manager on who we feel is the best manager, often on things like what they've won, who they have managed previously, or their perceived style of play, etc.
Yet all of those things need to be taken in context.
For example, would Pep have won all the titles and accolades he has at City if the people running the recruitment hadn't managed to get him the players he has ultimately had? How much of his success should also be attributed to those who gave him the conditions he had to be successful?
Finding the right manager is about finding the right piece of the puzzle; it might not be the biggest piece, or the fanciest piece, but it will be the piece that brings the rest of the image together.
As fans, it's fine to have an opinion on things like who the manager should be or who we should sign. But ultimately, there is so much we don't know about the whole process, or what is actually required, that our opinions carry very little weight. The important thing is, regardless of who we hire as fans, our job is to get behind the new manager even if he isn't our preferred choice.
Personally, I think player recruitment this summer is far more important as to our long term success than who we hire as the manager. But like I say, that's just an opinion.
28 Apr 2026 20:54:56
Half time in the CL final PSG v Bayern.
It's like watching a different game to the robotic EPL. End to end 2 teams attacking to win. Brilliant attacking technical ability on display. Some suspect defending but primarily down to great attacking play.
Dodgy pen at the end of the half.
Often a second half can see the pace slow a bit, hopefully more of the same though. A great advert for football so far.
1.) 28 Apr 2026 21:08:04
Tbh Ken, I'm gutted. I've got HBO Max but not Prime, so I can't watch tonight's game... Instead, I'm stuck with Arsenal v Athletico. ??♂️ Seems like I'm missing a classic!!
2.) 28 Apr 2026 21:39:29
I was going to post the same, Ken. It demonstrates exactly why some of us are anxious about the results-are-all-that-counts mentality and about ignoring how negative our football has become.
If we're to bridge the gap to these two teams, we need to have a much more proactive approach.
Both teams are so well balanced, a joy to watch, and a blueprint for what we need to follow.
3.) 28 Apr 2026 22:02:14
Cracking game of football. Both teams went for it, could have been 8-8. Neither sat back at any stage of the game, they backed themselves to get more goals.
Side note, can't see Enrique wanting to leave that squad, they're quality.
4.) 28 Apr 2026 22:13:55
I dunno, Mumbles. I think he definitely stays if they win CL again because he can set a record with them then, but it's not impossible if they don't.
5.) 28 Apr 2026 23:17:44
Well, it didn't slow down. Super stuff. Players that are not afraid to take risks. Players that don't have the life and soul coached out of them. Players that put an emphasis on skill and technique. Players that make you jump out of your seat.
The EPL is all brawn over brain. Very competitive athletes.
There are some exceptions, and some really great players, but due to the culture of the game in England, they don't get to flourish and showcase their skills as much.
In Europe, even the best EPL teams often come out on top, but not often do they produce the most entertaining play.
6.) 28 Apr 2026 23:26:39
We need fewer games, I think. The EPL has so many closely matched sides that everyone is at 70% throughout. Only Man City have aimed at having the players peak for the latter part of the season - because they can. An 18-team EPL would help.
But, some reduction in CL games, too. I'm not inclined to compliment US sports, but they are much more aware of the spectacle, and there has been very little change in their main sports on the number of games over the years.
7.) 29 Apr 2026 10:08:58
You're absolutely right, Ken. The Premier League has shown that if you're an athlete first, footballer second, you can succeed.
There's more than one way to win a football match, but there is something wonderful about watching two teams go punch for punch.
5-3 last night, and Enrique brought on Barcola for Doue, hoping his face could get in behind Bayern. It didn't pan out, but there wasn't a thought in his head to bring on another defender. His first thought was how he could hurt Bayern and get another one.
8.) 29 Apr 2026 15:15:35
Last night was the best game of football I've seen in years. It was a shame that it wasn't the CL final. There was constant end-to-end action. It was like being back at school, playing footie at lunchtime, all about scoring goals, regardless of the actual score.
Those two teams set the benchmark for football last night!
04 Apr 2026 17:44:10
Further to the thread the other day, I've read this week that there are rumours regarding Simeone's situation at AM.
14 years there and he has done a terrific job breaking the strangle hold of the big 2 and been very competitive.
But a new leader of the club is rumoured to want to move in a new direction and new ideas.
His contract expires in 2027.
I wonder if we made an approach to him, would he be interested?
1.) 04 Apr 2026 18:56:00
I do like the idea of a Simeone team, but the fact he can't speak English is probably too big a hurdle?
2.) 04 Apr 2026 20:10:37
Simeone has been great at Atletico, transforming them into a consistent powerhouse behind Barca/Real. However, it does feel like his style has been found out, and is not getting the results it did a few years back.
That being said, with the way Arsenal are winning, and the lack of real flair/attack this year in the Premier League, he could come in and do a good job, with a new team and league invigorating him.
That being said, he is not for me, and I would sooner us look elsewhere, and not sure his want to control everything fits with the leadership structure.
3.) 04 Apr 2026 21:32:21
The fact he would wind up opposition managers, players and fans regularly makes me interested to see him in the OT dugout... Could you imagine. ???
4.) 04 Apr 2026 21:41:45
If he leaves Madrid he will end up at Inter Milan imo.
5.) 05 Apr 2026 00:09:38
He definitely wouldn't take any crap from any prima donna players.
Question is whether some or all of Utds players are mentally strong enough to play for such a manager.
6.) 05 Apr 2026 11:05:00
Salford, I think we know the answer to your question.
7.) 05 Apr 2026 11:21:40
I'm completely open on the next United manager.
We've tried everything in the years since Fergie. Massively experienced (Van Gaal, Mourinho), up-and-coming next big things (Amorim, Ten Hag), former players (Solksjaer, Carrick), Moyes (don't actually know what category to put him in, but it was a disaster). They've all had differing levels of success. Mourinho was the 'biggest' success with a 58% win ratio.
Can't say any of them created a team that was anywhere near as exciting to watch as the United we know, but to be fair we weren't stylistically great in Fergie's final few seasons.
I've got hugely excited by Eric and Ruben's United and both were awful for whatever reason you want to put on it. In every case, poor transfer strategies and over expectation has foiled each of them.
I do feel Carrick will 'deserve' it if he gets us CL, but worry what will happen the first time a massive European giant comes to OT and turns us over due to his inexperience.
Nagelsmann is intriguing, but a few red flags - he's with Germany, so again won't be hands on to get a pre-season, and maybe he's just another hip manager like the last few.
8.) 05 Apr 2026 12:12:04
I'm not sure Simeone is a good fit for United. For me, he just feels like a Chelsea manager if he came to the Premier League. Someone may be able to tell me, but I don't think he was ever on the list of contenders for Bayern when they changed manager, or Liverpool when Klopp moved on, or even to replace Slot? Like someone has said, he would seem ideal to go to Inter after Atletico.
The structure of United is changing now, with recruitment etc. Vivell and Wilcox are being very active in this area, so we need an individual who could work effectively in this structure. I just can't see Simeone being that person personally, but that will be what the club will explore with him if conversations happen, I guess.
9.) 05 Apr 2026 13:49:45
Jd123, really? They got on all right with Fergy. ???
10.) 05 Apr 2026 13:49:46
That's the stitches structure he works under in Madrid. They hand 2 people the roles Wilcox and Vivell have at United.
I don't know enough of either dynamic to say they are exactly the same, but in terms of positions, both are identical.
11.) 05 Apr 2026 14:44:11
Oh right, I didn't realise, Ken. I thought I read somewhere that he has quite a big say in transfers, etc. Would certainly be an interesting appointment if it came off.
12.) 05 Apr 2026 14:58:49
I don't think England and the EPL would be his 1st choice. I agree with those that tip him to go to Italy. Taking over the intl team, I think, is also a possible option for him.
13.) 05 Apr 2026 16:23:04
I'm a fan of Simeone in the same way that I'm a fan of Mourinho. They have a dogged, aggressive style about them, they also tend to play well (upto) being the underdog which definitely plays towards the British psyhe of supporting the underdog.
Their teams will run through brick walls, battle for every ball and play with an infectious aggression.
That said I don't think either are well suited to being the Manchester United manager, just as I don't think either would be a good fit for Barcelona either.
There are some clubs where winning is not enough, but you need to win in style, within a club identity.
Both Simeone and Mourinho are pragmatists, they spend more time training their players on how to disrupt the opposition than they spend on trying to create a front foot style to outscore the opposition.
Some managers approach coaching and tactics with the mentality "if we can stop the opposition from scoring then we have a great chance of getting something from the game", while other managers approach football with the mentality "how can we score more goals than the opposition".
I'm not saying one approach is better than the other, but I am saying as a fan I prefer to watch football played with the latter approach over the former.
I'd rather watch a game where my team is trying to score and play on the front foot, that is what I find entertaining. Rather than watching my team try and defend and disrupt the opposition, eking out a 1-0 win from a set piece.
For my money Simeone would have us playing like Arsenal under Arteta, and maybe he'd win a trophy or two doing that. But I watch football to be entertained, and the only thing I find entertaining about this Arsenal side is watching them bottle trophies.
Not all great managers are a great fit for every club. We need to move away from chasing the biggest brightest name available and instead focus on the best suited candidates, both on and off the pitch.
Just last summer it looked like there was a straight choice between Emi Martinez and Senne Lammens as a new keeper.
Martinez on paper is the big name, world cup winning option. But he is also prone to a clanger, while his antics can be disruptive, he is also potentially (or soon to be) on the decline.
The club instead scouted a young player who had all the attributes we needed for our team, his skills, demeanour, and personality all fitted what we needed better than Martinez.
We chose to go with the option that met our specific needs over the big name proven option (who in hindsight also had a few potential issues for our team).
Personally I think Simeone has spent a few years too long at Atletico Madrid, he got comfortable and comfort is death of progress. I think he needs a new challenge and for me I think his style is perfect for Serie A. Somewhere like Inter Milan, Napoli or Roma and I think he'd be a legend with them.
14.) 06 Apr 2026 08:00:06
Simeone has expressed a desire in the past to join Inter Milan. If he wants to enhance his chances of a big job, then he would have been learning English, he might, and we have no idea. I suspect it's now or never for a move. Strong character, and at his age, he has to be looking at his options.
02 Apr 2026 18:36:44
Looks like Barcelona will potentially not take up their 26m option on Rashford and who can blame them.
Played 28 mins in their last 4 games on bench for all r coming on in 2 of those games for a combined 28 min.
He got a few goals and assists early on but has been poor since turn of year.
If they don't buy I suppose we have 4 options
1. Loan him out somewhere else there is no way id loan him to them again.
2. Sell him elsewhere if he is agreeable.
3. If not agreeable for him to move elsewhere then I would not permit him to be involved with the squad and leave him in a Sancho situation completely exiled from the squad.
4. Which I don't think is viable would be to integrate him back in.
It was predicted he would do well early at Barcelona but imo it was also equally predictable that he would revert to type and become less impactful as times went on.
At 26m he should represent good value but sadly when you take his wages into account he is not worth that imo.
Will be interesting to see how this one develops.
1.) 02 Apr 2026 21:15:19
Barcelona may just be trying to get the fee down. I'm not sure of the legality of it, but, very obviously, if this is what they're playing at, we should tell them to p1ss off.
Rashford isn't willing to be humble enough to work on his weaknesses and be a team player, so I agree fully that integrating him back in is not viable.
I'd imagine if he drops his salary demands, we can get the 26M for him.
2.) 02 Apr 2026 21:41:09
Don't believe for a second Barca are doing anything other than trying to put the frighteners on everybody. They are just pressuring to try and get the price down.
If they do not want him, why have they discussed and agreed personal terms with the player and his camp? Flick is reportedly very happy with Rashford, not just for goals and assists, but also for his versatility and professionalism. Further, he has never caused any problems when benched or subbed off; this is appreciated by Flick.
Seemingly, Barca want to buy Julian Alvarez and Alessandro Bastoni this summer, and, given their well-known financial situation, they are desperately trying to save money to facilitate these deals. We have, apparently, told them the deal has been agreed, and we will not renegotiate and do not want another loan. So, pay up!
I have to say, I like the fact we are not just rolling over to their games.
There may well, ultimately, be some modification to the deal, but it has to be in our interests also.
I have no doubt, even if Barca walk away, there will be interest from other clubs. At the stated transfer fee of about £26m, and with the way fees are going, it is still a good opportunity for a club, and also his wages are not going to be at the level we are paying him.
We want the deal, Rashford wants the deal, and Barca want the deal. I am still optimistic.
We got our wage bill down £52m last financial year, and with Rashford off this year, along with other expected departures, a further decrease of £60m is on the cards. With Champions League money as well, it certainly improves our financial position. If we spend wisely this summer (as last year was), there is much reason for optimism.
3.) 02 Apr 2026 22:13:49
None of us on here are in the know enough to say whether Rashford can be integrated back into our squad. That's down to Carrick, or whoever the new head coach is, and Wilcox to decide.
All I know is we are in the market for a goalscoring left forward, when we already own one deemed good enough to be in the Barca squad, which is way ahead of ours right now.
4.) 03 Apr 2026 08:18:28
By whatever means, get rid. Otherwise, isolate him from our players. He has burned his bridges in my view.
5.) 03 Apr 2026 09:40:23
I'd agree, Fizz, he has burnt bridges with the majority of fans too.
I'd hate to see him back at United.
6.) 03 Apr 2026 20:26:52
I would take a bag of pegs.
7.) 04 Apr 2026 09:52:16
Not sure Rashford wants to come back. He seems happy at Barca, and I'm sure a deal will be done.
Can you imagine him sulking around OT again because the move wasn't made permanent. Not good for the squad.
01 Apr 2026 09:47:54
Looking at our potential player sales for next season.
Zirkzee Ugarte Casimero Rasmus all look like they are sure to go.
Rashford im hoping we get another loan at worst, maybe a sale somewhere. I doubt Barcelona will sign him.
Maguire and Mainoo look like signing new deals.
Onana who will take him? Maybe another loan or some Saudi club with vision difficulties might step in.
Bayindir will leave, im sure.
Shaw Dalot Maz Deligt Martinez Mount all likely to stay, but any of them could leave if an offer came in, im sure it would be considered for any of them.
Bruno. Will he stay or go? I think he will leave.
Who the manger will be is anyone's guess.
Busy summer ahead.
1.) 01 Apr 2026 10:47:23
I can see Onana just doing season loans now til contract up like Sancho. Think he'll be a pain in the backside to move on to be honest.
2.) 01 Apr 2026 10:49:00
I would imagine that the outgoings will depend on the coach's decision.
Maguire, for example, may not want to stay if Carrick goes, as he will not get his desired playing time. Carrick out, I say. ?
But all joking aside, Tumble, I think your sentiment is correct. Most players will be, and should be, considered up for sale at the right price.
Busy and interesting summer indeed. I just hope the WC doesn't detract from getting the deals we have planned sealed sooner rather than later, otherwise we will be having players turn up on or after the season starts.
I couldn't stand another raft of the no time to prepare excuses!
3.) 01 Apr 2026 11:36:30
Sancho out of contract in 8 weeks. It will be easy to move him. Just open the door.
4.) 01 Apr 2026 11:41:27
Sorry, Ports, misread that. Yes, I think Onana will be a hard sell, same as Sancho was, but as I say, looking for a Saudi buyer. I wonder, will the unrest out in the Middle East deter players from going out there with their young families.
5.) 01 Apr 2026 18:00:05
In Wilcox, we trust??!
6.) 01 Apr 2026 18:13:23
Would be devastated to see Shaw starting next season.
7.) 01 Apr 2026 19:28:14
Sancho's that lazy, Ken. He might not go through the open door.
8.) 02 Apr 2026 00:29:13
I think a size 10 up the hole would force him through it Tim
9.) 04 Apr 2026 10:07:56
Sancho's biggest issue was his wages. Onana is on reasonable wages and should be able to find somewhere, although I did read that he will get a pay rise if we qualify for the CL. Not sure how that is possible. We need to write better contracts.
03 May 2026 15:29:53
I'm not sure they can do that, Fizz.
There is the option of canceling his contract mutually.
He has shown a huge amount of disrespect to his team-mates, coaches (several), and the fans by not putting in maximum effort and doing his own thing.
He has decent ability, no doubt, and will get his share of goals and assists at Barcelona as a good squad player.
That does not command 300k pw at Barcelona, so if he wants to play there he should accept that and reduce his demands and get paid for the role he is playing. He will play a squad role there, and that's probably 100k pw. At a push.
I get he doesn't want to give up his big contract and you might ask why should he? Well, if he wants to sign for them he can only demand what squad/rotation players are paid. He can't command superstar wages.
I've read he is prepared to take some sort of reduction, but perhaps he needs to go deeper to make a move happen.
I can see it dragging on all summer with him going back there or elsewhere on loan.
Our permanent coach may want him to stay and trust him to rebuild a few bridges.
If our permanent coach wants him to stay, then that's something sceptics like me will have to accept and hope he can regain fans' trust and respect.
I hope and I'm confident that he won't be here next season, but I'm not confident that we will get the ideal terms.
For me, it is a no brainer deal for Barcelona at 26m if they can get him down to 150k pw. They can really easily freeze him out if he is not doing great and flip him on in a year and get a profit without the buying clubs facing a 300k pw wage demand.
03 May 2026 00:22:18
Vitek will be sold.
02 May 2026 13:21:36
Thanks for the insights Co, nice to get a local perspective confirming what some of us have heard from elsewhere.
The 'poor Marcus the victim' narrative has been pedalled by his PR crew and is a very false narrative from what I've heard.
If Barca don't fancy him for 26m, it tells you all you need to know.
I think any club would be very wary of giving him a contract.
02 May 2026 13:17:06
Good to be considering other options to Carrick imo.
We need to be looking at and considering several candidates.
02 May 2026 13:07:40
Rashford has a preference to play elsewhere. That alone says he should not be near our squad, and I'm very confident he won't be. Call his bluff, and Barcelona's, and if he doesn't move, just leave him in a Sancho situation where he trains with the reserves. It's expensive, but 2 can play at a game of brinkmanship.
There will be other takers for him on loan at worst. Personally, I'd cut ties with Barca; tell Rashford they don't meet our valuations. Tell him to find another option, or he is all alone in a bomb squad.
If he thinks he can force the situation, then put him straight, and tell him we won't deal with Barcelona until they meet the valuation. Rashford will then need to find another option. I'd loan him or sell him to any other club in the world except Barcelona. If he won't go elsewhere, then just leave him in the reserves.
Rashford does not want to play for United, he had other preferences, so that alone should be enough for any of his supporters to drop support for him.
05 May 2026 17:28:37
Anybody that thinks Mbeumo can play as a cf has not watched him play there.
He struggles badly, and is not a cf, even temporarily.
We need all the above and 2 full backs.
04 May 2026 13:54:11
Mainoo is doing terrific. Mbeumo has had his form decline, along with Amad, as the season has gone on. Cunha has improved, lots of fluctuations. Players gel with certain managers quicker than others, and perform better for some managers than others.
Mainoo and Amorim did not see eye to eye, hairband, all the time. Fergie rvn Fergie Stam Pep Ibra Klopp Coutinho all seemed crazy decisions, but life goes on. If your face doesn't fit, that's ok, but it doesn't mean they are bad players.
04 May 2026 00:33:15
Form comes and goes. He is also not getting a consistent run to gain any rhythm. If rhythm is fit, he is not 1st choice. That will change next season, where there are lots more games to go around, so instead of a 1st 11, it will be more like a 1st 16 -18 that will start most games.
There will be 55 starts on rw next season, so id like to think we will see more from him next season.
03 May 2026 19:23:38
Made very hard work of it after being 2 up in 15 min.
37 % possession, yet more shots on target, and 1 goal more. I don't like us playing counter attack, but we don't have the players to play anything else effectively. So, now we have CL secured, hopefully he will try and be a bit more expensive. We are just playing for size money now and, as important as that is, I think it's equally important for Carrick to show he has more in his locker and to try something a little different.
Great result and congratulations to Carrick and his coaching team for securing CL with 3 games to spare, a great achievement considering the squad is so short.
I believe the next 3 games give Carrick a great opportunity to show a different side to his approach.
02 May 2026 14:59:24
I'd agree with a lot of that, Mumbles.
In the end, you've got to call a spade a spade. He should have looked at different options he had, and his ego wouldn't let him admit that.
He did so much good stuff and put us on a good trajectory, and started a change in habits and culture. He failed because he was inflexible, and that will stand him in good stead for the future. He will have learnt plenty.
Carrick has done very well, results-wise, and deserves to be considered for the full-time position.
Has he done enough? And has he got enough to improve us?
I think the answer in terms of results is he has done enough, the answer to the 2nd question is only known to those in charge.
When they talk to other candidates, it's the 2nd question they will be considering, I hope, and not the 1st. Has Carrick done enough in his everyday work to convince them that he can lead the team to where they want to be? Or will someone else come into the equation and blow their socks off with a clear vision?
Who knows. All I hope is that whoever gets the job, that he gets the squad strengthened with 4 or 5 very good strategic signings and gets rid of players who don't contribute enough. 55 plus games next season, so we do need serious reinforcements for any prospective manager.