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28 May 2025 17:22:04
Sancho at R10?
I’m warming to the idea.
It doesn’t look like we can get £25M for him, could be a fresh start?
I’d like the little ? attitude but might be a needs must to rebuild his value.
1.) 28 May 2025 17:41:37
Another fresh start? ?.
2.) 28 May 2025 18:58:09
Is R10 a new mental health institute for weak par.
3.) 28 May 2025 19:43:13
Not a hope. We need players that press effectively. Sancho won't do.
4.) 28 May 2025 20:12:45
No. not the right attitude for our reset and how many managers need to confirm that Sancho is a problem.
If Chelsea do not want him we will get £5m and I am certain we can Get £15/ 20m from another club for him.
5.) 28 May 2025 20:58:53
Sancho must never darken our door again. Get rid.
6.) 28 May 2025 22:26:05
Sancho in for cultural reset MK 3 was he not part of the Ole cultural reset the OG reset?
7.) 28 May 2025 22:59:53
Id rather have Bozo than Sancho, by far my preferred clown.
8.) 28 May 2025 23:10:46
Jadon Sancho: does not press, lazy, bad attitude, lousy professional, despite the talent.
9.) 29 May 2025 02:51:18
In theory he’s perfect for our N10 role. In reality, there’s a discord mentally that seems to mean he never can sustain the right effort and attitude.
10.) 29 May 2025 11:16:20
I'd sooner fully read one of shappys long winded replies to a simple question than have him back.
11.) 29 May 2025 11:34:35
SanchO? Forgotten to take your meds? ?.
12.) 29 May 2025 13:17:18
Let’s give another player who publicly on more than one occasion has under-minded a manger who was signed for the right but moaned and said he didn’t want to play there
No thanks.
13.) 29 May 2025 13:28:13
Sancho has been an absolute nob and waste of money, not denying that.
What I’m saying is he could do the Trincao role at right sided 10 position.
If he’s sent back I’m not sure we’ll get anything other than another loan, and think there’s a financial agreement to reintroduce and recovery some of his value.
{Ed025's Note - just get rid i say and if you get money for him then all well and good UR, yet another toxic individual who needs to move on imo mate..
14.) 29 May 2025 15:34:38
Not a cat in hells chance he gets in a RA changing room, he is know for not having toxic players, so Sancho not a cat in hells chance, BTW what he had 2 decent games for Chelsea, same with Antony comes up against decent players and he reverts to type….
28 May 2025 08:35:58
Harley Emsden-James linked.
16 year old centre back from Southampton Academy.
I’m expecting we make a few signings like this.
1.) 28 May 2025 10:27:18
I think we will make 3 or 4 signings of players between the ages of 16 to 19 this summer to go into the academy for a few years to try and build the academy up more so that it can support the first team better.
We've already seen the club sign Kone, Obi and Lusale all be signed under the new club structure. You could maybe include Heaven in that list as well, but in fairness despite his age he did go straight into the first team squad.
I think we will look for some of those players who after 6 -18 months in the academy could be ready to join the first team squad on a regular basis.
I suspect we will see Gore and probably Collyer leave this summer to make space for Kone to start training with the first team squad and making the bench next season.
The club will be much more ruthless with moving on academy players in the future, if they don't show themselves to be ready to contribute after a season with the first team they will likely be moved on to make space for the next young academy star.
We saw this with Alvaro Fernandez last summer, sold to Benfica as he hadn't quite convinced he was ready to play in the EPL as a LB. So he was sold to make way for Amass. Obviously he has had a cracking season in Portugal and we hired a new manager who plays with wingbacks which would have suited Fernandez well, but it shows the ruthlessness needed to get back to the top, along with the savviness to include large sell on clauses or buy back options in these deals. People complained a the time that 6m was too low a fee and it should have been more like 15-20m. Yet if he seals his 45m deal to Real Madrid this summer then we get an extra 20m or so which means we will be better off now than if we pushed for a higher price last summer.
It also gave Amass a chance to push towards the first team, I've been impressed with him for the most part, although its clear he needs to learn how to use his body better against grown men as he does get pushed off the ball a little too easily. But that will come. His positioning and reading of the game is good for his age, while he has great technique and ability. He unfortunately couldn't be loaned out until recently as you can't send a player under the age of 18 out on loan. Depending on how he does over the summer and on tour he might stay to fight Dorgu and Shaw for a starting spot next season. I'd be tempted to keep him until Christmas at least, see how Dorgu does and monitor Shaws fitness. Then If Amass isn't getting enough game time send him out on loan to the Championship for the second half of the season.
We've also not sat on our laurels and signed Diego Leon who joins in the summer, he's 18 and will likely go straight into the academy for a few months to acclimatise to England and English football. Maybe during the second half of next season or the following season he will be ready to start pushing to be in the first team squad.
INEOS have since they took over, pulled the trigger on Alvaro Fernandez, given Amass a chance and lined up his potential successor if he doesn't step up to the level we need.
It's a great example of how they will try and run the academy to support the first team squad. Move players on quickly if they aren't deemed ready or needed.
This makes money for the club to help reenforce the first team squad (both immediately and/ or in the future with sell on clauses, and possibly include buy back options to keep the player as a cheap potential future signing), while also giving the player the best chance to develop and reach their potential. Young players need to play at the highest level they can for them to develop. They don't improve if they aren't playing or are playing at a level that is beneath their current ability.
It also creates space for other players to move into and keep moving up the ladder to continue their development. As well as a sense of urgency for these players to step up and take their chances. Focus their minds to listen to the manager and to show they are learning and improving, otherwise they will be shown the door for the next young hungry player to take their place. Competition for places is needed right throughout the squad if you want your team to be successful, that includes the young lads coming up from the academy.
While the insistence on scouting and bringing in the best young talent from around the world to join our academy increases competition at that level and gives us a more steady flow of talent into the first team. Meaning we shouldn't ever have to spend money on buying squad players to fill out the squad as we should have a top class young player ready to step in if/ when needed. That way we can focus on spending our money on improving the first 11, bringing in the best and most suited player for the teams need to maximise improvement in team performances.
While INEOS have and will continue to make some mistakes (which is inevitable no matter who runs the club, everyone makes mistakes), the way they have changed how the academy runs to support the first team and the focus on bringing in top talent to supplement our current academy players has in my opinion been a huge success and something I'm very happy to see. To me our club identity is closely tied to giving youth a chance and developing young players into top level stars (both from our academy and young players we have signed) . I'm glad that under the new ownership this is something that looks like it will continue to be at the heart of the club. I'd actually hate us to be bought and run by someone who'd look to do what Abramovic did at Chelsea, just buying players year on year and filling the squad with mercenaries who have come for the big wages and to add a couple of medals to their collection but who have no connection to the club or the fans. I have nothing personally against Chelsea, but the club feels soulless, and I think a lot of its identity was lost when they we bought.
At its heart the club needs to stay true to our roots, keep our identity. We should be a team that has young players in it, players from the academy who feel a connection to the club and the fans, players that play with a passion and fight for the badge, a team that plays with attacking verve and freedom, that ultimately entertains when they play.
That is Manchester United, at least to me that is what we are. The new ownership looking to keep the academy at the heart of the club and the first team is something that really pleases me. I'm as excited, maybe more so, to see which of our young lads is the next to step up into the first team, to steak a claim and maybe start their journey to becoming a superstar and club legend, than I am about which big name player we sign this summer.
If I'm honest the signings that excite me the most are either the left field signing of a little known player or the signing of a top level young player. Signings like Vidic or Kleberson I find exciting, they don't always work out, but its fun to see what they are about and if they can step up. Or signings like Rooney or Yoro, young players who still have a lot to learn but their talent is undeniable. Players who could develop into genuine world class players in front of our eyes.
I'm actually not that fussed when we are linked to a top player, or even when we sign them. I appreciate they are a great player and they probably immediately improve us. Yet I already know what they are capable of and who they are, they don't have levels to go up with us. At best its more of the same, or worse they decline or fail to live up to the hype.
2.) 28 May 2025 13:47:50
Nice post shapman!
Totally agree - we make stars not buy them.
3.) 28 May 2025 16:17:38
LOL…. Ok in an ideal world saying we make stars not buy them, but long as prepared to be in bottom half of table for next few years, which I don’t think is the case for Ineos or most of the fans….
4.) 28 May 2025 17:26:32
We signed plenty of unknowns as champions. Ole for example, also Shappy listed a few like Vidic too.
We also raided other premier league clubs.
Newcastle and Liverpool to certain extent have this strategy too. They’re doing ok, it works.
They also look for character and cultural fit. As did Fergie.
5.) 28 May 2025 21:05:13
I shake my head at Fernandez and the decision to sell. Now we seem happy to get £5m as our cut, on top of the £6m we sold him for. We could have had a quality left WB or pocketed £45M.
The Heaven signing looks a really good one mind you.
6.) 29 May 2025 04:21:51
Won't get them all right Redman, so long as in the main the majority start to be right, as opposed to wrong, we will turn the tide and move in the right direction.
This is not going to be a swift correction.
04 Jul 2024 18:10:21
Mr Edd002 a question please.
Is Tobido, De Ligt, Braithwaite possible if Maguire, Lindelof go along with Varane?
{Ed002's Note - All of interest but unlikely all will arrive.}
1.) 05 Jul 2024 00:18:59
DL and JB this window, hold One of those two for a season and Todibo next year, when we are in the CL and Nice are not.
2.) 06 Jul 2024 06:46:34
United have agreed that there will be no transfer between the clubs before September 2025, so Todibo will not be turning up any time soon.
18 Jun 2024 22:13:56
Rumours of Zirkzee and Xavi Simmons today.
What do you guys think of them?
1.) 18 Jun 2024 22:32:32
Not seen anything of Zirkzee other than an awful lot of reports, so figure his agent is in overdrive (and apparently stands to gain £12m personally so why not) .
I think if they want to go Dutch Frimpong excites me the most. Seen him in multiple positions, and a better right winger than anything we’ve got and it’s not even his best position!
2.) 19 Jun 2024 07:43:52
Ornstein spenno. Never normally writes anything until incredibly well sourced.
But I suspect Zirkzee is waiting for Milan. However, if they don't come in, we may get out man.
3.) 19 Jun 2024 08:38:16
Zirkee looked good for a very exciting Bologna side who earned champions league football. Will be a good option at a reasonable price but most rumours were of him going to Milan, however they are looking at a number of options.
Could we do a loan deal for Simons with option to buy next year, someone has said that a sale for PSG is more beneficial that way so could give us a good cheap option.
Likely all talk or at least the club looking at lots of players.
4.) 19 Jun 2024 10:55:17
Zirzkee, good enough to play for a europa league team which we are currently but also not so good that he is going to be demanding to start week in week out instead of Hojlund. Seems like an ideal signing to take the load of Hojlund.
5.) 19 Jun 2024 12:26:58
Will we even play with 1 centre forward?
We won last 3 games last season playing without a cf and using Bruno as a false 9.
It very much depends on the tactics applied.
6.) 19 Jun 2024 12:59:18
I think we should stay away from any player where the agent demands 12.5m for the transfer.
7.) 19 Jun 2024 13:33:30
DSG, zirkzee has the option to start at Bologna or start at Milan both in the CL, or he could come and be a rotation option at Utd in the EL.
Believe both Barcelona and RBL want a loan for Simons so could potentially be an option.
8.) 19 Jun 2024 14:58:51
Fuser he can get an extra 5m a year playing at united.
9.) 19 Jun 2024 14:59:21
Why kurtis?
10.) 19 Jun 2024 18:02:39
I think agent fees usually equate to about 5% commission Ken. Based on his market value at about €50m this would mean he's wanting a 25% commission.
I wouldn't want to pay such high commission for a player. I'm not even sure if this is allowed as I read FIFA might introduce caps.
I'm sure an Ed or someone else can correct my understanding if anything I've said is wrong.
{Ed002's Note - Rubbish.}
11.) 19 Jun 2024 19:37:16
I posted on the banter site tongue in cheek about Xavi simons. He’s statistically very similar to Bruno. He’s quicker and better at dribbling 1vs1 this why he’s been used on the wing at before he was at RB. Puts in a shift pressing, is press resistant and looks to pass forward. He would be a very good signing.
Zirkzee is a 6’ 4” opposite version of Højlund. Where Højlund likes it in behind and plays well as a target man, Zirkzee likes it into feet, he drops deeper and looks to use his technical ability to turn defenders and likes to be part of the build up play. He’s a lot like Martial in many ways, looking to drop a bit deeper and pull off to either side to overload. He would offer us a great deal of tactical flexibility.
12.) 19 Jun 2024 19:27:52
Thanks for the additional insight Ed.
{Ed002's Note - You are making stuff up.}
13.) 19 Jun 2024 21:54:36
Ken so you’ll pay Zirkzee 160-200k/ week? Italian clubs have the benefit of lower tax for their footballers.
14.) 20 Jun 2024 06:08:41
Kurtis, the agent worked on his transfer to Bologna, and you would assume made sure there was a clause in the contract that allows the player to move for a specific fee.
Now that several clubs feel that fee is a bargain and want to take advantage of that fee (that only exists because of the agent) why isn't the agent entitled to charge a premium in terms of their agents fee after their work will have saved the buying club money?
Also if you are to set an arbitrary fee for agents linked to a percentage of the transfer fee then surely it becomes counterintuitive for agents to negotiate a clause in player contracts that set a transfer fee at a specific amount. Ultimately meaning that the player moves for below market value and the agent gets a lower fee because of that.
The whole reason for agents to want these clauses in player contracts is to help facilitate moves which they can then make money from.
In terms of Zirkzee if he's worth 55-60m in the current market, and we can get him for a total cost of 40-45m but with 12m of that going to the agent rather than Bologna, why should we care where the money goes. Ultimately we've got a bargain and a very good player for below market value.
15.) 19 Jun 2024 23:44:34
Which part Ed? I asked to be corrected if my understanding was wrong.
The €12.5m was rumoured to be what the agent asked for. A player database values Zirkzee at €50m.
FIFA implemented regulation capping agent fees at 3% of player salaries and 10% of transfer fees, but I know this faced legal challenge in England.
Again, happy to stand corrected by your insight if you actually want to offer it.
{Ed002's Note - The 5%, the €12.5M, the value of the player.}
16.) 20 Jun 2024 10:36:39
Thanks Ed. I'll avoid the swirling social media rumours next time!
10 Mar 2024 15:52:08
United are apparently targeting a LB this summer, Luca Netz has been linked, 20 at Gladbach.
Is anyone else being watched or rumoured?
{Ed002's Note - Luca Netz (LWB) Borussia Monchengladbach's versatile defender has been discussed with Chelsea. Other English sides have sent scouts.
1.) 10 Mar 2024 19:21:38
What about Kieran Tierney? Eds was there ever any interest about him from Utd? Always impressed me with his commitment and skill.
{Ed002's Note - No.}
2.) 11 Mar 2024 12:12:10
We are potentially looking at a new LB due to Shaw and Malacia being injury prone. I'm not sure chasing Tierney, another injury prone player, is the best idea.
3.) 11 Mar 2024 13:00:59
Thanks ed002! Chelsea have a good scouting department. Any others under consideration for Man Utd?
Harry Amass is well thought of but very young. Would be good to see him get some minutes and see where he’s at.
{Ed002's Note - Interest in the very versatile Devyne Rensch will leave with ten Hag. Miguel Gutierrez is well liked but he is likely heading elsewhere.}
4.) 11 Mar 2024 20:31:15
Thanks tor yr replies Ed.
Utd Road's banter posts with other poster's replies to Utd Road's banter posts
28 May 2025 17:58:05
Poll Please
Gyokeres
Or
Mateta and Delap.
{Ed033's Note -
Player poll
26 May 2025 10:19:50
It’s going to be a mad summer. I can’t help but think it will be a part one of a huge overhaul that will be completed next summer.
Taking a quick overview of the current squad it’s clear we’re going to be very active in the transfer market over next 12 months.
? Goalkeepers
• André Onana - £25-30M - Neom
• Altay Bayındır - £5M -?
• Tom Heaton - Free
• Dermot Mee -?
• Elyh Harrison - Promote to back up
• Hubert Graczyk -?
?️ Defenders
• Victor Lindelöf - Free
• Harry Maguire - Last Year
• Lisandro Martínez - Inj
• Diogo Dalot - £25M no market
• Luke Shaw - £15M no market
• Jonny Evans - Free
• Leny Yoro
• Noussair Mazraoui
• Matthijs de Ligt
• Ayden Heaven
• Patrick Dorgu
• Harry Amass
• Habeeb Ogunneye - Loan
• Godwill Kukonki - Academy
• Tyler Fredricson - Academy
• Jaydan Kamason - Academy
? Midfielders
• Bruno Fernandes - £80 Al Hilal
• Mason Mount - £25M No Market
• Christian Eriksen - Free
• Casemiro - £15M No Market
• Kobbie Mainoo - £65M?
• Manuel Ugarte
• Toby Collyer
• Jack Fletcher - Academy
• Sékou Koné - Promote
• Jack Moorhouse - Academy
• Bendito Mantato - Academy
⚽ Forwards
• Rasmus Højlund - £25M
• Amad Diallo
• Alejandro Garnacho - £60M
• Joshua Zirkzee - £25M
• Chido Obi
Loan Sales
- Rashford- £35M
- Anthony - £25M
- Malacia - £10M
- Sancho - £25M
Expected Out: £160M (10)
Potential Out: £255M (8)
Budget: £100M
Commitments
Cuhna £65M
Diego Leon £10M
Realistically it looks like we sell/ loan at least 12 players this summer alone.
While it’s unlikely all players listed with a value will leave. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bruno or Mainoo were to leave.
In terms of ins I think it’s clear we’re are targeting a goalkeeper, maybe 2x with an experienced player being a back up. Fullbacks or Centre Backs don’t seem obvious for this summer. Looking at centre mid, I’m expecting 2x signings if Case goes, 1x if not. I’d expect another 10 to compliment China and at least one centre forward.
I would not expect 10 new players, I’m thinking something closer to 6 and 3-4 players for the youth team.
This window has so much risk, if we get this wrong it could sink even lower and I’m nervously excited about what could come.
1.) 26 May 2025 12:22:00
We will 100% get a proper CB and thank god for that
A GK is a must
2 strikers
Midfielder
Get rid of Onana, Garnacho, Deligt, Martinez but can’t because butcher been butchered Ugarte, Rasmus, Zirkee, possibly Mainoo those one bring some money in
The rest is a matter of what we can get rid of.
2.) 26 May 2025 12:41:54
Deutsch - I agree but think that will be next summer.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Maguire, Licha and De Ligt leave next summer along with perhaps Ugarte.
And 2026 being about CBs, DM and RB.
3.) 26 May 2025 13:28:02
German, I wouldn't be so sure that we sign a CB this summer.
We currently have Maguire, MdL, Martinez, Yoro and Heaven. While both Mazraoui and Shaw can and both probably better suit playing as one of the wide CB's over playing at wingback.
That's 7 players for 3 positions. Add that Kukonki and Fredricson could well be used if needed then I'm not sure there is space to actually sign a CB this summer unless someone from the above list leaves.
The problem is that Martinez can't leave as he won't pass a medical this summer. No one will sign Shaw due to his wages and injury record. We won't want to sell Yoro or Heaven, and it doesn't make sense to sell Mazraoui as he covers multiple positions well. Really only leaving Maguire, who we won't get much if anything for if we sell him as we've activated his one year extension, so any fee we get for him will need to be shared with him to avoid profiteering issues. Likewise we would need someone to pay 40m plus for MdL to breakeven. Which isn't going to happen.
That means any budget to sign an 8th CB will have to come out of the budget needed to bring in players from other positions.
Given that we need to spend on a keeper, a midfielder and at least 2 forwards and our limited budget to do so I really don't see us signing a CB.
While if I'm honest if we did bring in a new keeper, midfielder and two forwards, if there was still any budget left I'd expect it to go on a third forward, wingback or a second midfielder before thinking about a CB this summer.
I expect we'll go for a couple of CB's next summer when Maguire and at least one of Shaw, Martinez and MdL could leave as well.
4.) 26 May 2025 18:16:28
Not a chance we sign a CB.
RCB: Yoro and Mazraoui
CCB: De Ligt and Maguire
LCB: Martinez and Heaven
Lindelof and Shaw off. Fredericson and Kukoni in the youth side ready to step in if required. We’ll only play maximum 45 games next season so the above will be fine.
In fact, centre back is the LEAST required position for incomings this summer.
5.) 27 May 2025 01:00:10
We will see, but pound to a penny we sign a CB…
But Shappy, An injured player can still be sold because 100% he can still pass a medical, no problem at all
If we go into next season with that same back line we are doomed again, that’s 100% guaranteed, if you seriously think that 6 players are good enough in any formation as a unit, you need to take off the red specs wake up and smell the coffee, for Christ sake be realistic.
20 Apr 2025 19:26:07
Does anyone actually like the 5221?
1.) 20 Apr 2025 19:48:53
Nope.
No progress on the pitch, become worse if anything.
Nit sure if the stat is correct but apparently since joining the prem, the wolves manager has gained 16 more points than amorim. Beating him home and away, playing the same formation.
If that is correct it is shocking.
I just don't see the hype around amorim. He should be doing better.
2.) 20 Apr 2025 19:54:32
Amorim.
3.) 20 Apr 2025 20:27:20
Wolves have a lot of players who fit that system to be fair. They also have a squad that's much better than their position suggests, with some very good players in Cunha, Andre, Gomes to name a few.
It's very hard to judge Amorim until he gets to assemble his own squad.
4.) 20 Apr 2025 21:05:07
I understand results are the most important thing but if you don't see why sometimes one step backwards for two steps forward is the right approach I can't help you. Our attack is hopeless but there are multiple reasons to expect us to be considerably better with a few key recruitments. We've half a really good side playing with half a terrible side right now. This year is now about Europa League and preparing players that will be around for next year.
5.) 20 Apr 2025 21:38:03
We were by far the better the team and we created plenty opportunities to win. Hojlund is hopeless. Could have had 3. He's always late and easy to mark. He also had a great opportunity to slide the ball across the penalty area on a break to an open player but decided to go it alone. Chance squandered. Everyone's shooting was abysmal. Mount missed two, Fernadez one. The only forward who had a decent game was Garnacho who was a lot less selfish and provided some great passes into the area. The system was not the problem. With a back 3 of Mazraoui, Lindelof and Fredricson we restricted Wolves to 4 shots of which 2 were on target. Our players simply failed to execute in the final moment. Basically the same problem we've had all season. You can't blame the manager for the dross he inherited.
6.) 21 Apr 2025 00:00:28
Where is the 5221. I can clearly 522 but for the life of me I am missing the 1.
7.) 21 Apr 2025 07:27:13
Happy with the formation here and happy with Amorim.
In my book he had a completely free hit up until the opening of the summer transfer window when he joined.
Next season we can judge him. Hopefully with the likes of Osimhen and Cunha on board!
8.) 21 Apr 2025 08:06:19
If we had players who could score maybe the system would work better.
9.) 21 Apr 2025 08:29:59
Doesn’t matter what formation you play with the (experienced) strikers we have.
10.) 21 Apr 2025 09:30:32
Obviously it helps having a centre forward who can score, but goals need to come from the whole team.
Very few Utd players look capable of scoring a goal even when it's on a plate.
Mount missed a couple of sitters yesterday. Garnacho fluffed 1 on 1 with the keeper against Lyon. Dorgu seems incapable of getting a shot on target. I don't think Yoro knows the opposition can also concede. I could go on.
11.) 21 Apr 2025 10:51:55
Nothing I've seen has convinced me of the formation, and there's clearly a reason none of the top PL teams play it.
As for Amorim, the jury's still out for me, but as someone said he has a free hit until the summer and I hope he comes good.
A good coach should be able to improve all players that are willing to improve regardless if they fit the system. So far the only player who looks to have improved is Bruno.
12.) 21 Apr 2025 11:26:40
Our attackers are truly awful. But they have proved they can score goals before, so no idea why they look so bad now. Is it the system, the manager, or confidence? Possibly a bit of all 3.
It’s probably true that RA will get a free hit this season, even though he’s likely to finish 17th. Looking at the fixtures, I can’t see where a win will come from. It is worrying that the results are so bad though. There’s always a chance the higher ups pull the plug before investing more millions into players that RA wants.
However, if RA doesn’t get some kind of miraculous recovery next season he will definitely find himself out of work by Xmas, and we start again. Not sure how likely it is that a team this bad can add a few players and suddenly become decent. It’s likely most of the players in the squad will be ones from this season. The additions probably need to be exceptional and not more untested young players.
Im hoping the recruitment team know what they’re doing this time, and they look at more than what they can do on the pitch. They need to be mentally strong as they will be under the spotlight 24/ 7.
Yoro looks decent, but other than that the signings in the last year or so haven’t filled me with confidence. The only real signing under RA currently is Dorgu, he’s youngish, it’s early days, but so far he doesn’t look that great.
13.) 21 Apr 2025 12:04:24
The system works best when you have two wingbacks who spend more time attacking than defending.
14.) 21 Apr 2025 12:26:44
People need to stop being so preoccupied with the formation. Effectively it's the same formation most teams in the EPL play regardless. Most teams in the EPL have a build up shape of 3223 or 3232.
You have three players deeper to give you more build up options and to limit a teams ability to press you high up the pitch as they would have to commit too many players forward to press and cut off passing lanes.
A box midfield has been very popular for the last two seasons as it gives you extra security through the middle and potentially allows you to have an extra man to either use to play through midfield or to effectively press and win the ball. Some teams have done this with a 2-2 shape others have used the diamond to try and find more space between the lines or to have someone do a man marking job to stop the opposition from being able to build through the middle.
Most teams then have a front three, with at least one if not both "wide" players playing Inverted or in the inside channel rather than on the touchline. This is both due to it helping solidify the middle of the pitch from a defensive point of view (leaving the only space to advance wide near the touch line where it is easier to press and win the ball back), and because you create more higher quality goal scoring chances from being closer to the goal rather than wider of it.
We don't really play any differently to other teams in terms of team shape. We start off in a 3421 shape, they tend to start of in a 4231 shape. Yet once the whistle blows either a midfielder drops between the CB's or a fullback stays deeper and tucks in creating a back three, with four in midfield and three players as part of the attack.
The formation isn't the problem for Amorim and our squad. The problem is both the quality and selection of players he has available to play how he wants to play.
A formation isn't a style of play, it is a team shape that should help support the style of play. You can be a sit deep and counter attack team in any formation you want. Likewise you can be a possession based team that looks to build up play and create chances through manipulation of space in any formation you want.
Amorim's style of play isn't a formation. He wants his team to have more possession of the ball, he wants that possession to be in the opposition half of the pitch, he wants to use players rotating positions to create uncertainty in the opposition that can create openings and goal scoring chances.
To do this he tends to play a high line defence to vertically compress the pitch and to keep the ball in the opposition half.
He likes his striker to be able to both drop deep and link play (in doing so they will often drag a defender out with them, and to be able to play on the shoulder for a quick transition if the opportunity arises.
He prefers his wingbacks to be more attack minded, and offer that attacking width. He has often played wingers as wingbacks more so than full backs. He will also want his wingbacks and his inside forwards to be happy to rotate positions when attacking, with the inside forward moving out to the touchline and pulling a defender with them and his wingbacks to then under lap, often then looking to make a cut back pass either to the striker who should be making a near post run, the other inside forward making a back post run, or to a midfielder making a late run into the box more centrally.
From a defensive point of view he wants to congest the middle of the pitch and make it almost impossible to play through, he tends to do this with two more energetic ball winning midfielders deeper, with a preference for one of them to be a ball carrying threat to break the lines rather than a passer. He doesn't look to play quick counter attacking football, so doesn't need a midfielder with an expansive passing range to make those quick longer passes to open teams up. Quick, mobile, energetic players who are intelligent in their movement to win back the ball and to stop the opposition from playing through the centre. Once they win the ball they need to make short to medium passes to the inside forwards or the wingbacks to start attacking pressure, or to run through the opposition line of pressure with the ball to open up space before making that short to medium pass.
The problem he is having has nothing to do with the team shape and entirely down the the squad make up. We have had two managers previously who looked to play as a more counter attacking/ transitioning team. Both Ole and EtH got their best results and performances playing on the counter. The players they brought to the club for the most part were players to suit playing that way.
That is almost the opposite of how Amorim wants to play. He wants his defenders to be high up the pitch to compress the space, not deeper to open up space behind the opposition.
He wants players who can hold possession, and make intelligent movement both on and off the ball in attack not players who are looking to just run in behind and shoot.
He has had less issue with getting the defenders to adjust to his demands than the attackers. They are more capable of playing a higher line than our attackers are at learning to be more intelligent and technically able in smaller spaces.
That is why players like Rashford and Antony have been allowed to leave, Højlund doesn't really suit the role but we don't have anyone else. Garnacho is more suited to a counter attacking set up but might be young enough to mould into what is needed. Players like Bruno, Amad and Zirkzee have been the most useful in attack as they are more capable of playing in smaller spaces and make more intelligent passes in the final third rather than play head down, run into space and shoot.
The other issue Amorim has had in attack is that he uses attacking wingbacks, and we didn't really have any. Amad when used at RWB was probably our best option for what Amorim wants. Dorgu has been signed to help solve that on the left. With maybe Amass and possibly Mantato coming up from the academy to keep an eye on.
In midfield it's no coincidence that Ugarte and Casemiro have tended to be the best options. Although another option to Casemiro is probably needed here as he isn't a long term solution.
Defensively we've been fairly good as a team. Where we have slipped up has mostly come from individual mistakes, especially at keeper. But that will happen while the team gets used to how we are supposed to play and until we have quality options in all positions meaning players further forward don't make mistakes that force the defence to do something different to mitigate it, which leads to mistakes or players being out of position.
The issue has been in attack, in terms of a lack of attacking wingbacks, a striker who can hold up the ball and link play, and creative inside forwards.
Fix the attack and suddenly we would look like a much better team. We would score more goals, carry more threat going forward, control the game better and conceded less chances because of that.
That is the issue under Amorim, we are transitioning from a reactive, counter attacking style, with most of the squad bought to suit that to a more proactive, possession based team, currently without the players suited to play that way. It's nothing to do with the formation.
15.) 21 Apr 2025 13:22:04
Tom,
If you think we’ve become worse then there isn’t much people can say, I think there has quite clearly been progress, we are playing much better we just can’t put chances away and our goalkeeper throws the ball in the net.
16.) 21 Apr 2025 13:58:52
People too hung up on formations, Onana still useless whatever formation along with all the front line.
I am not sure how anyone can say this front line scored plenty of goals before.
Garnacho always been hit and miss
Rasmus only ever scored against lowly EU teams hardly ever been better than 1 in 4 striker
Zirkee not great finisher
Couple that with slow ponderous CBs and Ugarte who can’t pass a ball 10 yards and we got what we got….
08 Mar 2025 20:32:11
Parallel life runs,
Ole leads this team with pride,
Victory is ours.
De Gea, Henderson
Wan Bissaka, Dalot
Shaw, Fernandez, Amass
Maguire, Mengi
Yoro, Axel, Lindelof
Bellingham, Collyer, Rice, Mainoo, Calciedo,
Bruno, Pogba
Amad, Greenwood
Haaland, Ferguson
Rashford, Garnacho.
1.) 08 Mar 2025 22:49:19
Jesus, has it come to this? Fan fiction to pretend the club can win trophies?
2.) 09 Mar 2025 15:30:46
Emotional obsession with ex player Ole. No wonder we have struggled to move forward.
3.) 09 Mar 2025 15:56:39
I dodgy understand any of it.
4.) 09 Mar 2025 22:58:13
What did I do?!
23 Feb 2025 18:25:41
Let’s Talk Facts:
1. Amorim took us from four points off the Champions League spots to joint 16th in the league.
2. Win rate: 29% (4 wins in 14 games), 1.5 goals conceded per game. For comparison, Ten Hag was at 58% this season.
3. Not a single player has improved under his management.
4. Rashford and Antony, previously sidelined, are now thriving - away from his system.
5. INEOS promised a clear game model and identity, yet they hired a manager who plays an awful 5-2-2-1 with an inverted right wing-back.
6. Two clean sheets in 14 games.
7. Eight losses - more than any United manager in their first 14 league matches.
8. In the same period, West Ham and Wolves have outperformed us.
Yet, despite all this, he refuses to change a thing.
Opinions:
Amorim talks a good game but has delivered nothing. His lack of tactical adaptation is baffling, and his inability to motivate or improve players is a massive red flag.
Yes, this squad isn’t perfect, but it has international players and young talents with high potential. He is massively underperforming with the tools at his disposal.
At this point, I’m just waiting for him to be sacked or to walk. I’m done. We’re done.
McKenna or Iraola would do better.
1.) 23 Feb 2025 19:39:23
Yeah, that's the way to go. Sack another manager. People like you are one of the reasons we are in this position. You are judging a manager who doesn't have his players and only a few months in. Good for you. EtH got more than 2 years and half a billion spend, what has Amorim got? Sack him get another in and the cycle repeats.
2.) 23 Feb 2025 19:59:35
Utd Road,
Patience is a virtue. RA only got to bring in a LWB. This current squad have thrown previous managers under the bus.
It looks like RA is being backed and is moving on troublesome players. Having forwards whinstone score goals would be a problem for any manager.
3.) 23 Feb 2025 20:36:59
Thrived. Calm down!
4.) 23 Feb 2025 21:02:59
This is why we don't deserve to get any better. Joker.
5.) 23 Feb 2025 21:16:03
DB,
Think he’s just a troll, it might be our old friend back, same post on every thread.
6.) 23 Feb 2025 21:32:51
UA - Yes it’s my fault. I had a row with Ferguson and sold up to Malcom Glazer.
MH - Patience is fine but we need to see incremental improvements not regression.
K - I don’t speak gen z.
DB - Self loathing United fans seem to enjoy this. I don’t.
Someone talk about the facts and statistics. Not feelings. Too many people falling for the charisma and charm. I’d be interested in what any of the Eds think?
7.) 23 Feb 2025 23:39:02
Think you’ll find the PLAYERS are the ones who have taken us from 4 points off to where we are now
What was the point in hiring a new manager ti play the same way the same non existent style they may aswell have kept ten hag in charge
It’s clear only a few players can work in this system but why should the manager change his way to suit a bunch of players who already made a manager change how he wanted to play.
If your in work and you don’t do what your manager says does he adapt and say “how do you want to work”
I don’t get why he would play a way to suit the players better just to get a few extra results then have to start again in the summer, this way we and the club can see who is miles off what we need and can make a start on an actual re build of the club
The past 10 years has took a big massive dump on the legacy and hard work of fergie and his staff and what they built for 26 years
Yet again our non existent patient fans can’t take a bit of an ego hit and are already calling for a new manager
A manager that has taken over a squad made up of another 3/ 4 managers players to play in a 0 system
Our best 2 players were dorgu and ugarte weekend and it’s no surprise one has played in the managers system and one was bought to fit into his system
Get another 5/ 6 players and will we see an improvement
We just have to take this season for what it is and maybe just maybe we could still actually win a cup as bad as it’s been
We all called for change and everyone that has left the club over the past 12 months we all were calling to leave
Give the manager time
I thought ten hag should have been given more time even with how the club was going, I’m not going to back this lot of players anymore when they can’t even be bothered to sprint for the badge and work hard
And if it means we finish 17th to do what we need to do then I’m all for it. I’d take a last day survival win for this club to get its act together. we have been drifting in ghost mode for years.
As Amorim said when he came in there will be a storm. But I’ll give him all the time he needs over this squad, they are a disgrace to the badge and the memories of every one that’s wore the shirt.
8.) 24 Feb 2025 01:30:32
Gds why everyone who got an opinion, do you jump on as a troll, you might not agree with his opinion, I certainly don’t, but to brand him a troll because of it, shows your immaturity and foolishness, .
He clearly don’t like RA that’s fine, he states facts that’s fine, it’s his opinion that’s fine, get a life and stop barracking people who have opinion.
For the record, I’m happy for RA to give it a good shot, and I thought the football was worse under ETH and he is responsible for much of this crap with terrible buys. Onana a joke, De ligt a joke Rasmus joke Zorkee joke, Antony joke the list goes on.
9.) 24 Feb 2025 04:08:02
Open heart surgery Ralf said. Amorim comes and starts to slow the super tanker that was heading to oblivion, starts to move players on, starts the surgery. However someone wants to jump ship to go back to the utter mess we had and have had for 12 years. We must give Amorim time. He has the right profile, better than we have had since SAF first arrived. To do anything else would be utterly futile.
10.) 24 Feb 2025 04:46:52
I don’t jump on anyone with an opinion as a troll mate, I point out when trolls come on here and post the same thing in every thread saying the club is done etc, that’s not what a fan does and we’ve had a poster who has posted over the last few years under different names who does exactly this, gets banned then adds a new name. So if someone is a troll I’ll call them a troll, most of the time he doesn’t even hide it.
11.) 24 Feb 2025 08:38:17
Red man the surgery already took place.
The club gave us a hernia op instead of open heart surgery though.
12.) 24 Feb 2025 09:13:43
Well put Bolger.
13.) 24 Feb 2025 09:26:32
But GDS you call everyone a troll who got a different opinion than you, that’s just crazy.
Just because you think in your opinion they are a troll, that don’t make them a troll, there opinion if they post is just as relevant as any you post, so bear that in mind instead of keep abusing them, some could say your post are even worse than those you call a troll because yours are so biased….
14.) 24 Feb 2025 19:12:49
Ta German.
GDS you resort to calling people a troll because you can’t articulate a counter argument as the facts speaks for themselves. Give me a reason to change my mind, that’s what the site is for.
Bolger - I’m a match going red and not interested in top red points.
I’ve been on this site for years so I don’t pop up, I’m lurking and feel my perspective is valid and fine to share. The reaction here emphasises how many fans are operating on faith. Which my opinion is baseless (see above) .
I fail to understand how you have such belief Amorim is the guy when he’s been appointed by a group who have failed and made mistakes in recent appointments.
Secondly I’m sadden how many see it as acceptable to denigrate players for poor performances yet believe the manager is beyond reproach. I see comments about redundancy and the state of the club’s finances yet no acknowledgment that getting results now could help, and that responsibility lies with manager.
The facts speak for themselves as does the eye test and I’m confident if things don’t improve there will be a change in management again. That’s how a performance driven industry works. If there’s improvement I’d be delighted but find objective facts indicate this is unlikely.
21 Jun 2025 19:07:47
Orny is reliable but plays it safe and late.
Theres a lot of reports of Sancho to Napoli and Juventus. Garnacho to Napoli, Athletico, Villa.
I’ve not seen anything on Rashford tbf.
21 Jun 2025 17:02:03
I think we are working on the outgoings now.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see one out and one in.
Eg Sancho to Napoli unlocks Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbuemo looks a done deal and can only thing the delay is for us to work on outgoings.
19 Jun 2025 20:41:57
Barthez was marginally better than Onana. But I get the analogy and both WC winners.
Personally £30-40M on Martinez is a waste of money, he’s only slightly better than Onana and he was average at best last season. Potentially we could do some trading with Rashford or Garnacho going the other way.
He could be a safe pair of hands but feel money needs to be invested in other areas and would rather sign Pope or ann upcoming player like Lammets.
£20M would be fair, I’d pay more like £30M if Villa give us £80M for Garnacho.
12 Jun 2025 06:58:20
I don’t know but we have been linked to him for a while and Villa are under PSR pressure.
It doesn’t look like Barcelona want Rashford so perhaps the deal to be done with Villa for Watkins
Watkins seems more likely than Gyokeres.
04 Jun 2025 09:40:50
I think this rumour source is aiming to create a market for him. He could be a Evans/ Lindelof replacement but I’d be surprised if we move for a CB this summer.
I’m expecting Maguire goes next season and we’ll move for someone who is physical but can play out like Scalvini, or one of Benfica’s Silva or Araujo.
31 May 2025 13:21:31
Cherki comes with baggage / risk even if we were an appealing option he’s not what our squad needs right now.
29 May 2025 17:41:31
I think VMS would a solid signing.
29 May 2025 13:30:16
Apparently off to Napoli?
David + Mateta would be good.
27 May 2025 12:57:13
It’s mad but it makes PSR sense which underlines how flawed the metric is.
We have signed a £25M LB and have let go a potential £40M LB 18 months ago.
One is £5M cost per year.
One is pure revenue £6M then and whatever we get now and instant income on PSR.
26 May 2025 12:41:54
Deutsch - I agree but think that will be next summer.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Maguire, Licha and De Ligt leave next summer along with perhaps Ugarte.
And 2026 being about CBs, DM and RB.