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patrick's rumours posts with other poster's replies to patrick's rumours posts
10 Aug 2023 14:18:49
De Gea finally goes to Real Madrid?
1.) 10 Aug 2023 15:38:48
Very happy for him if it happens.
2.) 10 Aug 2023 15:59:05
As the squad number 1 is still free, I think Rasmus should put in for it. Strikers have to have a bit of arrogance.
3.) 10 Aug 2023 16:05:17
Grim he wants 17 doesn't he?
4.) 10 Aug 2023 16:07:54
cant wear no1 as an outfield player.
5.) 10 Aug 2023 19:42:46
Dunno Wazza, thought it would be a good choice. Edgar Davids famously wore No.1 at Barnet.
31 May 2022 14:26:17
If Maguire stays will Ronaldo?
1.) 31 May 2022 14:38:08
Yes I assume so.
2.) 31 May 2022 17:46:34
I'm not sure we could give Maguire away for free let alone sell him.
His wages are around 200k per week. That means only a few clubs could afford to pay his wages and none of them would consider him good enough to sign and pay those wages.
He's one that will probably either have to have the side built around him to mitigate his weaknesses. Or become a squad player until his contract is up and he can leave on a free.
3.) 31 May 2022 18:07:09
Isn’t Ronaldo of the opinion that United will achieve nothing with Maguire in the team. Let alone being capt. As CR wants to win trophies something needs to give.
4.) 31 May 2022 18:17:43
Ronaldo leaving will also depend on someone taking on his 500k per week salary. Do again options will be thin on the ground.
I'd imagine both will stay next season. With Ronaldo leaving in the summer of 2023 when his contact is up.
Maguire has a contract until 2025 (with the dreaded 1 year option taking him to 2026). So at least another 3 years of Maguire, maybe 4 with our club, although hopefully this is something that changes.
5.) 31 May 2022 19:04:40
PSG could afford Ronaldo. Will Maguire be first choice cb? Let alone capt.
6.) 31 May 2022 19:20:04
Maguire will either be resurrected under Ten Hag or become the next Phil Jones, rarely seen, he roams he corridors or Carrington, remembering those heady days when great managers pick him every week.
7.) 31 May 2022 20:29:55
Patrick, I'm not so sure PSG could. They might be able to pay fees, but they will be severely limited with how much they can offer in wages.
Messi signed last summer on huge wages, Neymar was already on huge wages and they have just made Mbappe the highest paid player in the world to keep him.
Which also begs the question that if they signed Ronaldo where would he play with Mbappe, Neymar and Messi already at the club.
8.) 31 May 2022 23:04:18
Shappy, I’m sure you could write a dossier on how to empty a litter tray and get more thumbs up than any other post. What’s the secret? :p.
9.) 01 Jun 2022 11:26:57
Wasn't Maguire half good the year we finished second? Maybe ETH can help him. Especially if we believe he can help Martial!
10.) 01 Jun 2022 12:55:52
If you ever saw the log of how many times some posters log into this site daily it would tell you all you need to know.
11.) 02 Jun 2022 09:46:29
Mcguire is a decent defender. The problem like most of our transfers in recent years is breaking the bank for decent stuff and fans thinking we are getting a worldly player and then being disappointed.
patrick's banter posts with other poster's replies to patrick's banter posts
27 Feb 2026 12:16:52
Vis a vis buying Elliot Anderson or other top midfielders this summer with the £300m + we will have available how do we compete wages wise? We have a structure in place. So we offer £180k a week and City offer £280k a week! Then what? Over to you Elliot!
1.) 27 Feb 2026 13:10:09
Then he goes to City. Rather have players who want to be here, like Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko. Can see them genuinely playing for the shirt too. But we really need to kick on, especially if we get top 4. 4/5 top quality players and added depth will also be needed with more games next season. Just want to see us kick on and say, right, we've got CL football, now we actually need to be competitive, challenge for the league and CL, or it'll just feel like the same cycle we've stuck in for years, regression after progression.
No point qualifying for the CL if we say we don't have a squad capable of winning it.
2.) 27 Feb 2026 13:11:10
Whatever structure we have in place this season will be 25% higher next season if we make Champions League, which will allow us to be competitive. Will that mean players would choose us over City in a straight decision, probably not, but there are only so many players City can sign, and there are plenty of midfielders available with the right scouting.
3.) 27 Feb 2026 13:36:11
Can't see him picking City over United when City will be in the Conference North!
4.) 27 Feb 2026 13:51:00
I fear a dodgy deal will be arrived at. The Premier League are terrified of being locked in a costly, expensive battle forever.
5.) 27 Feb 2026 15:18:00
Since when have we had 300+ million pounds to spend?
6.) 27 Feb 2026 15:21:25
We're going to lose Casemiro and Sancho, and hopefully Rashford off the wage structure. That's nearly a million a week. Take into account Malacia leaving and Hojlund. I wouldn't be too worried about wages, there's enough saved there to give 4 quality players 250 a week.
7.) 27 Feb 2026 15:54:29
It said it in the Daily Sport, Simo. It must be true.
8.) 27 Feb 2026 16:18:24
There may well be savings of nearly a million a week in wages, but that certainly does not mean we will pay 250k a week to four players. A wage structure is now in place and will be kept to. If we get Champions League football, that will see increases, but I like the fact high wages now have to be deserved and justified by performances. As has been mentioned, we want the players to come to us because we are the club they want to be at, such as Cunha and Mbeumo, who made it clear to numerous other suitors they would only join us. Also Matthijs De Ligt made a significant salary loss of approx 70/80k a week to join us, now that is a hefty wedge.
I know he has had a number of injury issues, but compare that attitude to Sancho and Rashford, who were not prepared to make any such sacrifice. I realise they have valid contracts, but it should be a two-way street whereby continual poor performance is reflected in earnings. Let's face it, years of mega high salaries given by Woodward to players, just to show how he was Billy big b*******, have hardly been a proven success, have they? Pay them well, but make them earn it.
9.) 27 Feb 2026 17:03:46
Tumbleweed, must be true then lol.
10.) 27 Feb 2026 17:41:33
The point being, how do we compete on wages with the likes of Man City or Liverpool, et cetera? I assume the draw of Manchester United will be enough? Bit out of date with buying the Daily Sport, aren't you, Ken? It closed down years ago! I heard it from Ben Jacobs. What he knows is anybody's guess. ??♂️
11.) 27 Feb 2026 18:50:13
The European rules regarding squad cost allow for 70% of revenues, which will be the same in the EPL for teams qualifying for European competition. I can't speak to the extent to which our transfer capacity will be affected by the £1.3bn total debt, but in theory, I believe we should be able to spend round £350m and remain within the UEFA and FA limits.
The exact capacity will depend on what happens with Hojlund, Rashford, and Onana, and other potential outgoing transfers (Mount, Ugarte, Malacia, Zirkzee, and perhaps some younger prospects etc), but we do know we'll save around £45m a year on Casemiro's pay and amortization and Sancho's amortization.
12.) 27 Feb 2026 19:09:34
Don't mean to say for a minute SJR will want to spend it all. He is cutting back everywhere, as Ineos are struggling big time.
13.) 27 Feb 2026 20:27:41
We will offer competitive wages that are within our new wage structure. After that, it's down to the player. Ultimately, if they only want to join us because we'll pay more than anyone else, then they aren't the right player for us. No player joining Manchester United will be poorly paid. But if money is the deciding factor in your decision and someone else is offering you more, then I'd shake your hand and wish you well with your move elsewhere. No hard feelings. We need players who want to be Manchester United players, who want to run out onto the Old Trafford pitch every other weekend, who feel like this is the place to play football, because ultimately getting paid good wages typically only gets about 70% effort out of people. That extra 30% comes from intrinsic motivation, which only happens when you are connected by something else to a club. Money is a form of extrinsic motivation, which is the first thing to go out the window when things get difficult.
Think about your own experiences when life is getting challenging, when you keep taking a kicking and everything seems to be going wrong. Is it the wages that get you out of bed and into work that morning, or is it something else, something more meaningful, like being able to provide for your kids or be that role model for them, because you can't give up on them. That intrinsic motivation is what drives you to overcome those challenges. Players who choose United for the paycheck will fold the moment it gets hard, and at Manchester United the one thing you can guarantee is that at some point it'll get hard. I think Anderson is the best available option for us in midfield, but if he would rather go somewhere else because they'll pay him more money, then he is no longer the best available option.
14.) 28 Feb 2026 01:45:49
Who says that if Anderson chooses City or anyone else, it will be for the money? I'm not saying, for one second, that it will happen, but if United signed Vini Jr, they would pay him 400k plus per week. There can be exceptions to a general wage structure. People who work for money first, Shappy, can often be the people who are least likely to fold when the going gets tough, Shappy.
People motivated by money, firstly, know that they need to be successful to maximise their earning power. Drop your levels and your earning power decreases substantially.
15.) 28 Feb 2026 08:29:13
Ken, we've seen so many examples in football of players playing really well during contract negotiations, and then their form starts to dip before the ink is dry on their new contract. Luke Shaw only stays fit in the last 18 months of his contract. Then, as soon as a new deal is signed, he's back to dating the physio. Rashford was pushing Bruno as our best (most important) player right up until he signed his last contract.
Then, his form dropped off a cliff. This highlights that money is only a short term motivator for the vast majority of people. Also, footballers have short careers, and sign long term contracts that guarantee their wages regardless of how much effort they put in.
16.) 28 Feb 2026 10:56:13
Shappy, how many people have you employed on a money basis only? They are often the last to fold. So you bringing up 2 examples of players you think with no evidence stopped due to being only motivated by money.
Rashford is taking a wage cut, he is so motivated to join Barcelona which negates your argument. You have an opinion which is formed with no experience or knowledge and you think this highlights the fact (no less) that money is a short term motivator for the vast majority of people.
I'd imagine you have very little experience of employing people on secure contracts. Shaws on less wages this year riddance last as is every player in the squad that list European football, but they are all doing better than last year. Funny that.
06 Feb 2026 09:37:55
As I made my way to St Alphonsus primary school I was surprised by the groups of women openly weeping on the streets. On arriving at school, we were all ushered into the hall. There, the head Mother Michael told us the news.
There had been a terrible accident, a plane had come down. I can still remember that awful feeling. Beyond sadness. They were part of the community. They were family. RIP. xx.
1.) 06 Feb 2026 11:46:14
I can't imagine what it must have been like to live through that at the time Patrick. A crash that sent shock waves down through the ages. A plane full of hopes and dreams and a story of recovery that inspired our great club for generations. May they rest in piece and never be forgotten x.
2.) 06 Feb 2026 13:26:06
So many young people dying so needlessly will always evoke sad memories.
I remember the stardust disaster here in Ireland only too well when 48 young people list their lives and hundreds injured when a nightclub went on fire on valentines night in 1981.
A similar sort of tragedy that lives with you forever.
The Swiss fire this year will have similar consequences in their community and for society in general.
Nice post Partick.
Let it be a reminder that life is precious and should never be taken for granted.
May they all RIP.
{Ed025's Note - absolutely ken, i remember school in 1966 when my mum made me ask the head nun (sister Baptista) why if there was a god would he let all them young children die in the Aberfan disaster?, i cant remember her answer..
3.) 06 Feb 2026 16:22:34
Before my time but my late brother told me everything when I was young. He lined the streets, went to the first game at OT after Munich. I still have a newspaper of the news. His recollection made me a strong United fan very young, I understood the passion and what the impact of that was.
I grew up close friends with the children of a Munich survivor and knew him. Told never to mention Munich at all but he was a wonderful friendly guy, lucky to survive. Thoughts are always with those that didn’t make it, the flowers of Manchester.
4.) 06 Feb 2026 14:14:37
There was no answer Ed025. As your mum knew. And, as Sister Baptista knew.
{Ed025's Note - i have my own answer Patrick..
5.) 06 Feb 2026 14:23:47
Ed025 I hear you. I think most of us can recall something emotive like that the airplane coming down in Scotland dunblane i think is another.
On Sister Batista did her son play for west ham?.
{Ed025's Note - yeah we have seen some sad events in our lifetime Ken, today im thinking of the families of the air disaster in Munich in 58 and praying mate..
6.) 06 Feb 2026 18:03:40
Lovely Patrick and ed025.
I always think of the great Harry Gregg too during these times also. I think he saved a few on that terrible day.
7.) 06 Feb 2026 19:06:34
I spoke with Harry many times in work, walking his dog on Castlerock beach.
Giant of a man in every sense.
8.) 06 Feb 2026 19:07:26
Lockerbie, Ken. Dunblane was the guy shooting up the primary school ?.
9.) 06 Feb 2026 19:24:36
I remember the next game after Munich. I was in bed (8 years old) living about two miles away from the ground. Suddenly the walls shook and there was a deafening roar! The first goal had gone in! The first of three! Seems so clear.
10.) 06 Feb 2026 20:25:14
I stand corrected nou. indeed.
11.) 06 Feb 2026 21:41:00
Summerland fire on IOM. I had been in there a while earlier on the arcades. If I hadn’t ran out of money as a young kid i’d probably have still been in there! My mum thought I was.
50 people having fun on holiday gone in horrible circumstances.
Still sits with me even now after 53 years.
12.) 06 Feb 2026 23:26:26
Bradford city FC fire rarely gets a mention.
I know people who lost friends and family. Absolutely tragic and I just remember it when I was younger. 50+ people lost. Terrible but often forgotten.
13.) 07 Feb 2026 10:24:49
Indeed supa. I do remember that unfolding on live TV. Tragic.
14.) 07 Feb 2026 12:10:11
That was horrific, Supa. Like Ken, remember watching it all unfold on TV. Can't think of a worse way to go.
17 Aug 2025 18:26:08
Still 15th!
1.) 17 Aug 2025 21:29:14
Still need a keeper.
16 Aug 2025 20:18:01
Still 15th!
29 Jul 2025 10:06:45
Apart from the final for Inter where he looked great, I wonder what due diligence was done on Onana? We need a top, proven keeper.
1.) 29 Jul 2025 10:19:25
Eth knew him well. More importantly perhaps eth knew his agent very well indeed.
We got burnt Patrick. 3rd degree burns and the pain is intolerable.
2.) 29 Jul 2025 10:26:23
At the time, he would’ve been considered one of the top keepers in the world.
19 clean sheets in 41 games at Inter. Most saves, most clean sheets, and the highest save percentage in the Champions League that season. His Ajax stats weren't bad either.
The Premier League, though, is a bit of a make or break for goalkeepers. Unlike De Gea — who made a lot of similar high profile mistakes — he had the excuse of being just 20, with time to grow. And he did, eventually becoming one of United’s greats.
Onana has been found out though, and doesn’t have that same luxury.
3.) 29 Jul 2025 11:25:14
At the time we signed him there were no complaints. He's no Gordon Banks, but there was no indication from his previous career that he would be as calamitous or erratic as we've been treated to. I think the issues are (as with several Utd players now and in recent seasons) more concentration. The pressure and scrutiny at Utd is huge, far greater than any other Prem team. I'd say other than the top Spanish clubs there is no greater spotlight in world football and not every player, even some incredible ones, can shine beneath it.
4.) 29 Jul 2025 12:25:13
Isn't it widely accepted in the football industry that approx. 50% of all transfers will fail (Dr. Ian Graham) . There appear to be outliers like Brighton and Brentford, however, they are owned by people who specialise in data analysis. It's no coincidence that the two teams that have consistently punched above their weight are data driven enterprises.
I would image they have a playing system based on most probable positive outcome. Each position will have clearly defined metrics to build a mathematical team model which will have the best chance of beating the statistics of the other 19 teams data set from a set period.
You use statistics to pick the players that most closely match your mathematical model. That way you have have succession plans and complementary statistical options (players) . As an example, you could have tangible data that says if your starting LCB is injured you need to change the starting LCM to a back up player to compensate for some of the statistical deficiencies of your back up LCB. As this gives the most probable positive outcome.
Bloom and Benham built their careers in gambling and most specifically the maths, data collation and interoperation. They just applied the maths to their football teams, its why the next player that comes in instantly does the job.
You obviously need a good coach, you can pick that out with maths too. With regard to players you psychometric tests will give you a pretty accurate idea of a players personality type.
As KurtisHaywood pointed out Ounana's high level stats suggest he is a top player. However, with very detailed data sets you can distil down to remove the effect of the players around him so you can work out his most probable effect on the data set.
5.) 29 Jul 2025 13:01:33
So ETH recommended both him and Anthony. We then gave ETH a new contract and then sacked him. To recoup the dosh we sack a few hundred clerks. Doesn’t read well Jim!
6.) 29 Jul 2025 13:55:42
Van see Sar rates him and he knows a thing or two about goal keeping. If we have a better defence and midfield the pressure on Onana will be less. Also I expect he knows he will be playing for his future this season and want to be better. Time will tell.
7.) 29 Jul 2025 15:01:28
Peter scmechial don’t rate him and he knows a thing or two about keepers!
Onana kicking is poor, something he supposed to be renowned for, plus he slows it up so much too, and getting down close to body on either side is below average, in all not a great keeper, he is ok and may grow into the role and we might be stuck with him.
8.) 29 Jul 2025 16:07:17
Donnaruma might be available
Would him, hjolmand, and Sesko be too much ask for with those already signed? ??.
9.) 29 Jul 2025 19:10:20
If you didn't see objections to onana in here when we were linked you must have missed them.
He has a YouTube lowlights section a lot longer than his highlights. He will cost at least 10 points every season and not make enough saves when he is not favourite to. The best keeper will make mistakes but he will also save a lot if goals that he has no right to save. Onana imo does not do enough of that.
10.) 29 Jul 2025 22:23:36
Weren’t most of our signings under Eth part of the SEG management group? If so I think u can tell what was going on there.
11.) 30 Jul 2025 12:41:21
I think we all thought Onana would be an improvement on DDG, we were all wrong.
20 Jun 2025 14:36:52
Martinez is far better than the appaling Onana. However, does he miss the first 3 games?
14 Jun 2025 15:45:59
The announcement?
14 Jun 2025 00:20:41
Isn’t there a transfer embargo atm?
19 May 2025 09:04:25
Or get a world class goalie.
07 Feb 2025 12:52:58
He will / should retire. Awful shame because before his break he was excellent. Bad break. Amputation was postulated. Psychological now rather than physical? Weird how he was physically able (and keen) to play for England. But not so for us.
27 Feb 2026 17:41:33
The point being, how do we compete on wages with the likes of Man City or Liverpool, et cetera? I assume the draw of Manchester United will be enough? Bit out of date with buying the Daily Sport, aren't you, Ken? It closed down years ago! I heard it from Ben Jacobs. What he knows is anybody's guess. ??♂️
22 Feb 2026 18:20:44
Wilf McGuiness and Frank O'Farrell weren't too cool!
20 Feb 2026 13:40:06
Schmeichel said Stam was the best he'd ever seen.
13 Feb 2026 08:47:22
Fizz, may your father continue to pay taxes for many more years. Did he hail from the Emerald Isle?
12 Feb 2026 17:58:42
Danny, immigrants are not responsible for lack of state revenue. They, in the long term, contribute more in taxation than they do in claiming benefits.
Housing shortage? Thatcher selling off council houses anything to do with it? Successive governments not fulfilling building targets?