Manchester United Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 11/12

TheTownie

Eli Manning wrote: »

I hope our business is done. The only reason i can see us buying again is if Nani leaves. Which would be a disaster.

You're happy with the midfield then ya?

Jimmy Iovine

Oh and on the issue of Nathaniel Clyne. It seems that he's not far off signing for West Ham.

kryogen

One central midfield signing and ill be happy

To ignore it again actually smacks of stubbornness from Fergie

bullvine

kryogen wrote: »

One central midfield signing and ill be happy

To ignore it again actually smacks of stubbornness from Fergie

totally, If a midfielder is not signed, I will cry...

TheTownie

Eli should have put the troll pic below in his post to prevent the barrage of comments he just got! :P

bullvine

The squad is so good now that with just a MF and new LB it will be pretty much perfect, if they dont sign a MF, I'm convinced Jones is gonna be pushed in there

Ashbourne hoop

At least one, preferably two quality CMs should be signed. Utd really only have Carrick and an aging but still classy Scholes. Giggs, Anderson, fletcher, Cleverly are not the answer imo. Giggs is a legend but hasn't got the legs for CM at this stage, Anderson has totally failed to live up to his early promise and seems unable to stay fit (or even bloody slim !!!). Cleverly has shown promise but also appears to have injury issues. Jones will never be a good Cm imo.

slingerz

Thats 7 CM's already at united that you listed. How many do you want/need?!

Jones and CLeverly will be a CM pairing

Macca07

Its a bit soon to be judging Jones as a midfielder, he only played a handful of games there for United last season.

I personally think he was signed as a defender and not a midfielder, and that is his best position. Only Fergie and his team know where Jones will play in the coming season, but I doubt he'll be used as a midfielder.

I think we'll sign one MF, whether it be Modric or someone else, and he'll wait and see how Cleverley will do over this season. If Cleverley steps up then it'll have saved us 15+ million.

Macca07

slingerz wrote: »

Thats 7 CM's already at united that you listed. How many do you want/need?!

Jones and CLeverly will be a CM pairing

Carrick, Giggs, Scholes, Ando, Cleverley, Fletcher, Jones

Scholes and Giggs are in their last season and need replacing.
Fletcher will not play the same role at United again IMO
Jones is a CB.

That leaves Carrick, Clev and Ando. The latter two are injury prone. I would love these 3 to be our MF trio for the season, but they have not proved their fitness over a season, and we need to look elsewhere.

bullvine

The ship has sailed with Anderson, hes had too many chances at this stage, get rid of him now!!

Macca07

bullvine wrote: »

The ship has sailed with Anderson, hes had too many chances at this stage, get rid of him now!!

I think it would be pointless selling him at this point. We'd hardly get 10mil for him, and and even if we do, he's on a good wage at MU that a lot of clubs wouldn't match.

I think we'd be better off giving him one more season, if he flops again this season, sell him.

TheDoc

kryogen wrote: »

One central midfield signing and ill be happy

To ignore it again actually smacks of stubbornness from Fergie

P.S. This lad is going to owe me a serious percentage of his salary for the amount I'm whoring him around !

kryogen

Been beating the Strootman drum myself, and there have been links between us, hopefully we are genuinely looking into signing him anyway.

Actually shame he didnt play in the Euros, could have knock a couple of million off

Ashbourne hoop

kryogen wrote: »

Been beating the Strootman drum myself, and there have been links between us, hopefully we are genuinely looking into signing him anyway.

Actually shame he didnt play in the Euros, could have knock a couple of million off

Don't know anything about him and haven't seen him play. What's he like ?

Red Crow

Mitch Connor wrote: »

how can you hope we are done? Hope for a central midfielder or all hope is lost!

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

What a crazy thing to say. We still need more investment in a few areas.

TheTownie wrote: »

You're happy with the midfield then ya?

'All hope is lost' and a 'crazy thing to say'. Jesus, some people are really spoilt rotten.

Also my point was that I'd be satisfied with our business as long as Nani isn't sold. Hence, the only reason I think we will be buying again this Summer is to replace Nani.

I'm reasonably happy with the midfield. Michael Carrick was excellent last season. I'd be hoping that Anderson/Cleverley will get a shot in the team this year. There is also the possibility that we may use one traditional CM at times this year.

Also people have called for signing De Rossi, Veloso, Eriksen, Strootman, Moutinho, Sigurdsson, M'Vila, Thiago etc. These are all names I have seen in this thread. Every single one of those players are either boxed into the category of not actually being CM (Particularly Sigurdsson and Eriksen whom are ridiculous suggestions), have already come out as staying at their clubs (De Rossi, Eriksen), not realistic (Thiago, De Rossi), not good enough (Strootman, Mouthinho, Veloso) or just being a petulant child (M'Vila).

There are only three players who should genuinely be targets:

1. Luka Modric - Obviously a good player, one who can come in and change the dynamic of our midfield. Should be pursued but do we have the money to buy him? If Real Madrid are truly interested then I think you can rule us out.

2. Nuri Sahin - Looked better than Schweinsteiger when playing at Dortmund. Had a big injury last year but looked decent when he got game time. He is definitely a guy we should be pursuing but will he end up at Spurs as part of the Modric transfer. Personally he is my favourite target but after moving to Real Madrid only last year he's definitely good enough to force his way into that side and unless Mourinho tells him he should move I think he'll be staying.

3. Javi Martinez - Again looks a good player. Probably likes to play a bit further back than we need but still should be a target. A Basque player playing for Athletic Club. Is Manchester United the team to prize him away from that? Will Barcelona come in for him? Can we afford him?

Personally I believe Sahin is the only realistic option of coming to us and I don't believe we are interested in him.

Would I like a CM to be brought in? Yes. Will be buy one? I don't think so. I don't think we should be buying players for the sake of it, especially those who aren't good enough. Fergie isn't stupid. Too many Football Manager transfer specialists on here.

kryogen

Ashbourne hoop wrote: »

Don't know anything about him and haven't seen him play. What's he like ?

Tall, athletic, good vision and range of passing. He is sharp, pacy, has all round good skills for centre of midfield, he is good in defence and attack, its his vision I like the most about him, I won't make comparisons with Scholes but he can really spot a pass very well.

He would also add a bit of steel to the midfield that it is seriously lacking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXfeSrNj-g

Youtube clip I know, but it would give you an idea of the things he is about.

He is just 22 so should really continue to improve. Was keeping De Jong out of the Dutch side until the Euros, no apparent reason for him to have been dropped.

Red Crow

Re: My post above. I didn't mean to include Strootman as not good enough. He probably will be a good midfielder. But he got absolutely slaughtered against Germany in a way that I don't think Martinez, Modric, Sahin would of. That was probably his toughest game and he was dropped ever since from the Dutch side.

kryogen

Eli Manning wrote: »

Re: My post above. I didn't mean to include Strootman as not good enough. He probably will be a good midfielder. But he got absolutely slaughtered against Germany in a way that I don't think Martinez, Modric, Sahin would of. That was probably his toughest game and he was dropped ever since from the Dutch side.

One poor game should not mean you get dropped though (and he wasnt even that bad), that is just poor management, the Dutch team all pretty much had bad games and did not get dropped.

Babel played in that game! It was only a friendly and other then the scoreline it was a pretty even game really, they both had similar amount of shots and possession was 50/50, also, its not as if Germany are bad? He had Van Bommel beside him with no legs to help against the German midfield, Babel outside him offering nothing also.

Slaughtered is a bit harsh actually the more I think of it, Sneijder was not at his best either, no VDV, no Robben, no RVP in the team and tbf Klose was excellent in that game.

bullvine

Macca07 wrote: »

I think it would be pointless selling him at this point. We'd hardly get 10mil for him, and and even if we do, he's on a good wage at MU that a lot of clubs wouldn't match.

I think we'd be better off giving him one more season, if he flops again this season, sell him.

I am half hoping that he turns it around and proves me wrong but I seriously doubt it at this stage.

Macca07

bullvine wrote: »

I am half hoping that he turns it around and proves me wrong but I seriously doubt it at this stage.

I doubt it too, just hoping really...

Al Capwned

bullvine wrote: »

I am half hoping that he turns it around and proves me wrong but I seriously doubt it at this stage.

Anderson has had more chances than a bloody monopoly board, at this stage.

I said it a couple of weeks ago - he is so bloody frustratingly inconsistent - Goes from being outstanding to anonymous so regularly.

Unfortunately, he just cannot be trusted to put in a big performance when most wanted, i won't lose any sleep over his leaving if it does happen.

v3ttel

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

Relax, I'm not saying we will sign Cazorla. Just giving an example of a decent replacement off the top of my head. Malaga don't need the money either. Loads of reasons why he wouldn't come.

I know what you were trying to say, but it's a pointless example unless he'd actually be a realistic replacement. It doesn't particularly back up your point, hinders it if anything.

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

The point is that wingers, or people who can at least play as a nominal winger and do a good job, are fairly common at the minute. There always seems to be good wingers around.

Basically, Nani is replaceable. The only person in United's squad I would be truly devastated at losing is Rooney.

imho, we can't afford to lose a flair player that's 2 footed, proven in the EPL, especially when he is coming into his prime.

I don't think any other realistic target could offer as much as he gives us right now.

TheDoc

Eli Manning wrote: »

Re: My post above. I didn't mean to include Strootman as not good enough. He probably will be a good midfielder. But he got absolutely slaughtered against Germany in a way that I don't think Martinez, Modric, Sahin would of. That was probably his toughest game and he was dropped ever since from the Dutch side.

PhlegmyMoses

Rooney10 wrote: »

imho, we can't afford to lose a flair player that's 2 footed, proven in the EPL, especially when he is coming into his prime.

I don't think any other realistic target could offer as much as he gives us right now.

Not right now. But then Nani 3 years ago didn't offer us this kind of quality. Replacements develop with time.

I think I'm coming from a different point of view. Nani has been great for us but he is not in the Rooney\Ronaldo bracket. Basically, for me, we can take a hit on anyone and get good quality in to replace them apart from Wayne Rooney.

I think it needs to be stressed that I do not want Nani to leave. I just don't think it's the awful scenario a lot here seem to think it would be.

Professional Griefer

Strootman would be glorious.

Orando Broom

What clubs are 'in' for Nani?

Macca07

I don't think any clubs are in for him, think I saw a while back that Juve were interested

Copper_pipe

Michael Owen in talks with Al Shabab

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/06/26/3201938/al-shabab-claim-michael-owen-deal-is-close


To finish his career id presume

Your Airbag

Sigurdsson set to join Spurs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18599310

Would have liked it if we were on for him

Al Capwned

Cannot understand why someone would join a club with no manager!

Al Capwned

Copper_pipe wrote: »

Michael Owen in talks with Al Shabab

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/06/26/3201938/al-shabab-claim-michael-owen-deal-is-close


To finish his career id presume

Best of luck to him. Could have been a United legend if things had worked out differently for him.

(Might be anyway, after THAT goal in the derby)

OctavarIan

alproctor wrote: »

Cannot understand why someone would join a club with no manager!

Tottenham are far more likely to be challenging for a Champion's League spot next season, that's probably it.

Also given the choice of playing in Tottenham's midfield or Liverpool's, it's an easy choice really.

tvercetti

OctavarIan wrote: »

Tottenham are far more likely to be challenging for a Champion's League spot next season, that's probably it.

Also given the choice of playing in Tottenham's midfield or Liverpool's, it's an easy choice really.

More likely to get regular football at Liverpool as things currently stand but I guess this could be a sign that VDV or Modric are heading for the exit.

Samich

All this talk of Nani leaving could pave the way for Gaitan, left sided and left footed, can play centrally or on the wing.

Would make us really fluid in attack with interchanging players, although Nani could do that anyways.

Fenix

Had fun with a mate of mine earlier (Liverpool fan) who said it was Sig's likely only chance to join a big club. Oh what fun I had with him.. :pac:

Kylo Ren

Samich wrote: »

All this talk of Nani leaving could pave the way for Gaitan, left sided and left footed, can play centrally or on the wing.

Would make us really fluid in attack with interchanging players, although Nani could do that anyways.

Can play on the right too. Would obviously prefer Nani to stay.

Fenian Army

I don't care if Baines is expensive, he is a very good player with great free kicks, something utd have lacked.

Mitch Connor

Fenian Army wrote: »

I don't care if Baines is expensive, he is a very good player with great free kicks, something utd have lacked.

It isn't the value of Baines in isolation that is the issue.

If we found out tomorrow we has agreed a deal to sign Baines AND a top class central midfielder, I wouldn't particulary care how much Baines cost. However, it is likely that Baines will be expensive and that could impact the ability to sign the midfielder we should have signed 3 years ago.

Also, his free kicks would only be usefull for the first couple of weeks - we soon train him to hit the wall or first man every time.

onemorechance

Your Airbag wrote: »

Sigurdsson set to join Spurs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18599310

Would have liked it if we were on for him

That sucks! Was sure 'pool were gonna get him so I'd rather see him at Spurs than 'pool. :pac:

Paul Tergat

Where is this talk of Nani leaving and by that I mean summert concrete. Is it all coming from us?

I would be very pissed if we sold him. I imagine though any speculation leaked by his agent would be to get him a better deal - standard contract negotiation stuff.

homerjay2005

Paul Tergat wrote: »

Where is this talk of Nani leaving and by that I mean summert concrete. Is it all coming from us?

I would be very pissed if we sold him. I imagine though any speculation leaked by his agent would be to get him a better deal - standard contract negotiation stuff.

theres quotes about winning everything and looking for a new challenge or something like that!

its probably agent talk and he is after a new deal, so hopefully thats all it is. i would be gutted if Nani left.

Cantona's Collars

Mitch Connor wrote: »

It isn't the value of Baines in isolation that is the issue.

If we found out tomorrow we has agreed a deal to sign Baines AND a top class central midfielder, I wouldn't particulary care how much Baines cost. However, it is likely that Baines will be expensive and that could impact the ability to sign the midfielder we should have signed 3 years ago.

Also, his free kicks would only be usefull for the first couple of weeks - we soon train him to hit the wall or first man every time.

Lol,it's a weird syndrome that every United player suffers from,Ryan Giggs is playing in the 1st team for 21 years and still manages it.

kryogen

homerjay2005 wrote: »

theres quotes about winning everything and looking for a new challenge or something like that!

its probably agent talk and he is after a new deal, so hopefully thats all it is. i would be gutted if Nani left.

The quotes were posted from a twitter account that as far as I know is not genuine so wouldnt take them as anything important.

Kylo Ren

kryogen wrote: »

The quotes were posted from a twitter account that as far as I know is not genuine so wouldnt take them as anything important.

Also, I love Keno.

There we go.

Fenix

zerks wrote: »

Mitch Connor wrote: »

It isn't the value of Baines in isolation that is the issue.

If we found out tomorrow we has agreed a deal to sign Baines AND a top class central midfielder, I wouldn't particulary care how much Baines cost. However, it is likely that Baines will be expensive and that could impact the ability to sign the midfielder we should have signed 3 years ago.

Also, his free kicks would only be usefull for the first couple of weeks - we soon train him to hit the wall or first man every time.

Lol,it's a weird syndrome that every United player suffers from,Ryan Giggs is playing in the 1st team for 21 years and still manages it.

Irwin, Beckham and Ronaldo were able to beat the first man iirc, I'd be more than happy to jizz £12-15m all over Baines.

kryogen

Keno 92 wrote: »

There we go.

That last part is also just an unfounded Twitter rumour

Kylo Ren

Didn't Baines only get like one goal from a free in the league last season?

kryogen

He had a massive 2 assists last year in the league which would appear to say people possibly overrate his creativity?

(much maligned mad Paddy had 4 )

kryogen

I do not want Baines, particularly on his own, it makes no sense to me, he will be 28 by Christmas and I just cannot see the long term strategy there, now maybe there is none, maybe he would just be a stop gap while waiting for someone to mature (fabio) but there are other options available cheaper surely to provide Evra with competition, as that is all he will be.

Someone does need to put a fire under Mad Paddys ass I agree, but if he steps his game back up again then whoever is giving him competition wont be getting a look in, when on form he was the best left back in the world for me. If he gets back to some of that kind of form someone like Baines doesnt touch him.