The type of striker we need

Kiwi Red · 12th May 2008, 21:30

I wasn't sure whether to stick this in the United forum or the Transfer forum...but I stuck it in here, so if wrong, please don't hesitate to move it.

There's been a lot of talk surrounding buying new strikers, and especially around buying a striker with a "different dimension." eg. buying a bigger, stronger target man style of player, not a little nippy player like Tevez, Rooney, etc.

I do agree that we need another top striker, however, I ask the question, do we really need the different dimension forward?

Throughout this season, we played terrific football, even with the two little men up front, and so I see no reason why we couldn't buy another fast, small striker, as they would slot perfectly into the way we currently play.

I appreciate that a big striker would offer something different, and so on, but would they fit with our current system and style of play - I don't know.

Thoughts?

Cal? · 12th May 2008, 21:37

Benzema is the answer to global domination.

MrMarcello · 12th May 2008, 21:38

A goalscorer always finds a way to "fit" into any style. There have been many times this season when Rooney or Nani or whomever would look to make a quick pass up the field only to see no forward up there. Tevez drops deep quite a bit and for me Rooney is better in the role playing behind the striker or drifting around ala Henry. Ronaldo is more dangerous crossing flanks. That said, the trio of Rooney-Tevez-Ronaldo can be deadly on any given day, but bringing in a different kind of forward surely won't hurt and only add another flavor to the current side. Prefer a player similar to Saha - size, strength, pace, ability to play isolated or drift around, etc.

GledTheRed · 12th May 2008, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

Benzema is the answer to global domination.

Im inclined to agree, Benzema would be my choice.

uae · 12th May 2008, 21:48

I'd say it would be a striker capable of playing on the shoulder of the last defender. Preferebly with a bit of pace so we can really stretch defences rather than try and pass it through them all the time.

oleonenumber20 · 12th May 2008, 21:49

I still reckon we were playing our best football last season when Saha was fit. So a new and improved and fit Saha would be great.

Elliott · 12th May 2008, 22:21

I hope whoever we get is different from Roo and Tev but still capable of keeping a rotation of the front 3 fluent and purposeful. Another Saha, as an earlier post put it.

RedKaos · 12th May 2008, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

I hope whoever we get is different from Roo and Tev but still capable of keeping a rotation of the front 3 fluent and purposeful. Another Saha, as an earlier post put it.

Two words:

Karim Benzema

REd FUn DevIl · 12th May 2008, 22:32

If we can clone Saha with fit cells that allow him to stay fit that will be a feckin player. That's fantasy so we rather get Benzema who to me looks like the perfect striker for us (fast, skillful, good height, score with both feets, etc...)

francobaresi · 12th May 2008, 22:34

How much have you guys seen of Benzema, really??

twitchchris · 12th May 2008, 22:42

The only dimension we've lacked in attack this season has been height. Consider how much of a threat Rio and Vidic have been on corners. I'm thinking about how great it would have been to have Ruud in top form in the center 3 of a 4-3-3, Rooney/Ronaldo and Tevez to either side. It's the only time I've missed Ruud.

One tall, strong, goal poaching target man, and the squad would have a formation for any opposition, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, and of course 4-4-2.

My (fairly over simplified) opinion.

INF-AMOS · 12th May 2008, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by oleonenumber20

I still reckon we were playing our best football last season when Saha was fit. So a new and improved and fit Saha would be great.

I think he prolapsed a disk lifting the trophy on Sunday...

Out for most of next season i hear.

INF-AMOS · 12th May 2008, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal?

Benzema is the answer to global domination.

Perhaps he would be inclined to join us more if we win the Campion league, havent seen much of the lad but what i have makes me think he would be frightening in a red shirt.

Diabo_Sam · 12th May 2008, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by francobaresi

How much have you guys seen of Benzema, really??

Rio & Vida couldn't contain him for all the 180 minutes ala Torres, nuf said.

Nem 7 · 12th May 2008, 22:57

Drogba.

REd FUn DevIl · 12th May 2008, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nem 7

Drogba.

You are cnut by just saying that.

samabachan · 12th May 2008, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by twitchchris

The only dimension we've lacked in attack this season has been height. Consider how much of a threat Rio and Vidic have been on corners. I'm thinking about how great it would have been to have Ruud in top form in the center 3 of a 4-3-3, Rooney/Ronaldo and Tevez to either side. It's the only time I've missed Ruud.

One tall, strong, goal poaching target man, and the squad would have a formation for any opposition, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, and of course 4-4-2.

My (fairly over simplified) opinion.

So Rooney doesn't play in your team then?

Raven_Blade · 12th May 2008, 23:12

He would preferably be like Torres, but not Torres.

a_devil_inside · 12th May 2008, 23:12

someone who plays further ahead than Tevez or Rooney
not injury prone
good in the air
quick
good hold up play
he'll need to get involed with the rest of the game not just hang around and look for tap ins
and have an exotic name

Tumbling-Dice · 12th May 2008, 23:13

I've only seen the lad play a handful of times but every time he's impressed me, Benzema. Power, pace, never gives the ball away, cracking strike. I'd be happy if we signed him this summer.

Nem 7 · 12th May 2008, 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by REd FUn DevIl

You are cnut by just saying that.

Drogba would be a fantastic addition.

Diabo_Sam · 12th May 2008, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nem 7

Drogba would be a fantastic addition.

cnut x 2

kishankhagram · 12th May 2008, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_devil_inside

someone who plays further ahead than Tevez or Rooney
not injury prone
good in the air
quick
good hold up play
he'll need to get involed with the rest of the game not just hang around and look for tap ins
and have an exotic name

MANUCHOOOOOOOOO

kundalini · 12th May 2008, 23:21

We use a fluid attacking formation so a static forward may in fact reduce our goal threat rather than increase it. Whatever his merits as a player, our attack has improved since Ruud left and that is worth considering. Many of our goals are scored because central defenders don't see the threat coming, Ronaldo coming late into a central area to score being the prime example.

Ringo 07 · 12th May 2008, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by francobaresi

How much have you guys seen of Benzema, really??

Anyone who has seen plenty of Benzema playing in France will know that he is so good that it is untrue. He is clone of Zidane but in a striker form and will be by far the best striker in the world in a year or two. In saying that I don't think he will leave Lyon this year and when he does he will go to Barca or Chelsea will offer something ridiculous for him and get him.
So I would go for Fabiano who is Brazil's number 1 striker now in the national team. An outstanding striker among the best in the world who might be available at a cheap enough price. Berbatov will be too expensive but could be good. I wouldnt mind Ashton either as he would be happy to sit on the bench and come on for the last 30 minutes to enable us to change our tactics and break down stubborn defences with the aerial threat. Maybe Fergie will surprise us with someone like Mario Gomez though who would be great also. Someone who offers Aerial threat is what we are looking for id imagine.

Cal? · 12th May 2008, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by francobaresi

How much have you guys seen of Benzema, really??

At least 10 of Lyon's Ligue 1 games this season and a few in the CL.

Sam#1 · 12th May 2008, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo 07

So I would go for Fabiano who is Brazil's number 1 striker now in the national team. An outstanding striker among the best in the world who might be available at a cheap enough price..

You could be onto something, from 33 minutes ago...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle3919725.ece

Nem 7 · 12th May 2008, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diabo_Sam

cnut x 2

I don't let emotions affect my views on how a player performs at the highest level.

eric's irish love child · 12th May 2008, 23:32

roque santa cruz

Bloxy · 12th May 2008, 23:37

This thread has become muppetry-ish with people spouting out names in their wanklist.

Might I add that we dont need a poucher who sits in the box. Our play is based on mobile attackers, so somebody who has good movement and pacy, but can play far forward instead of dropping deep is ideal. There are a few good goalscorers around, but we need one who will compliment our style now, not stifle it.

Gazza · 12th May 2008, 23:39

It's a tricky one.

I personally don't think we need Berbatov or a really big name striker.

I think our front line should still be Rooney-Ronaldo-Tevez next season. They can tear most teams apart - we've won the league and got to the CL final with them! We could probably do with cover so we could keep them fresh - maybe a player who wouldn't cost the earth and would accept 30 games a season (Huntelaar?).

We don't need a big target man to win headers because we're not that sort of team. A really big striker signing like Berbatov would be nice but then it could destabilize what we've already got.

12th May 2008, 21:30	#1 (permalink)
Kiwi Red Youth Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 315	The type of striker we need I wasn't sure whether to stick this in the United forum or the Transfer forum...but I stuck it in here, so if wrong, please don't hesitate to move it. There's been a lot of talk surrounding buying new strikers, and especially around buying a striker with a "different dimension." eg. buying a bigger, stronger target man style of player, not a little nippy player like Tevez, Rooney, etc. I do agree that we need another top striker, however, I ask the question, do we really need the different dimension forward? Throughout this season, we played terrific football, even with the two little men up front, and so I see no reason why we couldn't buy another fast, small striker, as they would slot perfectly into the way we currently play. I appreciate that a big striker would offer something different, and so on, but would they fit with our current system and style of play - I don't know. Thoughts?

12th May 2008, 21:37	#2 (permalink)
Cal? from Redcafe (matchfixing department) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: We want our own TV deal... Posts: 11,785	Benzema is the answer to global domination.

12th May 2008, 21:38	#3 (permalink)
MrMarcello First Team Regular Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Saha's hospital room Posts: 19,287	A goalscorer always finds a way to "fit" into any style. There have been many times this season when Rooney or Nani or whomever would look to make a quick pass up the field only to see no forward up there. Tevez drops deep quite a bit and for me Rooney is better in the role playing behind the striker or drifting around ala Henry. Ronaldo is more dangerous crossing flanks. That said, the trio of Rooney-Tevez-Ronaldo can be deadly on any given day, but bringing in a different kind of forward surely won't hurt and only add another flavor to the current side. Prefer a player similar to Saha - size, strength, pace, ability to play isolated or drift around, etc.

12th May 2008, 21:48	#5 (permalink)
uae Desperately wants a tagline under his name Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Back in Dubai Posts: 4,825	I'd say it would be a striker capable of playing on the shoulder of the last defender. Preferebly with a bit of pace so we can really stretch defences rather than try and pass it through them all the time.

12th May 2008, 21:49	#6 (permalink)
oleonenumber20 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,210	I still reckon we were playing our best football last season when Saha was fit. So a new and improved and fit Saha would be great.

12th May 2008, 22:21	#7 (permalink)
Elliott Likes Loan Stickies Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4,854	I hope whoever we get is different from Roo and Tev but still capable of keeping a rotation of the front 3 fluent and purposeful. Another Saha, as an earlier post put it.

12th May 2008, 22:32	#9 (permalink)
REd FUn DevIl First Team Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: =) Posts: 12,361	If we can clone Saha with fit cells that allow him to stay fit that will be a feckin player. That's fantasy so we rather get Benzema who to me looks like the perfect striker for us (fast, skillful, good height, score with both feets, etc...)

12th May 2008, 22:34	#10 (permalink)
francobaresi Sleep inducing poster Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,758	How much have you guys seen of Benzema, really??

12th May 2008, 22:42	#11 (permalink)
twitchchris Youth Team Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Too close a bunch of dangerous scumbags. But I have my lovely axe. Posts: 202	The only dimension we've lacked in attack this season has been height. Consider how much of a threat Rio and Vidic have been on corners. I'm thinking about how great it would have been to have Ruud in top form in the center 3 of a 4-3-3, Rooney/Ronaldo and Tevez to either side. It's the only time I've missed Ruud. One tall, strong, goal poaching target man, and the squad would have a formation for any opposition, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, and of course 4-4-2. My (fairly over simplified) opinion.

12th May 2008, 22:57	#15 (permalink)
Nem 7 Look, I'm a cunt, can type in colour so I must be important. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Outside Right Posts: 5,051	Drogba.

12th May 2008, 23:12	#18 (permalink)
Raven_Blade Attention Whoring Common Crow Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: In Man Utd's Defence. Posts: 18,262	He would preferably be like Torres, but not Torres.

12th May 2008, 23:12	#19 (permalink)
a_devil_inside Big footed hermaphrodite Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Little Britain Posts: 25,840	someone who plays further ahead than Tevez or Rooney not injury prone good in the air quick good hold up play he'll need to get involed with the rest of the game not just hang around and look for tap ins and have an exotic name

12th May 2008, 23:13	#20 (permalink)
Tumbling-Dice Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at. Posts: 4,606	I've only seen the lad play a handful of times but every time he's impressed me, Benzema. Power, pace, never gives the ball away, cracking strike. I'd be happy if we signed him this summer.

12th May 2008, 23:21	#24 (permalink)
kundalini Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,059	We use a fluid attacking formation so a static forward may in fact reduce our goal threat rather than increase it. Whatever his merits as a player, our attack has improved since Ruud left and that is worth considering. Many of our goals are scored because central defenders don't see the threat coming, Ronaldo coming late into a central area to score being the prime example.

12th May 2008, 23:32	#29 (permalink)
eric's irish love child Youth Team Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: belfast Posts: 177	roque santa cruz

12th May 2008, 23:37	#30 (permalink)
Bloxy Why does it always rain on me? Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Where, Where, Where again ? Posts: 2,154	This thread has become muppetry-ish with people spouting out names in their wanklist. Might I add that we dont need a poucher who sits in the box. Our play is based on mobile attackers, so somebody who has good movement and pacy, but can play far forward instead of dropping deep is ideal. There are a few good goalscorers around, but we need one who will compliment our style now, not stifle it.

12th May 2008, 23:39	#31 (permalink)
Gazza Magic Carpet Pilot Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: "The great thing about United, as a result of Matt Busby, is that they have a philosophy of a club that is very discernable. You know what Manchester United stand for." Posts: 25,107	It's a tricky one. I personally don't think we need Berbatov or a really big name striker. I think our front line should still be Rooney-Ronaldo-Tevez next season. They can tear most teams apart - we've won the league and got to the CL final with them! We could probably do with cover so we could keep them fresh - maybe a player who wouldn't cost the earth and would accept 30 games a season (Huntelaar?). We don't need a big target man to win headers because we're not that sort of team. A really big striker signing like Berbatov would be nice but then it could destabilize what we've already got.