Yeah, we need another Fellaini.
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) was joined by comedian Ali Woods to look back at the best and worst moments of a rollercoaster season with the annual United Hour Awards.
Has Ten Hag been sacked yet? We're not sure and we hope not, but it's looking more likely as the days pass.
Who should replace him and why is it taking so long to make a decision?
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Sod Rooney and van Persie off and get Messi in ahead of Mata.
No. No, he isn't.
They're just letting him get this World Cup out of his system, give him a break and he'll be back to his best next season. Nothing to see here.
Good to see we are getting shit done with Shaw though. It also suggests to me that someone is working quietly as a DOF, making sure we are not missing out on targets while we have no manager.
Good to see we are getting shit done with Shaw though. It also suggests to me that someone is working quietly as a DOF, making sure we are not missing out on targets while we have no manager.
There can be only one.
Lionel Messi lining up alongside Falcao for Manchester United.. oh and then Ballbag woke up to find he'd been sleep reporting again.
Messi to Real Madrid would probably break the internet forever. Would love it.
For those who don't want to click on the article.
The following article is a translated and adjusted version of a piece I wrote for AS earlier this week. You can read the Spanish article here.
When asked about the working relationship between himself and the Argentinian superstar Leo Messi, a discreet Pep Guardiola has always kept his cards very close to his chest. But when I spoke to him on the subject for my authorised book on the life of "the Flea," this is what the former Barcelona boss told me:
"He (Messi) always says it. 'When I close up, I close up, and I won't speak to anyone. I need to get over it by myself. And people need to respect that,'" said Guardiola. "At first it was difficult for me to understand, but with time you do. You realise that he is a different type of person. We all have our little things and during these days you leave him alone and then when you get the feeling that he wants you to talk to him again, you go up to him and you talk."
I have said many times that Barcelona often do not play with Leo and that they have simplified their reaction to the problems posed to them by their opponents. Against Athletic Bilbao, the plan was more orthodox with wingers and 4-3-3, and what we saw was a better Leo—just as we saw in the matches against Man City in Europe or Madrid in the league.
But even so, there is an air of mystery when discussing what is happening. When Messi sees the ball bypass him, he suddenly feels friendless and unwanted—the Flea gets frustrated.
He did the same under Pep, but at least from Guardiola he got the feeling that his manager would move heaven and earth to make sure he was happy. And with great success. It isn't rocket science. If you want to get the best out of Messi, you have to tick all the boxes, and this season Barcelona haven't done that.
Put simply, they have thrown to the lions a footballer who feels unprotected. Are criticisms of Leo intentional? His frustration is born out of a sporting context, but he gets the feeling that he is undergoing a personal campaign against him.
Comparisons with the big signing of this season, Neymar, are inevitable. His irregular performances of late are not being monitored closely by the Catalan media—despite being one of the most expensive players in history. Leo was told that he would be the best-paid player, but the first offer following the opening of talks on a renewed contract meant that globally he would be earning less than he is at the moment.
And in the latest set of negotiations, the club has reneged on things previously agreed upon. Why so much haggling? So will he be sold then? It seems that with Leo Messi left exposed to some very negative public opinion, the ball is now firmly in his court. But to what ends? The sale of the player, which has been seriously contemplated, would explain everything.
The big thing, of course, is that you can't sell the best player in the world, but you can sell one who is deemed to be "unmanageable," one who isn't what he was or who halts the progress of others, or who only thinks about the World Cup. And all those lies have been put out there with regard to Messi.
Not surprisingly, Manchester United and PSG are monitoring the situation closely should Leo be brave enough to jump ship. Needless to say, there's been a surprising reaction from one or two people on Twitter who don't know how these things work but find themselves easily motivated to insult.
Manchester United have asked relevant people what the situation with Messi is, because the impression they get is that the Barcelona board want to sell him. I know for a fact the matter has been discussed at board level and as a consequence, PSG stuck a huge offer on the table.
Rumours in the Spanish press that Man City had made an offer, as per Esport3via the Mirror, were untrue. But the goalposts have moved. While a weakened Barcelona board went in search of new solutions with a new team built around Messi, United looked to glean information about Messi's situation much as they did with Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Gareth Bale for whom they put in a bid—too late, as it turned out, for 120 million euros.
United spoke last summer to the representatives of all three of them, although their contacts with Messi's people did not extend that far. United were told that Messi had no wish to leave the club despite the board having considered his sale in the last 12 months.
Barcelona seem to have concluded now that his sale would backfire on them and want to build the next team around him. What I find baffling is the reaction of a few people online. What would you think if you were a supporter of one of the richest and most ambitious clubs in the world and you found out that despite knowing that Messi could be available, they did not investigate the matter?
The following article is a translated and adjusted version of a piece I wrote for AS earlier this week. You can read the Spanish article here.
When asked about the working relationship between himself and the Argentinian superstar Leo Messi, a discreet Pep Guardiola has always kept his cards very close to his chest. But when I spoke to him on the subject for my authorised book on the life of "the Flea," this is what the former Barcelona boss told me:
"He (Messi) always says it. 'When I close up, I close up, and I won't speak to anyone. I need to get over it by myself. And people need to respect that,'" said Guardiola. "At first it was difficult for me to understand, but with time you do. You realise that he is a different type of person. We all have our little things and during these days you leave him alone and then when you get the feeling that he wants you to talk to him again, you go up to him and you talk."
I have said many times that Barcelona often do not play with Leo and that they have simplified their reaction to the problems posed to them by their opponents. Against Athletic Bilbao, the plan was more orthodox with wingers and 4-3-3, and what we saw was a better Leo—just as we saw in the matches against Man City in Europe or Madrid in the league.
But even so, there is an air of mystery when discussing what is happening. When Messi sees the ball bypass him, he suddenly feels friendless and unwanted—the Flea gets frustrated.
He did the same under Pep, but at least from Guardiola he got the feeling that his manager would move heaven and earth to make sure he was happy. And with great success. It isn't rocket science. If you want to get the best out of Messi, you have to tick all the boxes, and this season Barcelona haven't done that.
Put simply, they have thrown to the lions a footballer who feels unprotected. Are criticisms of Leo intentional? His frustration is born out of a sporting context, but he gets the feeling that he is undergoing a personal campaign against him.
Comparisons with the big signing of this season, Neymar, are inevitable. His irregular performances of late are not being monitored closely by the Catalan media—despite being one of the most expensive players in history. Leo was told that he would be the best-paid player, but the first offer following the opening of talks on a renewed contract meant that globally he would be earning less than he is at the moment.
And in the latest set of negotiations, the club has reneged on things previously agreed upon. Why so much haggling? So will he be sold then? It seems that with Leo Messi left exposed to some very negative public opinion, the ball is now firmly in his court. But to what ends? The sale of the player, which has been seriously contemplated, would explain everything.
The big thing, of course, is that you can't sell the best player in the world, but you can sell one who is deemed to be "unmanageable," one who isn't what he was or who halts the progress of others, or who only thinks about the World Cup. And all those lies have been put out there with regard to Messi.
Not surprisingly, Manchester United and PSG are monitoring the situation closely should Leo be brave enough to jump ship. Needless to say, there's been a surprising reaction from one or two people on Twitter who don't know how these things work but find themselves easily motivated to insult.
Manchester United have asked relevant people what the situation with Messi is, because the impression they get is that the Barcelona board want to sell him. I know for a fact the matter has been discussed at board level and as a consequence, PSG stuck a huge offer on the table.
Rumours in the Spanish press that Man City had made an offer, as per Esport3via the Mirror, were untrue. But the goalposts have moved. While a weakened Barcelona board went in search of new solutions with a new team built around Messi, United looked to glean information about Messi's situation much as they did with Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Gareth Bale for whom they put in a bid—too late, as it turned out, for 120 million euros.
United spoke last summer to the representatives of all three of them, although their contacts with Messi's people did not extend that far. United were told that Messi had no wish to leave the club despite the board having considered his sale in the last 12 months.
Barcelona seem to have concluded now that his sale would backfire on them and want to build the next team around him. What I find baffling is the reaction of a few people online. What would you think if you were a supporter of one of the richest and most ambitious clubs in the world and you found out that despite knowing that Messi could be available, they did not investigate the matter?
I'm sure he's got another hiding in his afro.
If he wants to leave, City and PSG will offer him a million a week.
And hed turn them down. Hes La Masia, he wouldnt sign for an oil club. Hed sign for a club with prestige and history where he would be respected the world over and people would say "yep, good switch".
PSG are arrogant beyond belief operating outside of FFP like its nothing and simply buying players because they can...how many times has Cabaye started? City are particularly embarrassing in europe and seem to base squad buying decisions on whats hot. Id imagine hed be more interested in Arsenal and perhaps Chelsea if any other English club than ours came in.
The fact is there are only two clubs in world football that could afford him and fit his criteria and standing as a player. Manchester United and Real Madrid, its not even a case of arguing the point. The only way Messi would move away from Barca to another top club is if they match his prestige and offer a genuine challenge.
How do PSG even hope to comply with FFP if they indeed make an offer for Messi?
Imagine if Moyes was still here and we signed Messi!
He'd properly play him at left back!
He'd get his daily quota of Steven Pienaar video compilations to study.
Someone ask Ballbag if we ever got a refund on our Falcao downpayment.
messi wont leave barcelona, but if he did is there another realistic team in the world? call it arrogant but i think it would be united or nothing. theres a solid reason for him not going to almost every other club
Or even the Torres down payment from all those years ago.
Bayern?
would they spend that much?
They wouldn't
name a team that would be more likely, try do it without a pretentious smiley that doesnt really do anything
I don't think there is a club on the planet who could obtain the services of Messi. United aren't close to being able to attract a talent like that right now.
PSG, City, Bayern and probably some others.
Ridiculous money but that's the only way we'll get players I'd say.
psg- impossible if they wish to stay in fair play and as mentioned before, messi seems like the type of player, though we can never tell, that wouldnt join a team like city. bayern almost certainly wouldnt spend what it would take.
as for the probable others.....who. even if you disagree with some, its hardly a laughable notion
I see what you're saying, United are a massive and very prestigious club. It's just I'm not sure we're any more likely to spend big money than Bayern while the sums Messi would command in wages and his transfer fee would dictate it could only realistically be a club with a very wealthy benefactor who have no interest in FFP.
Do not want.
All he does nowadays is being worse than Ronaldo, throwing up in tunnels and running just 1.5 km more than a keeper.
All he does nowadays is being worse than Ronaldo, throwing up in tunnels and running just 1.5 km more than a keeper.
If you can't trust the bloke who was considered too annoying and clueless to present Soccer AM then who can you trust?
He's a member of the British Empire for Gods sake. I'm pretty that forbids them from telling lies.
He's taking a stupid punt based on nothing but guesswork, that's quite clear.
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I'd like this to happen if Shaw is happening. Evra would be a great tutor, great dressing room character and a decent backup.
Three!? Is he to join the coaching staff too?
3 year contract?? He would be 36 when that contract expires. Doesn't the club have a policy of only offering 12 months extensions to players over 30?
Butthead must be leaving then.
That seems mental. He's already on the slide, imagine what he'll be like in a couple of years. He should get a year like the other players of his age.
Yeah i'd be very happy with that. His character is needed at the club. Like you said, would be a great tutor as well.
The fact it is 3 years makes me think it's not legit though. I thought we only offered 1 year contracts to those over 30?
I can definitely believe he's been offered an extension but I'm unconvinced they'd offer 3 years.
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