Signings to match our system

Trizy

New Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2014
Messages
12,009
It's no secret we'd all love to sign who ever we think is a quality player but who is best suited to our high pressing and passion based system? Because surely that's exactly what is on LVG's criteria.

We'll take an example of signing 4 players, who do you think would be best suited?

RB:
CB:
CM:
Winger:

For me,

RB: Coleman, strong in defense and get at getting forward. Maybe a cheeky bid for Carvajal? There isn't many brilliant RB available and with Madrid just signing Danilo, why not? Worst thing that happens is we get rejected.
CB: Hummels, he's that ball playing CB we need to perfect the passion based game around the back.
CM: Gundogan, only signing 1 CM that had a massive injury problem is a gamble but at £15m if he got back to his top form we'd have the best midfield 3 in the league of Herrera, Carrick and Gundogan. Offering goals, creativity and defending. Not to mention he's shown he's ideal for a pressing game.
Winger: Depay, puts in a shift all over the pitch, scores goals, rapid pace and potentially a brilliant player.
 
RB: Coleman, for me too. He's strong defensively and great going forward, and would really flourish in the wingback system.
CB: Obvious choice is Hummels, but to make it interesting I'll say John Stones. He's very capable on the ball, seems fairly fast (allowing us to play the high line with Smalling) and has shown himself to be a good defender too.
CM: Schneiderlin. He can operate as one of the #8's now, and could potentially be a replacement for Carrick in the #6 position. Getting him now, and letting him be an understudy for Carrick for a season or two would be great.
Winger: Patrick Roberts. Probably the best English 18 year old talent, and a player we should be looking to snap up before one of the other big clubs do. I would like Depay, although I don't really see why we need an explosive, hit-and-miss winger when we've got Nani returning from a loan (and who's said he's up to staying at the club).
ST: Luciano Vietto. Intelligent striker, who's got a great nose for goal, can play coming in from the flanks, links up well in the build-up, makes speedy, incisive runs and is young.
 
Last edited:
RB: I'm not sure we need one. I've been pleased with Valencia overall and he seems to be getting better and I'm a huge fan of Rafael, if he can get over his injury problems. If I had to chose I think Clyne has shown a lot of potential so I'd go for him. Carvajal if available but I don't think thats likely.
CB: Hummels. Has to be, really. Experience and he's a good player. Makes sense and reports recently seem to suggest there's a chance.
CM: Not sure about this one. Long term is has to be someone who can replace Carrick and I'm not sure who's out there at the moment.
Winger: Bale if possible. If not then Depay, he'll need a couple of seasons but he's got a lot of potential. Could argue with Young, Januzaj, Mata and Di Maria all competing for wide berths we don't need one?

I actually think a striker will be needed come the end of the season. I don't see Falcao staying and I think Van Persie might leave too which would only leave Rooney and Wilson.
 
Hummels is the obvious choice to fit what we're apparently looking for in a CB. He seems to be a natural fit for LVG's philosophy.

Agree on Coleman too. He has his flaws but I'd much prefer to see someone with his attacking threat here rather than Clyne, who isn't particularly outstanding in any individual aspect of his game. With a quite defensive fullback in Shaw on the other side I think we could afford to give our RB real license to attack and link up on the right with Mata and Herrera. Coleman would be a better fit for that role than Clyne Imo.
 
RB: Clyne obvious choice, still young and can be moulded into exactly the type of player we need. Has good attributes of pace and physicality and most important he's English (or home grown rather) which i think we will need to keep an eye on our quota as we offload some players.
CB: Hummels, experieced and a quality player. I think he will provide perfect foil to Smalling and Jones both of whom i think will look better along side him.
CM: Pogba for me, again young and a quality player and will add good height and athletiscism to the team.
Winger: Bale if possible but otherwise i would go Douglas Costa, think he's reaching a good age in terms of maturity in his game and he has the ability to do something different.

would also say we are going to need a striker, but they have to fit in frame work as i want to see Rooney as 1st choice striker next season.
 
Trizy said:
It's no secret we'd all love to sign who ever we think is a quality player but who is best suited to our high pressing and passion based system? Because surely that's exactly what is on LVG's criteria.

We'll take an example of signing 4 players, who do you think would be best suited?

RB:
CB:
CM:
Winger:

For me,

RB: Coleman, strong in defense and get at getting forward. Maybe a cheeky bid for Carvajal? There isn't many brilliant RB available and with Madrid just signing Danilo, why not? Worst thing that happens is we get rejected.
CB: Hummels, he's that ball playing CB we need to perfect the passion based game around the back.
CM: Gundogan, only signing 1 CM that had a massive injury problem is a gamble but at £15m if he got back to his top form we'd have the best midfield 3 in the league of Herrera, Carrick and Gundogan. Offering goals, creativity and defending. Not to mention he's shown he's ideal for a pressing game.
Winger: Depay, puts in a shift all over the pitch, scores goals, rapid pace and potentially a brilliant player.
Click to expand...
If you're talking about our current system - the one with which we have won the last few games - then I can't think of a better player in the world to play the "Fellaini role" than Fellaini himself! Not sure how Gundogan would fit into that role
 
RB: Clyne or maybe Darmian would do, would be better value than Coleman and a good age. Not sure if Dani Alves is still top level but wouldn't be averse to picking him up on a free. I like Carvajal but fat chance of getting him.
CB: Hummels
CM: Not too fussed about signing a midfielder. Schneiderlin perhaps. Gundogan or Vidal as options if they are firmly over injury problems.
Winger: Not too fussed about signing a winger, but Depay might be too good to pass over. Reus will probably move somewhere else.

Would be looking to bring a young striker in - maybe Dybala or Vietto though can't say I know too much about either player.
 
RB: Carvajal - stick in a record bid and I think we can get them to twitch. We paid 30m GBP for Shaw so 40 for someone who is probably the best RB in the world at only 23 years old should be well worth it.

CB: Hummels Perfect for a partnership with Smalling and actually adds size to the backline which we lack without Smalling.

CM: Schneiderlin. All round CM for the 8 or 6 spot. Stop Arsenal/Liverpool getting anywhere near him as well.

Winger: Depay.
 
sincher said:
RB: Clyne or maybe Darmian would do, would be better value than Coleman and a good age. Not sure if Dani Alves is still top level but wouldn't be averse to picking him up on a free. I like Carvajal but fat chance of getting him.
CB: Hummels
CM: Not too fussed about signing a midfielder. Schneiderlin perhaps. Gundogan or Vidal as options if they are firmly over injury problems.
Winger: Not too fussed about signing a winger, but Depay might be too good to pass over. Reus will probably move somewhere else.

Would be looking to bring a young striker in - maybe Dybala or Vietto though can't say I know too much about either player.
Click to expand...

How much do we actually care about value though? We're going to be reducing our wage bill by offloading more players in the summer and have money to burn (apparently). If we can pay more and get a better player then why not? Surely we should be making use of our financial advantage....
 
RB: Coleman.
Winger: Depay.

CM: Happy with our current options but Pogba would be an amazing signing.
CB: Happy with our current options and I can't think of anyone outstanding we could get. Vertonghen would probably be the best option.
 
RB: Carvajal is the perfect fit as he's good at both ends of the pitch and technically excellent. we should test Real's resolve given they just spunked on another RB and may like to cash-in on on a player who doesn't fit their glamorous profile.
CB: Hummels has the experience and the passing game that seems to be LvG's 2 boxes to tick.
CM: Pogba, put him in the Fellaini role and we'd go up a notch or 4.
Winger: Must be a goal scorer if we are playing a front 3 who can play from the left, so Memphis, Felipe Anderson or Firmino would seem the best candidates, I'd personally take Firmino as he can also play as a false 9.
 
RB: Clyne, gettable on the cheap and if turns out to be a useful player then we are sorted for the next decade, if no then we still have Tony V.
CB: Hummels, a great player and a great leader, we are probably close to signing him too.
CM: Schneiderlien or Verratti + Gundogan as a cover/experiment on the cheap
Winger: Depay and Dybala, Dybala to play as a winger occasionally and when Rooney is out/rested. Depay as a first choice left winger eventually.
 
sullydnl said:
How much do we actually care about value though? We're going to be reducing our wage bill by offloading more players in the summer and have money to burn (apparently). If we can pay more and get a better player then why not? Surely we should be making use of our financial advantage....
Click to expand...

Not caring at all about value is stupid and would simply lead to bad decisions. Generally speaking if a player is really better then they are worth a premium but it is a difficult judgement call, especially between Coleman and Clyne... I would say Clyne has more room for improvement but could end up better.
 
RB: Nobody. Perfectly happy with Tony V getting another year or two there. Keep working on McNair and Rafa on the training pitch.
CB: Hummels, he will lead the line brilliantly and play that quarterback role for us. I don't see pace being too much of an issue if Smalling is next to him, you don't need two players sprinting back.
CM: Pogba. He can slot straight in for Fellaini as an AM and target man but also pull the strings, unleash wicked shots and eventually grow into an 8 or 6.
Winger: Nani. It would take a lot of faith on his part and mental strength but I think Van Gaal could get 10 goals and 15 assists out of him.

Gross spend: £90m or there abouts. With a bunch of exits probably about £60m Net.
 
Pexbo said:
RB: Nobody. Perfectly happy with Tony V getting another year or two there. Keep working on McNair and Rafa on the training pitch.
CB: Hummels, he will lead the line brilliantly and play that quarterback role for us. I don't see pace being too much of an issue if Smalling is next to him, you don't need two players sprinting back.
CM: Pogba. He can slot straight in for Fellaini as an AM and target man but also pull the strings, unleash wicked shots and eventually grow into an 8 or 6.
Winger: Nani. It would take a lot of faith on his part and mental strength but I think Van Gaal could get 10 goals and 15 assists out of him.

Gross spend: £90m or there abouts. With a bunch of exits probably about £60m Net.
Click to expand...
I'd definitely be happy with that! But Nani? It just feels it's too much baggage and I can't think of any other example of a player making such a come back.
 
RB- sign carvajal if not him then get de sciligio. The latter can cover both positions, while the former is the best rb in the world.
CB- Hummels. Ball playing defender. CM- Pogba, only midfielder who can play the Carrick, Herrera or fellaini role in our current tactical setup.
Winger cum forward - Fekir/Felipe Anderson. Brilliant players who can play any of the front three positions.
 
Theonas said:
I'd definitely be happy with that! But Nani? It just feels it's too much baggage and I can't think of any other example of a player making such a come back.
Click to expand...

It depends on where his head is at but I think that Van Gaal could bring the best out of him like he has a lot of other players. If not there's plenty of alternatives, Depay being the obvious one that is probably a done deal to be honest.
 
Pexbo said:
RB: Nobody. Perfectly happy with Tony V getting another year or two there. Keep working on McNair and Rafa on the training pitch.
CB: Hummels, he will lead the line brilliantly and play that quarterback role for us. I don't see pace being too much of an issue if Smalling is next to him, you don't need two players sprinting back.
CM: Pogba. He can slot straight in for Fellaini as an AM and target man but also pull the strings, unleash wicked shots and eventually grow into an 8 or 6.
Winger: Nani. It would take a lot of faith on his part and mental strength but I think Van Gaal could get 10 goals and 15 assists out of him.

Gross spend: £90m or there abouts. With a bunch of exits probably about £60m Net.
Click to expand...

I agree with you mainly because I have no knowledge about the RB market, but I would buy Depay because Young will be 31 in 15 months.

RB: No one, I don't know who is good enough, I like Darmian.
CB: Laporte or Hummels, I'm wary about hummels' injury record.
CM: Depending on how we rate Pearson and Rothwell, one or two of Pogba, Klaassen, Gundogan and Saul.
Winger: Depending on how we rate Pereira and Januzaj, I would sign Depay.
 
Last edited:
RB: No-one. Rafael is a fantastic footballer who I can't wait to see in Van Gaal's 433, and Valencia is perfect for rotation in the RB position (don't really see him as a winger anymore, to be honest). Both of them are PL proven, loyal and versatile players.

CB: Hummels, or someone else familiar and experienced with high-line, possession based defending.

CM: Schneiderlin. Don't want a big name signing to disrupt our midfield balance. I've watched United for about 30 years, and this midfield right now is looking special to me. DON'T feck IT UP. Schneiderlin is PL proven, has excelled under Pochettino's pressing and also under Koeman's possession, he's intelligent, a quick passer and would slot in perfectly to our midfield groove.

Winger: I'd sign 2. Memphis Depay and I'd also go all out for a top(ish) PL proven 'modern winger' with pace - Raheem Sterling (no, I'm not joking - yes, I DO think it's possible) or Walcott.

Avoid: Gareth Bale. Any big name striker that would force Rooney into a different position or a change of formation. Signing Falcao.
 
RB: Clyne
CB: Hummels
CM: Schneiderlin
Winger: Memphis Depay

Clyne seems the most obvious option, if Valencia leaves in a couple of years he'd be ready with either McNair or Janko as 2nd. I'm not 100% sure we're buying one though, although I personally would.

Hummels looks like the perfect candidate. He's thinking of moving, is big and strong to defend against 'long balls' (which we'll get ALOT if we perfect this possesion based style). He's also good in building attacks from the back and can be paired with all of our current defenders since he's comfortable enough to play LCB just like Evans.

Schneiderlin seems like a perfect fit. Honestly don't know who we're going for. He can cover for 8 and is probably defensively good enough to play Mata in MF again if needs be. He can also cover for 6 if Carrick needs rest and Blind is needed at LB because of injuries to Rojo and Shaw.

Memphis Depay. Not going to post everything again, I'm a huge fan since he was 16-17 like you all will probably know by now. He'll be a succes longterm and after a season of settling in as 2nd choice to Young he'll become his replacement. Would be a mistake to let him go to Liverpool, I'd buy him for that reason alone.
 
RB: Carvajal. A great right-back that hopefully will be moved on to us with Reals signing of Danilo, that said i don't think he will move.
CB: Varane. Fast, good on the ball and good defensively; young as well. In other words another Real defender I don't think will move.
Winger: No clear candidate apart from Depay that I can think of.
CM: Is there another Michael Carrick out there? No there isn't. If injuries and other stuff works out, then Pogba, Strootman & Khedira would fit the bill for me.

The alternative list:
RB: Coleman
CB: Otamendi
Winger: ...
CM: Schneiderlin
 
Right back - carvajal. Excellent going forward, tenacious and responsible enough defensively.

Centre back - Varane. He's got the absolute lot.

Central midfield: I'd go for pogba on paper but I've seen very little of redcafes ultimate muppet signing. So I'm going with Verrati. Loved what I've seen of the little fella whenever I've seen him. Looks like the ideal man to be starting attacks.

Winger: Tough one. Bale is definitely no -go IMO. Not suite to our system at all. I'd go for either Reus or sterling.
 
Although I agree that it would be great, I don't understand why people keep mentioning Varane? Are there any signs at all that Madrid are planning on selling him? They're not that well manned in that position, and it looks like Pepe is in the process of being phased out with Varane as his replacement.
 
pierrethesnack said:
Although I agree that it would be great, I don't understand why people keep mentioning Varane? Are there any signs at all that Madrid are planning on selling him? They're not that well manned in that position, and it looks like Pepe is in the process of being phased out with Varane as his replacement.
Click to expand...

I agree on this, Varane will probably be the replacement of Pepe in the long run, can't see them selling. If we're being realistic there's more players being mentioned here who we have no chance of signing.

Carvajal isn't going anywhere, Danilo is replacing the 31(?) year old Arbeloa who's been the weak link most of the times he's played. Carvajal still got a 4 year contract so unless we're paying 50m for a rightback (since RM don't want to sell and are in a strong position) we won't get him.

Verrati isn't leaving either. PSG got some older players and have no intent of selling him. They won't need the money and will not accept a fee for their upcoming superstar who has a contract untill 2019. Just like they refused a bid for Marquinhos.

Van Gaal rejected to buy Khedira at Bayern so I'm sure we're not in for him either. He's probably on his way to Schalke anyways.
 
Rb: not really sure... Clyne/Coleman are both pretty good without being great or anything. Far away from what the other top teams have there. Not convinced they're any better then Valencia who is solid but they'd be more natural there I guess.

Cb: Hummels without a doubt. Out of form lately like all of Dortmund, but his ability on the ball, experience and overall ability is the perfect player for Van Gaals system. If we could hand pick anyone, it would probably be him.

CM: Not sure here. Long term we need a couple, one to take fellainis starting 11 spot and one to replace Carrick because of age. Pogba would be perfect for the attacking spot, but if we got him then we'd need someone with Carrick's passing range and ability to dictate. Or we could get gundogan, and then a more defensive/destroying type midfielder, a matic, who doesn't really have the passing range but provides the defensive shielding while gundogan and Herrera dictate. Basically we need 2 players and between them split dictating tempo, passing range, strength and defensive shield.

Wing: Depay would be perfect IMO. Potential to be world class, quick, strong, good on the ball, wouldn't demand to be a starter right away so we can continue to have Di maria and mata start without disrupting anything really. Depay would eventually break in the team. Buying someone like bale would disrupt the lineup for something that isn't necessarily better.
 
First Choice:

RB: Carvajal; best rightback in Spain, no doubt. Got everything you need he's quick, intelligent marker and quite a threat forward.
CB: Hummels; adds to the ball playing philosophy and would partner Smalling, would reinforce composure in the defence with his experience.
CM: Schneiderlin; premier-league proven, great passing range, solid defensively and he'll only get better. Seems the obvious candidate.
Winger: Depay; quick, powerful, skillful and a goal threat. He'll need his workrate to get at a level of Ashley Young, if he can do that he'll be wonderful.

If we miss out:

RB: Rafael; still only 24. I believe he has what it takes to reinvent himself and having him back would almost feel like a new signing on its own.
CB: John Stones; I've liked what I've seen from him. Him and Smalling could form a formidable partnership and would be nice to have an English core.
CM: Gundogan; great passing range and has vast champions league experience under his belt. Tremendous addition if he avoids injuries.
Winger: Pedro; not a high profile name such as Bale or as promising as Depay but what he adds is his high intense pressing game, speed, delivery and goal threat, very underrated player imo.
 
pierrethesnack said:
Yes, he's a passionate fella, isn't he? :lol:

Agree with the rest, although I think I would've gone for Schneiderlin instead of Gundogan, if we have to choose.
Click to expand...
:lol:
Possession! Dunno how I managed to write a completely different word.
 
RB: Clyne, good defensively and going forward. Young and will improve even more.

CB: Hummels would be the obvious choice, but his injuries worry me. He mentioned that he can count on one hand the amount of games that he has been pain free since the World cup. With Smalling and Jones injury issues, this becomes even bigger concern. Shame that Diego Godin is getting on a bit, otherwise he would be my first choice.

CM: Schneiderlin, been calling for him for 2 years. He is what we need in a defensive midfielder. He is at an age where he could come straight into the team and contribute.

CM: Lars Bender, Blind is good, but we need someone more mobile and stronger in midfield. Would have loved Gundogan, but back injuries can be a nightmare and do not totally go away.

Wingers: Depay would be the obvious choice here. Has everything we need in a winger/wide forward. If we can somehow get hold of Bale, then that would be a brilliant signing along with Depay.

Striker: Falcao is out, if RvP leaves, then first choice would be Lacazette, then Berahino.
 
Are the people naming Rafael saying he's who they'd have or that he's who they think LVG will go with? It seems insanely optimistic at this point to think Rafael is going to be kept....
 
I think some are underestimating the need for a front 3 to have goals coming from more than just Wayne. People keep posting like Ashley Young should be a starter next season, he's played well this season to a certain degree but lets get real, compare him to what the teams we are chasing have in the same position and we are well behind.
 
RB: No one. Valencia and Rafa are more than enough here.

CB: Hummels

CM: Pogba or if not available, then Schneiderlin (although don't be shocked if its Stroot :)

Wingers: Depay

That's over £100m at least there.
 
We need a striker much more than a winger, surely? Falcao sure to head back to Monaco, and RVP looking very much over the hill. Rooney is playing well but isn't a youngster any more, and Wilson is still very raw (albeit prodigiously gifted). We need someone decent and 'middle-aged', so to speak, in between them. With one of the league's form wingers (Young), it's most expensive ever player (Di Maria) and one of its most gifted youngsters (Januzaj) all on our books, a winger is a lower priority.

Raoul said:
That's over £100m at least there.
Click to expand...

Only if you actually get Pogba. Hummels is unanimously priced at £25m at the moment, and Depay won't cost more than £20m, given that he'll be keen for the move and there's little prospect of anyone else seriously matching our interest.

And it would be daft to go for Pogba. As good as he is, we'd be getting into a bidding war with arguably the three other richest clubs in the world, Madrid, City and PSG. If we did get him we'd have to vastly overpay to do it. There are other very good options out there that we could land for drastically better value, and midfield is probably our best-performing department at the moment anyway!
 
Brightonian said:
We need a striker much more than a winger, surely? Falcao sure to head back to Monaco, and RVP looking very much over the hill. Rooney is playing well but isn't a youngster any more, and Wilson is still very raw (albeit prodigiously gifted). We need someone decent and 'middle-aged', so to speak, in between them. With one of the league's form wingers (Young), it's most expensive ever player (Di Maria) and one of its most gifted youngsters (Januzaj) all on our books, a winger is a lower priority.



Only if you actually get Pogba. Hummels is unanimously priced at £25m at the moment, and Depay won't cost more than £20m, given that he'll be keen for the move and there's little prospect of anyone else seriously matching our interest.

And it would be daft to go for Pogba. As good as he is, we'd be getting into a bidding war with arguably the three other richest clubs in the world, Madrid, City and PSG. If we did get him we'd have to vastly overpay to do it. There are other very good options out there that we could land for drastically better value, and midfield is probably our best-performing department at the moment anyway!
Click to expand...

That's obviously $100m with Pogba. Without, it would be somewhere in the 70s imo. None of this may matter as Van Gaal may bring several players who no one is discussing in these threads and the figure could rise or fall depending on who it is.
 
Brightonian said:
We need a striker much more than a winger, surely? Falcao sure to head back to Monaco, and RVP looking very much over the hill. Rooney is playing well but isn't a youngster any more, and Wilson is still very raw (albeit prodigiously gifted). We need someone decent and 'middle-aged', so to speak, in between them. With one of the league's form wingers (Young), it's most expensive ever player (Di Maria) and one of its most gifted youngsters (Januzaj) all on our books, a winger is a lower priority.
Click to expand...

It's easier said than done when playing with only 1 striker, they'd basically be a peak aged player accepting a back-up role.

And it would be daft to go for Pogba. As good as he is, we'd be getting into a bidding war with arguably the three other richest clubs in the world, Madrid, City and PSG. If we did get him we'd have to vastly overpay to do it. There are other very good options out there that we could land for drastically better value, and midfield is probably our best-performing department at the moment anyway!
Click to expand...

City and PSG are no match for us financially due to FFP, it's basically Real Madrid that are the only contenders and if they make a move we'll likely not bother anyway. Otherwise we should be all in as there are very few close to his level that aren't going to cost us a considerable sum anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.