Sky Sources : Blind and Mata set to leave this summer.

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I thought additions are more important now than shipping out players. And the players that i feel we should ship out first is Rojo, Jones and Fellaini.

Some may argue that Fellaini have much to contribute, but if Jose wants to change the style of playing for United, definitely we can't play a style that suits fellaini. His ball control, speed, passing, defending is barely average. We can't have him playing in midfield over Morgan if we want to play fluid football.
 
The question any united supporter should be asking about Blind or Mata is would either of them get into the united squads let alone first 11 of the two teams that won the CL in 99 and 08? The simple answer is no. This is the standard that SAF has set for this club and players of this ilk including Fellani aren't good enough.

Exactly this. Add Rojo to the mix.

Fosu Mensa can play all the positions that Blind can play. Why rob him of that chance so we persist with average players? Borthwick Jackson will be the back up to Shaw. There's no need for average squad players when we got good youngsters coming through.

Mata hasn't set the world alight. He's basically proved Jose was right to sell him.

Everyone also keeps talking about he could be a squad player or he could. Remember Jose isn't some tinkerman. He likes to play a consistent starting 11 and make few changes.

It will be nice to have a consistent 11 rather than guessing every week.
 
Unless Blind wants to leave, I hope he stays. I have said it when I was on the newbie forums and I will repeat it here. Blind is the current version of John O'Shea in our squad. You wouldn't pencil him in in the regular starting XI, but if you had a midfield or defensive injury or just needed to rest a player in one of those positions, you would be glad you had that versatility in the squad. So unless Jose buys someone like that, Blind should be retained.

This is exactly how I rate him. Good player to have in the squad without a doubt but not good enough to be a regular starter. Comparing him to O'Shea is spot on.
 
The good news hasn't stopped pouring in since Saturday, May 21st.

First we win the FA cup for the 12th time after 11 long years.
Hadn't stopped celebrating, and the news of VG's sacking started making headlines
With in a week we had Jose in-charge.
Then Paddy announced that Carrick will get a year's extension.
And now we have inkling that these two plodders will be moved along.

Add Rojo, Fellaini and the useless German to this list, and we can start the rebuild. Properly this time.

I hope Jose goes for two central defenders to bolster our defense. Besides Smalling, we do not have anyone reliable. A experienced defender and a young one with potential is a must, imo.

2 CB's, a holding CM, a creative CM & two top attackers are essential if we want to challenge for top honors next season.
 
I am really sad for mata and blind. even blind is not my favorite player it's sad to see someone leave before they have the chance to prove themselves.

there is stats that show mata has improved in his defence since move from chelsea to Man United. I hope mou try mata at least for 6 month.

also mou use ozil a lot in madrid, they are similar type of player who is not good at defense but Mata is sold right away before he even try.
 
I am really sad for mata and blind. even blind is not my favorite player it's sad to see someone leave before they have the chance to prove themselves.

there is stats that show mata has improved in his defence since move from chelsea to Man United. I hope mou try mata at least for 6 month.

also mou use ozil a lot in madrid, they are similar type of player who is not good at defense but Mata is sold right away before he even try.
You don't need stat, just rewatch the away game vs Midtjylland. Mata couldn't tackle a kid.

Ozil is not similar to Mata. Ozil can actually run, and run with ball. Mata is too slow, his dribbling like Ronaldo's warming speed. Ozil creates bunch of chances, great at play making. Mata is like a light Spanish version of aged Rooney, rake up numbers, but never creates that much beside the assist, or goal, which is not many the last 2 season. Mata moved in winter window, so it's half a season of assessment.
 
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Oddly enough, I think Mourinho may keep Fellaini as a squad player. I'm sure he'll love his elbow potential.
 
The good news hasn't stopped pouring in since Saturday, May 21st.

First we win the FA cup for the 12th time after 11 long years.
Hadn't stopped celebrating, and the news of VG's sacking started making headlines
With in a week we had Jose in-charge.
Then Paddy announced that Carrick will get a year's extension.
And now we have inkling that these two plodders will be moved along.

Add Rojo, Fellaini and the useless German to this list, and we can start the rebuild. Properly this time.

I hope Jose goes for two central defenders to bolster our defense. Besides Smalling, we do not have anyone reliable. A experienced defender and a young one with potential is a must, imo.

2 CB's, a holding CM, a creative CM & two top attackers are essential if we want to challenge for top honors next season.
I agree 100%! A right back to compete with Darmien too!
 
The good news hasn't stopped pouring in since Saturday, May 21st.

First we win the FA cup for the 12th time after 11 long years.
Hadn't stopped celebrating, and the news of VG's sacking started making headlines
With in a week we had Jose in-charge.
Then Paddy announced that Carrick will get a year's extension.
And now we have inkling that these two plodders will be moved along.

Add Rojo, Fellaini and the useless German to this list, and we can start the rebuild. Properly this time.

I hope Jose goes for two central defenders to bolster our defense. Besides Smalling, we do not have anyone reliable. A experienced defender and a young one with potential is a must, imo.

2 CB's, a holding CM, a creative CM & two top attackers are essential if we want to challenge for top honors next season.
6 signings?? Do you think that's realistic or insanity?
 
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As much as I like both players, they remind me of the kind of players we used to laugh at Arsenal for buying. Small, tidy on the ball but lack the mentality to win the biggest prizes.
 
6 signings?? Do you think that's realistic or insanity?

Ahh...we got a comedian..

Kidding!

We made 13 signings in the last two seasons windows. We made 5 + 2 (youngsters) in Fergie's last season with us. So yeah, I don't think 6 is an outrageous number and beyond the realms of possibility.
 
Blind is 5'11, and does not necessarily have a "weak" frame. Why people are putting him in the small category is beyond me.
 
Honestly wouldn't be arsed of Mata left which is weird as before this season was one my favourite players, he just a loveable character but its clear to see he is not a world class play maker in the mould of Ozil, Pogba or even Payer.

His positives are there, he scores goals regularly, has good technical ability and can create chances as well. But his negatives outweigh the positives for me these days, he is very weak and very very slow for an attacking player in his prime years. He cannot beat a man and even if he does he lacks pace to to leave him behind. But his biggest problem for me Is his inconsistency and lack of quality when really needed. Last season he did well and was brilliant against Liverpool and city but apart from that he's not impressed me when backs are against the wall, he was awful against Bournemouth and a few others this season.
 
Sell them both. Predicted both will be losers under Mourinho a few weeks ago. We all know what Mou thinks of Mata. Blind is not a CB or DM under Mourinho. And at LB, well he is just too slow. All the qualities he has dont play an important role for Mourinho, because he has some huge deficits for a CB, LB, DM that cant compensate the positives. Van Gaal liked them both, Mourinho probably doesnt, which makes sense since they both have different ideas of football. And if that is the case, sell them. I cant imagine they want to be squad players under his time here, so best to sell them now for a decent fee.
 
You cannot sell Blind after he's been one of our top 3/4 players this season.

Covers 3 positions and covers them all competently. There's no way Jose is mad enough to sell him.
 
Blind would be great addition as CB at Barca. Not surprised about Mata but Blind can still play a vital role as a squad player in multiple positions.
They were interested on him before, and if Mascherano leaves, I can see them going for him. He would be a much cheaper alternative (though not as good) than Laporte.

Selling Blind to sign Stones from our part would be a mental decision.
 
I think the issue with Blind is that he doesn't really excel enough in any position to be more than a squad player. a very good squad player. This would be perfect under a manager like SAF who loves these sort of players, who can play in a multitude of positions and allow him to easily rotate. But Mourinho doesn't really rotate, he has a best XI and generally sticks with it for the most part, and he probably does not see Blind as part of that XI.

I like Blind as a player but I can understand why Mourinho doesn't want him. I also think it speaks volumes about just how strong a team he wants us to have here if he's willing to part with a player like Blind.
 
Blind is 5'11, and does not necessarily have a "weak" frame. Why people are putting him in the small category is beyond me.

He isn't weak but he is a poor athlete at the CB or LB positions, his lack of explosivity means that he is weak in the air and susceptible to runs in his back. As a CM he is alright.
 
He isn't weak but he is a poor athlete at the CB or LB positions, his lack of explosivity means that he is weak in the air and susceptible to runs in his back. As a CM he is alright.

I'm not going to try and pretend that Blind hasn't been caught out with runs in behind, but its not any more than the 'explosive' defenders in the league. Given its his secondary position, he was more than suitable in the role.

As a midfielder I argue he's more than just alright, and its a real shame because he has the potential to control the tempo and retain some composure in the middle of the park. Its something I don't think Schneiderlin or Herrerea have been able to do. However, he will not be given the chance to do so, for a reason that makes no sense.
 
I'm not going to try and pretend that Blind hasn't been caught out with runs in behind, but its not any more than the 'explosive' defenders in the league. Given its his secondary position, he was more than suitable in the role.

As a midfielder I argue he's more than just alright, and its a real shame because he has the potential to control the tempo and retain some composure in the middle of the park. Its something I don't think Schneiderlin or Herrerea have been able to do. However, he will not be given the chance to do so, for a reason that makes no sense.

The main problem with Blind is that he is poor in the air for a top or even average CB, he is only a good option in that position if the teams play a football heavily oriented on possession and people should be careful when they praise our defense because statiscally and quite visibly, it was one of the worst at actually defending, funnily enough the same thing can be said about Barcelona.
As for the alright, it was a euphemism.
 
I don't want either to go but on a more serious note, we need to get new players in before we look at selling anybody.
We made the mistake last season of releasing a hat full of players and then didn't replace them we can't make the same mistake again.
Yes if the manager really doesn't fancy either they wil go but at least bring someone in first.
 
I don't have a point with this but some people are talking shit and really exaggerating so thought I'd present some facts

5U0GXJ4.png
Fascinating stats, it completely fits with most of the narratives that people have formed here.

Both get very tight onto shooting players.
Smalling charged with doing a lot of work with the ball in the air.
Blind charged with doing a lot of the ball chasing and tackling across the ground.
Both players having a similar passing completion and although Blind's forward passes were significantly higher it didn't really amount to much in the way of productive ball playing from the back.
 
If we make 6 signings then no matter how good they are its curtains for us next year. We need 3-4 signings max if we want to compete for the title because 6 new players coming in never works as intended.
 
The main problem with Blind is that he is poor in the air for a top or even average CB, he is only a good option in that position if the teams play a football heavily oriented on possession and people should be careful when they praise our defense because statiscally and quite visibly, it was one of the worst at actually defending, funnily enough the same thing can be said about Barcelona.
As for the alright, it was a euphemism.

I don't think it was visibly the worst at all. I think we were a quite well organised unit this year. Yes there were times where we were cut through but its the Premier League and no side in history will be as stringent in defence to a near perfect level (Rio/Evra/Neville/Vidic era included). Yes, we were weaker in comparison to the solid united defences of the past.. but that's us getting lost in nostalgia. I don't think we defended any worse than Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and we have had far worse injuries than them.

Blind had 39% headers won, which is pretty poor, but he had won more tackles than his rivals to make up for it. Moreover, he was filling in at centre back rather than cementing a permanent spot there (seemingly, if we assume where he'd have played this season under mou). I think his distribution, composure and tacking/interception abilities should be taken into account when deciding to sell. I'd be looking at Blind as a squad defensive midfielder or left back, and wouldn't sell him on that basis. Especially when you consider Shaw is set to return from a broken leg no less & Rojo is a poor player.

Mourinho giving the green light, apparently, just suggests he's happy to let go of a versatile player who can perform competently across 3 positions and isn't injury prone. He's not on high wages either, it just doesn't make any sense.
 
You cannot sell Blind after he's been one of our top 3/4 players this season.

Covers 3 positions and covers them all competently. There's no way Jose is mad enough to sell him.
He did quite well most of the time but looking around in the top leagues, there're some attainable players for United to go for that would be an upgrade on Blind. Holding on to him and getting in some quality in the same positions would be ideal, but if he wants to leave it won't be the end of the world.

If we make 6 signings then no matter how good they are its curtains for us next year. We need 3-4 signings max if we want to compete for the title because 6 new players coming in never works as intended.
I'd say that depends on the quality of those players, because getting in 6 top quality players might prove more beneficial then getting in three or four. In the end it comes down to Mou and his ability to form a team and let it perform his tactics. That said - the Euros could feck United's transfer business a little. Getting in too many players with little prep time almost always backfires. Still, I'd rather go for more quality in the team rather than less.
 
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Mata I expected to be sold given Mourinho sold him from Chelsea in the first place, but Blind Im sure even he dint see that coming.
 
Mata I expected to be sold given Mourinho sold him from Chelsea in the first place, but Blind Im sure even he dint see that coming.
Maybe Blind is the one who wants to leave as it doesn't look like he is very happy about LVG sacking...
 
The question any united supporter should be asking about Blind or Mata is would either of them get into the united squads let alone first 11 of the two teams that won the CL in 99 and 08? The simple answer is no. This is the standard that SAF has set for this club and players of this ilk including Fellani aren't good enough.

So the standard he set twice in 26 years?

Same fergie who relied heavily on players like Oshea, Brown, Berg, Park, Valencia, Rafael, Giggs in CM, Butt, Johnson etc etc etc etc.

Bit of an unrealistic expectation.

So many United fans just want us to go out and buy all the biggest names, ironically you were probably the fans who cried for Mata and celebrated his 35m (?) transfer and now proclaim him dead weight for who? James? Some other 50mill flavour of the month to reach Cl glory with.

Absolute nonsense and @Bojan11 is agreeing with it!

Never been what United and particularly Fergie was all about. Using two years in a 26 year reign as an example of your point is so unbelievably wrong it's gob smacking.

Just sounds so entitled and childish it's untrue.
 
He did quite well most of the time but looking around in the top leagues, there're some attainable players for United to go for that would be an upgrade on Blind. Holding on to him and getting in some quality in the same positions would be ideal, but if he wants to leave it won't be the end of the world.

I'd say that depends on the quality of those players, because getting in 6 top quality players might prove more beneficial then getting in three or four. In the end it comes down to Mou and his ability to form a team and let it perform his tactics. That said - the Euros could feck United's transfer business a little. Getting in too many players with little prep time almost always backfires. Still, I'd rather go for more quality in the team rather than less.
I disagree personally. Which team has ever won the league or even competed for it after shipping out that many players and bringing in so many first teamers?. I would have thought that the last few Windows taught Utd fans that it simply doesn't work like that and you have to build a team over a number of years. Despite what people would have you believe our squad has great demographics, is highly talented and just requires those top class players to turn us from a good team/squad to an outstanding team/squad. Mourinho will extract more out of all the existing players anyway so realistically 4 first teamers should be the max we look at bringing in. If we bring in a couple of young players as well, e.g Reece Oxford then sure we can get away with a couple more additions. But 6 first teamers will just result in another season of transition and leave us short well short of the title.
 
The good news hasn't stopped pouring in since Saturday, May 21st.

First we win the FA cup for the 12th time after 11 long years.
Hadn't stopped celebrating, and the news of VG's sacking started making headlines
With in a week we had Jose in-charge.
Then Paddy announced that Carrick will get a year's extension.
And now we have inkling that these two plodders will be moved along.

Add Rojo, Fellaini and the useless German to this list, and we can start the rebuild. Properly this time.

I hope Jose goes for two central defenders to bolster our defense. Besides Smalling, we do not have anyone reliable. A experienced defender and a young one with potential is a must, imo.

2 CB's, a holding CM, a creative CM & two top attackers are essential if we want to challenge for top honors next season.
Let's remember that we're not in the CL. We don't need so many players to challenge for the title next season.
 
The question any united supporter should be asking about Blind or Mata is would either of them get into the united squads let alone first 11 of the two teams that won the CL in 99 and 08? The simple answer is no. This is the standard that SAF has set for this club and players of this ilk including Fellani aren't good enough.

Actually the simple answer is yes.

1999 Champions League Squad

2008 Champions League Squad

You could argue that Mata is probably too much of a luxury to be a mere squad player but I'd be very disappointed to see Blind go as I think he's been one of the few positives of Van Gaals tenure and is a player who can do job for us in a number of positions and less importantly one that doesn't seem to be injured every 5 minutes (touch wood).
 
I disagree personally. Which team has ever won the league or even competed for it after shipping out that many players and bringing in so many first teamers?. I would have thought that the last few Windows taught Utd fans that it simply doesn't work like that and you have to build a team over a number of years. Despite what people would have you believe our squad has great demographics, is highly talented and just requires those top class players to turn us from a good team/squad to an outstanding team/squad. Mourinho will extract more out of all the existing players anyway so realistically 4 first teamers should be the max we look at bringing in. If we bring in a couple of young players as well, e.g Reece Oxford then sure we can get away with a couple more additions. But 6 first teamers will just result in another season of transition and leave us short well short of the title.
I guess it depends on the goals for the new season.
At present I'd rather get in as many quality players as possible, because I don't expect a title challenge from United in the upcoming season, regardless of the players sold/brought in.
The reason for that is that I think some on here are far too optimistic by thinking that Mourinho will actually get more performance out of the likes of Darmian, Valencia, Young, Memphis, Rooney, Fellaini, Lingard, Schweinsteiger or Januzaj than Van Gaal was able to. As much as I think sacking Van Gaal was the right thing to do, I think a fair share of the blame for the football on display (especially the lack of goals and missing creativity in the final third) should be directed at the players. I look at United's squad and what I see is one world class player in De Gea plus a hand full of very good players in Martial, Smalling and Shaw, and a lot of talent in Rashford, Pereira, Fosu-Mensah, Lingard, Varela and Borthwick-Jackson. The rest are either decent squad players who lack the quality to make an impact, has-beens one huge wages (Schweini, Mata, Rooney), or lack the quality to be a United player in the first place.

Getting in quality should come first. It might even click for the team but with a lack of quality in large parts of the squad mounting a title challenge seems a little too much to ask for, imho.
 
I'd keep blind above basically any of our other midfielders tbh (excluding mata and rooney because they're just different plaeyrs and its a pointless comparison)
Carrick has been great, probably our best midfielder again but hes getting on - also any shortcomings blind has, carrick has.
If were planning to use carrick at all we'll need to build the team to accommodate him somewhat.

Schweinsteiger is probably still a better player overall but his injury record makes him borderline irrelevant.
Hererra has had a lousy season, its seems a bit backwards to dump blind after 2 good years over hererra whos just come off the back of a really poor one.
Schneiderlin .... not too impressed with personally. I dunno, he didn't have a bad season. Be a bit harsh to criticise him. He seems very limited
Fellaini is a good number 10 but i still dont think hes a midfielder in the real sense. Play him there and your forced to go long and bypass midfield most of the time.

I'd be kind of bummed if we sold blind tbh.

I have to be honest, was and never have been a big fan of Carrick. I have appreciated him more in the latter years. He is a decent intelligent player who has done well for us, personally I think he has been a bit over rated though. By the same token so has Blind by a lot of fans, not his fault he has been moved back to defence but he has been generally average there and often awful. His best position is as a central midfielder from what I have seen of him.....but he isn't top drawer, I would compare him there to Bryan Robson though.....when he was injured
 
Maybe Blind is the one who wants to leave as it doesn't look like he is very happy about LVG sacking...

Has he come out and said anything about being unhappy with LVGs sacking? Or is it just an assumption?

Also, about Blind not seeing it coming.. was a joke.
 
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