No
RW: Not proven enough
CM: Not really sure
CB: Not proven enough
RW: Not proven enough
CM: Not really sure
CB: Not proven enough
What do we still need? Post Summer 2015 edition.
- Thread starter Yorkeontop
- Start date
Given that we are not in the CL, it's not that bad tbf fair.
Zlatan aside, I would be very disappointed with just those signings. All 3 are unproven. Lozano isn't even a starter for the Mexican NT.
My take on this:
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (seems a done deal and my #1 option as well)
CAM/versatile wing option: Mkhitaryan (entering his last year of contract and extension looks unlikely according to reports)
RW: Mahrez (with Vardy joining Arsenal, I think Mahrez will look to leave as well)
CM: Ideally Pogba but realistically, Kante would be a great alternative although a different kind of player. Might be tough to get two players off Leicester but if reports about Kante's clause are true, then it's very possible.
CB: Bailly. Seems a done deal as well but I have a feeling that Mourinho might use him as a RB, which may lead to another CB signing like Manolas.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (seems a done deal and my #1 option as well)
CAM/versatile wing option: Mkhitaryan (entering his last year of contract and extension looks unlikely according to reports)
RW: Mahrez (with Vardy joining Arsenal, I think Mahrez will look to leave as well)
CM: Ideally Pogba but realistically, Kante would be a great alternative although a different kind of player. Might be tough to get two players off Leicester but if reports about Kante's clause are true, then it's very possible.
CB: Bailly. Seems a done deal as well but I have a feeling that Mourinho might use him as a RB, which may lead to another CB signing like Manolas.
Not reall bar Ibra.
RW - I'd prefer a more proven player like Mkhitaryan or Mahrez, if we go younger I'd opt for Ounas.
CM - I think Pjanic or Pogba are the caliber we should aim for
CB - Bailly seems a decent addition but for RB with another CB added.
I hope Mourinho plays 433. I think it's the best formation if we have Ibrahimovic and Rooney in the 1st eleven. Also, I totally agree with the CB and RW you mentioned, however, I think we could go for a better CM.If we complete Ibra and Bailly next week before the Euros we are off to a good start.
It seems that Carrick is going to continue one year more, so he could rotate with Schweinsteiger and Blind in that position. IMO Schneiderlin would be better as box to box midfielder. Martial and Memphis would improve as inside forwards, mainly with a striker like Zlatan.
Mahrez and Mkhitaryan are linked with Arsenal, while Sane is linked with City. We have been linked with Ounas and Lozano, but I hope Mourinho is interested in Griezmann and we can pay his release clause.
There are rumors about Mata and Herrera leaving, but we have to wait and see. Also, I hope we sign one more CB.
http://lineupbuilder.com/2014/custom/?sk=b614
To be honest, I have not been able to see Bailly as right back. Is he good at crosses? Do you think he is already better than Valencia?
Even 433 would be my favorite formation, can you see Mourinho playing like that instead of 4231?
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I'd like another CB, and I don't know enough about Lozano to say either way, but mostly I'd be fine with it. Covers the main areas where we need improvement, and players like Gomez and Bailly seem like the kind of players that could form a spine in a new team.
So it looks like Bailly and Ibrahimovic. Some reports saying there will be two more signings. We need a CM and a RW anyway and possibly a more experience CB.
I'm actually starting to fear that we won't manage a high profile signing or two, aside from Zlatan on a free.
I think this year is a real tough market. A lot of money floating around, with a scarcity of talent available.
We really need some seriously top class additions.
I think this year is a real tough market. A lot of money floating around, with a scarcity of talent available.
We really need some seriously top class additions.
RW is the one that is screaming out at me. Playing with Mata there has been criminal. I'd love Alexis Sanchez but the chances of getting him are probably about zero!
CM: Gomes (or Pogba if we want to spend 100m)
RW: Sane (why arent we in for him?!)
Id like a more experienced CB to pair with Smalling, but with Zlatan and Bailley in the bag already we are off to a great start. I trust Jose will get the transfer dealings right, he usually does.
RW: Sane (why arent we in for him?!)
Id like a more experienced CB to pair with Smalling, but with Zlatan and Bailley in the bag already we are off to a great start. I trust Jose will get the transfer dealings right, he usually does.
I honestly wouldn't mind that because signings like Bailley, Gomes and others in that "on the brink of greatness" range usually do well for us unlike the high profile ones where we more often than not get our fingers burnt.
Serious question, would United fans take Benteke if available?
I think he could fit in with mourinho's style of play. Strong and quick. He's a good player but just not suited to klopps teams.
I think he could fit in with mourinho's style of play. Strong and quick. He's a good player but just not suited to klopps teams.
we have the CB and assuming ibrahimovich as striker. Id say two more players. A RW (mahrez) and a CM (Matic). id be going 4-3-3
----------------DDG-----------------
Valencia--Smalling--Bailly--Shaw
------------Schniderlin--------------
----Rooney----------------CM----
-----RW------------------Martial-----
-----------------Ibra-----------------
----------------DDG-----------------
Valencia--Smalling--Bailly--Shaw
------------Schniderlin--------------
----Rooney----------------CM----
-----RW------------------Martial-----
-----------------Ibra-----------------
i think we need a top RW. the midfielder doesnt have to be top class, just functional.
Midfield is a hugely important area, we can't just shove mediocrity in there IMO. The fact we struggled to put any attacking momentum together without a 35 year old statue last season tells you how much the midfield needs to addition of some dynamic and creative quality that can feed the front 3.
Bailly and Ibrahimovic are both certainties, so it's just a question of a wide right player (Embolo could be deployed there) and a central midfielder (Gomes, Matic, Pjanic, etc). There's no smoke without fire so I can see Embolo being a goer, while it wouldn't be a summer transfer window without signing a Mendes client so Gomes is on the cards I think.
de Gea
Darmian - Smalling - Bailly - Shaw
Carrick
Gomes - Rooney
Embolo - Ibrahimovic - Martial
Subs: Romero, Jones, Valencia, Blind, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Rashford
I know little about Gomes though so I don't know whether he's an attacking mid or box-to-box.Darmian - Smalling - Bailly - Shaw
Carrick
Gomes - Rooney
Embolo - Ibrahimovic - Martial
Subs: Romero, Jones, Valencia, Blind, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Rashford
Barcelona won everything because they had world class midfield. Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta were able to control the game and create opportunities for their front of 3.
If we want to compete versus the top teams, we need top players in our midfield as you mentioned. Which midfielders do you consider are dynamic and creative? And what would be your midfield of 3?
An experienced CB a CM , RW and Forward. So four more whilst shipping out some deadwood.
How does Darmian gets picked ahead of Valencia ?the guy is an absolute pussy and Valencia has been reliable contributing on both sides of the pitch.
People don't realise how important Valencia, he helps relieve pressure by bringing the ball out from the back,something Darmian can't do and far more reliable on one on one situations and he is showing signs of improving concentration and positioning towards the end of last season.Even when I watched him play for Italy he is average.Personally don't think he has what it takes to be a successful full back in this league.
We have already bought a CB, and Zlatan is supposedly nailed on. So if we now bought only Payet and Kante, i would be absolutely over the moon with that. Those 2 players alone would vastly improve any team in my view, let alone ours. Think Lozano is worth a look too.
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There are loads of talents around, and does a top class addition have to be a big name we all know as lets face it DiMaria, Falcao, Schweinsteiger for example havent worked out too well. Our best signing last year was Martial and not many knew much about him. Look at DOrtmund, they have signed Emre Mor who from just glimpses of watching I think will be a world star within a couple of years for a small fee. Players like Stam, Solkjear, Johnsen, Van Nistlerooy, Ronaldo even were not household names. Bailly is a prime example of signings people dont even consider on here, or in the press
We need quality additions for sure and I think there are plenty out there. To be blunt if we cant sign players in key areas that can do a far better job than the likes of Mata, Lingaard, Herrera, Fellaini, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Rojo, Blind and others have done the last couple of years then something is seriously up
We should try to sign Veratti, he's class.
Will never happen. We can try for sure, and I am 99% sure it would never happen.
Yeah, think he signed a new contract last year but still, I'm a big fan.
proven striker: Zlatan
CB: would like someone better on the ball and more experienced than Bailly but we have so many CBs so we will see maybe we will be in for another
right winger: one for the future Embolo with an outside chance to prove himself in his first season like Martial, experienced one: Mkhytaryan would be ideal for Mou and could play AM for him as well if not we can try Mahrez, not sure if he can work hard enough for Mourinho but I have no doubt he could AM as well..
RB: Cancelo
CM: DOn't think we need deep laying playmaker but we surely need a bit of flair and creativity, either of Pjanic, Pogba, Gomes could do it, but I certainly wouldnt mind Kante even though we the position covered with Schneiderlin and TFM
We could do with 6 players, one is already here, zlatan on his way..
CB: would like someone better on the ball and more experienced than Bailly but we have so many CBs so we will see maybe we will be in for another
right winger: one for the future Embolo with an outside chance to prove himself in his first season like Martial, experienced one: Mkhytaryan would be ideal for Mou and could play AM for him as well if not we can try Mahrez, not sure if he can work hard enough for Mourinho but I have no doubt he could AM as well..
RB: Cancelo
CM: DOn't think we need deep laying playmaker but we surely need a bit of flair and creativity, either of Pjanic, Pogba, Gomes could do it, but I certainly wouldnt mind Kante even though we the position covered with Schneiderlin and TFM
We could do with 6 players, one is already here, zlatan on his way..
Presuming Zlatan on way, Kroos, Kante, Mahrez (or Sadio Mane). A CH and RB would be nice but I think midfield and right-wing are more of a priority and I'd be "ok" with Blind and Darmian if we got the others..... we'd probably outscore teams for a start? 
We can try all we want, PSG have no reason to sell.
Eric Dier.
If we add Kante and Mkhitaryan to our squad Provided that Ibra is coming and we have already sealed Bailey,
I would be satisfied
Plus Luke Shaw would be coming back this season !
Its like freshening up half the squad
--------------Ibra-----------------
Martial-------------------Rashford
------Rooney----Mkhitaryan------
-------------Kante-----------------
Shaw---Smalling--Bailey--Mensah
--------------DDG------------------
I would be satisfied
Plus Luke Shaw would be coming back this season !
Its like freshening up half the squad
--------------Ibra-----------------
Martial-------------------Rashford
------Rooney----Mkhitaryan------
-------------Kante-----------------
Shaw---Smalling--Bailey--Mensah
--------------DDG------------------
------------Degea------------------
Mensah---Smalling---Blind---Shaw
------Carrick-----Kante----
Mkhitarayn--Rooney--Martial
------Rashford----
Subs: Zlatan--Fellaini--Bailly--Lingard-
Schneiderlin et al.
I'll cop that. We could even win the league but it'll be tough. I really want an agile striker right in his peak.
Mensah---Smalling---Blind---Shaw
------Carrick-----Kante----
Mkhitarayn--Rooney--Martial
------Rashford----
Subs: Zlatan--Fellaini--Bailly--Lingard-
Schneiderlin et al.
I'll cop that. We could even win the league but it'll be tough. I really want an agile striker right in his peak.
Kante is a good player but I would like Timothy Foshu Mensah to be given a chance at the DM role. He's got a great engine and he's exceptional at tackling and breaking up play. I also like the look of Adam Ounas (Mahrez/ Douglas Costa/ Robben) sorta RW. Andre Gomes would be a great capture as a Box-to-Box player that we need that has flair as well.
In: Bailly, Ibrahimovic, Andre Gomes, Adam Ounas
In: Bailly, Ibrahimovic, Andre Gomes, Adam Ounas
I'd actually be happy enough if our transfer haul is Bailly (done), Ibra (seemingly done) and Kante (pure speculation based on nothing).
Perhaps this is insanity, but I just wouldn't rule out Memphis getting sorted out and putting in proper performances next season.
Perhaps this is insanity, but I just wouldn't rule out Memphis getting sorted out and putting in proper performances next season.
Based purely on what I would do if I were manager (and assuming Ibrahimovic is done in addition to Bailly).
I have also tried to be realistic i.e. I would love Griezmann but just can't see it at the moment
Sell - Mata, Herrera, Darmian, Rojo, Fellani, McNair, Blackett, Keane
Promote - Fosu Mensah, Varela, CBJ,
Targets - Kante, Alli, Koke, Mane, Kyle Walker, Hamsik
I have also tried to be realistic i.e. I would love Griezmann but just can't see it at the moment
Sell - Mata, Herrera, Darmian, Rojo, Fellani, McNair, Blackett, Keane
Promote - Fosu Mensah, Varela, CBJ,
Targets - Kante, Alli, Koke, Mane, Kyle Walker, Hamsik
Thats a pretty inexperinced right side with two young players playing out of their best positions. Not ideal. Mane and Valencia with mensah and Rashford getting their fair share would be better.
This looks like a very good team. I think we should also get Mustafi.
Doesn't look like Mkhitaryan is going to be sold, and the period after the Euro's will be crazy. There's going to be stiff competition for each and every top player around, and besides Mourinho, we don't have many aces up our sleeve.
We do need to do something big if we can though, as City look to be buying some top talents, so I think we should be realistic and snap up some young talent and a bit of experience for 3 or 4 places.
ST: Zlatan
MF: Kante
RW: Ounas for the future, Mahrez for now?
And after this, if a good opportunity for a defender, or other MF comes up, then we'd have money to spend.
We do need to do something big if we can though, as City look to be buying some top talents, so I think we should be realistic and snap up some young talent and a bit of experience for 3 or 4 places.
ST: Zlatan
MF: Kante
RW: Ounas for the future, Mahrez for now?
And after this, if a good opportunity for a defender, or other MF comes up, then we'd have money to spend.
It seems we have 2 done, if we can add 3 more it would be a solid window.
Bailly
Ibra
Mkhitaryan
Krychowiak
Azpilecueta
Maybe a young talent like Ounas or Oliver Torres as well.
Bailly
Ibra
Mkhitaryan
Krychowiak
Azpilecueta
Maybe a young talent like Ounas or Oliver Torres as well.
I'm not even joking now. He's got Carrick tendencies at times with energy and a tackle. Knowing he could play comfortably at right and centre back too.
I'll leave it with 1 question, if John Stones is worth £40m then how much more is he worth?
why are we linked with so many forwards?
Assuming Zlatan is in the bag, why go for all 3 of Embolo, Ounas and Mkhitaryan?
Assuming Zlatan is in the bag, why go for all 3 of Embolo, Ounas and Mkhitaryan?