Wot, no transfers?

[A-man]

we were 8th in terms of saves

which is to say that De Gea was the 8th busiest keeper in the league

that isn't an ideal stat but reflects that our defence isn't all that - De Gea covered a multitude of weaknesses and he had to make nearly twice as many saves as Ederson or Karius

https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/saves?se=79

Stats are also depending on style of play. Some goalies are sweeper keepers which probably give poor stats regarding expected goals conceded. DDG has roughly one sweeper clearance every third match and Ederson slightly more than one per match. Some are good at arranging the defence at set pieces, leading the defence, other at stopping shots close to goals (like DDG). Therefore it is not correct to just look at the stats and say that United and Burnley have the best goalkeepers in the league.

And number of shots, if the defence trust their goalkeeper they let the other team take shots from poor positions.

 

[RedPnutz]

Our transfer strategy is quite clear. Jose is trying to build his own team and get rid of deadwood while retaining balance. We also aim to promote some youth and perhaps make a marquee signing if possible to boost our marketability.

First, Jose strengthened the spine of the team with a striker Zlatan, a versatile playmaker: winger in Mhikitaryan, a star midfielder in Pogba and a strong defender in Bailly. Now whether you agree they have been successful or not is another issue, the strategy is clear. From end to end he’s got a spine of players he identified and we got all four.

Second season, Zlatan and Rojo were injured for Long term. Jones and Bailly were injury prone. What were we targeting? Lindelöf and Lukaku/Morata. We also sold Rooney for a decent price together with Depay. It has been a while since we sold players for decent prices. We chased Morata but Lukaku came out of the blue. This implies we actually have contingency plans which speaks of a strategy. When it was clear Mhikitaryan wasn’t working out we shipped him out and got Sanchez. The jury is still out but if you had asked anyone if they wanted to swap Alexis for Mhikitaryan, they’d bite your hand off. We also promoted McTominay. We also went after Perisic to shore up our wings. Just because many posters didn’t think Perisic was good enough doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a strategy. There was, and it is to strengthen our weaknesses.

So far, Carrick has retired and we have brought in Fred, a midfield replacement. We kept Fellaini and Martial. Theoretically we have Young, Shaw and Rojo able to play LB but only Valencia at RB. So we got Dalot . Recognizing that Joel Pereira needs playing time which will result in a gap we went and signed a back up keeper. The window is still open with and which teams have made many signings? Not many.

So to sum up, our transfer strategy is to gradually strengthen our positions (1/3 of the team at a time to minimise disruption), replace any outgoing players and continue to give opportunity to youth. It is also clear that we have contingency plans and we are now able to stay hush and keep people guessing. Our outgoing sales are also fetching reasonably fair prices. We also seem to have the budget to sign one marquee player each window which is a huge commercial boost.

It is clear that Ed has learnt and improved over the years and he is helped by a manager in Jose who seems clear and decisive about who he wants (vs Moyes and Van Gaal). We also improved our scouting.

I’d say that our transfer strategy (not outcomes) have been great and possibly even better than certain periods under SAF.

 

[El-Manos]

We have a strategy?

I’ll be concerned if we don’t make any more signings.

Another one or two first team signings though and I’ll be very excited. Fine margins.

Exactly this. It's not like we've signed bad players, on the contrary. But it would be suicidal going into the new season without a new starting left back and right winger. City identified their weaknesses last year and addressed them. Liverpool are doing the same this year. Not sure what we are waiting for but we'd want to get going now.

Liverpool's activity has been worryingly impressive - Fabinho, Keita, Alisson, Shakira. If they manage to get Fekir as well that would be a perfect window. Naturally we'll have to see how they will settle but that looks promising unfortunately.

 

[sunama]

Something would have to go terribly wrong for even this squad of players to finish as low as 6th.

Indeed.
Only Moyes would be able to achieve this. Well actually, Moyes could probably take this group of players to 8th place.
A drop of 6 places on the previous season is about what I expect from Moyes.

 

[Sky1981]

Our strategy

Replace most shit with top players.

Replace less shit with top players.

Repeat until we have a top team.

Oh.. sprinkle some stop gap like zlatan on free, and extending fellaini since we have a gap as big as a crater.

Sell deadwoods, half at a time, leave half for emergency, sell more when we have enough players to fill the squad.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

Our strategy

Replace most shit with top players.

Replace less shit with top players.

Repeat until we have a top team.

Oh.. sprinkle some stop gap like zlatan on free, and extending fellaini since we have a gap as big as a crater.

Sell deadwoods, half at a time, leave half for emergency, sell more when we have enough players to fill the squad.

You forgot the one thing Man Utd have done for years, bench the top players so the shit players can play every match of the season.

 

[roseguy64]

I think it's pretty simple.

After last Summer we failed to get Perisic so our priority was an attacking player. I think Mourinho was comfortable with the RB position with Valencia and for LB was willing to give Shaw another chance knowing he had the likes of Darmian, Rojo, Young, Blind who could also play in that position.

Going into December I think Mourinho had given up on Shaw so saw LB as a priority. He also knew we were still desperate for an attacker, wanted a young RB as a successor to the aging Valencia and that if Fellaini left (along with Carrick) we'd need two central midfielders. That formed his five prospective Summer signings.

Since that date we secured one of the best attacking players in the league in Sanchez. We secured Mourinho's top target to replace Carrick in Fred. We secured Mourinho's top target for a young right back to hopefully succeed Valencia in Dalot & Fellaini re-signed which I think in Mourinho's mind leaves him comfortable in midfield (Herrera, Pogba, Fred, Matic, Fellaini are 5 players into 2.5 positions). Since that date (whether fans like it or not) he's also seen an improvement in Young that no-one expected. Young has pushed Rose out of the England LB position and performed well for United which in my view has caused Mourinho to realise we aren't desperate for a left back this Summer.

I believe Mourinho is now absolutely open to signing a LB, but is looking for 100% the right player at the right price. I think the idea of Rose is dead and buried due to his poor season. I think he's uncertain regarding Sandro given his somewhat poor season, especially at the €50+m prices quoted towards the start of the window (it doesn't surprise me that Juventus are now briefing a lower price to entice us back in). Likewise I think he feels it's a season too early for the likes of Sessegnon (whose committed to Fulham next season) or Tierney (whose reportedly committed to Celtic). With the reduction in expenditure required due to Fellaini/Sanchez I believe Mourinho has then looked at the next area of the squad that he wants to improve (central defense), which again he'll only do for the right player at the right price. I imagine if we're interested in Alderweireld we're waiting for the annual "Levy panic" at the end of the window where he realises he isn't going to get £60m for a £40m player and begins to actually negotiate in good faith in order to recoup the money he's spent.

I think the Sandro deal could still go through at the right price and believe if this happens Mourinho will be perfectly happy with his squad. Likewise I think Alderweireld could possibly happen if Spurs have to balance the books, dependent on their spend. This was always going to be deadline day though. I think the only thing Mourinho didn't legislate for is the quantity of his players getting so far in the World Cup. Never did he believe Jones, Lingard, Young & Rashford, Pogba, Lukaku & Fellaini would get to the semi's (with Lindelof & Fred in the QF).

I think the reason fans are confused is because they don't see Mourinho as being here long term so they believe he's only planning short term. My view is very different. I believe Mourinho feels he's at the first big club in his career who will show him the loyalty to allow him to build a squad. Therefore he'd prefer not to spend €50m on the gamble of Sandro and would prefer to stick with Young and monitor more exciting younger players. In my view he's looking for the right players, rather than the players who're merely available. If that means saving £100m of his budget this season and getting Alderweireld/Tierney for £55m combined next Summer, along with a truly world class attacker next season then he'd see it as a better option.

You may disagree of course.

Can't find much I'd disagree with here except if we don't get Alderweireld this season we won't try for him next.

 

[Craig Ward]

I posted something similar on another thread, our incomings must surely depend on outgoings, Not for money purposes, think of it logically.

We are/was linked with Toby/Bonucci - Think of how many CB's we currently have. Absolutely loads. Jones/Rojo/Smalling/Bailly/Lindelof with TFM/Tuanzebe returning from loan. That's potentially 7 for 2 spots.

Are Toby/Bonucci better than what we have? Of course.
Will we sign then without letting at least 2 go, maybe a 3rd on loan? I just cant see it.

Same with LB - We could do with an upgrade, but we have Shaw/Young/Rojo/Dalot all capable.
Jose rates young, no links for Shaw leaving and Dalot is new. Only Rojo seems unlikely to feature there, and Young has had a good WC. Young/Shaw will be our LB options unless Shaw leaves

Midfield - also stacked. Herrera/Matic/Fred/Pogba/Fellaini with McTominey/Pereira young options. Lingard also played as part of a midfield 3 for England, so is an option. Jose begging Fellaini to stay has put an end to any potential new signing, unless someone like Herrera/Pereira are sold, with maybe McTom on loan.

RW could be the exception, but unless that's Willian or Bale I don't think we'll see anything, and continue with Mata there rotating with Lingard. Another disjointed season at RW may loom unless we pull something out of the bag.

Bar a RW, as long as the style of play is improved and Jose uses players correctly we can kick on. Fred is a massive addition for us, I do worry with Young as LB but he's proven himself to Jose

 

[christinaa]

Our transfer strategy is not clear at all.

Whilst others wrap up their deals in a few days, we struggle endlessly with nothing in sight.

Chelsea got Sarri who wanted Rugani - boom 44 Million and he's theirs!

Who do we want?? Has Jose showed who he wants cause all i can guess is that's he's disappointed we didn't get Ronaldo?
Juventus sold more than 200,000 Ronaldo shirts in the first day!

We've been connected (in newspapers) with hundreds of players and got (very quickly) a Brazilian midfielder who can't make it to their first eleven and an up and coming young Porto full back.

The rest = ZILCH !

 

[GazTheLegend]

Our squad is actually pretty good when you consider the number of well performing players we had at the World Cup, so perhaps Jose has taken the opinion that this season evolution > revolution in terms of players.

While the muppet in me would like signings, we need to get rid of a few players first and foremost.

I’m happy enough going into the season with what we have mainly because I can’t think of too many players that are an upgrade on our team... and still think that Martial, Lingard, Pogba and Lukaku all have what it takes to get even better.

Maybe a centre back like Maguire or Alderweireld would improve us. Ball playing CB’s that can defend too.

 

[TheGame]

The same Douglas Costa who had his loan deal made permanent by Juventus this transfer window. Juventus won't sell him immediately after buying him. Also,

I'm assuming this is the Barcelona Dembele? Why would he leave so soon? He's just had a bad season because of injury. He's still likely to play lots for them and they splashed a lot of cash on him. Barcelona won't sell him so quickly.

Wish people would assess these things before just blurting out silly thoughts.

I meant before Juventus, obviously they are not going to sell him soon after signing him. The guy from Barcelone is Ousemane Dembele, Moussa is the midfielder from Tottenham. I wish people would have a basic understanding of what they are talking about before they blurt out nonsense.

 

[Don Alfredo]

If you don't think we are signing Toby this window, I would advice you to go on sky and place a chunk on him staying put at 9/4. We are still clear favourites to sign him.

Favourites as in the most likely to buy or favourites as in the most likely destination in september?

The first one I believe but the second one would surprise me. There have been no talks between Utd and Spurs since a few weeks, since Utd briefed Luckhurst that Toby is too expensive and they will stay away.

 

[RedTillI'mDead]

I think it's pretty simple.

After last Summer we failed to get Perisic so our priority was an attacking player. I think Mourinho was comfortable with the RB position with Valencia and for LB was willing to give Shaw another chance knowing he had the likes of Darmian, Rojo, Young, Blind who could also play in that position.

Going into December I think Mourinho had given up on Shaw so saw LB as a priority. He also knew we were still desperate for an attacker, wanted a young RB as a successor to the aging Valencia and that if Fellaini left (along with Carrick) we'd need two central midfielders. That formed his five prospective Summer signings.

Since that date we secured one of the best attacking players in the league in Sanchez. We secured Mourinho's top target to replace Carrick in Fred. We secured Mourinho's top target for a young right back to hopefully succeed Valencia in Dalot & Fellaini re-signed which I think in Mourinho's mind leaves him comfortable in midfield (Herrera, Pogba, Fred, Matic, Fellaini are 5 players into 2.5 positions). Since that date (whether fans like it or not) he's also seen an improvement in Young that no-one expected. Young has pushed Rose out of the England LB position and performed well for United which in my view has caused Mourinho to realise we aren't desperate for a left back this Summer.

I believe Mourinho is now absolutely open to signing a LB, but is looking for 100% the right player at the right price. I think the idea of Rose is dead and buried due to his poor season. I think he's uncertain regarding Sandro given his somewhat poor season, especially at the €50+m prices quoted towards the start of the window (it doesn't surprise me that Juventus are now briefing a lower price to entice us back in). Likewise I think he feels it's a season too early for the likes of Sessegnon (whose committed to Fulham next season) or Tierney (whose reportedly committed to Celtic). With the reduction in expenditure required due to Fellaini/Sanchez I believe Mourinho has then looked at the next area of the squad that he wants to improve (central defense), which again he'll only do for the right player at the right price. I imagine if we're interested in Alderweireld we're waiting for the annual "Levy panic" at the end of the window where he realises he isn't going to get £60m for a £40m player and begins to actually negotiate in good faith in order to recoup the money he's spent.

I think the Sandro deal could still go through at the right price and believe if this happens Mourinho will be perfectly happy with his squad. Likewise I think Alderweireld could possibly happen if Spurs have to balance the books, dependent on their spend. This was always going to be deadline day though. I think the only thing Mourinho didn't legislate for is the quantity of his players getting so far in the World Cup. Never did he believe Jones, Lingard, Young & Rashford, Pogba, Lukaku & Fellaini would get to the semi's (with Lindelof & Fred in the QF).

I think the reason fans are confused is because they don't see Mourinho as being here long term so they believe he's only planning short term. My view is very different. I believe Mourinho feels he's at the first big club in his career who will show him the loyalty to allow him to build a squad. Therefore he'd prefer not to spend €50m on the gamble of Sandro and would prefer to stick with Young and monitor more exciting younger players. In my view he's looking for the right players, rather than the players who're merely available. If that means saving £100m of his budget this season and getting Alderweireld/Tierney for £55m combined next Summer, along with a truly world class attacker next season then he'd see it as a better option.

You may disagree of course.

Much sense talked here...a rare post this summer!

We've shifted the genuine dead wood and are mostly down to a bit of squad bloating, but all capable squad players.

The RW is the glaring gap, but we also have a glaring LW excess of quality, so the priority is to try and make that work and stick somehow. If it does we already have the potential stars and save £100m

 

[EyeInTheSky]

This.

Too lazy to list our recent buys/ sells and why etc...and why people take journalists words as gospel, I'll never understand. 'Reliable reports'...please....

But they said they were reliable!

 

[EyeInTheSky]

@Ban can you help me mate. I am really getting annoyed at being left out of these transfer strategy meetings held by Ed and Jose that all the caf posters seem to be invited to but I never get invited to a single fecking one!

Can you help me out at least get me into the Martial training attitude meetings for a start?

 

[Ephrem]

So why bother then? We may as well give up and give the title to City at the beginning of the season. You really believe United don't want to catch City and are happy in second place? The younger fan base was brought up on winning titles. Football is about money these days and the club will know you generate more money by more fans. You gain more fans by winning trophies.



Erm yes it is a strategy. Liverpool's biggest weakness has been the goalkeeper since Klopp joined. They have bought arguably the best goalkeeper available on the market. That is a strategy.

Our strategy. Look for a big name player that won't sign, try for a month, get no where. Buy an inferior replacement after all the other good available players have already moved.

City had 100 points last season..Feckking 100 points. How many times that have happened in the PL ? If they are reproducing that form again this season, then kudos to them. You can already give the title to them as no other team will get anywhere close to that. That's the hard plain truth. Arsenal invincibles scored a total of 90 points even though they didn't loose a single game. The highest points we scored was 92 if I'm not mistaken. Even if you replace our entire backline I can assure you that we are not going to get 100 points because we have a pragmatic coach who will look to not loose games first.

Football is not just about money. Not sure a lot of people here will agree with you on that here. It doesn't matter how much money you spent until and unless if the team is not clicked then its a complete waste. And that's was happening with us in the last couple of years. Spending shit load of money and no direction when it comes to actual football.

We just have to be ready when City eventually slips. I believe city will find it a bit difficult this season and if Pogba, Lukaku and Sanchez can hit running we will be fine.

 

[Shaun Oldman]

Agree with you on most. $hitty is not as good as Pep’s UEFAlona, at least the one from 2008 to 2011 which won two CLs and completely outclassed Madrid. It’s results in Europe speak for themselves. Also there’s the fact that on a direct March we actually soundly beat them! That city’s far from invincible. They just had a freak season, having won or tied hands in the last minutes which gave the illusion of consistency.

They are the tema to beat, not in direct matches because we have already done so, but in consistency through the league. We can’t lose points against fodder as we did last season. I’m sure the addition of Fred will help our transition from defense to attack, but we still miss a RW, which can provide Lukaku, and an LB which can aid Sanchez/Martial to be more threatening.

$hitty isn’t the best PL team ever, both United 98-99, United 07-08, United 12-13, and the Arsenal Invincibles were way better. Also they are nowhere as good as the best Barcelona side in history, which is right there with United 99, Zidane’s Madrid, and Sachi’s Milan as one of the best club sides in history (although I seriously despise possesion based game, and despise even more UEFAlona’s fake humbleness and hypocritical attitude).

Much as we all love United it's ridiculous to suggest that City aren't a top side, ditto to clump our 99 side with Milan of a decade earlier is laughable, they would literally destroy us.

The"$hitty" and"uefalona" also weakens your argument as it makes you sound like a child.

 

[roseguy64]

I meant before Juventus, obviously they are not going to sell him soon after signing him. The guy from Barcelone is Ousemane Dembele, Moussa is the midfielder from Tottenham. I wish people would have a basic understanding of what they are talking about before they blurt out nonsense.

So we're both wrong. Lovely.

 

[Sing you a song]

Excellent post!

Woodward needs to understand that United are where they are commercially because of the history of the club. In the 50,s this is the club that rose like a phoenix from the flames after the Munich tragedy, this incident captured the attention of the whole world and in an instant United become the most famous football club in the world, the world mourned with us , the world sympathised with us and the legend was born we became everyone’s 2nd favourite team the world over.
Move into the 60,s and in England the winning of the World Cup pushes football to the forefront of English minds and the country has 2 football darlings in the shape of Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton , Charlton with thunder in his boots blasting England to the World Cup final a normal next door working class clean cut hero who became the respected face of English football one of footballs first knights and still acknowledged and respected the world over .
Then with the sixties in full “ swing “ the worlds first footballing superstar arrives in the shape of the inimitable George Best a rock and roll footballer a fashion icon and as regularly on the front page of the papers as he is on the back pages and who does he play for ...Manchester United, so once again we dominate the football world as “el beatle “ helps us to be the first English club to win the European Cup ( a competition trail blazed remember by Sir Matt Busby ) .
By this time we are so entrenched as England’s and arguably Europe’s most famous club that even relegation and 20 years of winning bugger all can damage us , just as we appear to be falling completely from the glory days the greatest manager in the history of the game arrives grabs us by the scruff of the neck and just as the premiership is turning into a global phenomenon and money making machine he works miracles and turns us into the most successful club in the world and cements us in position not only at the top table but actually in the best seat at the top table due to his unparalleled success
. History is why we are commercial giants even after 5 years of comparative failure we are still commercially dominant.The danger is with each passing year of mediocrity the shine will begin to diminish , we have no real superstars anymore certainly not when compared to the likes Charlton, Best , Ronaldo ( please don’t say Pogba as he couldnt lace the boots of these guys ).PSG in the crap French league have more global stars than us .
The football world is changing City are the dominant force in this country ( with Liverpool also making real strides towards the glory years again ).
Ronaldo has left Madrid which is likely to cause a domino effect which may see the likes of Neymar,Mbappe ,Hazard move clubs .I don’t believe that any of this big 3 would choose us over Madrid ,Barca or even City , instead we can cling onto the hope that if Madrid sign 2 of those then we might have a shot at getting Bale.
We need success,we need to become the major footballing force again and we need it quickly , we have a manager that is hated as much as he is loved he has a miserable persona and alienates even his own clubs fans.
Woodward must remember the history , remember what made us great , break the bank buy the best players available to get us winning the big trophies again and for God’s sake tell his manager how lucky he is to be manager of our great club and to stop looking so bloody miserable all the time.
Another year of failure and we may never get back to the top table and City could take our place,sponsors like winners .
We need a prem title or champs lge win at the moment we are more Atletico Madrid ( also rans) rather than Real Madrid ( serial winners ) .
Top 4 is not good enough
20 points behind our local rivals is not good enough
Embarrassing ourselves in the champions league is not good enough .
We can’t live forever on our History.

 

[Ephrem]

That defeatist mentality would have wiped us off the map the moment Arsenal's invincibles or Mourinho's Chelsea MK1 appeared at the horizon. Similarly to Shitty both those team raise the bar substantially. We had to reach that level and then go beyond it. There was a time when I was a boy when you would look at the EPL table in November/December and be glad that we're not on top. The reason being that those on top would have peaked too early and would run out of gas by the end of the season. Mou changed all that with Chelsea by staying consistently good throughout the season making it of paramount importance to fight for each and every point. We had to react to that.

All players in the EPL/Championship are talented. That doesn't mean that they can become protagonists at Manchester United. The bar is so high these days that barely anyone can reach it. Hence why we haven't produced 1 WC player since the class of 92. The least we can do is not to distract the kids with hype so they can focus solely on their career and their talent. If they do well after a year or two on loan then they might stand a chance.

First of all it didn't wiped out anything as long as SAF was here. He still won titles with Carrick,Jones,Smalling,Rafel,Welbeck as his players. And we also have to thank Macheda for that one goal which gave us the breathing space ( hope you remember that ! ). And all this happened after the famous Arsenal's invincibles and Mourinho's Chelsea MK1. And that Man would have still won the title with the same players even now.

Haven't produced 1 WC player since the class of 92 ??? Pogba says Hello !! May not be world class but Darren Fletcher was an awesome player too. Evans was really good at the beginning but gradually declined after a time.

Between 1995-2008, none of the EPL clubs were able to really produce your WC players. And our youth team was pretty shit during those period too. But even during that period we managed to produce enough squad players which is damn good. Was damn excited the 2010 FA youth cup team which had Pogba, Morrison and Keane but it never worked out. After that time period to me there were not real standouts in the academy still the last two-three seasons with Tuanzebe, Chong, Gomes , O'connor and Greenwood coming through. Who knows Jose will surprise us all and have decided to give a chance to these kids and slowly put them into the team.

In this digital world nothing can stop from them being hyped up. They have to look after themselves and let the hype not get into their head. Janzuaj and Macheda are best examples for that.

 

[MooseTheMooche]

City don't operate in a vacuum. Their run last season was impressive, nobody will deny that, but they weren't up against any genuinely top class opposition: United came closest – and unless one is extremely blinkered, it is obvious that United weren't a top class outfit. City weren't pushed by anyone. They just ran out of sight – and the reason why this happened is not, contrary to what some people seem to believe, that we're dealing with Barca Mk2.

They aren't Barca Mk2. They're relatively speaking an ordinary team compared to that benchmark, so this idea - which is bizarrely promoted by both Pep and Mou enthusiasts – that nothing can be done to stop them beyond signing Messi, Ronaldo and the next Messonaldo, is unfounded. The “best PL team ever” is nowhere near being the best team in Europe – does that make sense?

They're beatable. You need consistency on top of quality to do that, though. And the former is probably even more important than the latter. If Mourinho is still capable of putting together a so-called “Mourinho team”, that team can certainly win the league over City. It's much less of a challenge than winning La Liga over Barca Mk1, even sans Ronaldo (City play sans Messi and Xaviesta, let's not forget). Getting the "Mourinho team" factor in place, though, is not a question of bringing in players muppets consider grand - it's a question of the man himself working his mojo (or jomo), a question of team mentality, etc.

If he's lost that jomo, it doesn't matter who we buy - it won't work. Not on the highest level - not in a way that leads to challenging for the biggest prizes.

This. Couldn't have said it better, especially that bit at the end.

 

[Woziak]

Woodward needs to understand that United are where they are commercially because of the history of the club. In the 50,s this is the club that rose like a phoenix from the flames after the Munich tragedy, this incident captured the attention of the whole world and in an instant United become the most famous football club in the world, the world mourned with us , the world sympathised with us and the legend was born we became everyone’s 2nd favourite team the world over.
Move into the 60,s and in England the winning of the World Cup pushes football to the forefront of English minds and the country has 2 football darlings in the shape of Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton , Charlton with thunder in his boots blasting England to the World Cup final a normal next door working class clean cut hero who became the respected face of English football one of footballs first knights and still acknowledged and respected the world over .
Then with the sixties in full “ swing “ the worlds first footballing superstar arrives in the shape of the inimitable George Best a rock and roll footballer a fashion icon and as regularly on the front page of the papers as he is on the back pages and who does he play for ...Manchester United, so once again we dominate the football world as “el beatle “ helps us to be the first English club to win the European Cup ( a competition trail blazed remember by Sir Matt Busby ) .
By this time we are so entrenched as England’s and arguably Europe’s most famous club that even relegation and 20 years of winning bugger all can damage us , just as we appear to be falling completely from the glory days the greatest manager in the history of the game arrives grabs us by the scruff of the neck and just as the premiership is turning into a global phenomenon and money making machine he works miracles and turns us into the most successful club in the world and cements us in position not only at the top table but actually in the best seat at the top table due to his unparalleled success
. History is why we are commercial giants even after 5 years of comparative failure we are still commercially dominant.The danger is with each passing year of mediocrity the shine will begin to diminish , we have no real superstars anymore certainly not when compared to the likes Charlton, Best , Ronaldo ( please don’t say Pogba as he couldnt lace the boots of these guys ).PSG in the crap French league have more global stars than us .
The football world is changing City are the dominant force in this country ( with Liverpool also making real strides towards the glory years again ).
Ronaldo has left Madrid which is likely to cause a domino effect which may see the likes of Neymar,Mbappe ,Hazard move clubs .I don’t believe that any of this big 3 would choose us over Madrid ,Barca or even City , instead we can cling onto the hope that if Madrid sign 2 of those then we might have a shot at getting Bale.
We need success,we need to become the major footballing force again and we need it quickly , we have a manager that is hated as much as he is loved he has a miserable persona and alienates even his own clubs fans.
Woodward must remember the history , remember what made us great , break the bank buy the best players available to get us winning the big trophies again and for God’s sake tell his manager how lucky he is to be manager of our great club and to stop looking so bloody miserable all the time.
Another year of failure and we may never get back to the top table and City could take our place,sponsors like winners .
We need a prem title or champs lge win at the moment we are more Atletico Madrid ( also rans) rather than Real Madrid ( serial winners ) .
Top 4 is not good enough
20 points behind our local rivals is not good enough
Embarrassing ourselves in the champions league is not good enough .
We can’t live forever on our History.

Whilst I completely agree with nearly all of your comments, Athletico are currently 10-1 to win the Spainish league and with the exceptional squad they now have, they will go very very close to the Spainish Title and currently boast at least 3 world class players in their squad.....what would we give for a Costa, Griezmann, Godin, Jimenez, Koke, Saul or Thomas Le Mar!!!

 

[SuperiorXI]

It doesn't matter who we sign, the problem is deeper rooted. We've been throwing money round for years and we've done feck all.

 

[meamth]

We are looking good actually. Fred is that type of signing that will surprise everyone, and Dalot is preparation to slowly phase out Valencia. Mourinho is also looking to reduce the squad size with the sale of blind and ongoing efforts to sell Darmian.

So if we could have 23 players squad, I'd be happy. Playing players consistently with new methods of training is just something we haven't seen since Fergie retired.

Keepers:
De Gea
Romero
Grant

CB (5):
Smalling
Jones
Rojo (utiliy man LB or CB)
Lindelof
Bailey

RB:
Valencia
Dalot

LB:
Young
Shaw

CM:
Fellaini
Fred
Pogba
Matic
Mctominay (backup)

AM:
Mata
Lingard
Pereira

FW:
Lukaku
Martial
Rashford
Sanchez

Out:
Darmian
TFM (loan)
Axel (loan)

 

[TheRedHearted]

I'm not worried, not yet anyway.
We've been quite good at keeping our targets quiet until we sign then, so I do believe the club are doing the right things, just behind the scenes.

I do worry about us though.
I think City will still be to hard to catch, so I really don't think we'll win the league.

LB: Young has done a decent job, but a side fighting for titles needs better. Not much to add to that really. Well, I'd still give Shaw a contract. Even as a backup, the guy can do a job for us. I still have some faith in him, but right now we need a starter.


I actually wouldn't even mind if the player who comes in is youthful. Whether it's Lozano, Bailey, Chiesa or Pulisic. As long as they are comfortable playing there and have shown potential I'm fine with that.
We've got Sanchez, Martial and Rashford who can play on that side if needed. I still can't believe we haven't really given Sanchez a go there with Martial on the left.

Other than that, I'm happy with the squad. Sure I'd like somebody to backup Lukaku, but I don't want to get greedy here.
On a side note. I am in the, I'd rather see somebody else in charger camp. I think we have some great attacking players and I think Mourinho and his style is what stops them playing how they've shown for other clubs.

I don't see us catching them either which why youth makes more sense for long term success.

LB:-Why nothing for Sessegnon for us? He could also play as a left winger which then we could throw Sanchez, Rashford, or Lukaku on the right.

 

[Ban]

@Ban can you help me mate. I am really getting annoyed at being left out of these transfer strategy meetings held by Ed and Jose that all the caf posters seem to be invited to but I never get invited to a single fecking one!

Can you help me out at least get me into the Martial training attitude meetings for a start?

Ed and Jose relationship has broken down and Jose is at the burning bridges stage with the players. That's basically that.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

Ed and Jose relationship has broken down and Jose is at the burning bridges stage with the players. That's basically that.

Where does he find all these bridges!!

 

[phyniks]

To see Young and Valencia and our CBs for the whole season is hurting. I wish we would change the players but it's unlikely. I dont think we can fight for the title with our current squad. We really need some big names, not just for the quality but for the team and fan’s spirit.

 

[Seven Seas Sardines]

We have to sell to buy?? Have we become West Brom since the season ended?

We have like 30 players, 10 of which are more than expendable. We have to sell to make way for squad players, not for money. Unfortunately it's hard for us to offload average players on high salaries.

 

[Mister_Stubbs]

We have a transfer strategy?

 

[edgar allan]

We have like 30 players, 10 of which are more than expendable. We have to sell to make way for squad players, not for money. Unfortunately it's hard for us to offload average players on high salaries.

We don't need squad players, we have plenty. We urgently need a top quality centre and full back,and a right sided wide player and have done for years.
The thought after all this time starting with Fergie's back 4 again this season is such a depressing thought. If I see Valencia cut back inside and smash the ball against the defenders hip one more time I will go mad...mad I tells ya.

 

[Kemizee]

Whats everyones views on the likes of Rashford and Lingard?

Personally think Rashford would be at his best playing alongside Lukaku in a two up top.

Lingard improving constantly and after a decent performance at the WC don't see why he shouldn't be in with a shout.

Has there been any news on Perasic?

Rashford and Lingard are not good enough for the Manchester United first team. Giggs, Ronaldo, Robben, Ribery, Bale, Isco, Hazard, Neymar, Beckham, Coutinhi etc. These are/were the quality befitting of a club of our stature and what the purported biggest club in the word should be lining out with.

Both of them may be good enough in the future (which I personally don't beleive they will as they are both labeled as youth whenever anyone criticises them, btw Lingard is 25) Right now, we need to stop with this Rashford and Lingard nonsense. They are all players who should be playing for the likes of West Brom and Hull City. I sometimes wonder how they would be here in the first palce if they were not Mancunians.

City are upgrading on the likes of Sane, Sterling and Bernardo Silva with Mahrez and we are here discussing improvements for two players who lack basic footballing intelligence and then we wonder at the end of the season why they win the league?

 

[Ban]

Rashford and Lingard are not good enough for the Manchester United first team. Giggs, Ronaldo, Robben, Ribery, Bale, Isco, Hazard, Neymar, Beckham, Coutinhi etc. These are/were the quality befitting of a club of our stature and what the purported biggest club in the word should be lining out with.

Both of them may be good enough in the future (which I personally don't beleive they will as they are both labeled as youth whenever anyone criticises them, btw Lingard is 25) Right now, we need to stop with this Rashford and Lingard nonsense. They are all players who should be playing for the likes of West Brom and Hull City. I sometimes wonder how they would be here in the first palce if they were not Mancunians.

City are upgrading on the likes of Sane, Sterling and Bernardo Silva with Mahrez and we are here discussing improvements for two players who lack basic footballing intelligence and then we wonder at the end of the season why they win the league?

If you think Lingard lacks basic footballing intelligence you haven't been watching him enough. He has his flows but football intelligence is certainly not one of them.

 

[kirk buttercup]

If Lingard and rashford Were playing for some other European team there would be threads here looking to sign them because they have so much potential. Lingard has always showed a great atitude of you ask me and Rashford has lots of talent . Probably not Always first team but they are young and Are Manchester through and through so I think they are great assests to the squad and will improve over the coming seasons

 

[Ayush_reddevil]

I am starting to fear that this could be a long long season for United. Having to watch City win the league playing magnificent football and getting 100+ points was bad enough but now we could be looking at the prospect of sitting around and watching a Liverpool/City title race . I have no idea what we are doing , I don't even want a lot of signings but just any sort of a clear plan would make me happy

 

[Kemizee]

If you think Lingard lacks basic footballing intelligence you haven't been watching him enough. He has his flows but football intelligence is certainly not one of them.

Fair enough if you feel this way, I am in the camp that beleive that neither of them should be starting for us in any of the forward positions.

They may be squad players here, but then the likes of City and Real Madrid have rasied the bar on what a squad player should be this days.

It is sad but it is what it is...

 

[An Irish Red]

If Lingard and rashford Were playing for some other European team there would be threads here looking to sign them because they have so much potential.

There really wouldn't be. Neither of them are good enough to start for us.

 

[friendlytramp]

We will sign some big names in the next couple of weeks and all will be forgiven

 

[Judas]

Well why wouldn't all be forgiven if we achieve that.

 

[Jacob]

A clear strategy = higher transfer prices