Lukaku and Sanchez - cut our losses? Poll now added

[jojojo]

What Ole's given us is a reminder that our squad isn't rubbish. It might be unbalanced, it can be strengthened but it has good players who can contribute to a good team and a good performance.

More than any club we should know the significance of subs. Giggs was a sub when he scored "that goal" against Arsenal in the Cup SF.

Cole scored as a sub against Spurs in the 2-1 win that gave us 3 points to win the League in 99. Sheringham scored as a sub in the Cup Final later that week. And of course Solsjkaer and Sheringham were subs in the CL final. 4 of our 6 goals in the critical final three matches of the treble season came from subs.

And now? Now I'd say the focus has to be on finding the attacking combinations that work. Do we always need Lingard as the glue - he's going to get worn out if we do. If we rely on Rashford to run, to do magic, be the focus of the attack and take the nasty tackles, he'll get injured. Sell Sanchez and Lukaku? We've not even seen how they fit in the formations yet. We've certainly not seen how they can alternate with the Martial, Rashford, Lingard group in a more dynamic, flexible attack.

If we move them on let's try and do it because they don't have what we need, rather than because we've put them on the wrong contract.

 

[Member 113277]

What Ole's given us is a reminder that our squad isn't rubbish. It might be unbalanced, it can be strengthened but it has good players who can contribute to a good team and a good performance.

More than any club we should know the significance of subs. Giggs was a sub when he scored "that goal" against Arsenal in the Cup SF.

Cole scored as a sub against Spurs in the 2-1 win that gave us 3 points to win the League in 99. Sheringham scored as a sub in the Cup Final later that week. And of course Solsjkaer and Sheringham were subs in the CL final. 4 of our 6 goals in the critical final three matches of the treble season came from subs.

And now? Now I'd say the focus has to be on finding the attacking combinations that work. Do we always need Lingard as the glue - he's going to get worn out if we do. If we rely on Rashford to run, to do magic, be the focus of the attack and take the nasty tackles, he'll get injured. Sell Sanchez and Lukaku? We've not even seen how they fit in the formations yet. We've certainly not seen how they can alternate with the Martial, Rashford, Lingard group in a more dynamic, flexible attack.

If we move them on let's try and do it because they don't have what we need, rather than because we've put them on the wrong contract.

Well said and absolutely right.

 

[Greck]

Sanchez definitely. If he shows signs of life it's better to fork him off instead of waiting for his value to return to zero. There was a thread asking why we're so bad at selling players and this is it. We never sell high. We need to sell when other clubs still think there's something to be salvaged in the player

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

The both had decent performances yesterday, but if they're going to be fringe players, then I think we should be looking to sell.

As others have said, the both won't be happy on the bench and surely we wont want players on that wage on the bench either, so it'd make sense to cut our losses and get in younger more dynamic players.

That said, if you want to be mixing it with the big boys, you probably need players of that calibre on the bench, if you look at City's squad, they sometimes have players like Mahrez, Aguero, Silva, Otamendi, etc on the bench.

I just look at Sanchez and Lukaku and can't help but think we could get more dynamic players, who wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages.

 

[Bastian]

So what are you advocating? As Ole said we have 6 attacking players and 3 can play at any one time, what is wrong with that? If we are going to sell Lukaku, do we get a backup striker in case Rashford is injured? If yes, do we get someone experience and expensive like Morata or someone cheap like a 16 years old untested? If we end up going after expensive backup then why bother? Beside, why say Lukaku is always a bench warmer? If Lukaku puts in a performance like last night, even without scoring, while Rashford stop scoring, do you still start Rashford regardless?

The only player under question is Mata. Yes we should go for someone faster and younger.

That's a false dichotomy.

Either is fine Mr K. Neejerk.

The both had decent performances yesterday, but if they're going to be fringe players, then I think we should be looking to sell.

As others have said, the both won't be happy on the bench and surely we wont want players on that wage on the bench either, so it'd make sense to cut our losses and get in younger more dynamic players.

That said, if you want to be mixing it with the big boys, you probably need players of that calibre on the bench, if you look at City's squad, they sometimes have players like Mahrez, Aguero, Silva, Otamendi, etc on the bench.

I just look at Sanchez and Lukaku and can't help but think we could get more dynamic players, who wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages.

That's exactly what I'm thinking too.

 

[Escobar]

We shouldn't cut losses on anyone who showed quality in the past. Almost every player under Ole is doing much better so they should get another season (except for hopeless players who were never up to it like Fellaini et al)

 

[dannyrhinos89]

Only way we get rid of Sanchez is if China comes calling

Only way we get rid of Lukaku is in a swap deal + cash

 

[Ban]

Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves under Ole and Lukaku has actually been good and hopefully yesterday game is a sign Alexis will come at least close to his best.
Even if we intend to sell those 2 should be last on the list cause we need additions in midfield and defense first. We need to sell and buy. Our attacking options are actually good right now.

 

[wolvored]

I can see Lukaku wanting to leave if he isnt first choice striker. Whether anyone will pay anywhere near what we paid for him is debatable. Sanchez wont leave and we will probably end up paying him off to get rid of him, to free up a space. Neither one will take us to the next level. Woody needs to look beyond the pound signs.

 

[Vagene]

I seriously don’t get it

Every single player has upped their game since Ole took over. Sanchez has been injured for the best part of two months, Lukaku has been in and out of the team so hasn’t really got to grips with the change in style. Both looked good last night, how about giving them a fecking chance in the team before making threads about selling them.

Who knows they could completely change in the coming weeks and be the players we know they should be. Theyll both be incredibly important in our top four charge and the CL.

I honestly think Sanchez will be on fire when he puts his injuries behind him, can see him loving our new style. He still has pace and class, just needs games and fitness.

We shouldn’t be selling any of our attackers, we need to shift the deadwood behind them before anyone else. Our front line options are superb

 

[roseguy64]

What is it with this forum and wanting to sell good players? Thank feck you’re nowhere near the club’s operations.

If City have a full fit squad then at least one of Sane, Sterling and Mahrez sit out. Two of De Bruyne, Silva, Bernardo and Gundogan sit out. Jesus sits on the bench, anyway. Can’t you see what’s going on Spurs? Kane and Alli get injured and the world behaves as if Spurs are finished. Lack of depth being the reason why.

There’s talk of getting rid of Mata on here - even though he apparently wants to stay in a squad role. Bloody brilliant. Let’s keep him. How many other teams have a fifth or sixth choice attacker as good as Mata? We should be pleased he’s even happy to stay put, to be honest. He’s a great option.

If Lukaku and Sanchez want to leave then the situation changes, but under an attacking manager (at long last) there will be enough games and (hopefully) goals to keep them happy. Just like City.

We’re not talking about Darmian and Rojo here. First team players that never play and are quite clearly not good enough to play for the club. That’s who we get rid of. That’s who we replace. Not Lukaku and Sanchez for feck sake.

This pretty much. Lukaku isn't deadwood. Sanchez will get the chance to prove he still has quality and we can assess after.

Guys like Darmian, Rojo, Jones and Valencia should be getting sold. Fellaini too if he doesn't fit the new permanent manager/head coach.

 

[roseguy64]

The both had decent performances yesterday, but if they're going to be fringe players, then I think we should be looking to sell.

As others have said, the both won't be happy on the bench and surely we wont want players on that wage on the bench either, so it'd make sense to cut our losses and get in younger more dynamic players.

That said, if you want to be mixing it with the big boys, you probably need players of that calibre on the bench, if you look at City's squad, they sometimes have players like Mahrez, Aguero, Silva, Otamendi, etc on the bench.

I just look at Sanchez and Lukaku and can't help but think we could get more dynamic players, who wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages.

Being dynamic counts for naught if they're not producing. Rashford was dynamic for us and wasn't producing so you had people wanting him sold. There's not gonna be a limitless pool of players as good as Sanchez and Lukaku in terms of numbers and also dynamic. Doubt any of them would want to be squad players either.

 

[Rossa]

I wonder if City fans want to sell Aguero. Jesus is in great Form atm, and Aguero has clearly lost a yard.

 

[breakout67]

It seems some haven't realised what our competition is, City have quality players coming out the arse. You need quality players like Lukaku and Sanchez in the squad to keep players like Martial and Rasford on their toes. Never understood this idea that you bin players if they aren't worldies. Maybe because we haven't gone deep in the CL in a while fans have forgotten you need strength and depth to be an elite team.

 

[Reiver]

Both of them can still plays big role at the club. The way I see it, we now have 5 in form, on their day possibly world class players vying for 3 attacking positions. Can't be a bad thing.

 

[VP89]

As @Ban said. Lukaku and Sanchez have certainly taken their chances in the few minutes they've been given under Ole. 4? Assists between them and a few goals.

We are getting carried away if we want to dispose of them. Rashford won't be scoring for fun forever and Martial/Lingard will have off periods too, naturally. We need that ruthless competition and the balance is great right now.

 

[Stubble]

Totally premature conclusion. There were games months ago when Lukaku was our best player and I do not accept yet that a player of Sanchez's world class quality is done. Even Hazard was trash in Mourinho's last season at Chelsea ! Other players have been given a consistent chance within a new attacking philosophy under Ole and Phelan and have blossomed - these two need to be afforded the same chances to fit into this. Selling either in the Summer would be potty in my opinion and getting similar quality replacements would be a big ask. Both need at least next season to prove their worth or otherwise in this system... Darmian, Valencia, Fellaini, Rojo etc well that's a different matter...

 

[Vagene]

Lukaku could score a hat trick against Liverpool next month but some will still focus on his first touch

 

[Tom Cato]

Could Joshua King be a squad player to replace Sanchez? He'll probably command somewhere in the range of £20m from Bornemouth, but he's fast, still young, and has shown that he knows where the net is.

 

[Alemar]

There are no reasons to dispose of Lukaku and Sanchez as of yet.

Lukaku didn't play much (under Ole) but has 3 goals and 2 assists. Sanchez played even less and has 1 goal and 2 assists. Sorry, but this is a total of 4 goals and 4 assists for the duo - very respectable figures considering minutes played. If they continue to deliver goals/assists at similar ratio it would be a very serious competition for Rashford, Martial and Lingard - and what a great problem (for Ole to select forwards when they all assist or score) it would be, frankly.

We need to get rid of those who don't deliver. Fellaini, Rojo, Darmian and Valencia first and foremost.

 

[Foxtrot]

Worst possible time to post this thread.

 

[Kag]

Could Joshua King be a squad player to replace Sanchez? He'll probably command somewhere in the range of £20m from Bornemouth, but he's fast, still young, and has shown that he knows where the net is.

Sell Alexis Sanchez and replace him with Josh King?

Christ.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Assume if both Rashford and Martial remain as the first choice ahead of Lukaku and Sanchez, then we shouldn’t be trying to be persistent to keep them if there is a good offer like 90m on Lukaku. If the offer isn’t good then we keep them and if they want to leave then we let them go until we get good offer. Although, it’s bizarre to see two of them sit on the bench with crazy wages, and if it happens I won’t be surprised if Ed decides to ship one of them out of the club to actually cut our losses in order to get more fund and upgrading our defence.

Liverpool did similar thing on Coutinho and signed van dijk and look at the difference, although coutinho was their main player not just some bench player.

 

[adexkola]

Assume if both Rashford and Martial remain as the first choice ahead of Lukaku and Sanchez, then we shouldn’t be trying to be persistent to keep them if there is a good offer like 90m on Lukaku. If the offer isn’t good then we keep them and if they want to leave then we let them go until we get good offer. Although, it’s bizarre to see two of them sit on the bench with crazy wages, and if it happens I won’t be surprised if Ed decides to ship one of them out of the club to actually cut our losses in order to get more fund and upgrading our defence.

Liverpool did similar thing on Coutinho and signed van dijk and look at the difference, although coutinho was their main player not just some bench player.

Coutinho wanted to leave.

Is there any indication that Lukaku or Sanchez is agitating for a move?

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Coutinho wanted to leave.

Is there any indication that Lukaku or Sanchez is agitating for a move?

Assume if both Rashford and Martial remain as the first choice ahead of Lukaku and Sanchez, then we shouldn’t be trying to be persistent to keep them if there is a good offer like 90m on Lukaku. If the offer isn’t good then we keep them and if they want to leave then we let them go until we get good offer. Although, it’s bizarre to see two of them sit on the bench with crazy wages, and if it happens I won’t be surprised if Ed decides to ship one of them out of the club to actually cut our losses in order to get more fund and upgrading our defence.

Liverpool did similar thing on Coutinho and signed van dijk and look at the difference, although coutinho was their main player not just some bench player.

 

[adexkola]

My second question is still valid.

 

[Gopher Brown]

Could Joshua King be a squad player to replace Sanchez? He'll probably command somewhere in the range of £20m from Bornemouth, but he's fast, still young, and has shown that he knows where the net is.

He’s 27, and he’s only hit double figures once in his career.

 

[3KDré]

I see no problem with them being subs, if they're willing to accept it. It's been a while since we've had people that can genuinely change the game on the bench.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

My second question is still valid.

Even after being highlighted you still don't get it . The case was never the same, that's why I said "similar". And assume if both Rashford & Martial remain as the first choice, then any chance if Lukaku & Sanchez want to leave is possible.

 

[Fracture90]

Don't think much can be done with Sanchez other than us hoping Ole will manage to turn his form around, just can't see any top club wanting to take him off us and can't see him lowering his wages demands to go to some weaker side.

When it comes to Lukaku if he's OK to come of the bench, knowing he won't be the #1 option for the foreseeable future, then I suppose we can keep him, although I'd much prefer if he could raise his form just enough for us to sell him at the end of the season.

 

[tieunhilang]

He’s 27, and he’s only hit double figures once in his career.

Jesus... He's gonna be 30 in just 3 years, and there are people who want him to replace Sanchez?

 

[cyril C]

Quote:...

That said, if you want to be mixing it with the big boys, you probably need players of that calibre on the bench, if you look at City's squad, they sometimes have players like Mahrez, Aguero, Silva, Otamendi, etc on the bench.

I just look at Sanchez and Lukaku and can't help but think we could get more dynamic players, who wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages.

Unquote.

Can someone explain to me, how Mahrez, Silva and Aguero, are being more dynamic than Sanchez and Lukaku? That Aguero in particular just remember Pep's 1st season, wouldn't mind being squad player.

On 1 hand you want to mix it with the big boys so you want good players, but on the other hand you want players wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages. So you want good but cheap players?

There are only 3 types of players wouldn't mind being squad players, 35 years old, 19 years old (exception is Pogba), and players who are over-rated and over-paid. Ozil and Sanchez (before Arsenal game, at least) flash into my mind.

Scott Parker earned my respect when he realised that he would never be as good as Pirlo or Makelele, and didn't want to waste his time on the bench at Chelsea, so he took a pay cut to force a move. No decent players in their right mindset would enjoy bench warming.

 

[rpg]

We need an upgrade of Lingard more than anything. Imagine what we can do with a proper false 9. Sanchez, Lukaku, Mata can be moved if the deal is right. But having Lukaku as an option from the bench is terrifying to most teams.

 

[Cassidy]

I see no problem with them being subs, if they're willing to accept it. It's been a while since we've had people that can genuinely change the game on the bench.

350k a week for a sub? Seriously?

 

[3KDré]

350k a week for a sub? Seriously?

It's still cheaper than buying a new player.

 

[Fracture90]

It's still cheaper than buying a new player.

Sets a dangerous precedent when it comes to renegotiating contracts.

 

[Andy_Cole]

Quote:...

That said, if you want to be mixing it with the big boys, you probably need players of that calibre on the bench, if you look at City's squad, they sometimes have players like Mahrez, Aguero, Silva, Otamendi, etc on the bench.

I just look at Sanchez and Lukaku and can't help but think we could get more dynamic players, who wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages.

Unquote.

Can someone explain to me, how Mahrez, Silva and Aguero, are being more dynamic than Sanchez and Lukaku? That Aguero in particular just remember Pep's 1st season, wouldn't mind being squad player.

On 1 hand you want to mix it with the big boys so you want good players, but on the other hand you want players wouldn't mind being squad players and on less wages. So you want good but cheap players?

There are only 3 types of players wouldn't mind being squad players, 35 years old, 19 years old (exception is Pogba), and players who are over-rated and over-paid. Ozil and Sanchez (before Arsenal game, at least) flash into my mind.

Scott Parker earned my respect when he realised that he would never be as good as Pirlo or Makelele, and didn't want to waste his time on the bench at Chelsea, so he took a pay cut to force a move. No decent players in their right mindset would enjoy bench warming.

Solskjaer says hi.

 

[cyril C]

Solskjaer says hi.

yes one and only one Ole. Even Hernandez wasn't happy on the bench all the time. May be you can add Romero as well, as he could easily walk into any 1st team.

 

[Mr PG]

We should keep Lukaku unless we get a very serious offer. I don't enjoy watching him but he's very effective numbers wise.

Sanchez is a dud it seems. A big mistake that we'll struggle to shift.

Sanchez assist numbers are up there with Pogba and we have barely seen him under ole. Why not give him time.

 

[Gopher Brown]

Jesus... He's gonna be 30 in just 3 years, and there are people who want him to replace Sanchez?

The poster said he was ‘young,’ I was just pointing out that he isn’t particularly young any more.