Nicolo Barella

[United Pro]

Which entity at our club that decided that Fred was a good transfer we don't know for sure. Was it a scout, was it Woodward copying Man City or was it Mourinho trying to irritate Pep? We simply don't know, and most likely wont until some guy at the club releases his biography 10 years from now.

Barella would not be a squad player nor a back up. Not rating him as high as i rated Torreira, but he would certainly be able to contribute immediately. Similar to Herrera in intensity and better going forward and on the ball based on what i have seen, but lacks Herreras experience. Paying £30m for him looks miles better than paying the stupid amount of £££ we paid for Fred. If we are only going to invest in "top tier"/fifa team of the year players we would be able to buy two players at most per season. Barella is a very good player and still fairly young and will hopefully improve under the right conditions.

If Barella is good enough for our first team, then around £30m could be decent transfer business. However, my point about not wanting to spend £30m+ on squad players was more of a general point about how I felt we should handle our transfer business rather than a pop at Barella (who I stated that I hadn't watched enough to judge his level).

And yes, imo we should be aiming to buy 3-4 top tier/top potential players in key areas and then selling squad players/deadwood to finance that (along with our transfer budget). Those players don't necessarily cost £100m each as there are bargains to be had. However, that does require our scouts and board to be shrewd (e.g. Torreira had a 30m euro release clause).

 

[damageinc.]

Patience, day was wrong, but i think this is likely

Yeah,really likely

 

[izec]

Yeah,really likely

Chelsea are a mess, not backing their manager in the transfer market. Sarri is a goer.

Hope we snap him up in the summer

 

[Lash]

Agreed, I hope we go in for him. Replacing fellaini and pereira/fred with barella and a DM would be good business.

 

[andersj]

I would think a guy like Kai Havertz is even higher rated than Barella, but is he destined for Bayern or just not likely to leave Leverkusen?!

 

[izec]

I would think a guy like Kai Havertz is even higher rated than Barella, but is he destined for Bayern or just not likely to leave Leverkusen?!

He is more of an AM. Not sure him and Pogba can play together in our midfield the way we set up.

Not sure he will leave Leverkusen so early, but i expect him to leave in a year or two, they wont be able to keep him once his ambitions dont match the ones of Leverkusen, but he is only 19 at the moment. Most Germans prefer Bayern than going abroad, but who knows if they will be interested in him in a few years. Usually if they are, the likelihood of him going there are high, unless he hates them, but that isnt often the case.

 

[andersj]

He is more of an AM. Not sure him and Pogba can play together in our midfield the way we set up.

Not sure he will leave Leverkusen so early, but i expect him to leave in a year or two, they wont be able to keep him once his ambitions dont match the ones of Leverkusen, but he is only 19 at the moment. Most Germans prefer Bayern than going abroad.

Hm. Maybe you are right. Havertz reminds be a bit of a more cultivated Gerrard and I think he has more to his defensive game than David Silva/KdB and Alli/Eriksen. And we do see these in pairs.

 

[izec]

Hm. Maybe you are right. Havertz reminds be a bit of a more cultivated Gerrard and I think he has more to his defensive game than David Silva/KdB and Alli/Eriksen. And we do see these in pairs.

Yes, but he isnt a Herrera type of player or a box to box type of aggressive player. We would need someone behind them with legs, Kante for example. But i dont see us switching to that type of midfield any time soon.

 

[andersj]

Yes, but he isnt a Herrera type of player or a box to box type of aggressive player. We would need someone behind them with legs, Kante for example. But i dont see us switching to that type of midfield any time soon.

How about using Herrera in that type of role. Think he was brilliant against Liverpool in that position in ‘06 (think it was Mourinhos first game against Liverpool).

And Havertz would make us less dependent on Pogba too. Probably more important than getting a young alternative to Herrera.

 

[andersj]

How about using Herrera in that type of role. Think he was brilliant against Liverpool in that position in ‘06 (think it was Mourinhos first game against Liverpool).

And Havertz would make us less dependent on Pogba too. Probably more important than getting a young alternative to Herrera.

Looking at it that way, Barella would be a future replacement for Herrera, right? Its not at all certain he would be an improvement on Herrera short term. Probably not, actually. In other words, we buy an option to Herrera. But would it not be more important/crucial to get an option for Pogba?!

Havertz is very flexible too.

 

[izec]

How about using Herrera in that type od role. Think he was brilliant against Liverpool in that position in ‘06 (think it was Mourinhos first game against Liverpool).

Not sure about Herrera myself in that position, he is instinct driven and sitting back like that isnt his natural game. Herrera can play there, but with a more defensive CM to help him out or in Peps system where you keep the ball all the time and they immediately press you after losing possession. We are a bit different, i am always cautious with our lineups having 2 CMs that are much more offensive thinking and leaving the midfield pretty much open to someone behind that isnt world class and natural there.

Looking at it that way, Barella would be a future replacement for Herrera, right? Its not at all certain he would be an improvement on Herrera short term. Probably not, actually. In other words, we buy an option to Herrera. But would it not be more important/crucial to get an option for Pogba?!

Havertz is very flexible too.

Not sure what our plans are, but we will know more in the summer with a new manager and the type of players we sign. You sign the players suiting your formation and style. What we know is that we tracked Barella for quite some time now and i think he is more of a club/scout target than manager per se. So in that aspect he is pretty similar to Herrera too not just on the pitch. I just think that Pereira may be gone as well as Fellaini now, so we are pretty short in midfielders there, so someone will definitely get signed on that midfield position.

 

[Rocknrolla69er]

Anybody think Solskjaer would like a more adventurous approach with his midfield 3?

I think if you look at Man City with one defensive minded midfielder, coupled with two very attack minded midfielder you get where I’m going. I do like Herrera but I think he’s a bit limited attacking wise, I think we may sign somebody who offers abit more attacking strength but is probably pretty good at harrying and winning the ball.

 

[dal]

Anybody think Solskjaer would like a more adventurous approach with his midfield 3?

I think if you look at Man City with one defensive minded midfielder, coupled with two very attack minded midfielder you get where I’m going. I do like Herrera but I think he’s a bit limited attacking wise, I think we may sign somebody who offers abit more attacking strength but is probably pretty good at harrying and winning the ball.

Fred should be able to do this hes better than his recent showings. His through balls defensive contribution, dribbling are very good, he will get better.

It’s almost impossible to find a David silva although I thought his namesake was a certainty for us.

Although off topic with the current form and team I think the below would be fun and has a great balance.

Martial ——-Rashford——-Lukaku
———Pogba————Lingard——-
——————Herrera——————

 

[damageinc.]

Chelsea are a mess, not backing their manager in the transfer market. Sarri is a goer.

Hope we snap him up in the summer

Chelsea are not backing their manager in the transfer market? The Higuain move doesn't suggest that.
Anyway the truth is that Barella rejected to move in England and rejected Napoli too, Inter will be his destination in the next summer for the reasons that I told you one month ago.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

Anyway the truth is that Barella rejected to move in England and rejected Napoli too, Inter will be his destination in the next summer for the reasons that I told you one month ago.

This summer or next?
Inter currently have Valero, Vecino, Brozovic, Nainggolan(same agent as Barella), Gagliardini, J. Mario. 6 more than capable midfielders.
I thought it was Cagliari that rejected the offers, not Barella. Sources on this?

 

[damageinc.]

This summer or next?
Inter currently have Valero, Vecino, Brozovic, Nainggolan(same agent as Barella), Gagliardini, J. Mario. 6 more than capable midfielders.
I thought it was Cagliari that rejected the offers, not Barella. Sources on this?

I mean from the next season. Inter desperately need to rebuild the midfield and Barella is one of the brightest talent in Italy in his own role. Between all the players at the club only Brozovic is worthy to stay, Barella would be a huge improvement for Inter.
Several sources reported that he rejected Napoli for Inter, while Chelsea interest faded away soon becouse the guy has a sort of unwritten deal with Inter.

 

[izec]

Chelsea are not backing their manager in the transfer market? The Higuain move doesn't suggest that.
Anyway the truth is that Barella rejected to move in England and rejected Napoli too, Inter will be his destination in the next summer for the reasons that I told you one month ago.

Higuain was cheap and they got rid of Morata, so someone had to come in.

Not convinced it is as clear cut as you paint it. If Chelsea made a 50m bid, he would be there. It is just that Chelsea didnt grant Sarri his wish, because they didnt buy a midfielder at all. It may be true that Inter are keen on him, but i doubt he would still be at Cagliari if someone made a firm approach in January. Summer is a different story again and it may be that he prefers to stay in Italy when Inter make a concrete move. But if they dont, he will take the first top club that offers him nice wages and a spot in midfield.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

I mean from the next season. Inter desperately need to rebuild the midfield and Barella is one of the brightest talent in Italy in his own role. Between all the players at the club only Brozovic is worthy to stay, Barella would be a huge improvement for Inter.
Several sources reported that he rejected Napoli for Inter, while Chelsea interest faded away soon becouse the guy has a sort of unwritten deal with Inter.

Still, hope we will sign him. Would fit in well into our squad.
The amount of promising midfielders in Italy at the moment is somewhat surprising. Also the prices they are rumored to be available for is also affordable compared to the prices rumored around certain young midfielders in Ligue 1. I mean Pellegrini, Barella, Zaniolo, Tonali...

 

[Rocknrolla69er]

Fred should be able to do this hes better than his recent showings. His through balls defensive contribution, dribbling are very good, he will get better.

It’s almost impossible to find a David silva although I thought his namesake was a certainty for us.

Although off topic with the current form and team I think the below would be fun and has a great balance.

Martial ——-Rashford——-Lukaku
———Pogba————Lingard——-
——————Herrera——————

I like that, very attack minded, room for improvement in the Limgard and Herrera roles though. I’m of the same mind as you I think Freds promising, although I think he likes the areas of pitch Pogba likes so I’d keep him as Pogba backup and eventually buy upgrades for the Lingard (Barella) and Matic positions

 

[deafepl]

In term of talents, Mbappe is not best French of his generation, he has better decisions making but Ligue 1 defence is shit, it makes him look a lot better and he's not a game changer, PSG somehow can score 8-9 goals couple of time in years, which is very rare for EPL. Mbappe under PSG haven't set champions league on fire, he was poor in Liverpool, Napoli and Real Madrid games, I think he did very well against Bayern at home who is in shambolic at the time but when they changed manager and made Bayern looking more completive, Bayern completely schooled PSG.

For me, Pogba, Griezmann, Dembele and Varane as top French talents of their generation.

 

[Jib]

Still, hope we will sign him. Would fit in well into our squad.
The amount of promising midfielders in Italy at the moment is somewhat surprising. Also the prices they are rumored to be available for is also affordable compared to the prices rumored around certain young midfielders in Ligue 1. I mean Pellegrini, Barella, Zaniolo, Tonali...

Frenchs young players are far better than italians tbf

 

[Fosu-Mens]

Frenchs young players are far better than italians tbf

In most positions yes. But Italy seems to have a number of decent midfielders.

 

[Bestietom]

I think NDombele or Pelegrini would be better.

 

[Devil may care]

Barella would suit Ole's pressing style a lot more than Pelegrini.

 

[Jibbs]

Matrial---Rashford---Brooks/Sancho/Pepe
--------------Pogba-------Fred/Herrera
-----------------------New DM-------------------

 

[TrebleFan99]

Fred should be able to do this hes better than his recent showings. His through balls defensive contribution, dribbling are very good, he will get better.

It’s almost impossible to find a David silva although I thought his namesake was a certainty for us.

Although off topic with the current form and team I think the below would be fun and has a great balance.

Martial ——-Rashford——-Lukaku
———Pogba————Lingard——-
——————Herrera——————

Swap Lukaku for Sancho here?

Can Greenwood can play wide right? I really want to see him in the first team. Only seen YouTube highlights and he looks fantastic

 

[Zlatattack]

Now that Herrera is likely to go I think we should look to this guy as a CDM. He's a definite improvement on Matic. Can defend and attack.

 

[Lennon7]

I think NDombele or Pelegrini would be better.

Whomever we get, the other two will move to other top clubs and do much better. Seems to be the way at the moment!

 

[Cassidy]

Whomever we get, the other two will move to other top clubs and do much better. Seems to be the way at the moment!

Indeed, probably because what happens at Carrington is likely part of the issue.

 

[Lennon7]

Indeed, probably because what happens at Carrington is likely part of the issue.

What the training? Nah, I just think we can’t seem to do proper research and find the right fit for what we need. Just go for anyone like Fred and hope it works.

 

[Champagne Football]

Now that Herrera is likely to go I think we should look to this guy as a CDM. He's a definite improvement on Matic. Can defend and attack.

Italians have been very hit and miss in the Premier league. He does look awesome though. Ed and Ole will possibly already have an idea out of who will be the most gettable for central midfield from a list that would include Tanguy Ndombele, Rice, Doucoure, Rabiot, Pelegrini, Allan, Ruben Neves and possibly even the likes of Will Hughes, Tielemans, James Maddison

 

[Sassy Colin]

Not really speculation, but worth a look anyway:

http://sportwitness.co.uk/football-...y-player-to-join-manchester-united-in-summer/

 

[Fosu-Mens]

Not really speculation, but worth a look anyway:

http://sportwitness.co.uk/football-...y-player-to-join-manchester-united-in-summer/

Definitively among the players we should sign.

 

[oggy boy]

Italian in Premier League?! Very few succeeded, not sure.

 

[Rozay]

Yes please!

 

[OleGunnar20]

Perfect Herrera replacement, would be an upgrade from what I've seen, at a great age too.

Get it done woody lad.

 

[damageinc.]

Italian in Premier League?! Very few succeeded, not sure.

Still a better record than any brits in Italy!

 

[pascell]

Yes please, he's the one I've wanted us to sign for a while now. Would be an upgrade on Herrera and can also play holding CM.

 

[frookydinho]

I was watching him for Italy and you can see the potential he has, hes more of a young Herrera from what i saw but with a larger field of growth still to go. Hopefully our scouts are looking at him to make a precise judgement. Also worth making a mention of another Italian - Sandro Tonali. Likend to Pirlo, that is the sought of DM we need, a player in the mould of Carrick. But again, I've only seen Tonali once and am going by what i have read

 

[Red_toad]

Still a better record than any brits in Italy!

Far more of the came here than went there. Platt, Ince, Gazza and Souness all come to mind as being fairly successful there. Can't think of many players coming into their prime moving there, generally those who'd had a good career and were slightly past it.
So what you're basing this 'better record' upon is a bit vague and hardly going to be like for like.