Lukaku and Sanchez - cut our losses? Poll now added

[lysglimt]

Voted keep both - we can't replace them. We simply don't have the Money for it as their salary (and Sanchez' age) means we wont get much money for them. Maybe we can fetch £40-50 million for them - in todays market that might get us one player of decent quality.

We have too many players we need to replace as it is.

 

[lysglimt]

Lukaku looked like a passenger yesterday. I really thought his movement was bad, there was a few balls he would have got to another time. I really think he is feeling it, not being first choice anymore. I can see him move on in the summer.

As for Sanchez, he is being paid far too much for what he gives back. Get rid, and bring in Jaoa Felix or Sancho.

This sounds fine - but we have bigger concerns. If we do as you say - and then sign a quality defender, we will have spent our entire transfer budget (most likely) - and getting 2 players in. While 6-7 players will have left the club (Sanchez, Fellaini, Rojo, Darmian, Valencia and probably Perreira).

And then we are stuck with McTominay and Fred as options in midfield. Does that sound like a plan ?

 

[wolvored]

I can see lukaku wanting to leave at the end of the season. He mentioned he would like to play in Italy a few months back and won't be happy to be backup to a player younger than him. We won't get anywhere near the 75 million or so, we bought him for though. He isnt adding anything through the middle in the way we are now set up and perhaps Greenwood or another striker to take his place as backup to Rashford would be better.
Sanchez is a different proposition. Unless he gets a free transfer to China, he knows wage wise this is the best he will get. I can see him deteriorating here until his contract is up.

 

[Jev]

I think Lukaku still offers something. He's the only true striker we have and while his weaknesses are there for all to see, so are his strengths. He's not living up to his reputation, wage or fee but he's generally doing a more than capable job. He's also by all accounts well-liked in the squad, and as Ole's tenure has proven, that feel-good factor is vital. I don't understand why anyone would want to sell him.

With Sanchez, there are just no mitigating circumstances. He doesn't seem to have a particular bond with anyone in the squad. He's conceding possession almost every time he gets the ball. Unlike Lukaku, time is not on his side and he won't get better, on the contrary he could quickly regress even further. And he's our highest earner and could free up some funds should he leave.

I'd offload Alexis if anyone would take him and get a young, exciting winger instead.

 

[Sing you a song]

Why the feck would we offload both of them when we finally have some depth going forward after so many years?

Because unfortunately they are too expensive just to be bit part players .
Lukaku doesn’t fit into Ole’s style of play and Sanchez has never looked happy at United

 

[Melville Red]

It’s funny how Chelsea got rid (all be it on loan) of Morata. They realised he wasn’t up to it, gave him long enough but have made a desicion, got rid and replaced him, no fecking about.
Us however? Christ our board need a kick up the proverbial when it comes to contracts and getting players OUT is just as important as getting the CORRECT players IN.

 

[JohnnyKills]

Exacty. Its shameful

'shameful.'

Takes me back to those mourinho apologists and their playground insults over the summer.

If you think it's shameful to have a debate mate, I'd suggest football forums ain't for you.

 

[JohnnyKills]

Because unfortunately they are too expensive just to be bit part players .
Lukaku doesn’t fit into Ole’s style of play and Sanchez has never looked happy at United

This.

We can get effective squad players on half the wages they're on.

 

[midou]

It’s funny how Chelsea got rid (all be it on loan) of Morata. They realised he wasn’t up to it, gave him long enough but have made a desicion, got rid and replaced him, no fecking about.
Us however? Christ our board need a kick up the proverbial when it comes to contracts and getting players OUT is just as important as getting the CORRECT players IN.

This is also true for this forum. Endless debates about what Lukaku and Fellaini offer and how we should keep them when it is clear both gotta go. Thankfully 50% of that job is done.

 

[Sassy Colin]

What's the point of"don't know"?

What happened to E) boue ?

 

[Volumiza]

Crikey! Having Lukaku and Sanchez as subs? What a terrible situation. Who needs quality depth?

They need to step up their game if they want to force themselves back into the first 11 or be satisfied with making an impact off the bench. Either way they are great squad players.

Yes, they’re expensive and if they don’t like the current situation then let them leave but in the meantime we enjoy having some serious firepower on the field and on the Bench.

 

[Mainoldo]

Waste of wages and squad space. Rather replace them with Isco and Werner. Alexis is finished at the top and Lukaku is just not a united striker.

 

[AndyJ1985]

Crikey! Having Lukaku and Sanchez as subs? What a terrible situation. Who needs quality depth?

They need to step up their game if they want to force themselves back into the first 11 or be satisfied with making an impact off the bench. Either way they are great squad players.

Yes, they’re expensive and if they don’t like the current situation then let them leave but in the meantime we enjoy having some serious firepower on the field and on the Bench.

Well done on completely missing the fact neither have them have been quality, nor great.

 

[dove]

Crikey! Having Lukaku and Sanchez as subs? What a terrible situation. Who needs quality depth?

They need to step up their game if they want to force themselves back into the first 11 or be satisfied with making an impact off the bench. Either way they are great squad players.

Yes, they’re expensive and if they don’t like the current situation then let them leave but in the meantime we enjoy having some serious firepower on the field and on the Bench.

No one says it's a terrible situation. Squad depth is needed but: a) I am sure they are not happy with their roles b) we can't have our biggest earners as squad players c) we can still recoup a lot of money especially for Lukaku.

 

[Jeffthered]

Yeah cut our losses. For their lack of quality they probably don't see themselves as backups, lukaku especially. Giving them sympathy starts will eventually become unbearable when they repeatedly stink up the joint and block the path for youngsters. A squad player needs to be content if the coach doesn't give him starts for a month and that's not Lukaku

'cut our losses..' and then do what ? What would be your plan? You want to rely on Lindgard-Martial-Rashford week in, week out..? I don't. Buy other players right.. like who?

Have to think about the squad. Which is still short...

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

Would cut ties with both in the summer.

Sanchez is finished as a top player and Lukaku worsens us whenever he plays.

 

[AndyJ1985]

'cut our losses..' and then do what ? What would be your plan? You want to rely on Lindgard-Martial-Rashford week in, week out..? I'm not. Buy other players right.. like who?

Erm, we do what other clubs do and buy some players that fit our team. Is there something special about our club that prevents us from improving the squad?

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

Sanchez's wages are a real problem though.

I think we'd have no trouble selling Lukaku.

Sanchez would probably cause lots of problems. Don't see him willing to accept a big pay-cut after what he's been earning here and he doesn't strike me as someone who'd play in China.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

Sanchez could probably find a home in Italy if we subsidize his wages, otherwise I don't see much of a market for him. Lukaku will fetch us a tidy sum though. Id try to sell him and see if we can pry away Vardy from Leicester. His high energy approach kind of goes well with what Solskjær seems to want from his forward players in terms of pressing high, forcing mistakes and breaking at pace.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

'shameful.'

Takes me back to those mourinho apologists and their playground insults over the summer.

If you think it's shameful to have a debate mate, I'd suggest football forums ain't for you.

Don't force your own hang ups on me , kid. Having a debate has absolutely nothing to do with shamefully reccomending the sale of every player who happens to be on our bench. If you dont get that, that's on you.

 

[Greck]

'cut our losses..' and then do what ? What would be your plan? You want to rely on Lindgard-Martial-Rashford week in, week out..? I don't. Buy other players right.. like who?

Have to think about the squad. Which is still short...

Doesn't this sound eerily similar to the "sack Mourinho and hire who?" line of reasoning to you? An underperforming player or manager will always be easily replaceable.

 

[Hellboy]

Sanchez could go to China, but which big club would want Lukaku ? can't see top 6 club wanting him in England that's for sure.

 

[Tiber]

Why the feck would we offload both of them when we finally have some depth going forward after so many years?

In not totally convinced that the highest paid player in the premier League should be depth. I'm pretty sure Lukaku is also in the top 5

 

[Josep Dowling]

I can’t see how Lukaku can work out for the club. I think the fans want to see Rashford start from now on, we look so much better as a team. Lukaku won’t be happy sat on the bench. But we have to think about who we can get in to replace him.

Sanchez I think is still a very useful player but his ridiculous wages means we can’t afford to use him as a squad player only.

 

[Member 115509]

I think the main problem with Lukaku is that United would need to take a serious hit in terms of the transfer fee, can't see anyone paying anywhere near what he cost. His first touch/control lets him down at times, he disrupts the flow of quick breaks at times with his awkward style, although he has had some good moments under OGS.
I'm still thinking Sanchez could possibly turn himself around and start to re-produce his peak Arsenal form, but to do that he would need to play fairly regularly between now and the season's end and it's difficult to see that happening.
If Sanchez was sold, at least it would free up his huge salary.
I'd like to see both stay and play a big part in United re-emerging as force again, but it seems unlikely, to be honest.
Rashford and Martial are, quite rightly, first picks at the moment and it will be difficult for either Sanchez or Lukaku to claim a regular starting place above either of them. They can both play a part and having something to offer, but only as squad players under current circumstances.

 

[deadrevelz]

I haven't seen any persuasive arguments on this thread for keeping either of them.

Lukaku: out of form for over 6 months, poor attitude on the pitch, cost a fortune, doesn't suit our style of play, his 'qualities' are overstated and he hasn't shown them this season anyway. We could sell him and buy someone else. He only seems to function when the whole team is set up to benefit him, which simply isn't good enough for a United striker. He's currently worse than Rooney in his last years at the club and is nowhere near as good. He has been poor under two managers.

Sanchez: out of form for 12 months, poor attitude on the pitch, costs a fortune in wages, hasn't shown the qualities he had at previous clubs. Offloading him could prevent Wage-Pocalypse. He's not getting younger. He's been poor under two managers. Currently playing like a budget Depay. Also reminiscent of Rooneys last years at United, but with less moments of quality and dedication.

If they are both at the club next season it's not a disaster in itself, but it would mean are summer budget is diminished. Makes much more sense to bring in younger players who fit in with Ole / Poch philosophy than to crowbar in two underperforming, high paid egos.

 

[Josep Dowling]

When players look at lukaku, Alexis wages and their contribution it might create uneasiness between players and also difficult for board while negotiating players contracts as everyone point to these 2 and demand more. So better get rid of them.

Could some one explain why our wage bill is 297 millions a year? One of the highest

Alexis(18), Pogba(10), DDG(10) Lukaku(10), Mata(7), Matic(7)
Martial(5), Lingard(5), Rashford(5)
Herrra(5), Fred(5), perrera(3), Mctominay(2), Young(5), Velencia(5), Shaw(5), Lindelof(5), Jones(4), smalling(4), eric(4), Delot(3), darmian(4), Rojo(5),Romero (3), Jose,OGS(20) and all coaching staff(10)

Approx 170£ millions in total so wondering on what else we are spending rest of 120£ millions out of total 290£ wage bill

Could some one pleae brief me ?

There are more employees than just the players and coaches. I’m sure the Glazer take some form of director remuneration as well. There is also things like employers NI and pensions.

 

[PieCrust]

I think Lukaku can still offer something and in our most needed attacking position, down the right. He's a better player when utilized on the RW. He'll never be a CF that can dominate a match or bully top defenders. He's pretty bad in the air, either winning knock downs or scoring. I'd prefer to see him getting chances on the right side ahead of Mata, if just for his pace and physicality. Mata is more skilled, but hasn't shown it for quite some time and is really a liability at most times.

Sanchez I'd like to see moved on, only because he is clearly past it, but with his wages, we can't move him. I still liked the signing at the time, but it clearly just isn't going to work out.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Well done on completely missing the fact neither have them have been quality, nor great.

EXACTLY.
How are they quality depth? Quality depth is reserved for the likes of OGS and Sheringham rotating with Cole and Yorke, THAT is top quality depth. Quality depth isn't a 75m striker who can't trap a ball, offers nothing and may, just may, score a tap in once every 4-5 games. Quality depth isn't a player on 400k a week who has scored about 5 times in more than one year at the club.

 

[Judge Red]

Even in good form, Sanchez isn’t a player you can build a future around. It was a desperate short term fix, it didn’t work and now we’re entering the long term.

I could still see Lukaku doing something silly like when Comedy Torres won Chelsea the Champions League.

 

[Litch]

I'm more than happy to keep both as for me the season started 11 games ago for the other players inc the so called 'Virus'. There was lots of discontent about Lingard and Rashford too on here not to mention Lindelof. If others have been given the benefit of the doubt, why shouldn't they? In the 11 games both have contributed in assists or goals from the bench. Sanchez is coming into the team after a series of injuries. No doubt they aren't the form players and Rom doesn't suit the free flowing style but there will be games where you need another way.

 

[Shez]

Get rid of lukaku. We are playing with ten men effectively... Did not realize how bad his lack of movement was until seeing the Burnley game live. The camera only captures a fraction of the true extent of his failings

 

[JohnnyKills]

Don't force your own hang ups on me , kid. Having a debate has absolutely nothing to do with shamefully reccomending the sale of every player who happens to be on our bench. If you dont get that, that's on you.

Nobody is recommending the sale of everyone on our bench. Literally nobody.

 

[Volumiza]

Well done on completely missing the fact neither have them have been quality, nor great.

See paragraph 2 of my post. They need to step up and claim first team spots or be happy on the bench.

If it’s option 2 and they’re not happy with it then let them go. I thought my post was pretty clear and simple dude.

 

[Volumiza]

Compared to the last 7 years it is massively increased quality in depth.

I’m in no way saying it’s perfect but it is all heading in the right direction for the first time in 6 years, longer in fact.

 

[R'hllor]

I personally dont have a stance on it at the moment but it seems if you are for offloading Lukaku and Sanchez = you are for offloading every single player who is on the bench at the moment.

 

[2mufc0]

Still think there is some life left in Sanchez, he’s been injured a while under Ole let’s give him a proper run before completely writing him off.

 

[deadrevelz]

See paragraph 2 of my post. They need to step up and claim first team spots or be happy on the bench.

If it’s option 2 and they’re not happy with it then let them go. I thought my post was pretty clear and simple dude.

Just because a player is expensive, doesn't mean they are good options from the bench. I would rather have cheaper, younger, less famous names who fit the system than two expensive underperformers. If we buy right, we could even end up making a profit, not a loss if those young players improve.

It seems that people are against taking a risk on new signings. For me the bigger risk is keeping Sanchez and Lukaku because of their poor form and age/style respectively.

 

[buckooo1978]

Voted keep both - we can't replace them. We simply don't have the Money for it as their salary (and Sanchez' age) means we wont get much money for them. Maybe we can fetch £40-50 million for them - in todays market that might get us one player of decent quality.

We have too many players we need to replace as it is.

it's costing us 25 million a year to keep for poor relative return - that's the other thing you need to consider

 

[buckooo1978]

Compared to the last 7 years it is massively increased quality in depth.

I’m in no way saying it’s perfect but it is all heading in the right direction for the first time in 6 years, longer in fact.

we've seen very little quality this year from our benched players though

Sanchez, Lukaku, Fred and Mata would average about 4/10