The Summer 2019 Rebuild

[KingMinger22]

The sort of money required to close the gap with City is astronomical.

I'd say if you valued their squad and ours, theirs is probably worth close to a Billion pounds more.

In short, with heavy investment in 3-4 players we may look secure for top 4 but I just don't see us closing the gap that quickly at the every top.

 

[Bobcat]

Darmian 10m
Jones or Smalling 20m
Fellani 15m? between 10-15m anyway
Rojo 10m

That's at least 50m

If we somehow get rid of Sanchez, not sure whether that will be paying him off (but may as well keep him if they are going to do that) or if we come to an arrangement with him or a club, add that onto it.

Surely we have funds left over from last summer and the fact that we did not spend in January, net spend of 40m in two windows, add that to the budget for this summer, surely going out and spending a bit this summer is not out of the question, if it is, then fecking serious questions need to be asked about where the hell all this money is going, as it's not on players, not on redeveloping the stadium, must be sat in the bank?

Wan Bissaka 40m
Neves 50m
Sancho 80-100m
Koulibaly 90m

280/300m, budget of what about 200m for the summer, plus 50m at least in sales, plus money left over (which there should be) from the last two transfer windows, easily doable.

Not saying we will spend that, as Glazer's etc. are tight as a ducks backside but it is certainly not a case of not having the funds.

They should be looking at this window thinking right, if we get four signings right with the kids we have as well, we should not have to dive into the market like that again for a while, big one this summer, sort out a lot of the sh*t (similar to Pep at City in his first big summer) and then just add to it each year, like Fergie use to with one world class signing a summer.

Hopefully he loves playing football more than money so he moves to MLS or something. I'm pretty sure hes well aware he wont get much playing time here, but if hes happy just sitting in the stands and collect his wages we are in big trouble.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

The sort of money required to close the gap with City is astronomical.

I'd say if you valued their squad and ours, theirs is probably worth close to a Billion pounds more.

In short, with heavy investment in 3-4 players we may look secure for top 4 but I just don't see us closing the gap that quickly at the every top.

That is pure hyperbole.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Koulibaly and Sancho would be enough for next season. Summer 2020 is when we should invest in a full-back, defensive midfielder(Young retires and Matic is goes to Italy) and left-footed winger.

IN
Koulibaly, Sancho

OUT
Darmian, Valencia, Rojo, Mata, Sanchez

De Gea
Dalot Lindelöf Koulibaly Shaw
Matic
Herrera Pogba
Sancho Rashford Martial

Romero
Fosu-Mensah Smalling Bailly Young
McTominay
Fred Pereira
Greenwood Lukaku Lingard

Grant, Tuanzebe, Jones, Chong, Gomes, Garner, Williams​

I would second this. Probably would add a MF to that. One who does not mind being back up. But yea, i think you are spot on.

 

[Solskj20er]

With Zindane being appointed as RM manager...i wouldn't be surprised if Pogba might be tempted to leave Man Utd due to the french connection.

 

[Red Dreams]

Its silly to think we need to spend as much as city to win the title.

Ole and his staff will look at the current squad and determine the positions that need to be filled with the aim to win the title and cups.

I'm confident we will be well capable of winning the title next season.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

I have to admit I'm quite worried about the summer's narrative. I'm expecting very few signings, and a narrative of:

"We have chosen Ole because this is going to be a long-term process; Ole will trust and promote youth and we expect to see improvements in the existing first team players"

The suggestion will be that making signings is a sign of short-termism - like Jose.

I think that's a bit pessimistic. We're in a good position to make some good signings - didn't spend a lot last year, we look an attractive proposition again, some areas clearly need addressing. I expect us to spend a fair amount, it's hopelessly romantic to believe that we will win the league without doing so. Short-termism as a criticism makes no sense unless you're buying players that are only going to give you a season or two. I expect us to be looking at talented players on the cusp of going up a level, with maybe one player that's already proven top quality

 

[Hugh Jass]

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Neville should know better than anyone the quality needed to win a title. Ole seems to be too nice when mentioning we need 1 or 2 signings. Neville is spot on. However, one CB would be enough. Imo, we need a LB, CB, RB, DM, RW. A lot of people seem to be underestimating how much of a rebuild we need. It is not a case of 3 signings. Look at Citys team, that is what we are competing with.

Disagree entirely with Neville and surprized to hear him say that. One CB is needed. And a RW like Sancho. Possibly a covering MF. The RB can wait till next January.

Neville sounded like someone playing Football Manager. Which is strange.

 

[ForestRGoinUp]

I would second this. Probably would add a MF to that. One who does not mind being back up. But yea, i think you are spot on.

Think it would be naive to have any different expectations with that squad. Would expect another battle for Top 4 if Pep and Klopp stay put. The midfield and the back line have to improve more than that, and we need more depth to deal with injuries.

 

[UnitedWeStandOne]

Next season, we are not competing against city's team, but city's team plus 3-4 additional high-class players. Pep could spend 200M:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...-200m-summer-spending-spree-ahead-manchester/

I still think we will beat them but not without proper transfers such as Sancho, Koulibaly and an additional top midfielder.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

There were strong rumours last summer of Inter being interested in bringing him to the Giuseppe Meazza stadium ,with Modric reportedly being open to the idea.
Though the rumours suggested that Inter were unable to cough up the fee Madrid were looking for.

The issue with getting Modric for us wouldn't be down to the fee,if we were to make a move.It would largely come down to the recent fact that Zidane is now once again rejoining Madrid as manager.
Zidane is a huge fan of Modric and will likely know how to continue getting the best out of him.

Well that's an issue too, but my point about the fee was that there is no telling how many more years Modric's legs will last, and we don't want to be the idiots who paid 60m for a once great midfielder who can hardly break a jog in 2 years.

 

[sam147]

Disagree entirely with Neville and surprized to hear him say that. One CB is needed. And a RW like Sancho. Possibly a covering MF. The RB can wait till next January.

Neville sounded like someone playing Football Manager. Which is strange.

Why would we wait till January to sign a RB? What is the reasoning behind that. I think Neville knows the quality needed and how far behind we are. Our squad is massively overrated by people. Our fans were used to Sir Alex working miracles with average players and not much depth. Our last top tier team was the 08 team. Thats the level we need. Our current squad is nowhere near Barca/Juve/City/Atleti level. I think we need five signings at a minimum. Five solid signings would then allow us to add the 1 or 2 additions needed the following summer and gain some actual focus in signing. Right now we have so much gaps at Fullback, RW, DM and lack of quality at CB.

 

[oz insomniac]

To be realistic of the ability of the current side and its stature compared to Citeh and competitors when looking at who we had in previous years.

Van DerSar/Schmeical
Ferdinand
Vidic
Evra
Scholes
Beckham
Ruud van N
Giggs
Etc

Without mentioning some stellar other positions we had, we are well behind due to poor identification and penny pinching for value in the market when Barca, Real, Citeh, Chelski even PSG and others were buildng and recruiting at the top end of the player market. There is a distinct need to invest quite heavily to move into the top 2/3 sides even in the EPL without looking overseas.

Overrating current players is a common thread for supporters of all clubs, but reality dictates that we are well short in a number of positions. Teflon Ed needs to convince the Glazers and dare we say himself, that signings for social media clicks is not what is needed going into next season.

 

[MrBest]

Koulibaly and Sancho would be enough for next season. Summer 2020 is when we should invest in a full-back, defensive midfielder(Young retires and Matic is goes to Italy) and left-footed winger.

IN
Koulibaly, Sancho

OUT
Darmian, Valencia, Rojo, Mata, Sanchez

De Gea
Dalot Lindelöf Koulibaly Shaw
Matic
Herrera Pogba
Sancho Rashford Martial

Romero
Fosu-Mensah Smalling Bailly Young
McTominay
Fred Pereira
Greenwood Lukaku Lingard

Grant, Tuanzebe, Jones, Chong, Gomes, Garner, Williams​

That is a decent shout although i would go for Di Ligit at centre half. I would also consider (not priority though) a defensive playmaker as back up to Matic. Matic is great but cannot play 50 games a year and i although mctominay has done well, i dont think he is that good at passing. Finally, i really want a new right back. Not sure if i trust Dalot yet, would like someone in there prime or has 2 or 3 years left.

 

[Hugh Jass]

I think two or three players. Possibly four and we are good to go.

I think RW is a must. Hopefully Sancho.

 

[The Boy]

I see where you are coming from. However, our depth is laughable. The team is playing better but it hasn't done so over a season. For that you need depth. Also Ole needs to make his mark on the team. He is currently adapting to the team to play how he wants but it is not 100%. I believe we need 5 signings minimum.

I'm not sure the depth in your squad is laughable.

GK - DDG, Romero and Grant so fully covered

RB - Dalot, Young, Valencia, Darmian - Valencia and Young are old yes, but for one more season they'll be fine as back up. I'd suggest losing either Valencia or Darmian

LB - Shaw, Young, Rojo - could do with a bit more depth here!

CB - Lindelof, Bailly, Jones, Smalling, Rojo - so a decent signing here would be useful.

CM - Pogba, Herrera, Matic, McT, Pereira, Fred - also Mata and Lingard can slot in here depending on formation

RW - Lingard, Mata, Lukaku and anyone else they randomly slot into this position - You need a specialist here

LW Martial, Rashford, Sanchez

ST - Rashford, Lukaku

Remember you've also got Mason Greenwood coming through at ST, Chong at RW, Tuanzabe at CD, also Gomes, Garner and plenty of others, they wont all make the grade, but they make for very decent back up. I think on paper with a couple of signings in the summer you have a very strong squad. It's just one that has been under estimated under Mou and the majority of players are finding their form again right now. So talk of 5-6 transfers in the summer is probably not needed, maybe over 3 transfer windows that'll work but I wouldn't do it all at once for risk of upsetting the balance and team spirit you've onlly just won back after many long and tedious years!

 

[passing-wind]

We don't have one world class centre half, I believe we need a standout quality player in each position of the field, only can see Pogba, De Gea.

Martial and Rashford fall into a category of their own being prospects (Lindlelov scrapes into that conversation), then Herrera, Lingard, Matic and Lukaku are good squad options but not good enough for us to challenge.

 

[Cockney Phil]

Spending is a whole different story from blending.

Our managerial approach to squad building was to spend astronomical sums after Fergie but how many of those buys blended into the club? Even the present squad under Ole was, only 4 months ago, under the spotlight for being useless, toxic or not good enough for the prem. Fred was everyone’s disaster and in 2 games has stepped forward to many fans surprise. Smalling was done and now he’s Iceman’s logical partner. Matic has gone from Mr.Crablike to pushing forward, pressing and holding the defence. Ander has been transformed back to the player we all thought we had.

Before Ole, I thought 5 buys but all in places different from what I see now. By the end of the season I expect to change again. Ole has returned us to blending players to our culture and that has a huge impact on who we should buy. If he stays into next season I expect Ole’s buying to be targeted toward more offensive, aggressive and energetic players. Also the place for the three young players might well be solidified along with Andreas P, McT and the returning loanees.

It’s all round a brighter and more dynamic future under Ole.

 

[Lelouch geass]

Bosman signing...Dani Alves (perfect bridge-player for Dalot, and can also deputize in midfield if need be).

• Matthijs de Ligt: limitless potential considering he's already one of the 15-ish best centerbacks in football at 19, break the bank.
• Kai Havertz: can play as the attacking midfielder, 8 with an offensively oriented player in Brandt, out wide on occasion — has registered 19 goals + assists this season at age 19 and fundamentally very complete. Has the skill set to develop into a Schweinsteiger/Ballack-esque midfield titan...entice Völler with an offer he can't refuse.
• Luka Jović: Bundesliga top scorer and Europa League 2nd highest scorer at 21...and could be an absolute machine in the years to come given his exceptional conversion rate (second to only Mbappé over this season):

A manager like Solskjær who famously coexisted with Cole, Yorke and Sheringham will surely appreciate a good complement of forwards to lay siege to the opposition defense.

Leave Sancho for 2020 as a Galáctico signing (the trio of de Ligt + Havertz + Jović alone will cost €200-250 million). He should stay at Dortmund, IMO — will cost Dembélé/Coutinho level money either way, but even though he's the real deal and a prodigious creator...another year with Reus ahead of the 2020 EUROs will do wonders for his development considering this is his first season of first team football. Think him and Rodri in 2020 (snatching the latter from Atlético will be hard but we can at least activate his clause) will complete the team and give us an excellent platform for the 2020s decade with an abundance of fantastic talents to consistently challenge for the league and reach the Champions League semi-finals (which is the true barometer of success for contemporary elites when you look at the quartet of Barcelona, Madrid, Bayern and Juventus).

Rashford/Jović
Martial Pogba Havertz Sancho
Rodri
Shaw--De Ligt--Lindelöf--Dalot
De Gea​

This sir looks absolute monster of team that can rely less on pogba when injured or suspended. Plenty of developments for future. No 300k a week salary like sanchez being rooney part 2 and we can sign odd veterans to support. Just checked the videos of the prospect you mentioned who are often not in discussion. We might need a thread on Jovic.

 

[Lelouch geass]

Oh and to add i think we need another rb. Very attacking team but dalot only wont be able to handle and i hope de light wins header as lidelof struggles on high balls

 

[cyril C]

Why would we wait till January to sign a RB? What is the reasoning behind that. I think Neville knows the quality needed and how far behind we are. Our squad is massively overrated by people. Our fans were used to Sir Alex working miracles with average players and not much depth. Our last top tier team was the 08 team. Thats the level we need. Our current squad is nowhere near Barca/Juve/City/Atleti level. I think we need five signings at a minimum. Five solid signings would then allow us to add the 1 or 2 additions needed the following summer and gain some actual focus in signing. Right now we have so much gaps at Fullback, RW, DM and lack of quality at CB.

Recap what Neville said - we need to sign 2 CB, a RB, a MF, and a Striker (may be he meant RW?). Correct me if I am wrong.

Do we still need to sign 2 new CB? Or 1 is good enough and offload Rojo.

Do you think Dalot is not good enough? OK need backup after Valencia retirement, so it could be a LB or a RB preferably someone can play on either sides.

A striker? Or he meant RW

 

[M Utd]

If OGS said that we need 4-5 signings, how would this message be viewed by the players? Even if OGS thinks that we should sign 4-5 players, it is unlikely that he would state it to others than the coaching and Woodward.

Finally someone said it.
Why people believe everything is beyond me.
What has Ole got to gain at this point in the season by saying " I'd like 5 or 6 players inn the summer".
He hasn't even been confirmed as our manager.
What reaction is that going to have on the team (which are doing very well).
We can't sign anyone until the summer and there is still more than 1/4 of the season remaining.
He's got nothing to gain by saying this publicly.

What he says to staff internally may well be very different.

 

[Zed 101]

I do not think that the gap is too great to bridge in terms of competing for the Premier League, being as good as City doesn't really matter as we only play them twice, we just have to be better than everyone else and that is maybe a right winger, right back and centre back away, a couple of top talents could really bring the rest of teh team to life, I also think that Ole will continue to try and bring youth through so will temper his purchases with that in mind.

Where I think we have the issue is Europe, we beat a lacklustre PSG but in terms of quality they are streets ahead and should have pooned us, I wouldn't fancy us beating any of the top Euro teams as a given thing, one off matches it is always possible, but would not see us as expecting victory.

 

[sherrinford]

Why would we wait till January to sign a RB? What is the reasoning behind that. I think Neville knows the quality needed and how far behind we are. Our squad is massively overrated by people. Our fans were used to Sir Alex working miracles with average players and not much depth. Our last top tier team was the 08 team. Thats the level we need. Our current squad is nowhere near Barca/Juve/City/Atleti level. I think we need five signings at a minimum. Five solid signings would then allow us to add the 1 or 2 additions needed the following summer and gain some actual focus in signing. Right now we have so much gaps at Fullback, RW, DM and lack of quality at CB.

So unrealistic...

Yes we are nowhere near Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico or City. That is just tough.

We need to be patient. Prioritise. Spend wisely. We are not going to sign five bona fide first team starters in the summer. Instead of thinking like an entitled child, just hope we can recruit top players in one or two of those positions of need.

 

[BalanceUnAutreJoint]

Here's my very unpopular opinion.

I would take Bale in an heartbeat even for 100M euros.

 

[bosnian_red]

Here's my very unpopular opinion.

I would take Bale in an heartbeat even for 100M euros.

Spoken like someone who really watches bale

 

[captain666]

Seems de Ligt is pointed in Barca's direction,surely someone can pick up the phone to VDS to check his personal preference?I can see Sancho remaining at Dortmund for another year which means we need to go hell for leather for Koulibaly and Nicolas Pepe !

 

[StrettyEnder07]

Hopefully he loves playing football more than money so he moves to MLS or something. I'm pretty sure hes well aware he wont get much playing time here, but if hes happy just sitting in the stands and collect his wages we are in big trouble.

Ha yeah mate not looking good, I get the feeling he will be very hard to budge but you never know, hopefully someone like PSG take a chance on him, could maybe see United saying we will pay like 30% of his wages or something to get him off the wage bill, interesting summer ahead anyway!

 

[oz insomniac]

Is there a dynamic that would see Sanchez and Bale work in a swap deal, each would return to a country where they speak the language and the clubs could work out a wage change for each that would work.

Guess that's why you need a HOF not a bean counter so that football sense comes into it, wouldn't be a bad strategy.

 

[GBBQ]

With Zindane being appointed as RM manager...i wouldn't be surprised if Pogba might be tempted to leave Man Utd due to the french connection.

I doubt it, not this season at least. They need to spend big on that team and I don't think dropping 150 mil on Pogba (because I can't see us agreeing to sell an in form world cup winning 25 year old with 2 years left on his contract for any less than that) + wages would be the wisest move.

 

[Bestietom]

We need to start quickly with bringing in new players. At least 4 players ( the right ones) are needed this summer, and we must keep building from there.
CB, RB, DM, and a goal scoring RW are needed first.

 

[PoTMS]

One of Dybala or Sancho is a MUST. Alderweireld is a no brainer. Another central midfielder would be nice but not sure who to go for.

 

[ArjenIsM3]

It will be very interesting to see what strategy Ole and the club will use in the transfer market. Obviously with Zidane now back at Real and a massive overhaul of their squad being very likely the prices (certainly those of the top players RM will be interested in, i.e. the likes of Kane, Eriksen, Hazard, but also top talents like De Ligt) will likely go up again. That, combined with the fact that Ole is very much in favour of promoting our youth could very well prompt Woody to be conservative once again. I'd wager Ole will see Tuanzebe as a possible solution to our CB situation and he could very well give Mitchell/Laird a chance at fullback. TFM is a possibility for RB/CDM. Garner/McT for midfield. We have Greenwood and Chong for the attacking spots. Queue "no value in the market".

 

[JoaquinJoaquin]

I just can't see more than 3 coming in unfortunately.

 

[TRUERED89]

That is pure hyperbole.

Exactly!, we need a CB, RB, RW and a replacement for Matic and we'll be fine. City squad £Billion more expensive than ours? behave yourself!

 

[sam147]

So unrealistic...

Yes we are nowhere near Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico or City. That is just tough.

We need to be patient. Prioritise. Spend wisely. We are not going to sign five bona fide first team starters in the summer. Instead of thinking like an entitled child, just hope we can recruit top players in one or two of those positions of need.

Wanting the team you support to sign 3 first teamers and 2 squad player's makes me entitled? 'spend wisely'. Its because of fans with your mentality the Glazers are enabled to penny pinch, we spent 60m last summer and zero in January. Where did that get us? You are happy seeing us outspent by Fulham while Glazers hand out dividends. Ole as a manager is brilliant but a lot of fans have now become deluded with the talent in the academy. Not every youth player will be a top talent. Where is Mcnair, Blackett, Wilson and Borthwick Jackson? Who else did Sir Alex promote to the first team apart from the anomaly of the C092? We shouldnt limit ourselves from signing top players because we are worried about 'Laird and Chong'. By saying we need 1 or 2 signings you are sayng your happy with challenging for the top 4 next season and not challenging for any trophies. Neville knows the quality needed to win a title and he is an objective view point, unlike Ole who will say 1-2 signings to get the contract.

 

[Big Ben Foster]

It will be very interesting to see what strategy Ole and the club will use in the transfer market. Obviously with Zidane now back at Real and a massive overhaul of their squad being very likely the prices (certainly those of the top players RM will be interested in, i.e. the likes of Kane, Eriksen, Hazard, but also top talents like De Ligt) will likely go up again. That, combined with the fact that Ole is very much in favour of promoting our youth could very well prompt Woody to be conservative once again. I'd wager Ole will see Tuanzebe as a possible solution to our CB situation and he could very well give Mitchell/Laird a chance at fullback. TFM is a possibility for RB/CDM. Garner/McT for midfield. We have Greenwood and Chong for the attacking spots. Queue "no value in the market".

Realistically we'll be lucky if even two of those players end up being long-term solutions for us.

 

[ArjenIsM3]

Realistically we'll be lucky if even two of those players end up being long-term solutions for us.

I agree but I think Ole will want to give them a chance.

 

[TRUERED89]

Here's my very unpopular opinion.

I would take Bale in an heartbeat even for 100M euros.

Bale will be 30 in July before he's even kicked a ball for us! very injury prone and inconsistent form! it would be Sanchez Mk II with stupidly high wages again.. Nah I'd take Sancho in a heartbeat!

 

[Snafu17]

Neville's list is comical. Adding two additional CB to the five(six if you count Tuanzebe) we already have, is just an overkill. Sure we'll likely sell Rojo, but the rest are all either youngish or have just signed a contract.

The whole situation is a bit of a mess anyway. We clearly need a top level CB (which Woodward apparently thinks is the only type worth buying, even if it will cost an absolute fortune), but we also extended Jones's contact and I think there's a real possibility Tuanzebe will be promoted to the first team, especially if Ole stays. So, start the season with six (seven if we listen to Neville) CBs (one of which will cost up to 100m €) and throw squad balance through the window I guess.

We clearly don't desperately need a striker either. We have two. We paid shitloads for Lukaku, who can be great when on form. Popping up with goals against smaller teams is a useful skill and he's the only player we have, who has done that consistently in his career. The other one is Rashford, who's a great talent and the whole of English press wanted him to move, when he didn't start regularly at the beginning of the season. Our brightest talent in the academy is also a striker. And Gary wants us to add another one? Why?

We do need a RW (or at least someone who will play from the right, I still think Griezmann could do what Lingard does, but about 10 times better, although that's a pipe dream anyway), and considering we'll likely go for either Sancho or, knowing Woodward, Bale, it will cost an absolute fortune. We also need an offensively competent right back and a CM for depth. Ether that or we roll the dice on Mctominay/Pereira/Dalot/TFM/pray Young won't finally colapse for another year.

RB, RW, CB, CM in order of necessity.