Woodward's summer objectives

[0le]

Only problem is if we can't hire someone until deep into summer, when it would be too late for the new DoF to actually affect the new season. So whatever happens, Woodward will be in control of most decisions this summer I think.

I think the problem is deeper because myself, as well as I suspect many other fans, believe that Woodward isn't even looking for someone to take over the football operations.

 

[deadrevelz]

Are you suggesting we've never done that before?

Not for the previous 20 years and not when we have been the richest club in the world, no.

 

[Ekeke]

Not for the previous 20 years and not when we have been the richest club in the world, no.

What does being the richest club in the world have to do with it? Are you suggesting we arent the same club we used to be?

 

[deadrevelz]

Let's be real? Yeah those moments like Giggs in the FA Cup semi final against Arsenal, Hughes volley against Oldham, Cantona in the Final against Chelsea, Cantona's volley against Liverpool in 96, Robins away at Forest, 3-3 against Palace in the final and then Lee Martin's winner in the replay, Whiteside against Everton.

Hey I suppose Robson and turning over a 2-0 deficit against Barca in the Cup Winners Cup means sod all because you know, not a "Major" trophy so lets get real.

Do me a favour lad jesus

I think the Cup Winners Cup and FA Cup with Whiteside was before we had won the league with Fergie, so obviously great achievements. The rest I remember and enjoyed immensely. But football has moved on and the FA Cup isn't valued as highly. I'm just stating the obvious here, which is that top clubs don't measure themselves by domestic trophies and 2nd tier Euro cups.
For the record, I still enjoy domestic cup runs, especially since Arsenal overtook our FA Cup haul.

 

[Majima]

Let's be real? Yeah those moments like Giggs in the FA Cup semi final against Arsenal, Hughes volley against Oldham, Cantona in the Final against Chelsea, Cantona's volley against Liverpool in 96, Robins away at Forest, 3-3 against Palace in the final and then Lee Martin's winner in the replay, Whiteside against Everton.

Hey I suppose Robson and turning over a 2-0 deficit against Barca in the Cup Winners Cup means sod all because you know, not a "Major" trophy so lets get real.

Do me a favour lad jesus

You're completely missing the point. I believe he meant it in the way that we may have won the FA cup under LVG & Europa/League cup under Mourinho which yes were good at the time but we weren't challenging for the top honors in those periods. We finished outside the top 4 in both of those seasons. Were those classed as successful seasons for Manchester United?

Let's stick to the very real fact that it's been 6 years and counting since we properly challenged for the league/CL with no end in sight.

For Manchester United, that is unacceptable. We have the largest revenues in the world and are the 'biggest club in the world' as Woody likes to remind us of.

 

[haram]

Well the 100 million we didn’t spend last summer should be available this summer on top of the budget we have anyway. Somehow I feel like that is not going to happen.

250 million budget and some player sales on top of that. If we really want to get shit done in the market this summer, we can.

 

[deadrevelz]

What does being the richest club in the world have to do with it? Are you suggesting we arent the same club we used to be?

Not sure what you aren't getting... it's a matter of expectation. You referenced a time when United went many years without winning the league or European cup. Yes, I am aware. But Fergie changed the club into one of the world's biggest during his time. He practically tripled the league titles and European cups. The club has probably increased its value by 10x financially.
The idea that a club of this size should have the same expectations as United did in 1986 as ridiculous. Or maybe you are happy seeing the club used as the Glazer's piggybank?

 

[deadrevelz]

You're completely missing the point. I believe he meant it in the way that we may have won the FA cup under LVG & Europa/League cup under Mourinho which yes were good at the time but we weren't challenging for the top honors in those periods. We finished outside the top 4 in both of those seasons. Were those classed as successful seasons for Manchester United?

Let's stick to the very real fact that it's been 6 years and counting since we properly challenged for the league/CL with no end in sight.

For Manchester United, that is unacceptable. We have the largest revenues in the world and are the 'biggest club in the world' as Woody likes to remind us of.

Exactly. And the constant smug bragging of Woodward about our finances is just salt in the wound. The club should do the talking on the pitch.

 

[sam147]

If we were serious we would already have confirmed a signing. Its going to be another farce of a summer. Woodward is a complete ignoramus. What is the point waiting until the summer to appoint a DOF? How will anyone have the time to assess the squad and to identify players. His decision making makes zero sense. Sadly, I cant see us appointing a DOF and if we do it will be a fall guy for Woodward. Ole also seems happy to play along with this, I hope that changes once he has a contract and the window opens. Also fans are now enabling this with a weird fixation on youth. People dont want us to sign a two forwards because it will block the path for 'Chong' or a young RB because we have Laird. This is nonsense and Woodward supports this kind of thinking. If a youth player is good enough they'll make a space for themselves, if not they'll end up like the Mcnairs and Blacketts.

 

[the chameleon]

If we were serious we would already have confirmed a signing. Its going to be another farce of a summer. Woodward is a complete ignoramus. What is the point waiting until the summer to appoint a DOF? How will anyone have the time to assess the squad and to identify players. His decision making makes zero sense. Sadly, I cant see us appointing a DOF and if we do it will be a fall guy for Woodward. Ole also seems happy to play along with this, I hope that changes once he has a contract and the window opens. Also fans are now enabling this with a weird fixation on youth. People dont want us to sign a two forwards because it will block the path for 'Chong' or a young RB because we have Laird. This is nonsense and Woodward supports this kind of thinking. If a youth player is good enough they'll make a space for themselves, if not they'll end up like the Mcnairs and Blacketts.

This 100%!

 

[the chameleon]

Woodward is taking fans for mugs. It doesn't seem like anything is happening.

If we have a similar summer window to 2018, I think fans will have to start aggressively protesting.

Some might say, relax that we are only in May!

No!

We've had some disastrous decisions under Woodward's watch. We can't just sit there and watch completely ruin this club.

Feck no!

 

[iammemphis]

Serious title challenge next season. Close to 1st and 2nd a must. 1/4s or Semis in FA Cup and Champions League.

A world class right back.
A potential world class CB.
Sancho or Hudson-Odoi.

Offload Sanchez and a few other fringe players. Renew De Gea. Then I’m happy.

 

[Ekeke]

Not sure what you aren't getting... it's a matter of expectation. You referenced a time when United went many years without winning the league or European cup. Yes, I am aware. But Fergie changed the club into one of the world's biggest during his time. He practically tripled the league titles and European cups. The club has probably increased its value by 10x financially.
The idea that a club of this size should have the same expectations as United did in 1986 as ridiculous. Or maybe you are happy seeing the club used as the Glazer's piggybank?

I think we need to not rush things and mess them up.

As long as we're back on track and looking good for a 2nd place finish I dont mind it taking another 2 years to win the title.

 

[Ekeke]

You're completely missing the point. I believe he meant it in the way that we may have won the FA cup under LVG & Europa/League cup under Mourinho which yes were good at the time but we weren't challenging for the top honors in those periods. We finished outside the top 4 in both of those seasons. Were those classed as successful seasons for Manchester United?

Let's stick to the very real fact that it's been 6 years and counting since we properly challenged for the league/CL with no end in sight.

For Manchester United, that is unacceptable. We have the largest revenues in the world and are the 'biggest club in the world' as Woody likes to remind us of.

Yes we have. And it might be another 6 years if we rush and mess it up again.

 

[lolok]

My point is that Woodward is largely responsible for the problems I mentioned, so he should be the one to fix them.

Wishful thinking that Ed is capable of fixing the problems that he created. He is out of his depth.

 

[deadrevelz]

I think we need to not rush things and mess them up.

As long as we're back on track and looking good for a 2nd place finish I dont mind it taking another 2 years to win the title.

Me too mate. I'm just blowing off some steam ranting at the greed/ineptitude of Woodward and co. Partly the boredom of international week.

 

[Ekeke]

Me too mate. I'm just blowing off some steam ranting at the greed/ineptitude of Woodward and co. Partly the boredom of international week.

That I can understand.

 

[GM K]

Interesting.

I thought firing LVG and then Jose was going to fix our problems.

Now that we have our 'dream' manager, the real issues are getting exposed.

I'll be delighted to be proven wrong but Ed Woodward will just go for a big name buy (or two), we the fans will get excited and then the cycle will continue. Especially if by some good fortune, we make the CL final. That will encourage Woodward to continue in the same path.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

If we were serious we would already have confirmed a signing. Its going to be another farce of a summer. Woodward is a complete ignoramus. What is the point waiting until the summer to appoint a DOF? How will anyone have the time to assess the squad and to identify players. His decision making makes zero sense. Sadly, I cant see us appointing a DOF and if we do it will be a fall guy for Woodward. Ole also seems happy to play along with this, I hope that changes once he has a contract and the window opens. Also fans are now enabling this with a weird fixation on youth. People dont want us to sign a two forwards because it will block the path for 'Chong' or a young RB because we have Laird. This is nonsense and Woodward supports this kind of thinking. If a youth player is good enough they'll make a space for themselves, if not they'll end up like the Mcnairs and Blacketts.

Remember that they would do a "thorough" process in identifying a DoF and what that role should cover, so expect to get news this time next season. I do fear we will see the same clueless approach to how this club operates in the transfermarket this summer and until we get a DoF (if we get one). And as long as Woodward++ are continuing to oversee transfers and contracts we will continue to give mediocre players long and large contracts, making them difficult to sell, we will continue to buy players that does not justify their price, we will continue to have over (arguably) 50% of the squad not having the ability to contribute or in any way justifying their wage....


Laird, to be frank, is the one most likely to become really good (after Greenwood ofc), so could have mentioned other players.

 

[deadrevelz]

Interesting.

I thought firing LVG and then Jose was going to fix our problems.

Now that we have our 'dream' manager, the real issues are getting exposed.

I'll be delighted to be proven wrong but Ed Woodward will just go for a big name buy (or two), we the fans will get excited and then the cycle will continue. Especially if by some good fortune, we make the CL final. That will encourage Woodward to continue in the same path.

It fixed two problems.

 

[UnrelatedPsuedo]

What is the expectation for next season? Title challenge? Top 4? Domestic cups?

Just fecking win something. Yes, the league cup counts. Win something. That’s what we need to do.

If we’re good enough to win something, finishing in a satisfying league position should be a bi-product. It’s rarely not the case.

Or simpler...
- Regularly Smash the shit out of teams worse than us.
- Often beat teams better than us.

 

[DSG]

No one is discussing the possibility that Pogba may leave.... I don't think it is likely, but it is possible.

We need to get back to our roots: buy young talent mostly, pepper it with a few youngish veterans.

I think we are looking at a net 200m spend at least. One superstar or potential superstar and two to three solid additions.

I do think that, unlike Jose, we will promote more youth into the first team and let them fight for playing time. Chong, Greenwood, etc.

Do we think Dalot can legitimately challenge to be first choice RB? Do we have to replace Herrera? Pogba?

 

[UnrelatedPsuedo]

More hospital visits and PR for him then.

We don’t actually have an official hospital sponsor... could be a big summer. Bale having his medical at Manchester Hospital, our new A&E sponsor... he never leaves.

 

[Lentwood]

I would imagine it's the usual;

- jet around the globe signing up official noodle and tractor partners
- undermine manager by releasing statements to the press about why none of their transfer targets are good enough (in his learned opinion)
- at the same time, whisper to same journo's that we are 'in talks' to sign Varane, Bale and Greizmann
- bring in player on big money we don't need with lots of likes on Instagram and also 'one for the future' who will form the backbone of our 'underachievers XI' for the next ten years
- fail to sign RB, fail to sign RW

 

[ForestRGoinUp]

Yeah but how many deals actually happen at this time of year though, especially big ones. We are not even sure who will be our manager next season.

Three promising CBs have already agreed deals, with De Ligt likely not far behind. We need a CB (not to say these 4 were on the radar but still)

And one of the most promising young DMs in the world has already been signed. Another position we need (again not to say we were after him)

Considering we have as much or more work to do this summer than any of those clubs, it would be comforting to know we are at least keeping up the pace. It looks more like an omen that we'll be left picking up the scraps come July.

 

[breakout67]

I have a hunch that David Moyes was the fall guy for Ed Woodward. Dithering Dave might have given him some targets with plenty of time to get them but Woodward had no clue how the transfer market works and so messed it all up.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

I think we are looking at a net 200m spend at least.

We could buy a team almost capable of challenging for top 4 with £200m(not included agent and sign on fees.):

GK: Jack Butland £15m
RB: Meunier £20m (contract ends 2020)
CB: Alderweireld £25m clause
CB: David Luiz £0
LB: Kieran Thierney £30m.
CDM: Rabiot £0
CM: Julian Brandt £21m clause
CM: Pellegrini £22m clause
RW: Suso £ 32m clause
LW: Sarabia £15m clause
ST: Borja Iglesias £22m clause
Total: £202m

 

[el3mel]

Yeah but how many deals actually happen at this time of year though, especially big ones. We are not even sure who will be our manager next season.

As I said several times in other threads, transfer window in premier league this summer gonna close on Aug 8th. That's about 2 months only of transfer business or so. If you're not prepared before it starts you'll be totally fecked in this summer, especially with how many positions we want to cover.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

As I said several times in other threads, transfer window in premier league this summer gonna close on Aug 8th. That's about 2 months only of transfer business or so. If you're not prepared before it starts you'll be totally fecked in this summer, especially with how many positions we want to cover.

And most deals are more or less agreed long before the season is over, and most big clubs will already have started talks (only lacking a signature) with the players they want.
Since we do not have a manager in place yet, DoF is nowhere to be seen and some key players are yet to resign....... We must simply assume that Woody got everything under control. None of the players we might be going after this summer have agreed to other clubs (since no well functioning club does their business before the transfer window opens) or gotten new contracts, thus making them more expensive+++.

 

[Pughnichi]

My football manager brain would get rid of Sanchez, Mata, Valencia, Rojo, Darmian to free up wages for BOTH Sancho and Hudson-Odoi.

Attacking group of Rashford, Martial, Lukaku, Sancho, Hudson-Odoi, Pogba, Lingard, Greenwood. Epic

 

[JohnnyKills]

We've brought in about 100 new scouts over the last couple of years. Surely it's time we used them?

 

[All 3 United]

Woodward should be no where near any transfers, the most important change we need to make is the appointment of a DOF, keeping Woodward away from ALL football decisions.

 

[48 hours]

Genius. The Kaiser is not sufficient a title for such a leader. The Sultan? The Governor?

The Edperor?

 

[purgethefallen]

Scrap the DOF idea, buy Bale for £100m and let Herrera go on a free.

No thanks.

Spend the £100m on Sancho or de Ligt (preferably both).

Youth to go forwards not someone past their best.

 

[purgethefallen]

We must challenge for the league. Simple as. This whole year fans have been wishing for city to stop Liverpool. How depressing is that. We can't continue anymore like this.
Massive questions will be asked of this board if we don't back the manager with signings.

Unfortunately, it will take more than one transfer window to achieve that, especially with Ed Woodenhead at the helm.

 

[wolvored]

I got a feeling we will spend big this summer. New manager and possible DOF (could be already done but tied to another club till end of the season). We may already have deals 1/2 done, but not being announced till the manager has been announced. If not and its like last summer, all bluff and bluster, then the alternative isnt worth thinking about, unless it means the Glazers are thinking of selling up.

 

[purgethefallen]

True, this is Manchester United, where you don't go 6 years without challenging for the league or Champions League.

Thank God you and a lot of other younger posters weren't around after Sir Matt retired, this place would need a direct line to the Samaritans.

 

[glazed]

The Edperor?

Old Iron balls? The Duke? Simply Big Ed?

 

[Crustanoid]

Woodys priority must be to step away from anything to do with football decisions

 

[cyril C]

Top 3/title challenge
Positive campaign in Europe
1 Domestic Cup

Which is a bigger challenge, above or getting rid of Sanchez?