Solskjaer target 5 signings; 6 players could leave [BBC, Telegraph, Guardian]

RedTillI'mDead

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5 players in, would be, in today’s market £300m. If we’re talking, straight into the starting line up, make a difference signings.

We have good players, but whilst they’ll be squad players, at the top clubs, they’re regular starters for Manchester United.

We have the financial means, does the board, actually have the appetite to spend the kind of money needed, not only to compete for the title but to be comfortably top 4.

We see the need for getting a RB in. We’re still talking about, replacing Valencia, an ageing 30 something winger, who has been our RB for years, that’s where a lot of our problems stem from.

We’ve replaced a 33yo winger playing right back, with a 33yo winger, who was playing left back.

Playing players, out of position seems to be our forte.

The years from SAF, have been a complete mess, on and off the field. We’ve fallen behind.

It’ll take more than one summer transfer window. I fear we’ll be saying the same things next summer, as we have been in the previous summers.
It's not getting any cheaper...the board should just crack on!
 

TMDaines

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Lee Grant is just a third choice backup to let Periera and Henderson gain experience. It's a very sensible signing.
Yeah. His role is an emergency, safeish pair of hands. You don't want young prospects as your third choice keeper as they won't be playing and won't develop. More and more top sides have a Lee Grant in their ranks.
 

amolbhatia50k

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Hopefully. We sure do need a lot of them. Without a doubt in terms of incomings our biggest summer perhaps ever needed. This isn't one of those summer we can get away with 2 or 3 first team signings.

We will need 4,5,6 depending on if Herrera or anyone else decent goes.

Say we come our of this summer window with a CB and a RW. No matter who we get we will be shagged. Would be a guaranteed fight for top 4 again.

Then the question becomes how many years can we stay just fighting for top 4, cause it has been 6 now.
We need a combination of things. Even 4 of the rights signings but top class coaching will take us in the direction we want to.

I dont believe we will be right up there regardless next season. If we're 5-7 points off the leaders at this time next season while playing quality football I'll be delighted.

5 players in, would be, in today’s market £300m. If we’re talking, straight into the starting line up, make a difference signings.

We have good players, but whilst they’ll be squad players, at the top clubs, they’re regular starters for Manchester United.

We have the financial means, does the board, actually have the appetite to spend the kind of money needed, not only to compete for the title but to be comfortably top 4.

We see the need for getting a RB in. We’re still talking about, replacing Valencia, an ageing 30 something winger, who has been our RB for years, that’s where a lot of our problems stem from.

We’ve replaced a 33yo winger playing right back, with a 33yo winger, who was playing left back.

Playing players, out of position seems to be our forte.

The years from SAF, have been a complete mess, on and off the field. We’ve fallen behind.

It’ll take more than one summer transfer window. I fear we’ll be saying the same things next summer, as we have been in the previous summers.
We may well have to spend 300 million to get 5 players but it's possibile to sign 5 without doing so. We could sign a surprise package or two, get somebody on a free or activate a low release clause. There's lots of possibilities. Question for me is whether we sign the right players and how we develop them. Every player doesnt necessarily have to be a "straight into the starting line up". In fact that has never happened before and will not happen now. It'll always be a mix - like three starters and 2 with potential.
 

JPRouve

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People assume that it's a briefing but when it comes to transfers papers mainly make up things when they aren't working for players' agent.
 

willhse456

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I don't understand why everyone wants Wan-Bissaka, going forward he isn't good enough for a top team. His defensive ability is making him stand out because he plays for Palace. We need someone that can be a reliable attacking outlet.
 

Smores

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In a way there's a silver lining to our recent struggles that it's removed this nonsense of us being a mismanaged title winning squad.

If we'd have carried on our purple patch I'm convinced we'd have under invested again. Now I'm hopeful that we might actually give Ole what he needs, we've moved closer to a decent squad so now the time to complete it.
 

deadrevelz

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Apologies is my post came off as patronising, it's just a bit tiresome to scroll through number of posts talking about Sancho as a done deal almost.. Please read the last few pages of this thread, it seems like people genuinely expect us to sign 250-300 million pounds worth of talent.
Why don't you come up with some examples of who we could sign instead of who we won't?
 

Tony Banta

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We may well have to spend 300 million to get 5 players but it's possibile to sign 5 without doing so. We could sign a surprise package or two, get somebody on a free or activate a low release clause. There's lots of possibilities. Question for me is whether we sign the right players and how we develop them. Every player doesnt necessarily have to be a "straight into the starting line up". In fact that has never happened before and will not happen now. It'll always be a mix - like three starters and 2 with potential.
Of course it’s possible to spend less then £300m, but this team lacks real quality all over the park. To try to bridge the gap to City, because as much as we don’t like it, they’re the ones to catch, the bench mark, they have raised the bar, considerably, we need star quality.

3 starters is a bare minimum. Even these days ‘potential’ costs a pretty penny. My point is, if we want to title challenge, we’ll need first XI players, who’ll make a difference. We lack creativity and goals. Whilst the defence was poor, in conceding 2 against Wolves, we wasn’t clinical enough and that cost us the points.

We have potential in Martial and Rashford, etc. They won’t get us closer to City.
 

Zlatattack

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I am sorry for using the wrong words. What i actually meant there was "bedding in period" if you have 6-7 players in bedding in period. That will only result in disjointed performances. That is the last thing a manager, team and new players want to face at starting of the season. The bigger a club is, more difficult it makes the things for manager, players and team.
No need to apologise, i didn't mean my comment in any negative way. I guess bedding in period makes more sense. If you have 2 or 3 players getting to know everyone elses game and visa versa it might be easier than 5 or 6 doing the same thing. I guess that is based on the idea that the rest of the players already know each others game and the team has some fluidity to it.

I think in the case of our team it won't be so significant. Firstly we don't look all that joint up anyway, and secondly we're very dependent on the left hand side. The moment we get in a RW or a RB who can attack, or even a CM on the right hand side of the pitch who can create, we'll have to shift tactics to stop relying on a regular left hand side overload.
 

Inigo Montoya

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Apologies is my post came off as patronising, it's just a bit tiresome to scroll through number of posts talking about Sancho as a done deal almost.. Please read the last few pages of this thread, it seems like people genuinely expect us to sign 250-300 million pounds worth of talent.
I can't speak for the number of posters who are living in a fantasy world
 

JPRouve

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That's what we should be spending. Spent nothing last year and regressed massively.

If we are to ever get back to being decent then now is as good a time as any.
We spent 80m€ last year and we sold Blind and Johnstone, two players that weren't playing at all. This is getting ridiculous, people aren't even close to reality.
 

laughtersassassin

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We spent 80m€ last year and we sold Blind and Johnstone, two players that weren't playing at all. This is getting ridiculous, people aren't even close to reality.

I'm not saying we will. I'm just saying what we should do! Squad needs a nearly complete overhaul. That is reality.

I'm not saying it will happen.
 

Judas

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I don't understand why everyone wants Wan-Bissaka, going forward he isn't good enough for a top team. His defensive ability is making him stand out because he plays for Palace. We need someone that can be a reliable attacking outlet.
I agree to a certain extent, but if we got the RW sorted, our RB wouldn't have to be quite as influential attacking wise, he'd still have to offer something but the burden would be lessened if we had someone operating on that side who you know actually knew how to attack that part of the pitch.
 

DomesticTadpole

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10:50
Solskjaer to go on 'scouting mission this weekend'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be in position to watch Barcelona this weekend, according to reports.

Mundo Deportivo, suggest the Norwegian will travel to the Nou Camp this weekend to watch Barca take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga.


(Image: Getty Images)
 

Inigo Montoya

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10:50
Solskjaer to go on 'scouting mission this weekend'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be in position to watch Barcelona this weekend, according to reports.

Mundo Deportivo, suggest the Norwegian will travel to the Nou Camp this weekend to watch Barca take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga.


(Image: Getty Images)
It's Partey time!
 

JPRouve

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I'm not saying we will. I'm just saying what we should do! Squad needs a nearly complete overhaul. That is reality.

I'm not saying it will happen.
We don't need a complete overhaul, we need a controlled a sensible progression. The following team as whole was good when fit: De Gea; Young; Lindelof; Jones; Shaw; Herrera; Matic; Pogba; Lingard; Rashford; Martial.
If we had any sort of common sense we wouldn't go into an overhaul but improve things incrementally. I personally would target RB, LW/RW and CM as the first positions to strengthen because I believe that it's where the biggest difference can be made.

If I was the DOF I would go after Rabiot, rodri/Partey, an attacker(preferably left footed) and an experienced RB, if big outgoing transfers are made then I would add targets in the corresponding positions but it's not something that I would seek. 2020 would see a focus on adding competition with at least one signing per line.
 

yamo123x

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It is obvious we need an overhaul, 5 out will be the maximum for sure, and i think we will only bring in 4 players and then promote Greenwood, Gomes and Garner.

Valencia will go
Darmian- surely has to go
Rojo / Bailly - one of these will leave
Herrera- looks like he is off too
Sanchez- given the wages and his lack of contribution he will go too surely.

Could get rid of Smalling, Young and Fred too but i think they will stick around. I still think Fred has more to offer with good players around him.

I then think we will bring in a centre back, a right back ,a central midfielder and a wide player. Hoping we go for the below

Centre back options---De ligt

Full back--Wan Bissaka seems nailed on

Central Midfield- Ndombele (lyon)

Forward- Sancho or Hudson Odoi
 

SER19

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No we are not. This is as worse as the other guy saying we are at Everton level. They are very good counter attacking side and their style of play suits playing vs stronger teams with all the space to counter attack. They are not better than us.
To clarify, I mean they are better at what they aim to do then we are at whatever it is we aim to do. I don't think it's controversial or 'as bad' as anything. For more than half the season we looked like strangers, then we improved, and now we look woefully disjointed again. Wolves for example look very consistent in style and set up, incredibly well drilled and all on the same page with great spirit. They are a better team right now
 

r0663664

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I don't think Glazer will ever sanction 300mil of transfer fee. They will probably only sanction 100mil. Ole got raise the rest selling players. Yes, we could get 4-6 players and that's mean letting Pogba go which I am fine. With many players leaving Rojo, Valencia, Herrera, Mata, Sanchez, Pogba, Darmian and others. Youth players will be promoted to XI, the Utd way.
 

Bastian

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That's just it. If you were truly just going about your business trying to get us actually better in the footballing sides of things you wouldn't be out in the media making absolutely wildly unrealistic claims about transfer targets. Not a single one of those targets mentioned in this thread will actually sign for us. Our signings over the past 10 years mostly have been the plan b/c/d signings that we got our hands on because we couldn't really get our main signings. I think Pogba, sanchez and Martial have been the ONLY signings that were legitimately 'plan A'.

CHO, Sancho, Koulibaly and Varane???
Ffs :lol: Ed sure knows how to keep the money flowing with optimism. He doesn't really care about our football. Why should he?
Yeah, I think you're right there. Maybe not the manager's plan A, but Woodward's. At least with regards to Sanchez.

I still think we'll have the busiest transfer window we've had with Woodward at the helm, maybe not as many players as the first season with LVG, but presumably the most money spent and quite a few cut loose.

If things go to shit next season (and in the summer) I can see all the ex-players uniting in a chorus spelling out Woodward's ineptitude.
 

OneLoveMUFC

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We can't fix all our issues in one window and it would be imprudent of us to try and do so. Not everyone we might want/need will be available or for the right economics so we may have to wait rather than force through 2nd/3rd alternative. Therefore we need a proper plan in place about what system/football we want to play, Ole and Co to identify those players in the squad who simply cannot play that type of system and begin the cull from there.

Two of those that I thought we might have let go, Jones and Young, have signed new contracts so I imagine Herrera, Mata plus two or three (from Darmian, Valencia, Rojo) will leave and a similar number come in. Perhaps 1 or 2 ins and out in the winter window, as hard as it is, and another 4 or 5 next summer. That should get us to a stage of 8 new faces come the start of next season.

I don't know how others feel but we have gone down the mercenary route and tried to blow competing offers out of the water in terms of wages. I'd like us to get back to the approach we had under SAF where the pull is to play for MUFC and not the fact you are getting paid £20k a week more than you can get at another club. We might not be as successful as we were, which might mean we miss out on a few names where Money > Anything else but in the longer run I can't see how that hurts us. Im not saying big players don't deserve big wages but you join MUFC because you have a one track mind to do so.
 

tieunhilang

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We might not be as successful as we were, which might mean we miss out on a few names where Money > Anything else but in the longer run I can't see how that hurts us. Im not saying big players don't deserve big wages but you join MUFC because you have a one track mind to do so.
That is pure romanticism. The only case in which you have players going that far for us is that player coming through from our own academy, and even that is doubtful. See Pogba.
 

RasTiaGba

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I'm glad we could potentially see 6 players leaving.

If Manchester United had more efficient wage expenditure, we would probably have a higher chance of winning the CL in future.
 

Kemizee

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If they really want us to get back to the top - I'm pretty sure they will realise we need more than 2 players mate.
There lies the million dollar question.
How ambitious are they and what do they think is acceptable for a club of our stature?

Untill we see a wholehearted commitment from the owners to see us become the best in England and one of the best in Europe, then I will continue to pay no attention to their transfer media briefings which mean feck all in essence.
 

Bill Hartzia

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Clearing up the likes of Mata, Darmian, Valencia, Rojo, Jones, Young and even Alexis and Lingard would be a step in the right direction and even if we don't buy anyone I'd be fecking relieved. All of them are stealing a living from this club.
Harsh on Lingard in my view, he's proven a scorer of significant goals. He'd be good to keep as a squad player. Bit mean re Mata also, he's not been a complete waste. Agree on Darmian, Valencia, Rojo, Jones, Young and even Alexis, which is a shame as I thought he'd be gold. Instead of which, he's been pyrite.
 

Kaglish10

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Central back: Alderweireld (25mil), Zagadou (40mil), Lindelof, Smalling.

Left back: Shaw, Dalot, O'Connor.

Right back: Dalot, O'Connor, Laird

Holding midfield role: Van De Beek (30mil), Matic, MCTominay.

Central midfield: Maddison (40 mil), Grealish (25 mil), MCTominay, Fred, Perriera.

Right wing: Maddison, Lingard, Adam Ounas (20 mil).

Left wing: Martial, Adam Ounas, Lingard.

Central forward: Rashford, Lukaku, Greenwood.

I know some would question some of my options such as Grealish but let's not forget he's been doing quite well in the championship since last season and let's not forget that the likes of Neves and Maddison who also did well in the championship last season have had no difficulty with the intensity of the EPL and have been doing quite well for their respective clubs so far. Besides, Grealish is no stranger to the EPL. He was once highly rated as one of the top young midfield talent after he had dominated City midfield comprises of Yaya Toure and David Silva and also, Liverpool midfield comprises of Coutinho, Henderson and Steven Gerrard before the screw in his head went nuts but at least, he's back to his sanity and his best once again. We shouldn't also forget about players such as Dele Alli, Liverpool's Robertson, Maddison were all snatched off from the lower English league. Even the likes of Vardy, Kane, Mahrez were once playing in the championship at one time.

As for Adam Ounas, he's another trouble kid who once clashed with his coach at Bordeaux but prior to that, he was highly rated. He's become cool headed after he was given a reality check. From his few appearances at his new club, Napoli, he's been solid and was Napoli's best player, especially whenever he's been deployed in his best role, which is the right wing. The likes of Insigne and other older Napoli forwards have been rightly keeping him out of the team but he's been solid whenever he's called upon. I feel we should take a punt on him. He's definitely going to offer something valuable to our squad, pending the time Sancho eventually becomes available. Ounas with his flashy style, pace and crossing skill would do better than Lingard on the right for us.

No use in introducing Maddison. He's been doing quite well at Leicester and has a terrific cross whipping skill, similar to that of de bruyne. Just like the latter, he can operate in the central midfield, attacking midfield and on the right wing. His technique under pressure looks good as well as his vision. He's no slouch while defending too. I feel he will eventually end up as a central midfielder like David Silva because he's of similar mould. Another bonus is he's English and unlikely to leave us by the time he hit his prime. Likewise Grealish.

Zagadou has been one of Dortmund's best defender, if not the best this season. He was fantastic against Bayern and didn't give Lewandoski any space in the last Dortmund clash against Bayern. He was also the reason Dortmund crumbled against Spurs in the first leg match which happened as soon as he left the pitch after he got injured. He's left footed which means he can take over our left side of the defence and most importantly, he's a ball playing defender and terrific in the air which is our achilles (apart from Smalling who's quite good in the air). Having him beside Alderweireld in our central defence would be fantastic.

Lastly, I don't see why one of O'Connor and Laird or both can't make the step up for us as regard to our fullback roles. There's no use in splashing funds on another young talent when we have our own.

The likes of Mata, Herrera, Young, Jones, Rojo, Darmain, Bailly, Valencia, Sanchez should all leave. Likewise Pogba if he doesn't want to stay at the club. We shouldn't be held to ransom by mercenaries.
 
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KingMinger22

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I don't think you get 5 first team players for £300m if you want them to be top quality.

Sancho will cost half that.
 

KingMinger22

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I would love us to snap up the best English youngster we can...

Sancho
CHO (tough one)
Wan Bissaka
Rice

Even if one or two of them don't work out, they will have a good resale value that would recuperate most of our money most likely.
 
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VP89

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I don't think you get 5 first team players for £300m if you want them to be top quality.

Sancho will cost half that.
Sancho 150
Alderweirald 25
Rabiot free
Varane 100m

Is the best I came up with. The above would be upgrades on what we have I reckon. Still short of a right back and another midfielder in my opinion.
 

goin4glory

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I like the outline of the plan that's been leaked. But Woodward needs to be working on deals NOW so he isn't caught out in the summer. Speak to Alderweireld's agent and make a deal, then pay spurs the buyout clause and it's finished nice and simple. Sancho and Wan Bissaka seem like obvious buys given talent/age/nationality. Those 3 would be a great start. A CM partner for Pogba is the next priroity. Eriksen/Ndombele please.
 

Bwuk

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Sancho isn’t costing anyone 150m.

No one is paying that for him.
 

goin4glory

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I don't understand why everyone wants Wan-Bissaka, going forward he isn't good enough for a top team. His defensive ability is making him stand out because he plays for Palace. We need someone that can be a reliable attacking outlet.
Just like Kante's defensive ability made him stand out for Leicester?

Are you aware of the numbers WB is putting up? He's number 2 in the premier league for tackles. Number 1 RB in the league for interceptions and as for attacking he averages 1.8 dribbles a game, which to put into context is more than Walker/Trent/Trippier/Cesar combined.
 

goin4glory

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Central back: Alderweireld (25mil), Zagadou (40mil), Lindelof, Smalling.

Left back: Shaw, Dalot, O'Connor.

Right back: Dalot, O'Connor, Laird

Holding midfield role: Van De Beek (30mil), Matic, MCTominay.

Central midfield: Maddison (40 mil), Grealish (25 mil), MCTominay, Fred, Perriera.

Right wing: Maddison, Lingard, Adam Ounas (20 mil).

Left wing: Martial, Adam Ounas, Lingard.

Central forward: Rashford, Lukaku, Greenwood.

I know some would question some of my options such as Grealish but let's not forget he's been doing quite well in the championship since last season and let's not forget that the likes of Neves and Maddison who also did well in the championship last season have had no difficulty with the intensity of the EPL and have been doing quite well for their respective clubs so far. Besides, Grealish is no stranger to the EPL. He was once highly rated as one of the top young midfield talent after he had dominated City midfield comprises of Yaya Toure and David Silva and also, Liverpool midfield comprises of Coutinho, Henderson and Steven Gerrard before the screw in his head went nuts but at least, he's back to his sanity and his best once again. We shouldn't also forget about players such as Dele Alli, Liverpool's Robertson, Maddison were all snatched off from the lower English league. Even the likes of Vardy, Kane, Mahrez were once playing in the championship at one time.

As for Adam Ounas, he's another mental player who once clashed with his coach at Bordeaux but prior to that, he was highly rated and from his few appearances at his new club, Napoli, he's been solid and was Napoli's best player, especially whenever he's been deployed in his best role, which is the right wing. The likes of Insigne and other older Napoli forwards have been rightly keeping him out of the team but he's been solid whenever he's called upon. I feel we should take a punt on him. He's definitely going to offer something valuable to our squad, pending the time Sancho eventually becomes available. Ounas with his flashy style, pace and crossing skill would do better than Lingard on the right for us.

No use in introducing Maddison. He's been doing quite well at Leicester and has a terrific cross whipping skill, similar to that of de bruyne. Just like the latter, he can operate in the central midfield, attacking midfield and on the right wing. His technique under pressure looks good as well as his vision. He's no slouch while defending too. I feel he will eventually end up as a central midfielder like David Silva because he's of similar mould. Another bonus is he's English and unlikely to leave us by the time he hit his prime. Likewise Grealish.

Zagadou has been one of Dortmund's best defender, if not the best this season. He was fantastic against Bayern and didn't give Lewandoski any space in the last Dortmund clash against Bayern. He was also the reason Dortmund crumbled against Spurs in the first leg match which happened as soon as he left the pitch after he got injured. He's left footed which means he can take over our left side of the defence and most importantly, he's a ball playing defender and terrific in the air which is our achilles (apart from Smalling who's quite good in the air). Having him beside Alderweireld in our central defence would be fantastic.

Lastly, I don't see why one of O'Connor and Laird or both can't make the step up for us as regard to our fullback roles. There's no use in splashing funds on another young talent when we have our own.

The likes of Mata, Herrera, Young, Jones, Rojo, Darmain, Bailly, Valencia, Sanchez should all leave. Likewise Pogba if he doesn't want to stay at the club. We shouldn't be held to ransom by mercenaries.
This is one of the worst posts I've ever seen and that's saying something

Zagadou has played 14 games this season but he's Dortmund's best defender? Adam Ounas who can't even get in the Napoli team? Grealish? This type of stuff is why we desperately need the newbie system back.