Thomas Meunier

JPRouve

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Your first point is simply wrong, the stats I posted are for open play crosses. whoscored.com shows crosses from open play, corners and free kicks in separate categories and the former cannot be comprised of the latter.
No, they don't. For example Total is at 1.2, crosses at 0.7, corners at 0.4, freekick 0.1 and others 0.4. The different types are superior to the total. Now go to the mach center and chalkboard pick young>passes>cross and you will spot the corners.
 

charlenefan

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Think he would be a good signing but when you could get AWB it screams stupidity to me.

I know we have Dalot but some players you don't pass up imo.
As long as AWB doesn't go elsewhere (and every indication is that Palace want to keep hold of him for at least another season) then we can easily re-evaluate him in a years time

Other than us who is going to be in for AWB and willing to pay the 40-50m Palace would want for him? Doubt City will be looking to replace Walker with him any time soon, Liverpool have Arnold, Spurs certainly wont make a RB their record signing and Arsenal dont have the money either
 

Classical Mechanic

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Every season you get players like AWB having their breakthrough season (remember Milinkovic Savic last season?!) and seemingly everyone wants them. I feel this is a mistake. Meunier is the more sensible signing since he has been tested at a high level for a number of seasons now and can be judged over a longer period of time. Weighing in the price too and the profile of the player (i.e. he's a United fan), it's a no-brainer.

For me AWB would be riskier than Meunier, it all depends on whether AWB can replicate his breakout season form.
AWB, like Sancho, started playing later on in last season and put in amazing performances. Both have continued that form unbroken in their first full seasons. I wouldn't describe this as a 'breakthrough' season for AWB.
 

charlenefan

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AWB, like Sancho, started playing later on in last season and put in amazing performances. Both have continued that form unbroken in their first full seasons. I wouldn't describe this as a 'breakthrough' season for AWB.
Didn't AWB make his debut against us in the 2-3 last season? Remember him standing out by a mile then
 

Classical Mechanic

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Didn't AWB make his debut against us in the 2-3 last season? Remember him standing out by a mile then
He did. There hasn't been a purple patch, he's been putting in crazy stats from day one and hasn't stopped.

My only concern would be if Hodgson's system suits him to a tee and if he can adapt to a more attacking system. AWB would have been perfect for Mourinho.
 

SuperiorXI

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He did. There hasn't been a purple patch, he's been putting in crazy stats from day one and hasn't stopped.

My only concern would be if Hodgson's system suits him to a tee and if he can adapt to a more attacking system. AWB would have been perfect for Mourinho.
It is still not a massive amount of time to judge a player and outlay the millions required to secure the player IMO, it all depends. You have to weigh up the risks of the two. He's obviously a beast on current form, but will he keep it up?
 

JPRouve

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It is still not a massive amount of time to judge a player and outlay the millions required to secure the player IMO, it all depends. You have to weigh up the risks of the two. He's obviously a beast on current form, but will he keep it up?
That's a question that you can and probably should always ask, the key point is whether the potential fee is a mitigating factor. If we don't have to pay top player money then he is probably the better option. The problem with Meunier is pretty much the same, he is probably squad player material and whether he is a good option depends on the fee.
 

settembrini

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No, they don't. For example Total is at 1.2, crosses at 0.7, corners at 0.4, freekick 0.1 and others 0.4. The different types are superior to the total. Now go to the mach center and chalkboard pick young>passes>cross and you will spot the corners.
You aren't making any sense. I posted stats about crossing accuracy. You said they were skewed because of corners. I said they didn't include corners. And your evidence as to why they do is key pass figures? That's completely irrelevant.

If you want proof that the crossing accuracy stat I posted doesn't include set pieces then go to where I got the stats from:
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/8166/Show/Ashley-Young

And look at the totals for the different types of passes in the PL. The accurate crosses is 39, the accurate corners (which you are claiming is INCLUDED in the count for accurate crosses) is 43.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt before when you tried to exaggerate Meunier's attacking stats by not accounting for position but I can't see any reason to do the same here.
 

JPRouve

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You aren't making any sense. I posted stats about crossing accuracy. You said they were skewed because of corners. I said they didn't include corners. And your evidence as to why they do is key pass figures? That's completely irrelevant.

If you want proof that the crossing accuracy stat I posted doesn't include set pieces then go to where I got the stats from:
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/8166/Show/Ashley-Young

And look at the totals for the different types of passes in the PL. The accurate crosses is 39, the accurate corners (which you are claiming is INCLUDED in the count for accurate crosses) is 43.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt before when you tried to exaggerate Meunier's attacking stats by not accounting for position but I can't see any reason to do the same here.
Concerning the accuracy my bad and I'm not trying to exaggerate Meunier's stats, I don't really want him and would prefer AWB or an experienced defender that is actually able to defend.
 

roonster09

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You mean stats like these?

Meunier's crossing accuracy this season: 19%
Young's crossing accuracy this season: 22%

Another blow for Meunier fans in their war against reality :(
Cross completion percentage is meaningless stat. Ball played into dangerous area without attacker getting at the end of it is still a very good cross (but for stats it's a not completed cross). Floated cross with no power, even if it is headed by attacker is still a shit cross.
 

settembrini

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Concerning the accuracy my bad and I'm not trying to exaggerate Meunier's stats, I don't really want him and would prefer AWB or an experienced defender that is actually able to defend.
No problem, I want Wan-Bissaka too :)
 

settembrini

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Cross completion percentage is meaningless stat. Ball played into dangerous area without attacker getting at the end of it is still a very good cross (but for stats it's a not completed cross). Floated cross with no power, even if it is headed by attacker is still a shit cross.
Fair point. I disagree that it's a meaningless stat but we should always be wary of misleading data. In the case of Young though I don't consider him a player who floats in weak crosses, if anything he has the opposite problem and frequently over hits them!
 

laughtersassassin

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As long as AWB doesn't go elsewhere (and every indication is that Palace want to keep hold of him for at least another season) then we can easily re-evaluate him in a years time

Other than us who is going to be in for AWB and willing to pay the 40-50m Palace would want for him? Doubt City will be looking to replace Walker with him any time soon, Liverpool have Arnold, Spurs certainly wont make a RB their record signing and Arsenal dont have the money either
Could easily see city wanting to replace walker. Clear weak link when you watch them. Maybe they wouldn't go for AWB who knows.

Also you never know with Liverpool as Trent is still seen by a lot of people as playing full back until he is ready to come into the midfield. Again who knows though.

40 mil for AWB seems a good deal to me. Won't get cheaper.
 

AllezLesDiables

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Bargain at the alleged price. Fits the PL style of play. Strong at crossing, physical presence, limited defender, technically skilled, has long range scoring ability.

Depends on what United wants to improve but he’s good buy for the money.

Been ace for Belgian NT and he’s an important piece.

Not the fastest, but he’s nowhere near Fabregas/Higuain slow.
 

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Meunier Being called better in attacking threat than Wan Bissaka has put me some question mark. I’m looking at the stats that his biggest output in a season was 4 goals & 4 assists in Ligue 1 17/18. That’s considered low for the hype of his attacking threat. Alves has produced more assists than him both this & last season, & I know last season he played right back.

I watched Wan Bissaka and I must say he’s a very talented right back & I’m certain Sir Alex would have been all over him, quick, can dribble, still young, defensively looks matured and if there is room improvement I think he can improve his attacking output. £40m for him would have been a better option than £20m for Meunier if 4 goals & 4 assists is all his best output in Ligue 1. We are talking about a 40m that gives you a 10 years right back position.
I agree. Don´t buy plasters buy what we want if we can´t don´t bother. I am all for buying Alderweireld as I rate him as a CB and he could actually be a great signing but we need to start buying the right players for the right system to play in their position. Enough of CF playing LW and RW playing RB ect.
 

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Does this guy ever get a game for PSG?

Has anybody actually seen him play.
99 games in 3 seasons, scoring 12 goals. Not bad, for a position for which they actually have 3 options.

I watched him a lot when he was younger at Brugge, and of course for the Belgian NT. As said, he's not the best defender, but is a big upgrade on Young. He never stops running and when I watch him he's always an attacking thread. If Dalot is the big talent he's made out to be, get Meunier.
 

Fer

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It seems the best available choice considering his price. We could improve our defense by signing Alderweireld and Meunier. Also, they have played together tons of times, so that's a positive thing.
 

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Does this guy ever get a game for PSG?

Has anybody actually seen him play.
He is a decent player at RB, he is prone to the occasional great game or brain fart but for the most part he's someone who would be an upgrade for United, but I don't know how much that says about him. I've always liked him, but I prefer now the young Dagba for PSG who is a defensive pest and I think will be a much better RB in the future if he keeps his development going.
 

SilentWitness

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I think we might get him and you will get AWB. You have time to nurture young talents in the way that we do not aka they'll either get snapped up from us after we have developed them or our owners will get bored and stop spending if success doesn't come relatively soon. Aye, you need trophies too but United will always be a big club and I don't think they'll lose their relevance unless this continues for another 10-20 years.

On-topic more...Coleman is 30 now and although he was back to his best at the end of this season I think Silva wants to tie down a set of consistent fullbacks for the next couple of years and he can do that with Meunier and Digne. Rumours are that we are considering letting Kenny go either out on loan or transfer hence the rumours for this deal start to become more real.
 

Lennon7

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How much would Meunier cost? Not read up yet
 

davidmichael

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Personally I’d much prefer Wan-Bissaka over Meunier seeing as Wan-Bissaka has shown himself to be one of the top 5 right backs in the league already and at 21 is only going to get better and more rounded whereas Meunier has never been first choice at PSG and would be coming to a much harder and competitive league.

If Meunier can be signed for £25 million and Wan-Bissaka for £40 million then it shouldn’t even be a question as long term £40 million for a right back for 10 years is nothing in comparison to £25 million for a right back and looking for a replacement in a couple of years, Dalot hasn’t shown enough to prove he’ll be one of the best in the league in a year or two and we’d be better served with Wan-Bissaka and Dalot fighting over the position and having quality strength in depth long term.

These 28-29 year old signings outside of RVP have never served us well post Sir Alex and it’s such short term thinking, we’re constantly looking at replacements a year or so in after making a signing or letting our standards slip by persevering with a player way past their best.
 

The Nani

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I think we might get him and you will get AWB. You have time to nurture young talents in the way that we do not aka they'll either get snapped up from us after we have developed them or our owners will get bored and stop spending if success doesn't come relatively soon. Aye, you need trophies too but United will always be a big club and I don't think they'll lose their relevance unless this continues for another 10-20 years.

On-topic more...Coleman is 30 now and although he was back to his best at the end of this season I think Silva wants to tie down a set of consistent fullbacks for the next couple of years and he can do that with Meunier and Digne. Rumours are that we are considering letting Kenny go either out on loan or transfer hence the rumours for this deal start to become more real.
I’ll be fecking pissed off if that’s the case. You’d easily have the second best set of fullbacks in the league.

And we’d be stuck with two fullbacks known for their defending first. For twice the price.
 

Jammiedodger

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No brainer at that price, Im sick and tired of seeing Young at RB whos only been put there because he lost his pace 5 years ago as a winger.

Meunier is an instant upgrade on anything we have until Dailot is ready. We should aim to get this sorted asap and have one less headache in the transfer window.
 

Zlatattack

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Every season you get players like AWB having their breakthrough season (remember Milinkovic Savic last season?!) and seemingly everyone wants them. I feel this is a mistake. Meunier is the more sensible signing since he has been tested at a high level for a number of seasons now and can be judged over a longer period of time. Weighing in the price too and the profile of the player (i.e. he's a United fan), it's a no-brainer.

For me AWB would be riskier than Meunier, it all depends on whether AWB can replicate his breakout season form.
I agree. We have Dalot and Laird who might develop into great fullbacks. I'd rather get someone like Munier, Trippier, Ricardo Periera or Cancelo who is available at a more reasonable price and would still significantly improve our RB options. In 2 or 3 seasons, if Dalot or Laird live up to expectation, great - otherwise we can pay £50million for a full back then. It's not like AWB is a bargain right now. He's also not a once in a generation talent like De Ligt.
 

Zlatattack

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Bargain at the alleged price. Fits the PL style of play. Strong at crossing, physical presence, limited defender, technically skilled, has long range scoring ability.

Depends on what United wants to improve but he’s good buy for the money.

Been ace for Belgian NT and he’s an important piece.

Not the fastest, but he’s nowhere near Fabregas/Higuain slow.
In my opinion, as long as he's not an actually bad defender, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. If we're playing with a 433 and have the full backs pusing forwards, our CDM ought to drop back and form a back 3 at time when the fullbacks are bombing up.
 

Renegade

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I agree. We have Dalot and Laird who might develop into great fullbacks. I'd rather get someone like Munier, Trippier, Ricardo Periera or Cancelo who is available at a more reasonable price and would still significantly improve our RB options. In 2 or 3 seasons, if Dalot or Laird live up to expectation, great - otherwise we can pay £50million for a full back then. It's not like AWB is a bargain right now. He's also not a once in a generation talent like De Ligt.
Trippier is a liability. His been Spurs weakest link all season. Only positive would be Rashy no longer taking free kicks.
 

charlenefan

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I agree. We have Dalot and Laird who might develop into great fullbacks. I'd rather get someone like Munier, Trippier, Ricardo Periera or Cancelo who is available at a more reasonable price and would still significantly improve our RB options. In 2 or 3 seasons, if Dalot or Laird live up to expectation, great - otherwise we can pay £50million for a full back then. It's not like AWB is a bargain right now. He's also not a once in a generation talent like De Ligt.
You realise both Ricardo and Cancelo would cost as much as AWB and both are at an age that if they were brought in now they would be our long term RB?
 

Havak

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I am pretty sure in thinking that we are going to keep tabling bids for Wan-Bissaka, but if we fail or it's looking too unlikely, we will probably just try to quickly snatch Meunier last minute from Everton. I am confident that Meunier would choose us instead even if we threw a spanner in the works a day before he put pen to paper with Everton, even though he'd likely know he was our second choice.
 

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How much would Meunier cost? Not read up yet
£20m. It makes a lot of sense for United to get him, but it does seem like he's back up for us right now which I'm not sure why. He would provide so much more in attack, and give ample time and opportunity for Dalot/Laird. Wan Bissaka is good, but nowhere close to as good going forward, and buying him basically gives up on Dalot, while also costs out £50m instead of just £20m like Meunier. I'm fine with either, just Meunier makes a lot more sense while making us stronger right away, compared to AWB.
 

Zlatattack

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You realise both Ricardo and Cancelo would cost as much as AWB and both are at an age that if they were brought in now they would be our long term RB?
Yeah i think i was a bit reckless with the prices in mind for those two. Point still stands i reckon.
 

charlenefan

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Yeah i think i was a bit reckless with the prices in mind for those two. Point still stands i reckon.
Not really. If your aim is to not block Dalot or Laird's progress then buying a 25 year old RB isn't the way to go

Meunier at 28 (or will be come September) though is a better age
 

Zlatattack

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Not really. If your aim is to not block Dalot or Laird's progress then buying a 25 year old RB isn't the way to go

Meunier at 28 (or will be come September) though is a better age
Poorly worded on my part, I meant that those two if expensive don't support my point. However it's the cost which is the reason I'd exclude them, not thier age.