No chance of top 4 after incompetently handled transfer window ft 1000000% more tears and drama

[Stubble]

One quality midfield signing and we would have been good to go, as it is its a massive missed opportunity - a couple of MF injuries (or a Pogba injury) and we're completely stuffed even for the 5th/6th place i expect we will achieve. Can't fathom it really this must be obvious to the club but they sat on their hands when suitable players and funds were available.
If everyone remains fit and some youngsters step up 4th is do-able but we all know an injury crises strikes us every year and we now have Europa to contend with .. the omens are not good but lets see where we are at Xmas..

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Not sure why the club didn't bring in another attacker. When Lukaku was actually doing his job in 17/18, Utd ended 2nd in the league. Then he turned to absolute shit and Utd lost out on top 4. Not a coincidence.

United really needed an extra goalscorer IMO to share the responsibility with Martial, Rashford and Lingard.

Lingard needed a very good season anyway and now that Lukaku is gone and we haven't replaced him and now he needs an even better one , Lingard's numbers from last season need to drastically improve as 4 goal in the League is nowhere near enough.

 

[Stacks]

bye then , you sound like the muppets on Facebook, who think the job can be done in one window.
Not having CL football has hurt, but we have improved and I have faith in the players we have.
Admittedly not replacing Lukaku could come back and hurt us, but lets wait and see , but seems you have made you mind up already.

We finished 6 pts off top 4 so it wouldnt have taken much to solidify our place in CL places. Instead we strengthened one area and weakened 2 so have now the real risk of sliding down the table. Spurs and Arsenal did good business. Some teams behind us also.........That's not a rebuild. That's destruction

 

[Stubble]

Club must be counting on Greenwood stepping up or Sanchez coming good and contributing those extra goals we'll need with the (necessary) loss of Lukaku..
That really could be the definition of 'wishful thinking' ..

 

[lysglimt]

We are going to need them to improve significantly on their best tallies, as I think 10 goals each from Martial and Rashford is poor statistically. I expect them both get at least 15 in league each or we will be nowhere near good enough to get into to top 4.

Marcus Rashford played a total of 35 matches and scored 10 goals - on paper that doesn't sound too good. But he only played 2362 because he was frequently used as a sub by Mourinho - so in reality he only played about 26 matches. He is likely to play every game he is fit this season - he will score more than 10 goals.

Anthony Martial played a total of 1627 minutes and scored 10 goals - he too is likely to play a lot more this season. Last year he played the equivalent to 18 full matches and scored 10 goals. So if they are equally efficient - they are likely to both score 5-6 goals more this season.

 

[VorZakone]

Lingard needed a very good season anyway and now that Lukaku is gone and we haven't replaced him and now he needs an even better one , Lingard's numbers from last season need to drastically improve as 4 goal in the League is nowhere near enough.

Agree. Liverpool last season had 3 attackers scoring above 10 goals. Salah and Mane scored 22 goals, Firmino 12.

Lukaku while shit still managed 12 goals last season. 4 simply isn't acceptable for Lingard this season.

 

[welshwingwizard]

Exactly, the main issue is depth otherwise the defense is improved and the rest is the same with potential improvements from young players being older/more developed and two new options on the right.

I too agree.

However it should be noted that people are also making the assumption that Ole will trust youth. More in hope and idealism than based on evidence. Apart from this pre-season, I actually thought he was hugely conservative with young players last year. He talked about them but actually kept on using the same unsuccessful older players and only when it wasn't really feasible for us to make top four did he throw the youth in.

I hope I'm wrong but I am worried that a couple or losses and he will resort to the safe options who ultimately don't work.

I also don't think James is ready yet. He could be dangerous on the left but he 100% isn't a right winger and I don't know why people are sure he can just switch over and be great there. The pre-season performances showed he can't do that. I think Greenwood is the best bet there.

 

[Chunk of hope]

no doubt the op was buzzing when we signed Fred !

Plus we played decent stuff on tour without Rom and a new cm, lets give the lads with new contracts like Andreas the chance to prove instead of always wanting mega fecking big deal signings.


End off!

 

[welshwingwizard]

7th-10th is my prediction for this season. Watch this space.

I think by virtue of the defence that won't be possible. If de gea returns to form that is such a strong back 5 we will be really tough to beat and that is a great foundation.

We won't be competitive though because we will struggle to score enough. I predict a lot of low scoring games.

 

[Lmarco]

Pogba effectively has three years because we hold the option to trigger a further 12 month extension.

I can't seem him staying at United past Euro 2020 to be honest. He'll be 27, having stayed 4 years at Juventus and 4 years at Man Utd. He won't stay forever if there's no title and also no Champions League with at least some real performances in this competition. He won two titles in first year back here, then runner up in PL was at least a honest result with another final, but last year was atrocious, not sure he could do with another one like this. And we don't know how the option can be triggered, it might be automatic if qualified for the UCL or an option to be discussed between both parties. Maybe it would be a good time to sell him and rebuild a complete midfield with balance, stamina and profiles that complement each other, rather than a one-man midfield surrounded by mediocre guys or youngsters.

 

[Tincanalley]

Woodward out. Glazers out. Will that little pr1ck dare to show his face at OT?

 

[Eric's Seagull]

This was a season I was really optimistic for at one point. I thought we would be getting 5 signings in, 6 let go and all done before pre-season. As well as bringing in a few youngsters, I thought that this would have been a brilliant way to start the rebuild. I was very wrong.

I really believed this was going to be the year where Woody learned from his mistakes but it is same old, same old. Not replacing Herrera was stupid in my opinion, as one injury to Pogba, if he's bothered top turn up or to McTominay and we are screwed. I'm all happy for bringing the youngsters through which is a positive but they can't be relied on too heavily, they need time to learn, make mistakes and develop without having the expectation put on them to perform regularly at such a young age.

I realise that this is a rebuild and wasn't expecting us to go from where we were last to title challenging as I thought it was unrealistic. When Ole said he wanted all his signings by preseason I was happy with his thinking as it would have given them more time to get used to his methods and to gel with the squad, sadly this didn't happen. This window went from optimism to hoping we would do some special the last few weeks. Woody has let us down awfully and not given Ole a good enough platform to succeed in my opinion.

I realise the need for patience but not at the expense of falling further behind our rivals. To have 12 fecking weeks to sort it out and then see it turn into this sh!teshow is terrible and it fecking hurts

 

[Florida Man]

Another bitchy moaning thread from @Ranchero! Just what we all wanted!

 

[Sing you a song]

Marcus Rashford played a total of 35 matches and scored 10 goals - on paper that doesn't sound too good. But he only played 2362 because he was frequently used as a sub by Mourinho - so in reality he only played about 26 matches. He is likely to play every game he is fit this season - he will score more than 10 goals.

Anthony Martial played a total of 1627 minutes and scored 10 goals - he too is likely to play a lot more this season. Last year he played the equivalent to 18 full matches and scored 10 goals. So if they are equally efficient - they are likely to both score 5-6 goals more this season.

The reason martial played so few was because generally when he did play he was ineffective what makes you think he will be any better this season ?

 

[The Brown Bull]

I thoroughly agree with the OP.
It’s been yet another poor window.
No quality added in midfield or attack.
Very, very disappointed.

 

[Sing you a song]

Just look at our centre midfield options

Pogba , Spanish and Italian windows still open and if Real bid big I could see him forcing a transfer.he is not stupid he will look at our signings and know we are miles away from the title.If he stays will his heart be in it ?
Mctominay full of running and desire, enthusiasm makes up a little for lack of talent.
Pereira massively overrated, can’t understand why we persevere with him
Matic , looked absolutely shot last season, legs gone , prone to mistakes and now a year older.
Fred , where do we start , full of energy can’t pass the ball to save his life .

That my friends is by far the weakest midfield in the top 6 .
We are in for a tough season unless Pogba is at his very best and remains focused and committed all season

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Marcus Rashford played a total of 35 matches and scored 10 goals - on paper that doesn't sound too good. But he only played 2362 because he was frequently used as a sub by Mourinho - so in reality he only played about 26 matches. He is likely to play every game he is fit this season - he will score more than 10 goals.

Anthony Martial played a total of 1627 minutes and scored 10 goals - he too is likely to play a lot more this season. Last year he played the equivalent to 18 full matches and scored 10 goals. So if they are equally efficient - they are likely to both score 5-6 goals more this season.

You make decent points. I particularly agree with your point in bold. I knew Martial had a very good minutes per goal ratio but hadn't checked it in a while. That's less than a goal every 2 games, would be nice if he could get a full season with similar statistics. I'm really hoping that both improve a lot numbers wise as although I think by not bringing in a Lukaku replacement, it is going to put massive pressure on the 2 of to score regularly.

 

[Wheato]

We fixed the biggest gaps in our starting 11. Signed 2 top drawer defenders, signed up the worlds no1 keeper for 6 years. Added some ridiculous pace in James. Pogba looks to be staying. We have some really decent lads coming through in Greenwood, Gomes, Chong, Garner. And then a mix of players who have raised their game and added some depth to the squad. We haven’t seen the end of Alexis Sanchez either.

.............De Gea
AWB..Maguire..Lindelof..Shaw
.............McTominay
.......Lingard.......Pogba
James....Rashford....Martial

Swap Lingard with Bruno or Eriksen type player and that is a solid team. Maybe even Mata or Andreas could have a decent run in that spot for a season. Gomes too. We might be looking for someone we already have.

Players to rotate/integrate Matic, Fred, Andreas, Greenwood, Mata, Sanchez, Gomes, Tuanzebe, Smalling

 

[Raven]

Yay another one of these threads.

 

[Stookie]

Unless United get off to a flyer I can see they’re failure to replace their biggest striker being Oles downfall. If theyre 6th or below at Crimbo he could be gone. And it’s not really his fault, it’s the clubs fault for not buying a recognised striker. Unless the forwards suddenly start banging them in this season then it’s going to be a long cold season. It’s absolutely stupid to let Lukaku go without a replacement.

 

[UnofficialDevil]

7th behind Everton I'm sure. And next summer we will sell Pogba and become even more rubbish and unappealing. Its downhill from here unless they sell.

 

[TommiHelm]

Not at all happy with the window, but I actually think we'll get top 4, giving Ed another excuse to do absolutely nothing next summer. Still think it's pathetic that this is the level of ambition, so I'm not very excited about the season at all.

 

[He'sRaldo]

We can win the EL so top 4 doesn't matter as much. Besides, it would be good to get another trophy, and get some winning experience in for the young players.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

We can win the EL so top 4 doesn't matter as much. Besides, it would be good to get another trophy, and get some winning experience in for the young players.

As I think we are going to struggle for top 4 I don't mind how we get it. As you said a trophy would be nice and it would instill a winning mentality in the younger players and if we do win it would show the younger player how not to bottle it in big games at an early stage of their career which would be positive.

 

[SalfordRed18]

Hilarious people are crying at a lack of replacement for Lukaku. Wtf is there to replace he was awful, greenwoods his replacement if you want.

Is there a caf goes into meltdown 19/20 thread yet?

 

[Matst1]

This dude just can't stop moaning. Move on buddy - let's talk about something else.

These people are the worst types of fans, yes it’s a bit worrying we didn’t strengthen our midfield but Jesus, GET BEHIND YOUR TEAM. I’m excited about our defensive signings which have improved us as a team, and especially Greenwood who I think will get a lot of game time. People should find reasons to feel positive rather than constantly moan, like seriously, try and get out more.

 

[Sad Chris]

Any glory hunters would have started supporting City or Liverpool around 2015, pal.

In case you hadn't noticed, we haven't had a shred of glory to hunt since 2013.

I‘m starting to think I‘d prefer glory hunters to the constantly increasing amount of whining, entitled pessimists that occupy every inch of space in here with their worthless, never ending rants about how shit they think our club is in comparison to every other club on this planet.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

The problem is, Ole is too much of a Yes Man and a nice guy to kick up any kind of fuss - whilst Jose was the complete opposite and an asshole. Ole is Ed Woodward and Glazers' wet dream.

If anything Poch has shown this transfer window that he has the right temperament to manage a top club. His club were doing feck all until he tactfully made them spring into action, whilst Ole is apparently 'happy' going into a season with two new first teamers in a bloated squad that completely capitulated at the arse end of last season and deadwood galore. "Some players have played their last game for this team", yeah right.

I don't think Ole has been given a good enough platform to build from by Woody.

Think he cares a lot for the team and can't come out and say he is not happy as it would show our rivals we have internal struggles and that is something we don't need going into the start of the season.

I did think he meant that quote but some players are on such a high wage it is going to be hard to sell them as no-one besides us are willing to pay them the wages they earn here and most players will not leave for less wages unless they want first team football.

I think Ole is going to be made scapegoat for all this sh!te when in my opinion he been severely let down by Woody.

 

[SAFMUTD]

If Pogba gets injured there's no way we'll end up in top 4. I think we will most likely end between 5th and 8th, I really think we are weaker than at the beggining of last season. We lost Herrera and Lukaku, DDG is in poor form, Matic has declined massively and we have a rookie manager. So it all indicates we will end up around the same place we end last season at best.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

If Pogba gets injured there's no way we'll end up in top 4. I think we will most likely end between 5th and 8th, I really think we are weaker than at the beggining of last season. We lost Herrera and Lukaku, DDG is in poor form, Matic has declined massively and we have a rookie manager. So it all indicates we will end up around the same place we end last season at best.

I'm really hoping last season was just a blip with De Gea and if he gets back to his best with luck I think we get top 4 but it's going to be a mighty struggle. Agree with what you said about Herrara and Lukaku and the could come back to bit us and agree with you on the Pogba issue and Matic as I've been saying similar for a while. Lots of luck needed

 

[Class of 63]

We're starting the season not being Manager by Jose fecking Mourinho so who cares, we'll end up where we deserve to end up, and if it's outside the T4 then so be it, we'll live to fight another day.

 

[Marcus]

There's always a chance. Just not a shoo-in.

 

[Foxtrot]

I‘m starting to think I‘d prefer glory hunters to the constantly increasing amount of whining, entitled pessimists that occupy every inch of space in here with their worthless, never ending rants about how shit they think our club is in comparison to every other club on this planet.

That’s just sad.

 

[Drawfull]

Hilarious people are crying at a lack of replacement for Lukaku. Wtf is there to replace he was awful, greenwoods his replacement if you want.

Is there a caf goes into meltdown 19/20 thread yet?

Here: https://www.redcafe.net/

 

[lysglimt]

The reason martial played so few was because generally when he did play he was ineffective what makes you think he will be any better this season ?

Now that wasn't the issue - the issue was where will the goals come from. Martial can be inconsistent - but when he plays, he will score goals. Not like Harry Kane - but he will easily get 15-20 goals if he is a regular striker

Martial has many faults - lack of goals generally isnt one of them

 

[Hackman2210]

I think the top 3 are nailed on City, Liverpool and Spurs - after that its up for grabs. Chelsea and Arsenal or Us for 4th. My money would be on us. Maguire will make a huge difference at the back and AWB is a top top player. I think Lindelof and Shaw will improve with Slabhead leading the defence. As for the Midfield - I think Gomes will really come to the fore this season. Up top we still have Martial, Rashford, Greenwood and a hopefully born again Sanchez. The Europa league will cost us points this year unless Ole writes the comp off and just focuses on 4th and FA Cup. I'd rather watch UTD with the kids playing. If we lead the league in effort I[ll be happy. 2-3 year rebuild.

 

[Havak]

I actually think we have a chance at fourth assuming we just go full throttle in the League with the same group of players and change the first XI completely in the Cup games. At least it gives us a chance to see more of and develop Greenwood, Gomes, Chong, Garner and Tuanzebe.

However, it's difficult to say if winning the Europa League is easier than finishing fourth. What say the Caf?

 

[Name Changed]

bye then , you sound like the muppets on Facebook, who think the job can be done in one window.
Not having CL football has hurt, but we have improved and I have faith in the players we have.
Admittedly not replacing Lukaku could come back and hurt us, but lets wait and see , but seems you have made you mind up already.

Nobody says you can do it in one window. But nobody would have expected us to do so little.

It would only have taken one or two more players to cement fourth place. Surely getting back into the CL should be a priority?

It's not really much to ask for.

 

[Name Changed]

I think the top 3 are nailed on City, Liverpool and Spurs - after that its up for grabs. Chelsea and Arsenal or Us for 4th. My money would be on us. Maguire will make a huge difference at the back and AWB is a top top player. I think Lindelof and Shaw will improve with Slabhead leading the defence. As for the Midfield - I think Gomes will really come to the fore this season. Up top we still have Martial, Rashford, Greenwood and a hopefully born again Sanchez. The Europa league will cost us points this year unless Ole writes the comp off and just focuses on 4th and FA Cup. I'd rather watch UTD with the kids playing. If we lead the league in effort I[ll be happy. 2-3 year rebuild.

He won't write off the Europa League. We have 4 forwards realistically going into the season and that is to play 70 odd games. If we get any injuries whatsoever, we simply don't have any replacements. Sanchez is always inuured anyway. If Pogba gets any injuries, we are fecked. And he will.

Our players are going to be knackered by xmas. We got tired last season and look how we finished. Imagine what it will be like with a smaller squad and more games, plus Ole wants to play a pressing game.

Gomes, Chong, Greenwood and Garner better be ready because they will get a lot of games.

 

[Hawks2008]

Like Milan we're a finished club. Woodward will continue to drive us into the ground while the Glazers pat him on the back for getting a new butt plug sponsor.