Times: Finding buyers for the dead wood is Manchester United’s biggest challenge this window

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Hope so but dont see it. And dont see anyone offering any more than we were already offered
I think it’s bargaining from Roma in any case, but I would say 1/2 the PL teams would be more than happy to spend £15m+ on Smalling. As long as he fits into the wage structure.
 

#07

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I know! Dont understand why we didnt take the 13m for smalling, combined with his remaining wages its worth 26 million. No use for Him and wont be a queue of buyers.
Agree for the most part.

Smalling is going to be pretty sellable this summer.
Relative to the others. However, value is always a trade off and that's more of the case post-coronavirus. Clubs aren't exactly at their strongest financially. A club might want Smalling but might think that getting Craig Cathcart on the cheap from relegated Watford will fill the gap, given the circumstances. Smalling has performed strongly in Serie A and you'd hope that Roma will come back in for him, or other Italian clubs might want to come in. What if they can get Vertonghen for free though? The whole market dynamic changes.
 

Revan

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I have always thought we are crazy to be holding out for fees for a lot of the players We consider deadwood. I looked through contracts and wages over the remaining duration and i think we make some good money just from saving wages on a lot of them.

Phil jones has a 3 year contract left, wages 11.7m.

Rojo has 1 year left, 4.16m wages

Smalling has 2 years left, 13.25m wages

Lingard Has 1 year, 4.68m

Pereira has 3 years, 4.68m

Mata has 1 year, 8.32M

Romero(Not deadwood but likely to leave) has 1 year, 3.64M
That's 50m well spent there.
 

Revan

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I'm leaning towards keeping the deadwood for next season.

In a normal season, we play about 60-odd games from August to May (10 months). Next season, we could have to squeeze in the same number from October to May (8 months). That will be followed by the Euros with almost no break. Our players will be shattered and we'll almost certainly pick up a lot of injuries.

I think it could be a good idea to keep the squad as big as possible. Our fringe players might not be world beaters, but it's better than picking up lots of injuries and having all our top players be knackered during the run-in as well as the start of the 2021-22 season.
Our fringe players are also injured often. I don't see the point on keeping Rojo, Jones and Bailly to only play Matic or something like that in CB when all of them get inevitably injured. Just get Mike back, keep Tuanzabe (who looks to be a crock too, but our academy crock) and should be fine. Maguire and Lindelof are always fit, Smalling is mostly fit.

I agree though that unless we sign two players (Sancho + Grealish/someone else), probably not a great idea to get rid of all of Lingard, Pereira and Mata.
 

croadyman

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I think the depth chart is becoming quite clear now. Helps that we know Ole will play 4-2-3-1 for better or worse.

GK: De Gea, Henderson, Grant Assuming we bring Henderson back for the sake of competition and Romero leaves as some papers have suggested.

DR: Wan-Bissaka, Fosu-Mensah TFM is clearly preferred to Dalot, so should get a chance in the rotation.
DC: Lindelof, Bailly No debate.
DC: Maguire, Tuanzebe You could make an argument for Smalling instead of Tuanzebe.
DL: Shaw, Williams No debate.

CM: Pogba, Fred Fred was doing well before the break. Deserves to be in the rotation.
CM: Matic, McTominay Both signed new contracts.

RW: Sancho, James If we sign Sancho.
CAM: Fernandes, Mata Mata just signed a new contract, so I do't think we're getting a shiny replacement. Doesn't have the legs to play wide.
LW: Rashford, Pereria I think Raiola was the final nail for Lingard, hence Ole testing Pereira on the left.

ST: Martial, Greenwood, Ighalo Our forward line is fairly fluid, but I get the impression Greenwood's long term future is in the middle.

Youth players to add depth: Laird, Mengi, Bernard, Galbraith, Levitt, Mellor

Loan candidates: Garner, Chong

------------------------

That leaves 6 clear-out candidates:
  1. Romero: Someone will snap him up for cheap - maybe one of the recently promoted sides
  2. Dalot: Everton heavily linked. He's the one who still holds decent value imo
  3. Jones: Hopefully Moyes will take him. Serie A sides also linked
  4. Smalling: Roma seem to have interest
  5. Rojo: He wants to go. Hopefully Estudiantes stump up the cash for a permanent switch
  6. Lingard: Hopefully Moyes will take him, or a newly promoted side
So is that a long winded way of saying that you can only see us making one signing this summer or have I misinterpreted
 

Alemar

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What if they can get Vertonghen for free though? The whole market dynamic changes.
It’s a choice. Weak old player for free (and high wages) or proven Smalling for a reasonable fee
 

Vivek92

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So is that a long winded way of saying that you can only see us making one signing this summer or have I misinterpreted
You haven't misinterpeted, you've missed the point entirely.

The post, and much of this thread, is about identifying the deadwood (that's the first part of my post) and looking for potential suitors (that's the second part of my post). Aside from one small part about Sancho, it's not a comment on transfers in.

Jesus, why is this forum so toxic.
 

croadyman

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Our fringe players are also injured often. I don't see the point on keeping Rojo, Jones and Bailly to only play Matic or something like that in CB when all of them get inevitably injured. Just get Mike back, keep Tuanzabe (who looks to be a crock too, but our academy crock) and should be fine. Maguire and Lindelof are always fit, Smalling is mostly fit.

I agree though that unless we sign two players (Sancho + Grealish/someone else), probably not a great idea to get rid of all of Lingard, Pereira and Mata.
Will need to sell at least two of them in order to bring in a VDB/Grealish,there is no doubt about that.
 

croadyman

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You haven't misinterpeted, you've missed the point entirely.

The post, and much of this thread, is about identifying the deadwood (that's the first part of my post) and looking for potential suitors (that's the second part of my post). Aside from one small part about Sancho, it's not a comment on transfers in.

Jesus, why is this forum so toxic.
Apologies for getting the wrong end of the stick and certainly didn't think I came across as toxic but if I did then sorry.
 

Revan

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Will need to sell at least two of them in order to bring in a VDB/Grealish,there is no doubt about that.
If we get both Sancho and Grealish then yes, we can get rid of all the deadwood. Bruno, Grealish, Sancho, Rashford, Martial, Greenwood, Ighalo and Chong for 4 positions might be slightly short, but definitely doable (especially considering that we can also go with a midfield of Matic-Fred-Pogba).
 

croadyman

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If we get both Sancho and Grealish then yes, we can get rid of all the deadwood. Bruno, Grealish, Sancho, Rashford, Martial, Greenwood, Ighalo and Chong for 4 positions might be slightly short, but definitely doable (especially considering that we can also go with a midfield of Matic-Fred-Pogba).
Think there is a real possibility that Chong goes out on loan and expect Mata to stick around. In regards to the other two I just cannot call where they end up at end of the window.
 

-Supreme-

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Now the season is over it’s time to get rid these deadwoods, this is just as important of bringing in new players.

Ole had no choice but to play our first team players even when some are putting out 3 or 4 ratings conservatively.
 

NJM78

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Another season with Mata, Lingard and Jones as bench options added to the severely out of his depth James. This team is going nowhere with regards to winning trophies.

If we are relying on sales to be able to buy players, this will be a long frustrating window.
 

croadyman

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I am hoping it's telling that neither Lingard or Pereira got on the pitch last night but with our ability to sell then who knows
 

Mark Pawelek

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After 10 years hearing same record stuck in the same grove you'd think the United board and contract writers would've heard this song by now? Or at least heard the stuck track. Seemingly not. This United's secret swansong locked in an attic room which never sees the light of day. Shut up and throw away the key seems to be the order of the day.
 

Ikon

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Just out of curiosity, how often does Phil Jones get himself injured just before a transfer window?
 

sp_107

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I'd rather us shift Lingard, Rojo, Jones, Dalot and Smalling in this window and be light in areas next season than have them at the club on big wages. I'd rather see youth players get given game time over some of these jokers consistently being average at best.
Yes, agree with this and selling Perrera/Baily wouldnt take too much effort as there will be offers for them in this year or next year.

Rojo/Jones add absolute nothing.
 

jderbyshire

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Just seen that scary anti-glazer twitter financial post.

It did occur to me the other day that maybe the Glazers will use Covid as an excuse to not spend any money. Perhaps there was some truth in that "net 50m spend" thing earlier on.

I think the plan is to get Sancho and maybe a cheap young CB (providing we can move on Smalling/Rojo/Jones)

If a deal can't be agreed for Sancho then I think they'll try for Dembele on loan, maybe Grealish if he agitates for Villa to lower their demands, and a cheap CB.

I think the club were aiming for this summer to be a bit like 2006 when we bought just Carrick and everything clicked in to place.
 

Smores

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I think we'll offload one of Lingard or Periera but certainly not both. We still need some depth and there's not really any youngster to take that spot.

Rojo and Jones are of no use and should be offloaded no matter the fee.

Dalot hopefully we'll find a loan
 

Paul_Scholes18

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Just out of curiosity, how often does Phil Jones get himself injured just before a transfer window?
'
Feels like he is injured half the time so I guess half the time. Or maybe he recovers for pre season well?
 

croadyman

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Just seen that scary anti-glazer twitter financial post.

It did occur to me the other day that maybe the Glazers will use Covid as an excuse to not spend any money. Perhaps there was some truth in that "net 50m spend" thing earlier on.

I think the plan is to get Sancho and maybe a cheap young CB (providing we can move on Smalling/Rojo/Jones)

If a deal can't be agreed for Sancho then I think they'll try for Dembele on loan, maybe Grealish if he agitates for Villa to lower their demands, and a cheap CB.

I think the club were aiming for this summer to be a bit like 2006 when we bought just Carrick and everything clicked in to place.
Would still need a backup AM even with Sancho and a cheap CB, maybe we could get one if we can sell at least one of Lingard & Pereira this window
 

DixieDean

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I don't see any PL club wanting Jones or Lingard.

Only chance you have of selling them is abroad. And that would be to a country where they don't have TV. Or the internet.
 

Bestietom

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Wages is the problem with most who are interested in our players. Will be hard to get rid of some of the deadwood.
 

croadyman

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Wages is the problem with most who are interested in our players. Will be hard to get rid of some of the deadwood.
Yeah there is no doubt that is going to be the biggest sticking point for any outgoings, at the end of the day it's not other clubs fault the club were stupid enough to pay them ridiculously high wages for their ability
 

Ikon

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'
Feels like he is injured half the time so I guess half the time. Or maybe he recovers for pre season well?
I don't think I can remember a player so often injured, but Jones seems to have a skill of getting injured during training before transfer windows open, so he can never be sold......
 

Craig Ward

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Really hoping for some serious movement in outgoings. We need to be ruthless.

We need to realise that we need players out of the club in order to move forward and stagnating and holding out for a certain fee is getting us nowhere.

Smalling - We need to hit a compromise with Roma/Inter over the fee. Just get it done.
Jones - Need gone regardless of fee. Get him off the wage bill and out of the club. I'd honestly let him go on a free.
Rojo - Been trying to sell him for years. Cant Everton just buy him already? We need him out, need to realise we aint getting the fee we want. Surely 10mil isnt unrealistic?
Lingard - Surprised his super agent hasnt drummed up interest in him yet. Or maybe he;s touted him around and other clubs know he;s shite and arent biting. He's a tricky one. Think we need to sell him for about 15mil
Periera - Part of me thinks he could be useful as a backup - as in third choice for Fernandes or something. The squad does need numbers. The other part of me thinks he's had about 2 seasons now and we pretty much know he's limited.
Baily - Been dogged by injuries. We know theres a good player in there. He's been fit for ages now and still cant displace Lindelof, which is pretty telling in itself. If we are signing a CB - he;s sellable. I;d take 20mil
Dalot - Lots of people giving up on him. We paid big and there is potential. I'd go down the route of loaning him for a year and seeing how he does. Chances look slim here
Mata - Long season ahead and he;s a model pro. Knows he isnt in contention for serious competitive minutes. Given the volume of outgoings we need - i think its harmless keeping Mata around for 1 more season and letting him go next summer
Romero - Im a big fan. The most reliable 2nd choice keeper we've ever had. Been dropped in semi-final cup runs for DDG who hasnt exactly been in good form. With Henderson coming back - might be time to sell.
Garner - Needs a loan
Levitt - Needs a loan

If we are ruthless and get 6 sold and a couple out on loan - that puts us in a position where we can add 3 or 4 players into the squad.

Overall - we'd have a better squad.

If we dont get at least 5 out we may stagnate for another season. We simply have to keep the transitioning of the squad going. 6 out, 4 in.
 

Ikon

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Jones & Rojo are destined to be free transfers, lack of appearances, injuries, salaries, nothing suggests any money coming in for them, but getting rid of them would save millions off the wage bill every year, which is currently just money down the drain.

I can imagine Perreira fetching £20m to return to Spain, and Smalling should raise £20m also from the Italians.
I think Dalot is well and truly out of favour, and he could also fetch £20m.
Get just those three sales done and that could effectively pay for a new top quality CB or MF.
 

Leftback99

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Jones & Rojo are destined to be free transfers, lack of appearances, injuries, salaries, nothing suggests any money coming in for them, but getting rid of them would save millions off the wage bill every year, which is currently just money down the drain.

I can imagine Perreira fetching £20m to return to Spain, and Smalling should raise £20m also from the Italians.
I think Dalot is well and truly out of favour, and he could also fetch £20m.
Get just those three sales done and that could effectively pay for a new top quality CB or MF.
Dalot has done nothing to suggest he's worth £20m to anyone.
 

BorisManUtd

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We've been trying to get rid of deadwood for years now and somehow end up again with more deadwood. At least Ole seems determined to complete that whole proces. Still probably not easy to find buyers to likes of Jones and Rojo cause of wages, them being injury-prone and, well, not great footballers.
 

Jaqen H'ghar

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I hope the club has learned it's lesson with regards to giving new contracts to "protect our investments". Also about waiting for the last minute to renew contracts.

Players we want should be given new contracts (with reasonable salaries) two years before their contract expires. If they are not wanted or won't sign just move them on early.

If an unwanted player cannot be moved on and their contract is running out, just let them leave on a free.

Right now I'd be willing to pay to get Jones off the books. Better than paying his salary for the next three years.
 

oz insomniac

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This window seems like so many recent ones overseen by Woodward and Judge, targets leaked and rumours we are negotiating, this drags on for far too long and we either miss the target or pay the amount demanded initially. The rumour that Woodys methods of low balling and playing hardball seems to have put the selling clubs on notice, and makes our transfers much harder than they should be.

Sure, some of the targets that Chelsea and Citeh sign may not be our taste, but it shits me that they move quickly and effectively generally and get them on board in a decent time. Are we looking at a situation where qualification for the CL is just what the Glazers want for cash flow and share price value, if Woody doesn’t improve the team this window, he should finally be moved and allow the club to realise its past potential.
 

Godfather

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Nothing new on that front either eh? Not like we couldn't ship out 5-6 players based on their performances
 

Fahad Jawaid

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The last time we actually managed to ship off plenty of players was Van gaal second season where he let go Nani, Chicharito, Rafael, Janujaz etc. Ironically the only time we actually managed to ship off players was the kind of players we could have done without selling.
 

Posh Red

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The last time we actually managed to ship off plenty of players was Van gaal second season where he let go Nani, Chicharito, Rafael, Janujaz etc. Ironically the only time we actually managed to ship off players was the kind of players we could have done without selling.
That probably explains why they were easier to shift
 

jasT1981

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Maybe the constant referrals to them being 'deadwood' is putting off potential buyers and that is why finding buyers for them is Utd's biggest challenge in this window?



Just putting it out there.
 

jasT1981

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More the media and fans, but the point stands. Why would any club want players their own fans and media label as deadwood?