Sancho, Grealish, Rice or Calvert-Lewin?

Suvvernmanc

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The answer to wether we actually need Grealish and where he would fit in is simple to me..

Against teams where we dont need 2 CM and a #10 which Ole prefers against pressing/top teams. Which is normally this..

Bruno
Scott Fred

We can get rid of Pogba who plays as a slightly more attacking #6/8 anyway, and play Grealish there. Like this

Grealish Bruno
Fred

Both Grealish and Bruno put a shift in defensively so wouldn't be too top heavy or attacking.. again, it would work against teams that will ultimately fall into a defensive shape when out of possession.. not so much against a team that wants to dominate possession and play attacking football. Another thing to note is Bruno hasn't got anyone near the quality of him to give him much needed rest. Donny is a great player but not a #10 for me.

Rashford can play on the right very comfortably. Allowing Grealish to get enough game time on the left wing. Grealish is our man!!
 

Sarni

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Though I probably rate Grealish the highest of them, in terms of need I would take Sancho and Rice ahead of him. DCL I am not entirely sure I’d want here at this point.
 

OrcaFat

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Hope Grealish has a great game against us, hits the bar three times and we win 4-0. He’s impressed with us, we’re impressed with him and we get the deal back on (assuming it was ever really on before it was off).
 

Dazzmondo

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Definitely Grealish now tbh, but I am still unsure of where we would be best to play him. Obviously he needs to start in the team but do we put him on the left and move Rashford from his best position or do we try him on the right or maybe even further back behind Bruno to play Pogba's role? I feel like if we play him where Pogba plays we'd have the same problem defensively that we currently have because he's not the best at tracking back. He could work on the right I think but would like to see him play there first. The Sancho summer really soured me on the transfer, also didn't like the rumours that came out about Sancho's attitude, followed by how poor he's been this season. Think I'd rather raid Dortmund for Haaland in summer instead.
 

paraguayo

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Calvert Lewin is not top3 club material imo
 

Theo88

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Are we forgetting we kind of threw a good chunk of our budget a few months back on De Beek? Grealish would either occupy Rashford's or De Beek's or Bruno's space. And that's assuming Pogba is out of the picture.

I doubt we're moving for anyone who can play cm, cam or LW any time soon. It will most likely be CDM, SC, RW, RB in that order.


unless Ramsey becomes available that is!
 

TheNewEra

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Are we forgetting we kind of threw a good chunk of our budget a few months back on De Beek? Grealish would either occupy Rashford's or De Beek's or Bruno's space. And that's assuming Pogba is out of the picture.

I doubt we're moving for anyone who can play cm, cam or LW any time soon. It will most likely be CDM, SC, RW, RB in that order.


unless Ramsey becomes available that is!
Last 3 seasons spending: https://www.transfermarkt.com/manchester-united/alletransfers/verein/985
United spent around €83M in the summer, with €15M in sales (and getting Sanchez off the wage bill)

The majority of last summers transfers were actually paid by United getting CL football.

The previous year United spent €226M (Fernandes is in that figure) with €83M in sales (mostly Lukaku).

The year before that the spend was €82m (Fred year) with €30M in sales.

Even with Covid, United do have the money, they are just a bit reluctant not knowing how long the pandemic will go on.

Pogba/Grealish Situation

The reality is United with Pogba leaving won't really spend any money on Grealish (probably an extra €20M) but Grealish would probably demand less money (around £150k a week) versus Pogbas £250K, so Grealish over the course of a 3 year contract would actually cost less than Pogba (100k less on wages a week is just over £15M over 3 years which would actually cost less than keeping Pogba).

I get the feeling Pogba is getting shown the door a little bit at United considering probably his contract renewal demands, and the fact there may be better options (financially AND on the pitch out there).

Sancho with one year less on his contract, and a less than stellar 3 months

Factor in if United sold someone like Martial for €50-55M, and decided to find a suitor for James for €15-20M (Leeds were interested last year), United could go and offer €80-90M for Sancho, the issue is agents fees (which were reportedly way too high).

Then beyond that getting a CB would be where United would be 'Out of pocket' with of course the agents fees associated with Sancho but getting Jones, Rojo, Romero, Lingard, Dalot, Pereira off the wage books would go a long way long term.

I actually see it as feasible that United could get Sancho, Grealish, and a CB in the summer IF the right players leave and United can somehow get the right 'add-on' or instalment options on the players they buy, plus United are due a new shirt-sponsor (which should result in more revenue).

This is pending: United making CL football again, and fans being allowed back in stadiums next season (most people in the UK should be vaccinated by around July-August).

Match day revenue & CL are pivotal to the summer plans, and bringing in the right players.

The issue is A) finding the right buyers, B) identifying the right targets and C) not getting the 'United Tax' on players.

I would genuinely like to see Pogba (not interested and there are better targets out there), Martial (not the right fit going forward for me) and James (offers nothing) gone.
 
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Theo88

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Last 3 seasons spending: https://www.transfermarkt.com/manchester-united/alletransfers/verein/985
United spent around €83M in the summer, with €15M in sales (and getting Sanchez off the wage bill)

The majority of last summers transfers were actually paid by United getting CL football.

The previous year United spent €226M (Fernandes is in that figure) with €83M in sales (mostly Lukaku).

The year before that the spend was €82m (Fred year) with €30M in sales.

Even with Covid, United do have the money, they are just a bit reluctant not knowing how long the pandemic will go on.

Pogba/Grealish Situation

The reality is United with Pogba leaving won't really spend any money on Grealish (probably an extra €20M) but Grealish would probably demand less money (around £150k a week) versus Pogbas £250K, so Grealish over the course of a 3 year contract would actually cost less than Pogba (100k less on wages a week is just over £15M over 3 years which would actually cost less than keeping Pogba).

I get the feeling Pogba is getting shown the door a little bit at United considering probably his contract renewal demands, and the fact there may be better options (financially AND on the pitch out there).

Sancho with one year less on his contract, and a less than stellar 3 months

Factor in if United sold someone like Martial for €50-55M, and decided to find a suitor for James for €15-20M (Leeds were interested last year), United could go and offer €80-90M for Sancho, the issue is agents fees (which were reportedly way too high).

Then beyond that getting a CB would be where United would be 'Out of pocket' with of course the agents fees associated with Sancho but getting Jones, Rojo, Romero, Lingard, Dalot, Pereira off the wage books would go a long way long term.

I actually see it as feasible that United could get Sancho, Grealish, and a CB in the summer IF the right players leave and United can somehow get the right 'add-on' or instalment options on the players they buy, plus United are due a new shirt-sponsor (which should result in more revenue).

This is pending: United making CL football again, and fans being allowed back in stadiums next season (most people in the UK should be vaccinated by around June).

Match day revenue & CL are pivotal to the summer plans, and bringing in the right players.

The issue is A) finding the right buyers, B) identifying the right targets and C) not getting the 'United Tax' on players.

I would genuinely like to see Pogba (not interested and there are better targets out there), Martial (not the right fit going forward for me) and James (offers nothing) gone.
Christ you went to town with my post!

I'm not really concerned about the money - I was kind of hinting we will need to offload players to make sure guys like vdb and Graelish get enough time to be happy here. Seeing your muppet team though I can't say anything negative other than 2 minor comments

First, I think we are getting a RB - or perhaps I hope. Not so much to replace ObiWan Bissaka but more to rotate him. Not happy with what we have now.

Second, Cavani can't be (in my mind) first choice going in next year. I would hope Rashford becomes our 9 but he seems to operate better as a LF. other than that, kudos man let's hope we see this materialising on the pitch

Everyone is talking about this caicedo haven't seen him play I will assume the hype is justified.
 

croadyman

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Are we forgetting we kind of threw a good chunk of our budget a few months back on De Beek? Grealish would either occupy Rashford's or De Beek's or Bruno's space. And that's assuming Pogba is out of the picture.

I doubt we're moving for anyone who can play cm, cam or LW any time soon. It will most likely be CDM, SC, RW, RB in that order.


unless Ramsey becomes available that is!
Surely CB has to be in that list as well because don't see Ole throwing Mengi into a situation when Bailly inevitably ends up going down with an injury and knowing our luck it will be outside of the window being open. Do think that if we actually had something down the RW then wouldn't necessarily need to sign an attacking RB as much. The problem is with no proper right side we are relying on AWB to deliver more going forward and he just doesn't look confident enough on the ball.
 

Chief123

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He was so so good tonight. We can’t not improve with him in our team. Absolutely brilliant tonight. Just couldn’t get near him half the time.
 

OrcaFat

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He was so so good tonight. We can’t not improve with him in our team. Absolutely brilliant tonight. Just couldn’t get near him half the time.
He just looks like an absolute top level player. Personally I like him as a replacement for Pogba but obvs he can play as 10 if Bruno is out or play wide on either side. Class.
 

Chief123

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He just looks like an absolute top level player. Personally I like him as a replacement for Pogba but obvs he can play as 10 if Bruno is out or play wide on either side. Class.
What I do like about him is he is just as effective on the left, centre or right. It’s not even a big fall of in performance if he goes onto the right instead of the left. He can literally play anywhere and would most likely be the most flexible player in our team.
 

Acole9

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Definitely Grealish, really don't see what all the fuss is over Sancho. He looks alright but not the generational talent talk I've seen thrown about.
 

UNITED ACADEMY

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Rashford has developed his left foot recently. I guess Rashford can play on the right. Grealish then.
 

Macedonian Red

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Grealish is fecking animal!

We still need RW but if theres a chance I would go for Grealish. Both Sancho and Grealish would be ideal.

We can play this:
Grealish Rashford Sancho
-----------------Bruno---------------

who can change through the game into this:

Rashford Bruno(False9) Sancho
--------------------Grealish-------------------
 

NewGlory

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We can afford two if we sell Pogba. We should buy Grealish as a more consistent Pogba replacement. And we should buy a proper centre forward. It's obvious what a difference Cavani made in competition with Martial. How long will Cavani last?
 

AFC NimbleThumb

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Time to go peak Fergie - sign Sancho in Jan then get Grealish & Rice in the summer; yes it’s £300mil but it isn’t my money so. . .

If we identify the 3 as the top targets in their position we should acquire them.
 

VeevaVee

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Grealish would either occupy Rashford's or De Beek's or Bruno's space.
Which is kinda perfect in my opinion. We’d certainly be wanting to play him over Rashford at the moment. And it would open up options for resting players better, while not being a detriment to the quality. Right wing would still be a big issue of course.

Agree that both Sancho and Grealish would be the dream. Would cost a wedge
 

lex talionis

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Grealish all the way. He doesn’t dazzle you with stepovers or rabonas but devastates opponents with outstanding skill, determination, decision making and athleticism. Qualities we could use.
 

RRCE

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If we could only sign one of the four, it should be Grealish. He’d suit us perfectly. He’s a very good dribbler through the midfield, he’s a foul magnet, he’s a great passer, he’s a leader, and he’s Premier League proven. He’d give us a dimension we don’t have. Imagine an attack with two creative forces like Grealish and Bruno in it. It would be a nightmare to defend against. As much as I’d like Sancho for the right side, I’d take Grealish for sure.
 

Adnan

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Grealish is absolutely class and the only player in the OP that comes close is Sancho. I actually think the club will move for Grealish in the summer.

 

MiceOnMeth

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Time to go peak Fergie - sign Sancho in Jan then get Grealish & Rice in the summer; yes it’s £300mil but it isn’t my money so. . .

If we identify the 3 as the top targets in their position we should acquire them.
Did fergie ever spend the equivalent of 300 mil back then in a calendar year?
 

Red_toad

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He's a United player if I've ever seen one. Him and Bruno would terrify any defence. Would absolutely improve our team, wish we'd gotten him last summer over the endless and pointless speculation of Sancho. His ability to carry the ball, crossing and laying chances on for Villa's attacking players was a joy to watch. Plus worked his arse off.
 

darko

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The answer to wether we actually need Grealish and where he would fit in is simple to me..

Against teams where we dont need 2 CM and a #10 which Ole prefers against pressing/top teams. Which is normally this..

Bruno
Scott Fred

We can get rid of Pogba who plays as a slightly more attacking #6/8 anyway, and play Grealish there. Like this

Grealish Bruno
Fred

Both Grealish and Bruno put a shift in defensively so wouldn't be too top heavy or attacking.. again, it would work against teams that will ultimately fall into a defensive shape when out of possession.. not so much against a team that wants to dominate possession and play attacking football. Another thing to note is Bruno hasn't got anyone near the quality of him to give him much needed rest. Donny is a great player but not a #10 for me.

Rashford can play on the right very comfortably. Allowing Grealish to get enough game time on the left wing. Grealish is our man!!
I agree will all that you said plus I'd add that Grealish is a bit of a physical beast.
 

bosnian_red

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I'm still all in for Sancho. Grealish is brilliant but in terms of getting a quality and balanced team, its Sancho every day. Sancho could swap wings with Rashford during the game and we'd have genuine direct threats on both sides of the pitch so could stretch it, and greatly improve AWB as we'd have a right wing.

Grealish is mostly a left wing or #10, so Rashford would go perma right wing and Bruno 10, which still is good but just I don't think its as good a fit. We lack right wing, left wing and #10 are our strongest. Signing a left wing/#10 ahead of a right winger who is equally brilliant on the ball and quality, while being 5 years younger, is a smarter choice.
 

croadyman

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I'm still all in for Sancho. Grealish is brilliant but in terms of getting a quality and balanced team, its Sancho every day. Sancho could swap wings with Rashford during the game and we'd have genuine direct threats on both sides of the pitch so could stretch it, and greatly improve AWB as we'd have a right wing.

Grealish is mostly a left wing or #10, so Rashford would go perma right wing and Bruno 10, which still is good but just I don't think its as good a fit. We lack right wing, left wing and #10 are our strongest. Signing a left wing/#10 ahead of a right winger who is equally brilliant on the ball and quality, while being 5 years younger, is a smarter choice.
I like Sancho but not gonna lie will be absolutely gutted if Grealish goes to City or the scousers, you do make a very good point about us needing a proper RW though so have got very mixed feelings on this one. Have been a big fan of Jack since that cup semi with the scousers 6 years ago and just feel there is a real x-factor about him.
 

NoPace

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We can afford two if we sell Pogba. We should buy Grealish as a more consistent Pogba replacement. And we should buy a proper centre forward. It's obvious what a difference Cavani made in competition with Martial. How long will Cavani last?
If next year is his last that still buys Greenwood another year of development, then in 2021/22 it can be:

Rashford(James)----Greenwood(Martial)---------RW/Diallo

and if you sign Grealish he gets games alongside Bruno when we wanna play 4-3-3 and be open but terrifying (you saw how much room Grealish made for McGinn today, and the Scot is a poor left handed man's Bruno in many ways), games centrally or on the left with Greenwood shading to the right (or Rashford playing on the right), or on the right himself (hit that lovely cross Wan-Bissaka had the stretching clearance from there), rotating with Bruno (who could actually get rest and also come off the bench as a weapon at times) and be the best bench option from midfield we've had since old Giggs was sparkling in that role.

It would basically permanently move Van De Beek to being the #8 battling with Fred, with McTominay the DM competing with whoever is Matic's replacement. It looks like not enough playing time, but it's really only one 11 players for 6 spots per game (assuming we play 4 at the back):

Rashford, Cavani, Martial, Greenwood
Bruno, Grealish, James
Fred, Van De Beek
DM, McTominay

and then probably #12 and #13 are some veteran we can't shift like Mata and Matic, though for wages you'd like to get Ighalo out too and just make Pellistri #12 and Garner #13, then 3 goalkeepers and say 9 defenders (WanBissaka, RB, Shaw, Telles, LCB, Maguire, Lindelof, Bailly and Tuanzebe, send Mengi on loan for a champo season like Tuanzebe got) and that's a 25 man squad I could see competing for major trophies, if the LCB, RB and DM signings are good enough, or even the LCB signing is good enough and one of the others, with one of McTominay or Wan-Bissaka making a leap forward by developing a left-foot (either of them) or Wan-Bissaka improving in the final 3rd (a great run and a nice cross today!), or McTominay just becoming the complete package defensively (he's a good tackler but doesn't suss out danger as well as the top DMs. He could also add some goals I suppose if we stick with him and a sitting/tackling partner like Fred).
 

Adnan

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I don't think the club have invested a potential €40m on Diallo to have him sitting on the bench long-term. I honestly believe the club will give him time to make the RWF role his own in the next 12 months.

That leaves Sancho and Grealish for the LWF role and Grealish for me would be starting ahead of Rashford on the left because he's better in many facets of the game.