Sancho, Rice & Pau Torres.
How many players do we need to sign this summer?
- Thread starter charlenefan
- Start date
Can you define what you would expect from a RW over and above James? Apart from crossing from both wings being generally p*ss poor, we don’t play a target man i.e RvNI still think RW is everything. Get some balance in the team again and then build from there. Sancho, for me, would be more important than Haaland to us being able to compete with the best teams. Ideally we get both but let's not be greedy
We could have best crosser in the world but there would still be no one in the box to target.
Yeah there is no doubt that this team lacks balance without a proper RW but also lacks an absolute predator in the box as well and like you say there is no way in a million years you can get both players. I could live with only Haaland if we gave Axel an opportunity to be Harry's CB partner, Amad a chance to make that RW spot his own and of course kept hold of Pogba as well.I still think RW is everything. Get some balance in the team again and then build from there. Sancho, for me, would be more important than Haaland to us being able to compete with the best teams. Ideally we get both but let's not be greedy
Last edited:
No white text? I like James from a work ethic perspective and appreciate he's probably better on the LW but he's lacking as an elite RW in many areas. I don't get the crossing point, we haven't played with those kind of wingers for over a decade or so.
Sancho for 90m, Tolisso for 50m and you're set.
Nice try - unfortunately, I don't think Solskjaer reads the Caf!
Lacking in what areas? I’m not saying he is answer but only asking what you define as key attributes required. Didn’t understand “No White Text” sorry ?
Might concede a few goals, but wouldn't cost us a penny*
Donnarumma
AWB Ramos Maguire Shaw
Bruno Matic Calhanoglu
Messi Aguero Rashford
(*wages would be astronomical)
Donnarumma
AWB Ramos Maguire Shaw
Bruno Matic Calhanoglu
Messi Aguero Rashford
(*wages would be astronomical)
Sensible options for defence/midfield
Andersen (Lyon)
Aarons (Norwich)
White (Brighton) can operate as a holding midfielder
Marquee signings for attacking positions
Sancho & Haaland
I think that can be achieved if we can ship a few out of the door.
Andersen (Lyon)
Aarons (Norwich)
White (Brighton) can operate as a holding midfielder
Marquee signings for attacking positions
Sancho & Haaland
I think that can be achieved if we can ship a few out of the door.
James is a good backup across the wings but I'd say he's not amazing at anything. He's rapid and works hard which is great and he's not a bad finisher coming off the left but you only need to look at his decision making in attacking areas to see the issue. Even if we didn't get Sancho, imagine just having a player who knew the role positionally, provided genuine width and then could contribute a healthy number of assists and a few goals. I don't think he's created a single big chance this season in the PL or has a single assist & most of our good work comes down the left.
Rashford - Greenwood - Sancho is much better than Rashford - Haaland - James for example, in my opinion.
Haaland at all costs, a centre back, right back and a proper CDM. If Pogba goes, a replacement for him too.
Rice, Håland, CB.
Rice would allow us to play Bruno and Pogba against low block teams. Those two would be the creators and would lessen the need for another creator in Sancho.
Håland is a generational talent and is a striker. Martial and Rashford are not strikers, they are wide forwards even though Martial's holdup play is really good.
Those 3 will cost ca 220m. Sell Lingard, Henderson, Dalot and maybe Martial to get the funds. The Glazers will spend 80m net.
Rice would allow us to play Bruno and Pogba against low block teams. Those two would be the creators and would lessen the need for another creator in Sancho.
Håland is a generational talent and is a striker. Martial and Rashford are not strikers, they are wide forwards even though Martial's holdup play is really good.
Those 3 will cost ca 220m. Sell Lingard, Henderson, Dalot and maybe Martial to get the funds. The Glazers will spend 80m net.
Forget about Haaland he is to expensive for Manchester United, but another really good striker that I think will fit in is Youssef En-Nesyri, now playing for Sevilla in Spain.
And of course Grealish from Aston Villa these to players is enough to win the league.
And of course Grealish from Aston Villa these to players is enough to win the league.
For sure Sancho would be a dream signing but I’m not sure if “genuine width” helps so much when we have such poor numbers in the box , especially in the slow build up play we now see so often. Haaland Sancho ? Would be simply epic.
Kounde - £55m
Rice - £70m
Grealish - £70m
Sancho - £80m
Haaland - £100m
Spend - £375m
Sell
De Gea - £30m
Tuanzebe - £20m
Pogba - £50m
Van de Beek - £30m
Martial - £40m
Pereira - £10m
Lingard - £10m
Dalot - £10m
Jones - free transfer
Total - £200m
Net Spend around £175m.
We’d still have solid depth as well.
Henderson
Grant/Romero/veteran backup signed cheap
Kovar
AWB
Laird/Williams
Bailly
Maguire
Lindelof
Kounde
Mengi
Shaw
Telles
Rice
Matic
Fred
McTominay
Grealish
Garner
Sancho
Amad
Pellistri
Bruno
Mata
Mejbri
Rashford
James
Shoretire
Haaland
Greenwood
We’d never do it but if we were serious about competing then one big summer is going to be needed at some point. Chelsea tried it last year. We’ve seen PSG get Mbappe and Neymar in the same summer. Real Madrid have done huge summers before when they got Kaka and Ronaldo etc.
Rice - £70m
Grealish - £70m
Sancho - £80m
Haaland - £100m
Spend - £375m
Sell
De Gea - £30m
Tuanzebe - £20m
Pogba - £50m
Van de Beek - £30m
Martial - £40m
Pereira - £10m
Lingard - £10m
Dalot - £10m
Jones - free transfer
Total - £200m
Net Spend around £175m.
We’d still have solid depth as well.
Henderson
Grant/Romero/veteran backup signed cheap
Kovar
AWB
Laird/Williams
Bailly
Maguire
Lindelof
Kounde
Mengi
Shaw
Telles
Rice
Matic
Fred
McTominay
Grealish
Garner
Sancho
Amad
Pellistri
Bruno
Mata
Mejbri
Rashford
James
Shoretire
Haaland
Greenwood
We’d never do it but if we were serious about competing then one big summer is going to be needed at some point. Chelsea tried it last year. We’ve seen PSG get Mbappe and Neymar in the same summer. Real Madrid have done huge summers before when they got Kaka and Ronaldo etc.
Depends if we can get some idea where we’re at regarding players the jury is still out on, namely Bailly, Axel, Henderson, Van De Beek etc. I think we should be playing these guys as much as possible between now and May just to find out if they can save us a few quid. I’m reluctant to shout about us needing a new centre half for example, when we have two perfectly good ones we don’t play.
Would be impossible to sell that much.
Haaland +cm+cdm+wingback+cb i hope
Bit optimistic hoping to sell Jones for free
I'm not sure it's going to be a matter of how many we need, but rather prioritising what we can afford according to what the manager deems to be the biggest issues. The financial results and ongoing situation that we have no clarity over doesn't allow big spending. It's pretty clear that when the CEO and owners see the club primarily as a business that they are not going to take anything other than a cold, hard look at the reality of the situation. There won't be any emotion or panic over positions, a budget will be in place and it's likely to be a restrictive one.
My guess is there will be a relatively modest budget compared to what some fans expect, supplemented by a few sales. So while we might identify CB, RW, ST as priorities, and RB as potentially lacking quality depth, it's very unlikely more than one or two will be looked at. We may even have to replace Pogba.
My opinion would be Pogba has to be replaced if he leaves as there is not enough ideas in there otherwise. Striker looks an absolute priority, we don't have a reliable one, that has to be crucial, another season of an older Cavani and a flagging Martial would be pretty silly, we've been hoping for somebody to step up to a level they have never previously hit, we can't keep praying indefinitely while lacking a finisher and focal point.
Beyond that I'd be surprised if finances allow. CB to me doesn't look a big priority, it's a nice if we could situation. We are fully capable of defending well even if the balance is not ideal for all situations. RW would be my next priority as the options there really restrict our depth of rotation, although it very much depends on what we see from Amad. Anybody we bring in seems to be too much of a step down for our club but that could change if he proves to be further in his development than it appears or he develops rapidly between now and the end of the season.
My guess is there will be a relatively modest budget compared to what some fans expect, supplemented by a few sales. So while we might identify CB, RW, ST as priorities, and RB as potentially lacking quality depth, it's very unlikely more than one or two will be looked at. We may even have to replace Pogba.
My opinion would be Pogba has to be replaced if he leaves as there is not enough ideas in there otherwise. Striker looks an absolute priority, we don't have a reliable one, that has to be crucial, another season of an older Cavani and a flagging Martial would be pretty silly, we've been hoping for somebody to step up to a level they have never previously hit, we can't keep praying indefinitely while lacking a finisher and focal point.
Beyond that I'd be surprised if finances allow. CB to me doesn't look a big priority, it's a nice if we could situation. We are fully capable of defending well even if the balance is not ideal for all situations. RW would be my next priority as the options there really restrict our depth of rotation, although it very much depends on what we see from Amad. Anybody we bring in seems to be too much of a step down for our club but that could change if he proves to be further in his development than it appears or he develops rapidly between now and the end of the season.
In my opinion we need 4 signings-1)CB-A top class,speedy,ball playing CB who can allow us to play a high line and play out from the back.Needless to say he should also be comfortable defending 1 v 1.
2)DM-A deep lying playmaker who can control/set the tempo of a game for us.
3)RW-This has been a problem position for years now.We have to move heaven and earth to sort this problem out for good.
4)RB-An attacking full back who can challenge/push AWB on the right.
The first 3 should be our main priority though....If we want to take the next step in our progression,then we just have to iron out these weaknesses in our squad...
------------------Henderson------------------
---AWB---Bailly---Maguire---Shaw---
---------------Bruno---Pogba----------------
---Sancho-----------------------Grealish--
-----------Haaland-----Cavani-------------
Subs:
Rashford
Greenwood
McTominay
Fred
James
Diallo
Lindelof
Telles
Romero
---AWB---Bailly---Maguire---Shaw---
---------------Bruno---Pogba----------------
---Sancho-----------------------Grealish--
-----------Haaland-----Cavani-------------
Subs:
Rashford
Greenwood
McTominay
Fred
James
Diallo
Lindelof
Telles
Romero
5.
CB, RB, DMC, RW, SK
CB, RB, DMC, RW, SK
Two of the below three
A game changing attacker, ideally a right sided player, but if it's a proper goal scoring beast that instead
A reliable, dominant yet pacey centre back
A centre midfield who can pass, yet do what McFred do.
Failure to succeed rules out stepping up a level next year.
I hope we don't buy another expensive bench player who barely gets near it. That achieves very little.
A game changing attacker, ideally a right sided player, but if it's a proper goal scoring beast that instead
A reliable, dominant yet pacey centre back
A centre midfield who can pass, yet do what McFred do.
Failure to succeed rules out stepping up a level next year.
I hope we don't buy another expensive bench player who barely gets near it. That achieves very little.
Which would be your ideal two out of those three if we could sell a couple of players and do also have a budget that is going to be around the £80m mark. Not gonna lie would still love to sign Ramos as think he could be our version of Thiago Silva at Chelsea but the lack of pace is such an issue for our CB's
Looking at the starting XI for tomorrows game against Milan will be quite depressing. I know its because of injuries but just shows how bad our squad depth is. The bench will be even worse than Milans..
With that said.. probably 4 signings but dont think that will happen.
With that said.. probably 4 signings but dont think that will happen.
Re the game: I reckon we should play James-Rashford-Amad up front but 100% sure he'll persist with Greenwood.
If Amad were to get a run of games and keep playing as he has been for U23s, I don't think we'll need Sancho. We've more a pressing need for Haaland, a DCM, a CB and a RB. Yes, I count a backup RB as an essential position to reinforce because - and I'm repeating myself here, but it can't be understated - Wan-Bissaka cannot play another season without competition. It's obvious that Williams is in desperate need for a loan. Tuanzebe needs another loans or at his critical age, would probably prefer a permanent transfer. Matic is past his best and I still think Pogba will leave (swap most likely). Also, will Van de Beek be happy as a backup player? The only chance he really has is if he adapts his game to more of a central position.
A centre forward, centre mid and a centre back please. Eventually hope/expect Mason to end up as a CF but would like a ready made solution with whom he can share game time (as well as spending some time on the right) for now. I admire Fred's engine but he's too loose on the ball for a top level starting CM. Ditto Scott. Lastly, someone to partner Maguire would be good. Ideally someone with pace that can play out. Calls for a new RB seem a little premature to me...AWB has shown signs of improvement and I think should be given another season or two. Certainly not among our biggest issues atm.
Would you take Trippier as a backup RB and yes I know he wasn't great tonight but neither was the rest of them, for Amad to get a run of games it would need Ole to give Mason a proper chance at no 9 and James's form to fall off again totally. Can't see anyone taking Pogba this summer but despite a poor showing in this tie still think Saul could offer us something different on the ball to the others if he did.
Yeah, I would. Can ping a ball which is something we miss from the right side. As for Mason, unfortunately, he's been off the pace this season and I believe Amad would be a more effective presence as a goal threat and providing for Rashford. I would loan Mason out next season. I would love Saul, but I don't think Atletico would be a big enough club for Pogba. Only thing is, we would miss our chance at a Spanish trio again as De Gea and Mata will most likely be off. Not a deal breaker, but the vibes wouldn't be the same
Trippier is 30 years old. He could “ping a ball” in but there would be nobody to get on the end of it. We are becoming a more technical passing team now and , in my humble opinion, only need to go all out for Haaland. Martial,Fred,Pogba out.Yeah, I would. Can ping a ball which is something we miss from the right side. As for Mason, unfortunately, he's been off the pace this season and I believe Amad would be a more effective presence as a goal threat and providing for Rashford. I would loan Mason out next season. I would love Saul, but I don't think Atletico would be a big enough club for Pogba. Only thing is, we would miss our chance at a Spanish trio again as De Gea and Mata will most likely be off. Not a deal breaker, but the vibes wouldn't be the same
Bring in obvious talent and nurture a team and not a group of misfits.
Ole is learning all the time and I believe he has the potential to take the team to the top.
Striker !!! A striker is the number 1 priority right now
Mad that we’re in a position where acquiring what we need to challenge seems impossible already.
fast CB - kounde
CDM - anyone who can do what fred/Mctom currently do.
RW - sancho
ST - ideally haaland but will never happen.
I think Laird is ready to be back up at RB, Grealish is essential if Pogba leaves.
So yeah, we’re not winning the league next season either.
fast CB - kounde
CDM - anyone who can do what fred/Mctom currently do.
RW - sancho
ST - ideally haaland but will never happen.
I think Laird is ready to be back up at RB, Grealish is essential if Pogba leaves.
So yeah, we’re not winning the league next season either.
To finish what chances? Tbf hold up play can bring others in. I think we’ve sorely missed pogbas creativity in midfield hence the dour football of late.
Well, I wouldn't say Trippier is the only option. And being 30 doesn't hold much relevance as a backup, especially while he's not yet over the hill. I do believe we need a decent crosser when we struggle to break down teams who just sit back and defend (which teams are starting to realise is our weakness). Harry is powerful, tall and loves to get forward and could get his slab on it. It's definitely something he should work. If Greenwood/Martial, can't be trusted to head the ball, then again, surely it's something to work on as a CF regardless of our passing ethos? I mean, the passing itself isn't great, let's be honest. A lot of players, Rashford especially, constantly pick the wrong option. If we are truly going to be this tiki-taka team then there is a way to go. And the trouble is, when playing the technical game, you need great technical players which cost a lot of money or they simply aren't available, especially during these times.
By the way, I don't disagree with the philosophy per se, I'm just not sure how realistic it is at the moment.
Yes but he would be wasted in those positions.
It might be a unpopular opinion but I think just adding 'Carrick' to our team would completely transform it. And by Carrick, I mean a midfielder who has an entire range of passing, short, long, through the lines, etc., and can do a defensive job. We already have 2 of world's top 10 attacking players currently in Bruno and Rashford. It is completely unrealistic to expect signing another two in Sancho and Haaland. Our attack has shown consistently that it can create chances for fun when it has some space to work with (i.e., we are able to achieve quick transitions from defense). A midfielder who can pass through lanes and long passes to wing is what we are missing primarily, which can consistently open up spaces for our attack regardless of opposition team's strengths.
Mind you, Carrick was an exceptional player so getting someone with his qualities wouldn't be easy. Even Pogba doesn't perform the passing role as well & consistently as Carrick could.
Another key player is a CB who is dominant in 1-1 situations. I don't think we need full backs per se, we already have two very good/solid ones.
Mind you, Carrick was an exceptional player so getting someone with his qualities wouldn't be easy. Even Pogba doesn't perform the passing role as well & consistently as Carrick could.
Another key player is a CB who is dominant in 1-1 situations. I don't think we need full backs per se, we already have two very good/solid ones.
I’m with ya on Trippier, he makes sense for next year if we keep Cavani but presumably for his price and wages we can find a 25 year old RB with more potential defensively and a better passer than crosser to suit Mason and Rashford and Bruno. Max Aarons seems like the obvious name, though there’s presumably others.
I keep reading this (bolded) which I find quite odd because they play different positions. As much as I think Grealish is a great player, his two favoured positions, LW and AM are the least of our worries right now. If Pogba leaves, I'd rather have a progressive CM who specialises in that role.
I think we need the following in this prioritisation:
1. Right winger to get a more balanced attack and be able to be creative from both right and left hand side - Sancho is the ideal candidate.
2. Striker to get on the multiple chances we create - Haaland is the ideal candidate.
3. Centre back to be able to defend and press in a higher line, i.e. a pacy strong CB - candidates would be Koundé, Loic Badé, Varane etc. A difficult position to find the obvious and attainable candidate...
4. Defensive Midfielder (assuming Pogba stays) able to break up play and start attacks from deep - I like the look of Aurélien Tchouaméni from Monaco as he seems to be another Fabinho in the making. Other candidates could be Palhinha, Rice, Bissouma, Koopmeiners etc.
5. Right Back to provide more attacking options and compete with AWB - I think Ridle Baku from Wolfsburg looks interesting. Good on the ball and cross, and can play as RM and CDM besides his preferred right back. Reminds me a tiny bit of Lahm.
1. Right winger to get a more balanced attack and be able to be creative from both right and left hand side - Sancho is the ideal candidate.
2. Striker to get on the multiple chances we create - Haaland is the ideal candidate.
3. Centre back to be able to defend and press in a higher line, i.e. a pacy strong CB - candidates would be Koundé, Loic Badé, Varane etc. A difficult position to find the obvious and attainable candidate...
4. Defensive Midfielder (assuming Pogba stays) able to break up play and start attacks from deep - I like the look of Aurélien Tchouaméni from Monaco as he seems to be another Fabinho in the making. Other candidates could be Palhinha, Rice, Bissouma, Koopmeiners etc.
5. Right Back to provide more attacking options and compete with AWB - I think Ridle Baku from Wolfsburg looks interesting. Good on the ball and cross, and can play as RM and CDM besides his preferred right back. Reminds me a tiny bit of Lahm.