Neville: Varane, Sancho, Kane

[criticalanalysis]

Getting the best out of players is one of Ole's positive qualities, so I'm not sure why a replacement manager would help there.

It's Ole's positives but that doesn't mean he's getting the best out of them. Lindelof's positive is that he's technically sound, it doesn't make him a good defender though.

The fact we regularly struggle to break down teams even with Pogba/Cavani/Rashford/Greenwood etc on the pitch tells all you need to know.

 

[Lennon7]

Godfrey would be a good signing for depth, surely better and cheaper than Torres?

 

[Abraxas]

I think one of them, if any. That one being far more likely to be Sancho, I'm not sure the prospect of Kane is anything but extremely unlikely. I just don't see how we get that one over the line for the money Levy would require, it's silly money that we're not in a position to do without compromising everything else we need to do. I'm not sure about the likelihood of Varane, it feels like we've been linked with him for about 15 years, it's hard to get too excited.

One thing I do not want to see is reckless spending, which I think is what Neville is advocating. We cannot risk finances this summer in some kind of splurge that is completely out of line considering current circumstances.

It seems tempting now because the logic may be that we can overtake City after finishing second. What we must realise is it is not that simple. We need to take decisions that are good in the medium and long term too, if we blow our load this summer the repurcussions for following seasons could be quite painful. Some of the decisions Mourinho made in the market had a pretty horrible knock on effect financially, by all accounts.

I think we do have to be pretty strong with our budgets and negotiations this summer. Not just succumbing to the demands of fans for big signings or throwing money at people because a few teams need to sell. I think there will be some value to be had for teams that approach things smartly. It might not be about the obvious names. Maybe there is a Sancho, but also two or three others we haven't often considered, and a few smart sales. That seems more on point to me.

 

[sglowrider]

Posh Lindelof and Toffee knees Kane wouldn’t be top of my list but fair enough.

Where’s he reckon the money is coming from for that lot then?

ESL?

 

[sglowrider]

I'd rather prioritize a DM over a striker. If we get Sancho I would like to see more rotation of the ST role and have Amad get more playing time to develop his game. Between Cavani, Rashford, and Greenwood, that's already 3 players who can play up top and Rashford and Mason can also rotate the wing spots. A CB and central midfielder are far more important this summer.

100%

 

[Inter Yer Nan]

Think it will be Sancho, Pau Torres and possibly a cheap defensive midfielder.

I’d be fine with that personally. Sancho+ another bank breaker isn’t happening.

 

[tenpoless]

Thus another year of counter attacking football.

 

[cyril C]

Neville has lost all my respect since the riot. His opinion is tinted and agenda bias.

Yes we need fresh leg. An experienced CB, comfortable in the air and with the ball, great concentration, with pace perhaps, doesn't have to be Varane.

In fact, bring in the Portuguese solution is fine with me, Torres, Neves, and the Leeds right wing.

 

[croadyman]

Sancho, Varane, Zakaria. Of course if you can get Kane you go for it. I doubt his contract situation allows him to move this summer though.

Can we throw in Trippier as a backup RB too

 

[snk123]

Grealish, Sancho (DVDB other side), Varane and Tielemens (Lingard other side)

We need technical footballers to control the game and keep the ball. Grealish is critical and the fact that Ole can not see that or prefers Sancho is why I’m losing trust in him.

 

[Diabovermelho]

What do you guys think about the briefs that came out?

Ole want up to 4 signings? RW, ST, CB and young CM "for the future". Sancho, Kane, Torres and Rice the preferred targets?

I mean, why is Torres our number 1 target at CB? Should be Varane imo, especially if the price of both is around £40-50m.

The young CM, doesn't make sense. We have Garner and Mejbri "for the future", we should've been looking for a DM that would improve us right now. Perhaps they are preparing for Pogba's exit next summer?

And another striker? We have Cavani, Martial and Greenwood.. perhaps if we sell Martial, we could bring a new ST. But if we are really looking for a striker, even if it's not Kane, this just shows that Ole has lost his faith in Martial, and i don't blame him.

I still think Varane and Sancho are possible, but there's no way we can get Kane or Rice this Summer.

 

[tjb]

What do you guys think about the briefs that came out?

Ole want up to 4 signings? RW, ST, CB and young CM "for the future". Sancho, Kane, Torres and Rice the preferred targets?

I mean, why is Torres our number 1 target at CB? Should be Varane imo, especially if the price of both is around £40-50m.

The young CM, doesn't make sense. We have Garner and Mejbri "for the future", we should've been looking for a DM that would improve us right now. Perhaps they are preparing for Pogba's exit next summer?

And another striker? We have Cavani, Martial and Greenwood.. perhaps if we sell Martial, we could bring a new ST. But if we are really looking for a striker, even if it's not Kane, this just shows that Ole has lost his faith in Martial, and i don't blame him.

I still think Varane and Sancho are possible, but there's no way we can get Kane or Rice this Summer.

He's probably looking at Bellingham or Camavinga.

For me, three is enough. It's the British media that are trying to force us to sign Kane. The truth is, its either or in terms of Kane and Sancho.

Sancho is the easier buy. Our biggest need is in midfield, and somehow Neville doesn't see that whilst complaining about how we play in big games.

Centre back could be anybody.

 

[croadyman]

I'd rather buy grealish instead of kane. He is what we need more than anyone else. Apart from his obvious quality his personality would also be an added bonus.

Kane isn't coming anyways, and after yesterday more so.

Yeah he has that swagger to play for this club but will be an utter sickener if him and Kane both go to City this summer

 

[RedRonaldo]

Just wondering why everyone think we can sign Varane? He wants to leave Real?

 

[croadyman]

Grealish, Sancho (DVDB other side), Varane and Tielemens (Lingard other side)

We need technical footballers to control the game and keep the ball. Grealish is critical and the fact that Ole can not see that or prefers Sancho is why I’m losing trust in him.

He's probably looking at Bellingham or Camavinga.

For me, three is enough. It's the British media that are trying to force us to sign Kane. The truth is, its either or in terms of Kane and Sancho.

Sancho is the easier buy. Our biggest need is in midfield, and somehow Neville doesn't see that whilst complaining about how we play in big games.

Centre back could be anybody.

Neville isn't bothered about the CB/CDM position because he probably considers them unglamorous

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Pipe dream

 

[Sky1981]

I think if we signed them we probably would win the league, imagine having Greenwood and Cavani rotating in and out.
If DDG wages are cut thats Kanes wages.
If Martial leaves his wages goes to Sancho.
Varane would take whoever leaves of Bailey or Lindelof.
It is possible yes,
Will we? Ha no way.

It's not possible even in FM

Cutting player wages?

 

[BaillyBaillyBailly]

- Kane I think is impossible because I just can't see Levy selling him. If he does sell him it'll be ~£150m. City don't do those kind of mega mega transfers. United could, but I just don't believe the board would go for it. They seem to have genuinely sorted themselves out transfer wise and are buying to build for a project now. Signing Kane doesn't fit that.

- Sancho looks like it will happen. Romano says its an open race which it might well be, but I would imagine United are leading that race because they had personal terms agreed with the player last summer.

- Pau Torres - I only saw him play 4 times but he just doesn't really look like an upgrade on Lindelof/Bailly/Tuanzebe.

- Varane - I don't understand why he would want to join united. He's a starter for an equally big club who actually have a better chance of winning things. Madrid is a nicer place to live. I imagine he is fairly well settled there. I think he is just anchoring for an improved contract. Real are cash strapped and without signing anyone their replacements for Varane and Ramos are not good enough.

- Rice could possibly work as part of a swap with Lingard. I would guess Lingard +£30m. Rice looks a good player who would fit. He would allow us to play 4231 or 433 depending on whether Ole wants to. Rice seems like he wants to play for Chelsea (although I don't think Chelsea need him tbh).

- Grealish - unless Pogba leaves I don't see it happening. If we have Bruno, Pogba, Vdb and Grealish that seems like a lot of players for not too many positions.

- Trippier - maybe although I would say Dalot has had a similar season. Is more attacking (the reason for getting Trippier I presume is to provide options for a more attacking right sided full back). Dalot is younger too and has sell on value even if he doesn't play too much next season.

- Bissouma - seems gettable for £30-40m and I think looks the exact player Fred was supposed to be.

Honestly I think it will be only Sancho this summer and we will be fighting with Liverpool & Chelsea for the 2-4 places in the league

 

[DiMaria]

I would say we really need a cdm/cm too, someone like Declan Rice which we can have lingard be part of his deal. But regardless whatever players we get we should conclude our business early this time and not leave everything late, again.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

I just want to indulge for a minute in this muppetry. So, Sancho 80m, Varane let's say 40m (it's unlikely they get that price they probably put feelers out on), Kane 120m. 240m, not counting agent fees and wages. Let's play the hypothetical subjective game:

Lingard out, 25m (best case scenario)
Dalot out, 10m (best case scenario)
Martial out, 40m (don't think this is the time to sell him, low stock and will be useful on the left, but we'd definitely need money if we were going on a spree)
Pereira out, 3m
De Gea out, a fee high enough to cover half his wages for the remainder of his deal which over two years is 40m, so 20m and half his wages subsidised (absolute best case scenario) - zero net overall
Bailly out, 12m
Matic out, 8m (to Roma)
Mata end of contract
Romero end of contract
Grant end of contract

98m in.

In terms of wages (all rumoured)
de Gea 375K
Bailly 80K
Lingard 75K
Matic 120K
Martial 250K
Mata 160K
Romero 70K
Grant 30K
Dalot 25K
Pereira 30K

That's more than 58m annually in wages saved. Not astronomically insurmountable, but would represent the biggest outlay since the wild west of Mourinho and LVG.

Caveat 1: I don't think either de Gea or Henderson is what we need, but selling Henderson for 30m would bag Donnarumma's "free transfer" with view to Raiola's cut, alternatively, we see if there is even the slightest chance with ter Stegen
Caveat 2: If Pogba goes, I'd expect us to sign a midfielder who can pass and is good on the ball, but let's leave that out for now.

Very good post!

 

[devilo]

I also share the view that there will need to be a few leaving if we're to bring in some of the names being bounced around on here. I personally can't see us needing Kane now that Cavani has extended for a year and the focus should probably be on Haaland next summer instead.

For me it's along these lines in terms of priority.
1. Rice (because we need to control games better from central midfield. Likely going to involve Jesse going the other way)
2. Torres (because neither Lindelof or Bailly are good enough to partner Maguire really)
3. Sancho (because the right side spot has never been truly fixed. Amad is still too raw and inexperienced and Mason needs more time competing for the central berth)
4. Grealish (only going to happen should either/both of Martial and Pogba leave. It's something I would personally like to see happen because I think he offers something we don't already have in terms of his ability to carry and retain the ball)

 

[Remember the geese]

I’d be fine with that personally. Sancho+ another bank breaker isn’t happening.

Yeah this would be good a window. We still wouldn't be perfect, but we aren't going to sort everything out in one go.

 

[11101]

Gary Neville has stated without hesitation that the 3 players we should sign are the 3 aforementioned: Varane for his vast experience, Sancho and Kane for obvious reasons.

Realistic or flight of fancy? No mention of a quality CDM

Varane yes. Always wanted him. He's getting a little older but he would still give us 4 to 5 good years.
Sancho yes. We should have bought him last year.
Kane no. I don't think he will fit.

 

[youmeletsfly]

The UEL final should have taught our coaching staff about some things we urgently need:
- CB
- decent CDM that can cover some ground and receive the ball facing his own goal
- RB -> while AWB didn't have a very bad game, his final delivery is quite bad (at least we need decent competition for him)
- LW -> However you look at it, Pogba is not a LW and Rashford god knows what he is

So, my priority would be:
- CB
- CDM
- LW

Wet dream would be:
- Very good CB
- Very good CDM
- Natural LW
- decent backup for RB

 

[Berbasbullet]

The UEL final should have taught our coaching staff about some things we urgently need:
- CB
- decent CDM that can cover some ground and receive the ball facing his own goal
- RB -> while AWB didn't have a very bad game, his final delivery is quite bad (at least we need decent competition for him)
- LW -> However you look at it, Pogba is not a LW and Rashford god knows what he is

So, my priority would be:
- CB
- CDM
- LW

Wet dream would be:
- Very good CB
- Very good CDM
- Natural LW
- decent backup for RB

RW says hello.

Im hoping Laird comes back from his loan as RB cover.

 

[groovyalbert]

Maybe I'm missing something. But it seems like we want a team of basically forward players.

You need decent forwards no doubt but the team is the sum of its parts. Even someone like Bamford is getting goals but he has a team behind him that can battle and win the ball and get it up to him on a regular basis.

Surely a decent MF is the priority. Ball winners, forward passers who offer both a first line of defence to the defenders and can pick out the runs of wingers and strikers?

Teams walk through our MF. We lose the ball almost as soon as we have it, inviting pressure. We pass sideways and back.

For me we get the MF right and our defence looks better and our forwards get more reward

Agree, CDM that would allow us to split the McFred partnership would be ideal - someone like Rice or Ndidi would be perfect.

That said, we don't have enough depth in quality up top to compete for the biggest trophies, let alone the minor ones.

Relying on a 34/35 year old Cavani to lead the line for a season will only get you so far. None of our other forwards are natural strikers (Rashford/Martial better from the wing, Greenwood still developing).

 

[ArjenIsM3]

We're definitely not getting Kane. Maybe Varane, maybe Pau Torres. Something like Sancho + Rice + Torres seems plausible.

 

[youmeletsfly]

RW says hello.

Im hoping Laird comes back from his loan as RB cover.

I initially added RW in there, but I think Greenwood/Amad can do a job there next season.

Do you know anything about Laird's loan at Mk Dons?

 

[jackal&hyde]

We're definitely not getting Kane. Maybe Varane, maybe Pau Torres. Something like Sancho + Rice + Torres seems plausible.

I think so too. RW is a bigger priority then CF imo and we are not spending 300mil.

Kane would need to kick the mother of all storms to get away this summer.

 

[Berbasbullet]

I initially added RW in there, but I think Greenwood/Amad can do a job there next season.

Do you know anything about Laird's loan at Mk Dons?

Not an awful lot but understand he has been fit all season and played well, but would be interested if anyone has watched him regularly.

 

[flappyjay]

A smart move for United would be to inquire about the availability of Brozovic or Barella considering Inters financial troubles of late.
Y'know, be abit savvy.

They actually owe us some money we could even agree a deal where we write off their debt and pay low for either one of those 2.

 

[The Hilton]

We won't be signing Kane, the amount he'd cost would be astronomical, even if he downed tools and refused to play.

He's got 4 years left on his contract, even City and their creative accounting will struggle to cook the books enough to sign him.

The other two, however, I'd be delighted with, but I think Ole is after an explicitly left footed CB.

 

[jackal&hyde]

We won't be signing Kane, the amount he'd cost would be astronomical, even if he downed tools and refused to play.

He's got 4 years left on his contract, even City and their creative accounting will struggle to cook the books enough to sign him.

The other two, however, I'd be delighted with, but I think Ole is after an explicitly left footed CB.

I feel so too but there is a lot of smoke with Varane. He might be one of those situations where if a player like him becomes available you change your plans. He has quality, experience plus a winners mentality. Hard to say no to that.

 

[youmeletsfly]

We won't be signing Kane, the amount he'd cost would be astronomical, even if he downed tools and refused to play.

He's got 4 years left on his contract, even City and their creative accounting will struggle to cook the books enough to sign him.

The other two, however, I'd be delighted with, but I think Ole is after an explicitly left footed CB.

Kane can be signed as long as 120-140 mil will be on the table and Spurs find an adequate replacement for around half the price. Spurs have massive financial problems and 140mil-ish would make them float again.

 

[amsoUG]

I wouldn't be surprised if Pep buys Grealish instead of Kane and force other big teams to fumble over Kane.
I believe that Grealish is a player we need in that attacking third - he has maturity on the ball and he is not insecure to need stats to backup his contribution. Bruno and Rashford make a lot of immature mistakes and rely on stat padding.

 

[stw2022]

I think Kane is going to be too expensive.

 

[stw2022]

I wouldn't be surprised if Pep buys Grealish instead of Kane and force other big teams to fumble over Kane.
I believe that Grealish is a player we need in that attacking third - he has maturity on the ball and he is not insecure to need stats to backup his contribution. Bruno and Rashford make a lot of immature mistakes and rely on stat padding.

Bruno?

I’m sorry?

 

[The Hilton]

Kane can be signed as long as 120-140 mil will be on the table and Spurs find an adequate replacement for around half the price. Spurs have massive financial problems and 140mil-ish would make them float again.

Yeah but that's an astronomical amount of money, we wouldn't be spending that even without covid, especially not when we've got other bigger priorities.

 

[The Hilton]

Bruno?

I’m sorry?

Yeah his pesky stat padding by scoring and creating bucket loads of goals. That's not what football is about at all.

 

[BorisManUtd]

...and then turn off your Playstation. No one is getting those 3 players, not PSG or City and neither would we ever. He's stating obvious thing that we'd be challening with those 3. Leicester would as well, doesn't mean they'll get them.