Make this signing and we are settled at GK for the duration of the contract and hopefully long beyond. It’s sets the precedent that we want to always play higher up the pitch from now on. It makes everyone’s lives easier from recruitment down. He’s the best GK we could realistically get. We couldn’t have sold DDG at any point without subsidising his crazy wages and all the drama that would go with it. Onana will surely be on less money. Already a better keeper and entering his prime years. I think we’ve played another blinder here if it comes off.
CB we have a great first choice pairing with Shaw able to play LCB if Martinez is out. Lindelof is fine for Varane. Some fresh blood is probably needed as Varane ages but not a major priority this summer.
RB Dalot and AWB are totally fine depending on who we are playing. Either could kick on majorly next season. Both were really good in spells last season.
LB Shaw is one of our most consistent players who just signed a new deal. Malacia looks alright and still has solid potential, low wages and we will surely sell him for a profit if it doesn’t work out.
CM Casemiro, Mount, Bruno is mobile creative hardworking experienced confident and aggressive. Mount is the most experienced young PL player we could get this summer. It’s the lowest possible risk. We also have first choice international players as backup ready to step in when needed. Fresh blood (more youth creativity and steel) is still needed but not a priority with the arrival of Mount and hopefully the emergence of Mainoo.
Wings really couldn't be any more healthy
Only striker left as a glaring weakness and it looks like we are finally signing one for the long term. Rejoice! Rashford can pop in at 9 and greenwood might possibly return at some stage.
a few top class youth punts to pad out the squad and take the reigns as the likes of Casemiro and Varane wind down and we are looking really really good.
Once we address the strikers long term It’s the best squad composition we will have had post Fergie by far. the manager has been doing all this with the glazers tying one hand behind his back, getting rid of Ronaldo, the greenwood situation and the ownership issue. He’s calm, has a clear vision and keeps the ego BS in house. He’s doing a super job.
Onana, Martinez, Casemiro (all captain material) and hopefully Antony will be star players for us next season. All his hires. There’s not much more we can do apart from improve the team every year and the manager and recruitment team are certainly doing that while keeping us competitive. We seem to finally be targeting winners too instead of flashy marketable nice guys. It will be a great squad for promising younger players to come in and learn the ropes. This group looks happy and hungry. If City weren’t such a machine I’d fancy us to go a lot closer next season but we are slowly getting there.
I’m delighted.