Denis Zakaria / signed for Juventus

[OmarUnited4ever]

We also have to understand where we are currently.

We have an interim manager in charge, why would the club give him a budget for 6 months? I mean the new manager might want a different player in there, spending loads of money will hamper the new managers chances of signing someone.

Matic will leave at the end of the season, a £5m signing will give us some depth cause at the moment we have none.

we signed VdB for depth (cover for Bruno in the #10 role) and is only being using scarcely, a depth player still has to be rotated into the starting XI , else, no point in the signing, even for depth, it has to be someone the manager 100% trusts and will use (for example, Ox in Liverpool is a depth option and also gets to start games when needed).

 

[romufc]

we signed VdB for depth (cover for Bruno in the #10 role) and is only being using scarcely, a depth player still has to be rotated into the starting XI , else, no point in the signing, even for depth, it has to be someone the manager 100% trusts and will use (for example, Ox in Liverpool is a depth option and also gets to start games when needed).

I am sure if we do go in for him, it would be because Ralf likes him and will be someone he trusts.

 

[phelans shorts]

No, it’s not. We should have learned something by now, otherwise we’re running in circles. We don’t have unlimited slots for players, never mind the concept of budget exists. The reason why we never seem to get away from this rebuilding process is because we don’t get rid of the average players who should not be here, in fact, we renew their contracts, ensuring they’ll stink up the place for even longer. Thus, the players who have failed you before will fail you again, it’s not that shocking really.

You don’t have to look further than our last game and see who was in CB for us. We know why he’s here. The problem is that he’s taking the spot of someone actually capable and reliable. Jones is neither.

We’ve all seen multiple reports for a while now that we have to sell before we buy. And it’s understandable really, considering we have probably the biggest squad in the league. It is a result of shocking management for many years now and the result is for everyone to see.

Can I just say that it’s absolutely ridiculous that you’re singling out not only our best player, by a considerable margin, on that day. But also the only one to actually show any fight and will to win. A player who gave his all not least because when he was going through what must have been the worst time of his life, the club stood by him (which they should, since his problems happened on their watch).

 

[OmarUnited4ever]

I am sure if we do go in for him, it would be because Ralf likes him and will be someone he trusts.

I am not against the signing, just hoping RR and the club do their homework on the player.

 

[Seven Seas Sardines]

I am not against the signing, just hoping RR and the club do their homework on the player.

Pretty sure RR does more homework on players than Woodward..

 

[El Presidente]

Can I just say that it’s absolutely ridiculous that you’re singling out not only our best player, by a considerable margin, on that day. But also the only one to actually show any fight and will to win. A player who gave his all not least because when he was going through what must have been the worst time of his life, the club stood by him (which they should, since his problems happened on their watch).

Can I just say that such short-sightedness is exactly what I expected. 90 mins of DECENT performance in a game WE LOST suddenly erased the fact that he was unavailable for half of his career.

Anyway, this thread is not about Jones but the fact that he’s still in a United jersey is inexcusable imo.

 

[ColoRed]

I read a bit in the Borussia Mönchengladbach forum. Zakaria seems to be honest with the club; he didn't hide the fact that Gladbach is an intermediate step in his career and didn't make any unnecessary fuss. In terms of type, he would be someone who would suit us well.

The supporters are quite convinced about his performance. There are some who think that Zakaria has to play for a bigger club and that now is the time. He is strong defensively and can also play in central midfield.

I think we should buy him for the price; strengthen our squad in a needed position for the price with a player who has good qualities already and potential.

 

[Bebestation]

RB United

 

[phelans shorts]

Can I just say that such short-sightedness is exactly what I expected. 90 mins of DECENT performance in a game WE LOST suddenly erased the fact that he was unavailable for half of his career.

Anyway, this thread is not about Jones but the fact that he’s still in a United jersey is inexcusable imo.

Treating people like shit is far more short sighted, who would want to sign for a club who discards injured players and doesn’t take care of them, particularly when the injury occurred in the workplace. Attitudes like the one you’re displaying here are inexcusable for anybody wanting to appear human imo.

 

[RedRonaldo]

well he can be worse than mcfred, but for 5m it is worth a try.

Well that's sound so depressed.

 

[Mainoldo]

There is a reason I wrote before injury, If he regain his form of the pre injury (which is more likely because he is still young) then no brainer.

Are we signing the before injury player?

 

[V.O.]

RB United

I'd settle for Blue Spark United at the minute.

 

[Champ]

I'd settle for Blue Spark United at the minute.

Sugar free Blue Spark is actually quite tasty, also very good value for money.

 

[hellhunter]

RB United

Zakaria signed for Gladbach while Dieter Hecking was manager. Don't see the RB connection

 

[Andrew7582]

I am not impressed by this guy, he is big and athletic, decent ball winner, but that's about it. He is very average on the ball and won't improve us in that regard. He would be a squad player nothing more, but we already have Mctominay and Fred for that.

 

[El Presidente]

Treating people like shit is far more short sighted, who would want to sign for a club who discards injured players and doesn’t take care of them, particularly when the injury occurred in the workplace. Attitudes like the one you’re displaying here are inexcusable for anybody wanting to appear human imo.

Right, just to make thing clear - basically, you’re saying that giving Jones a new contract was the right thing to do?! If so, any further discussion is pointless.

 

[VP89]

Can someone provide more context to his fitness? He had a terrible knee (?) injury a year ago and was out for a long while. Then I think he caught covid twice? So hes been on the sidelines quite a bit it would seem..

 

[phelans shorts]

Right, just to make thing clear - basically, you’re saying that giving Jones a new contract was the right thing to do?! If so, any further discussion is pointless.

I’m saying at the very least you stand by him through his treatment. Whether that be agreeing with him to suspend his deal in some way, whether it be resigning him to avoiding wer deal, or even if you let him go and still cover any and all treatment costs and physiotherapy. It’s just the right and obvious thing to do for countless reasons.

 

[El Presidente]

I’m saying at the very least you stand by him through his treatment. Whether that be agreeing with him to suspend his deal in some way, whether it be resigning him to avoiding wer deal, or even if you let him go and still cover any and all treatment costs and physiotherapy. It’s just the right and obvious thing to do for countless reasons.

Fair enough, but his renewal didn’t have to do with any of that. He was extended because from a business perspective, his percieved market value will continue to be on our balance sheets. Nothing to do with what’s morally right or wrong. Which brings us to the original topic on how those decisions (filling the squad with unshiftable mediocrity) are hampering our progress as a club. Zakaria will, most likely, be another example for that.

 

[Ranchero]

Another 'defensive midfielder' who offers little creatively or offensively. We have already made the errors of buying one dimensional players before...ala Wan Bissaka. Let us not make the same mistakes over and over again.

 

[AjaxCunian]

For 6million and at 25 years old, he is worth it. Has to be better than Matic now. Can't understand some on here only wanting players that cost 70/80 million. He can play CDM or CB. Let's give him a chance, if he comes.

70/80 million signings are fantastic, look at Maguire and Sancho.

 

[captaincantona]

Another 'defensive midfielder' who offers little creatively or offensively. We have already made the errors of buying one dimensional players before...ala Wan Bissaka. Let us not make the same mistakes over and over again.

Odd perspective. Bissaka is one dimensional in a position that is very much two dimensional (full backs need to attack and defend).

Our main problem in midfield was Ole’s old school want for two box to box 6/8’s as opposed you playing with a specialist. Hence why we see Fred (an 8) played as a 6 or McT (an 8) played as a six when all other top teams, on their day, play with a predominantly sitting CDM specialist (Fabinho, Fernandinho, Jorginho, Kante, Rodri, Casimero, Busquets, Kimmich).

We need an out and out CDM. Maybe not this lad...but someone in the mould of Rice for cheaper who can provide stability and assurance in midfield. Not halfway house solutions that neither attack or defend very well.

 

[gregor]

Another 'defensive midfielder' who offers little creatively or offensively. We have already made the errors of buying one dimensional players before...ala Wan Bissaka. Let us not make the same mistakes over and over again.

We have one defensive midfielder and his legs are gone. McTominay and Fred are not DMs, and they are the main reason why we can't control games in midfield.

Buying Zakaria for £6m should be a no-brainer, but knowing the United board, they don't make logical decisions.

 

[Berbaclass]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[unplayable]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Any link? Can't find anything.

 

[Zoo]

Any link? Can't find anything.

It’s via calciomercato..

https://m.calciomercato.com/news/juve-un-club-ti-soffia-zakaria-37369

 

[unplayable]

It’s via calciomercato..

https://m.calciomercato.com/news/juve-un-club-ti-soffia-zakaria-37369

But where is the article from Sky Germany? Turned the TV on, but they are not mentioning anything about it either.

 

[FrankDrebin]

But where is the article from Sky Germany? Turned the TV on, but they are not mentioning anything about it either.

Likely because its bs.

 

[Zoo]

But where is the article from Sky Germany? Turned the TV on, but they are not mentioning anything about it either.

It’s almost certainly nonsense. This mufcmpb account regularly does this.

 

[hellhunter]

Sky Germany mention it on this site:

https://sport.sky.de/transfers

They seem to cite Romano, though. Only interest is mentioned, no negotiations

 

[Blood Mage]

Another 'defensive midfielder' who offers little creatively or offensively. We have already made the errors of buying one dimensional players before...ala Wan Bissaka. Let us not make the same mistakes over and over again.

That's a really ignorant assessment of our problems. The main problem is our lack of a specialist DM apart from a borderline finished Matic. We only have b2b midfielders and no.10s.

 

[Ixion]

For 5m you cant really pass a player up in our most problem position during January. At the very least he shouldn't get bounced off the ball as weakly as Fred and McTominay do every game.

 

[Mainoldo]

Let’s hope it’s not true. Our squads already over inflated with average ballers

 

[Marcelinho87]

Let’s hope it’s not true. Our squads already over inflated with average ballers

Except in midfield, where numbers are needed.

He comes in, does a job until the summer when we buy again and he goes to being a squad player.

 

[Berbaclass]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Mainoldo]

Except in midfield, where numbers are needed.

He comes in, does a job until the summer when we buy again and he goes to being a squad player.

I get you. Like the Ighalo. Josh King thinking.

 

[RikRuud]

for 6 million, worth a punt.

 

[BeforeKeanetherewasRobson]

Whether rumours true or not, curious...

Any German posters/Bundesliga followers got any thoughts on him?

What's good, bad? (ability wise)?

 

[Brophs]

“He can’t be worse than McFred” sure sounds like a terrible basis on which to build a squad.

 

[Rightnr]

For €6m, he's practically risk-free if we don't give him dumb money. Go for it.