I would rather sign Bellingham than him, and for what he’d cost, I’m sure we could get Grealish for a similar amount. I really see VDB of going a similar way to the likes of Klaasen - he’s not one of Ajax’s more special talents of recent times to me.
Donny van de Beek | van de Beek's father: "[Moving to United] a dream come true."
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Not buying it.
Not without ruining the performances of one of the 3.
I love the idea of this signing, regardless of whether Pogba is sold. Herrera was never replaced, don’t forget. Matic doesn‘t have much left in the tank either. Van de Beek would add quality and depth to the team. He’s the perfect age and profile. He’s very versatile, and makes others around him better. He might not get the headlines, but he’s the type of player coaches love. I could easily see him doing for us what Carrick did - a bit of an unsung hero, but an important piece of the puzzle. He seems to have the personality and attitude that Ole is looking for. He just strikes me as a United player (not exactly an objective measure, I concede). I hope there’s substance to this story.
Wouldn't surprise me if it's in the 20s range. Ajax are honest with their pricing.
McT was his replacement
Apparently the journalist reporting it is a Tier 1 for Dutch news and there was talk of interest from us in January from Ducker and the same Dutch media so there could be something in it. Probably means Grealish is a no go and Bellingham has said yes to BVB.
Very different types of players, in my opinion. McT came into the squad, but I’m not sure that alone makes him Herrera’s replacement. I like McT, but van de Beek has much more to his game. If nothing else, he’s a much better passer of the ball.
That’s what happens when you play for big clubs, competition for places but that fuels better players. Plus he’ll be earning a stack of cash so when/if he isn’t playing much he’ll be getting well compensated. Look at city, they once had 2 world class players for every position (not so much now)
Surely this is as simple as Ole and Edwin having a chat
I agree, mate.
Aye, you would imagine that if he came here it would be because he expects to play a lot of games. Hard to see how that would happen without a midfielder leaving.
Rashford———————Sancho
——————-Fernandes
——-Pogba———————VdB
Williams———————————James
———Shaw—Maguire—-AWB
——————-Fernandes
——-Pogba———————VdB
Williams———————————James
———Shaw—Maguire—-AWB
When he was linked with Madrid or Madrid with Pogba, nobody ever asked if Modric etc were bring sold. It seems players are more accepting of the super squads in the modern era. Bayern are buying Sane and their strength lies in the wings.
We could fit all 3 in the split striker formation if we dont get Sancho maybe?
This is what Ole said last summer.
He's been given more chances this season to impress and has succeeded.
Doesn't make any sense for both parties. There's only one recognizable DM at the club and no DLP but they want another CM/AM?? This guy seems like a budget Pogba or Bruno to me.
Would be a strange move from his perspective, unless he wants to sit on the bench or something. He won't play much here
Would be a strange move from his perspective, unless he wants to sit on the bench or something. He won't play much here
Nah not happening
What type of midfielder is he? What position does he play?
I reckon this means we've missed out on Bellingham.
This.
Pretty much anyone we'd sign to replace Pogba would be a clear downgrade, at least in terms of talent, so I'm not sure that would rule him out as a replacement if Pogba was being sold (big if).
Plus as always when a big player is sold, you'd hope to improve the team as a collective rather than just improving on the individual player.
I think the club are putting a few names in play here to keep selling clubs guessing.
If thats case then it’s good to see, you gotta play the game.
If thats case then it’s good to see, you gotta play the game.
Not bad to improve our midfield depth.Can be done if the shape of the forward line is altered. Ie McTominay, Fred in CM, Pogba Bruno VdB In AM and Rashford as CF.
I don't see how he would slot in with both Bruno and Pogba, unless he's a Pogba replacement. The three of them is a very top-heavy midfield, and he's too good to be going anywhere as a squad player, especially as he'd probably be expensive.
Right wing is a much more pressing position.
Right wing is a much more pressing position.
Doesn't matter where they've played in the past, the reality is that they're complete misfits in traditional formations like 433 and 442. They're too lightweight whether it's in central midfields, on the wings or in attack.
VDB would be cover for Pogba/Bruno and would get significant game time. Lingard/Pereira/Mata aren't cover for anyone, they're only used as last resort if all other options are either injured or really need a rest.
Midfield: Matic, Fred, McTominay, Beek, Pogba, Bruno
Attack: Sancho, Greenwood, Rashford, James, Martial, Ighalo (+Mata because I don't think he will be sold this year)
That's very solid cover for a 50+ game season.
Agent rumour. This happens every window.
Maybe we were in for Grealish/Maddison but both are now unaffordable so we’re talking advantage of the Dutch league. I would welcome this if it fecks Pereria, Mata and Lingard off.
We paid £50m for Fred where he's starting to show his worth this season, but he will struggle to get back in the team now with Pogba's coming back so I can't see why we would spend relatively big money on a player that may not even get on the bench as ridiculous as it sounds.
I can only see this happening if Pogba is leaving
I can only see this happening if Pogba is leaving
I've liked the limited amount I've seen of VDB but if we were making a signing for depth then you would think a player like Grealish would make more sense given he can also play in wider attacking positions and would be making more of a step up to Manchester United (and thus be more content with rotation, you would think).
VDB would really only play in Pogba & Bruno's positions, which means he would be leaving a CL side where he's a regular starter and turning down potential moves to other CL sides for the pleasure of being on the bench quite a lot.
Maybe Pereira was Herrera's replacement, and van de Beek is Pereira's replacement, who's getting shipped off to Real Sociedad.
Didn’t VDS say they had an agreement to let him go this summer too?
Would be a hell of an upgrade on Lingard/Pereira.
Would be a hell of an upgrade on Lingard/Pereira.
He’s also just a better player than VDB.
Where has this been mentioned about Pereira being shipped off to Real Sociedad? Great news if it’s true!
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Mike Verweij is the best journo on all things Ajax. He's basically their mouth piece.
Would be a fantastic signing. His tactical understanding and his ability to play in different roles would be fantastic for any coach and it will really enhance our squad depth and make the foundations alot stronger. He's also a player that by all accounts is a top professional and would enhance the team spirit amongst the squad.
Yes please
Good player but doesn't make sense unless Pogba leaves. I get that depth is good but this is not the signing you make to purely add depth when you've got other areas in the team that require strengthening. Plus, we should be making a DM signing and now a CM/AM. The only way I can see Bruno, Pogba and Van de Beek in the same team is if we play a diamond formation - but good luck to the defensive midfielder!
Don't buy it. He's way too good of a player to come and sit on our bench. He's miles better than Pereira and co. Can't see why he'd want to be a bench player at United when he's an important player already for a great club.
If we sign him, and I'm not fully sure we will yet, it's because Mr sulky frenchman is still refusing to sign a new deal and still wants out. However let's see what happens. It could be BS.
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