Please no. A horrible c*** of a player that I want nowhere near us.
Midfielders -- Other than the "obvious"
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In the latest edition of the United Hour Podcast, we interview Duncan Drasdo of MUST - covering ticket prices, new stadium, INEOS and what fans should be demanding from our club.
Also, due to technical issues we couldn't put a notice up for the previous episode which was about the game against Bournemouth and other stuff. If you'd like to listen to it, click here.
YES! He is a brilliant player! I don't know what formation we will be playing next year of course, but if its a manager that likes a 4-3-3, or something that needs two number 8s, Damsgaard would be brilliant. He's one of my favorite players outside of United.
Mainoo and Casemiro are have huge problems and are both terrible so far
See Dansgaard as a Bruno type, not sure he’ll solve our cm issues. Good player though.
We need at least 2 central midfielders.
Yes we need at least two CMs in the summer. Tonali should be one of them
I'm with you, I dont know what he offers, just falls down an awful lot
I've been looking in to Wouter Burger a bit more recently and he seems like he could actually be a very good squad option, if not even a starter. Hopefully he is obvious to Vivell from his stat-based Bundesliga scouting.
After Elliot Anderson and Manuel Locatelli, he seems one of the next closest players to being able to offer something near to what Casemiro does overall. There are a few other prospects out there such as Chema Andres, Aleksandar Stankovic, and perhaps Mateus Fernandes and Matias Siltanen who could be getting there, but might also need rotating at first. He's a bit more of a box-to-box player than a sitter, but he still offers many of the needed traits.
He combines a creative passing profile which appears similar to the likes of Tielemans, Damsgaard, Henderson and Wharton, with a strong defensive profile which appears similar to the likes of Berge, Nico Gonzalez and Iroebugnam. As I've mentioned on here many times before, midfielders with a blend of both excellent defensive work and strong forward passing are very rare at the moment. For those on here who like Berge, physically they even look like brothers (as well as their similar names).
He is also very near the top of average distance covered per match in the Bundesliga. Plus he is very strong in the air (albeit not as prolific in turning that in to goals as Casemiro is). He does still pick up goals from crashing the box though. His stats ratings look very similar, if not better, than Anton Stach's did at Hoffenheim - and Stach is now arguably Leeds' stand-out player. Plus Burger is 2 years younger at only just turned 25. He also already knows northern English football from his spell at Stoke.
His main downside is, funnily enough, probably his passing profile - because as with the aforementioned players he can try quite a few Hollywood balls over the top which don't always come off, plus also often looks to move the ball forwards quickly so his passing accuracy mark isn't that high. It's why he got missed off the below chart I made when doing my initial Casemiro replacement research (though I've added him on here now for illustrative purposes). But he would partner well with a slightly more disciplined 6/8 hybrid who controls possession a bit more, e.g. Anderson, Manú Koné, Mateus Fernandes, or even Mainoo in future.
Stats overload:
Aerial ability vs Bundesliga midfielders, Defensive x Attacking (Burger highlighted in red, Chema Andres also labelled for interest):
He is so not obvious that there aren't even any highlights videos made of him on Youtube haha. But he assists, then scores, the first two goals in this Hoffenheim vs Augsburg match:
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WOW that seems a very hot take
I've been looking in to Wouter Burger a bit more recently and he seems like he could actually be a very good squad option, if not even a starter. Hopefully he is obvious to Vivell from his stat-based Bundesliga scouting.
After Elliot Anderson and Manuel Locatelli, he seems one of the next closest players to being able to offer something near to what Casemiro does overall. There are a few other prospects out there such as Chema Andres, Aleksandar Stankovic, and perhaps Mateus Fernandes and Mathias Siltanen who could be getting there, but might also need rotating at first. He's a bit more of a box-to-box player than a sitter, but he still offers many of the needed traits.
He combines a creative passing profile which appears similar to the likes of Tielemans, Damsgaard, Henderson and Wharton, with a strong defensive profile which appears similar to the likes of Berge, Nico Gonzalez and Iroebugnam. As I've mentioned on here many times before, midfielders with a blend of both excellent defensive work and strong forward passing are very rare at the moment. For those on here who like Berge, physically they even look like brothers (as well as their similar names).
He is also very near the top of average distance covered per match in the Bundesliga. Plus he is very strong in the air (albeit not as prolific in turning that in to goals as Casemiro is). He does still pick up goals from crashing the box though. His stats ratings look very similar, if not better, than Anton Stach's did at Hoffenheim - and Stach is now arguably Leeds' stand-out player. Plus Burger is 2 years younger at only just turned 25. He also already knows northern English football from his spell at Stoke.
His main downside is, funnily enough, probably his passing profile - because as with the aforementioned players he can try quite a few Hollywood balls over the top which don't always come off, plus also often looks to move the ball forwards quickly so his passing accuracy mark isn't that high. It's why he got missed off the below chart I made when doing my initial Casemiro replacement research (though I've added him on here now for illustrative purposes). But he would partner well with a slightly more disciplined 6/8 hybrid who controls possession a bit more, e.g. Anderson, Manú Koné, Mateus Fernandes, or even Mainoo in future.
Stats overload:
Aerial ability vs Bundesliga midfielders, Defensive x Attacking (Burger highlighted in red, Chema Andres also labelled for interest):
He is so not obvious that there aren't even any highlights videos made of him on Youtube haha. But he assists, then scores, the first two goals in this Hoffenheim vs Augsburg match:
I agree. If we cannot get Anderson I think Tonali, Burger, and one of Sangare (Lens) or that fella mentioned by I think Invictus here -- Would be a good summer for midfield. I want Anderson as much as I've wanted any player post-Ferguson but if he really wants to go to City then feck it, we'll move on. And one from this league (Tonali or Fernandez style, more likely Tonali re age and readiness for next season if we have to choose) and two from abroad for depth makes sense as we'd be losing Casemiro and Ugarte. We need three, don't we?
Followed him since he was 18 but I haven't followed him in the last couple of years. Was highly promising and gifted back then, so dunno what he's been like recently but I've always been a fan of his.
United will I'm sure sign at least 3 CMs this summer if they qualify for Europe. Maybe even 4 if both Ugarte and Mount are shipped, and they don't think the Fletchers are truly ready to be first team players.
Invictus mentioned Chema Andres, who as you'll see has also featured before in my research.
I'm still not completely sold on Tonali, who I think still flatters to deceive. But I wouldn't completely hate a trio of Burger, Tonali and Chema, if the club could pull it off. It seems fairly balanced in profiles. Tonali and Burger are both high energy, high risk players - good for either high pressing or counter-attacking styles, though could be a bit chaotic as a pair and leave some space in behind the midfield if not managed properly. But Chema can be a bit more positionally disciplined, as well as being more press resistant and conservative on the ball.
The only couple of things I would also mention here though, is that I do think Mateus Fernandes is quite similar to Tonali already in ability, with what I think is a clear higher ceiling and more of the feel of a United player. Maybe as you say though the club would simply favour Tonali because he is a few years older?
I am also a massive fan of Kees Smit, though he is more an 8 or a 10. He's like a KDB regen, or Wharton if he was stronger, better at dribbling, and could score goals. I'd be very disappointed if one way or another United didn't find a way to sign at least one of either Fernandes or Smit as high level prospects this summer. If West Ham don't get relegated, I'd go for Smit as Fernandes would still be very expensive. But if West Ham get relegated it would be tough to choose between a potentially bargain Fernandes, or Smit.
That's fair, they've definitely dialed it down in recent years.
It's worth noting that Ligue 1 is definitely worse than the Bundesliga. I need to watch Sangare again, but I'm not completely convinced by his ability on the ball and how it would translate to a league with less time and space. My initial thought was it seemed a bit loose. But I will watch him again and report back. I don't see that Camara is more well rounded than Chema though - Chema is superb in the air, which adds a lot to his potential usefulness.
Chema has still been starting some European games, but I reckon he has been benched a fair bit lately because he has seemed a bit tired/sluggish recently. It is his first season playing regular senior football after all. Plus, it already seems certain that Real will use their buy-back clause this summer, either to keep him themselves or to sell on (to e.g. United). Therefore there is little incentive any more really for Stuttgart to keep playing a young player who won't be with them next season and they can't negotiate a higher fee out of, ahead of their own assets.
Is Andy Mitten reliable for United news?
He's claiming we are looking at a few midfielders in Spain who would “absolutely raise eyebrows"
He's claiming we are looking at a few midfielders in Spain who would “absolutely raise eyebrows"
Yea, the 'Bayern take all the BL talents' trope is old and tiring. It hasn't been the case for a whole decade now, them not getting Wirtz and being priced out of Woltemade should've emphasized that.
Regarding Maza, I don't see any rumours linking Bayern to him and it would be a bad move for Maza himself considering he will have to compete with Musiala, Diaz and Olise for a starting spot (considering he plays as a CAM and not a CM). Bayern also have Bischof and Karl as young players as well.
Or maybe, in the end, Maza sticks out as such an exceptional talent that they'll try to sign him first and think about a fit later.
He’s fairly reliable from what I know. Saw that too and my first thought was Camavinga.
Both the Barca young central midfielders. Both named Marc, Casado and Bernal.
One of these and Tonali would be amazing business.
One of these and Tonali would be amazing business.
Quite injury prone, isn’t he? Not sure how great he is on the ball either.
Pablo Barrios from Atletico would be interesting…
He’s had some injury problems yeah but I would still happily take him here. He’s more than good enough on the ball. Depends on the price though, anywhere above 60/65 is probably a no go.
Maybe Valverde or Tchouameni as would say all of those fall into the category of eyebrow raising. Having said that is there realistically any chance of getting one of those.
Bernal is completely unrealistic now, unfortunately. There was a brief window of time when there was a slim possibility of him joining another club, but he's since signed a contract extension that lasts till 2029 (with a €500 million release clause) and is progressively establishing himself as an important first team player — in fact, he has scored 4 goals in the last 5 matches!
That aside, there are other interesting midfield prospects at Barcelona. Like Guille Fernández, who is on a shorter contract (expires next summer), has the physical profile to play in the Premier League and is represented by Jorge Mendes. Clubs like Borussia Dortmund have been circling around, according to reports...
https://www.football-espana.net/202...o-poach-barcelona-youngster-on-preseason-tour
I heard Mitten mention this surprise Spanish based midfielder and Valverde is where my mind went. He was reportedly one of those unhappy with Alonso and apparently he’s getting frustrated at being moved about, namely having to play right back. Might appeal to him to go somewhere where he’d be the main man. Think he’d be a great addition. Very good technically, incredible engine and who doesn’t like a centre mid that can let rip from 30 yards?
Funny you mention Camara. I’ve watched him 4 times vs PSG this season and he’s been outstanding every single game. For me, we should definitely be looking at him as he has the right profile for the 8 role.
yea pretty likely Camavinga and Tchouameni. I think Real Madrid wants different profiles of MF, like Angelo Stiller (who I don't think would suit us).
Ligue 1 seems to be better bet for transferring physicality though, compared with Bundesliga. Maybe quality is more of a issue with gambling on strikers based on their Ligue 1 chance conversion, but in terms of physically robust CMs who can carry the back, Ligue 1 seems to produce a raft of them every few years and at least a couple of them (not just the guys the likes of Madrid or PSG hoover up) are also technically capable.
Valverde no chance I would guess. The other two definitely. Madrid are generally open for business even for player you would think they’re crazy for getting rid of.
I can’t claim to know the player enough, but the profile of Tchouameni appeals to me alot.
With Casemiro and Bruno on their way out we could really use that injection of quality and experience into midfield.
I think there’s a potential win-win situation there for us and Madrid.
In Camavinga, Valverde and Bellingham they’ve got plenty of athleteticism and power in that midfield but lack a playmaker since Kroos left.
If they also bring back Chema they’ll have cheaply replaced the profile they lose in Tchouameni leaving.
Wether the player himself would be at all open to the move is a whole other matter though of course.
With Casemiro and Bruno on their way out we could really use that injection of quality and experience into midfield.
I think there’s a potential win-win situation there for us and Madrid.
In Camavinga, Valverde and Bellingham they’ve got plenty of athleteticism and power in that midfield but lack a playmaker since Kroos left.
If they also bring back Chema they’ll have cheaply replaced the profile they lose in Tchouameni leaving.
Wether the player himself would be at all open to the move is a whole other matter though of course.
He's probably the most well connected Utd journalist there is at the moment. He also doesn't really say too much about transfers until he's absolutely heard it from the club.
It’s been reported for a while that we have interest in Camavinga with recent links to us so surely that has to make him the most likely of Madrids midfielders to move. Although he’s on 220k-240k a week, contract till 2029 and I’d imagine would cost us somewhere around 100mil and I just can’t see us making that kind of invesment.
Tchouameni is on about the same but contact till 2028 and probably cost slightly less but still can’t see us going this route.
Tonali is on 120k a week, Mateaus Fernandes is 60k premier league tested and Tonali would probably cost I’d imagine around the same sort of fee, maybe less. But yeah I don’t think Andy Mitten is on the right path here.
Tchouameni is on about the same but contact till 2028 and probably cost slightly less but still can’t see us going this route.
Tonali is on 120k a week, Mateaus Fernandes is 60k premier league tested and Tonali would probably cost I’d imagine around the same sort of fee, maybe less. But yeah I don’t think Andy Mitten is on the right path here.
A midfielder that “raises eyebrows” could really mean anything/anyone; as in a surprise, shock, disapproval, big star, unknown etc..
I see people throwing out names top of the shelf from Real Madrid or Barca.. I’d say Sergi Altimira from Betis, would be a “eyebrows raiser”, but I think he could be a great signing along with someone PL-proven (Anderson..).
Tchouameni feels like a nothing player to be, no notable weaknesses but really doesn't impact the game much.
Marc Bernal is class. he seems to have been first choice now. so I don't see Barcelona getting rid of him.
Marc Casado is alright, but not a player to take us to the next level in my opinion.
I really wanted Fermin Lopez, but he signed a new deal and I don't see that happening now.
It doesn't seem obvious to me. How many players in recent seasons have gone directly from Ligue 1 to being a top player in the Premier League? There seems to only really be Cherki and Doku - who were both young but already full internationals for France and Belgium respectively before they moved.
You can also maybe add Junior Kroupi, Andrey Santos and Leny Yoro, but they are all younger players and the first two came from feeder clubs. Yoro though still young has also lacked the required physicality on many occasions.
The last couple of seasons have had some fairly big money flops such as Kalimuendo to Forest, Diakite to Bournemouth, Guessand to Villa and Todibo to West Ham.
The only CMs in the last couple of seasons to make the jump have been Magassa, Munetsi and Angel Gomes - all playing for relegation threatened sides. The season before that there was Baleba, who has been up and down overall.
I don't really see anything to indicate players are typically more able to adapt from there than the Bundesliga.
Loads, that's why they're constantly being transferred from there. Gabriel, Saliba, Fofana, Kamara, Diarra at Sunderland, , Guimaraes, Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Ait Nouri, Truffert etc. Then you've got the likes of Ekitike and Mayenda who were schooled in Ligue 1. That's before you go back to the likes of Mahrez and Kante.
No transfer is a given, but I would back a transfer from Ligue 1 to adapt more often to the prem than most other leagues.
I think Stiller could be an interesting option. Wouldn't break the bank either.
I think he is too weak defensively. Basically the German Wharton.
Natan De Cat. Biggest Belgian talent around. At 17 dominating the league. Can play all cm positions. We'll probably won't go for him but he'd be a great option. Big lad, great feet, the way he reads the game is De Bruynesque.
Hes got swagger, elegant and great vision
Exactly the kind of midfielder that ends up far away from us. Or maybe in the same town but different team
Mateus Fernandes getting some hype on Twitter today after that performance. Looked really good IMO, very Anderson like. I'd take him.
https://scoutlab.streamlit.app/ for the green bars. You need to setup the filters yourself, the site doesn't support links.
https://scoutlab.streamlit.app/ for the green bars. You need to setup the filters yourself, the site doesn't support links.