If Amorim insists on playing Bruno in center midfield and not signing a baleba type player probably mid table. He’ll be sacked by end of October.
Optimism for 25/26 season
- Thread starter Pughnichi
- Start date
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Nik (@Rood), Jamie (@Vault Dweller) and Ed (@That'sHernandez) give their end of season awards out! They celebrate the best players, goals and moments of the season (there were some, honestly) and also give out awards for the worst and most disappointing players/moments of the season.
They then discuss all the latest transfer rumours and get into the potential ins and outs this summer at Old Trafford.
If you had to put money on which players could stay fit for 38 games? I’d only be confident saying Bruno and Garnacho.
The United lads are made out of paper, I just hope the lighter schedule means some of them can have injury free seasons.
The United lads are made out of paper, I just hope the lighter schedule means some of them can have injury free seasons.
I highly doubt a lot of this.
Firstly, replacing Onana will be worth a few points maybe, nothing more.
We will also highly unlikely not get a keeper this window. If there's a bid for Onana then maybe we can speculate, but I feel it's just a waste of time taking speculating what keeper will come in.
Secondly, aiming for a top 5 finish just isn't realistic. Top half should be the aim.
Agreed on Onana. He's not ideal, but definitely wont be the reason we sink or swim next year. That will be 90% down to which attackers we buy.
It can’t get any worse…
If we can get the required firepower then I'm super optimistic for next season. We have issues, but I think people let the smaller issues overshadow the bigger issue.
The lack of goals is the biggest issue by the widest of margin imaginable. If you have a front three that can score at any given moment, you win games you dont deserve to, you punish opposition mistakes. You will also mask some of our own issues such as CM, WB and GK, should we not be able to address everything this summer.A goalkeeping error is not such a problem if you win most games by 2 clear goals or more.
Football is about excitement and goals. Thats what is missing and what makes us so depressed. If we had had Mbeumo Cunha and Gyokeres in that final, we'd have won 4-1 with the amount of control and possession we had.
Bar Liverpool and Maybe Arsenal, all the other clubs have issues in their 11s and squads too. We are not alone.
The lack of goals is the biggest issue by the widest of margin imaginable. If you have a front three that can score at any given moment, you win games you dont deserve to, you punish opposition mistakes. You will also mask some of our own issues such as CM, WB and GK, should we not be able to address everything this summer.A goalkeeping error is not such a problem if you win most games by 2 clear goals or more.
Football is about excitement and goals. Thats what is missing and what makes us so depressed. If we had had Mbeumo Cunha and Gyokeres in that final, we'd have won 4-1 with the amount of control and possession we had.
Bar Liverpool and Maybe Arsenal, all the other clubs have issues in their 11s and squads too. We are not alone.
Regarding the back 5, I'd go as far as to say that scoring more goals eases the pressure on them.
There's a reason why most of our sloppy goals we concede are when we're still at 0-0. There's also a reason why we've swapped out the keeper and still concede sloppy goals.
Both those are because the team is over reliant on the defence keeping a clean sheet in order to get any points. Sort the balance, then sort the personnel.
I haven’t been optimistic in years, so I’m not about to start now, but I do like that that those in charge have finally appeared to realise that the biggest problem we have at the club (and this has been the case for years) is that we just don’t score goals.
Two players who are actually dangerous instead of players who like to give the impression that they are dangerous will make a big difference to the goals scored column.
I see some folk getting their knickers in a twist about Onana, and the fact that we could probably do with another wing back or midfielder, but this is immaterial when you have genuinely the least dangerous forward line in the Premier League.
Two players who are actually dangerous instead of players who like to give the impression that they are dangerous will make a big difference to the goals scored column.
I see some folk getting their knickers in a twist about Onana, and the fact that we could probably do with another wing back or midfielder, but this is immaterial when you have genuinely the least dangerous forward line in the Premier League.
Replacing Onana will be worth more than a few points... someone who can actually save.. we have conceded too many goals where Onana has been at fault.
Ofcourse its realistic... how can top half be the aim? We are about to spend 150-200m this summer, it has to be top 5.
Not replacing Onana must be the biggest mistake this club can make. I would replace both our GK's honestly.
Top 5 finish is beyond the realms of realism imo. Too many things must click in such a perfect way, that it is almost impossible to happen. Let's not get fooled by the Villa game, that was an exception. Buying 4-5 players will not solve all our issues and let's not forget how many players found led in the boots after joining us.
I agree with you, top 8-10 is probably the next step.
Once again, I shall be looking forward to next year - an incurable optimist ? - mentally unsound ? - a belief that it can't get worse? I just think that with someone who can actually convert chances, or actually someone who makes better chances, I am positive next year will be better. I hope it will be a breakthrough year for Obi, but if we buy Gyokeres he will have to spend most of it on the bench
If we can get a striker in as well I will feel a lot more optimistic.
Our biggest issue was our lack of goals last year. Whilst I don’t think our midfield is brilliant, it’s not the worst. We have decent enough options at CB if we are playing a back 3 as well.
Our biggest issue was our lack of goals last year. Whilst I don’t think our midfield is brilliant, it’s not the worst. We have decent enough options at CB if we are playing a back 3 as well.
I don't know about that. Not sure how much a calm defensive unit we can have with him palming everything into the danger zone.
If we sign a good striker we'll be competing there, or thereabouts, for top 4-6. No midweek European games will be a big boost.
Ideally after Mbeumo deal is closed, we sign a CF, GK & CM after some sales.
Ideally after Mbeumo deal is closed, we sign a CF, GK & CM after some sales.
If we don't get any midfield reinforcements it's hard to see being higher than 8th
If we stick with 343/541 and we play Bruno as one of the CMs we won't finish higher than 8th.
Seems that Amorim is prepared to die on this hill and die he will.
Seems that Amorim is prepared to die on this hill and die he will.
Get Gyrokes a top midfielder and a new gk , then yes i'll be positive for the new season.
I'm already quite positive, think we will be much better with Mbeumo, Cunha and a fit Amad. Dorgu will have settled a bit more, and if we have Yoro, Mazraoui, Martinez, Heaven fit and any of Maguire/De Ligt, I think we are good.
Preferably we should sign another striker, another midfielder and then another keeper. But it should be much improved.
Preferably we should sign another striker, another midfielder and then another keeper. But it should be much improved.
The two most transformative thing this team can do (Assuming Mbuemo is confirmed)
That stops us getting run through and could get us from 54 goals conceded to under 40 (only Arsenal conceded less than 40 goals).
- Sign two CM’s that are good on the ball and can match the Prem’s physical intensity. Please the Bruno CM experiment (he’s better rotating deeper when the game moments dictate it vs starting there)
- Add one more CB that’s tall with pace and not scared of being on the ball.
That stops us getting run through and could get us from 54 goals conceded to under 40 (only Arsenal conceded less than 40 goals).
Theoretically, I don't see why we can get 50 out of 60 points from the weakest 10 teams and 20 points out of 54 from the top 9 teams.
That would get us 70 points, 3rd-5th ish. But that is from an ability point, and yeah football doesn't work like this, unfortunately. But if we can play to our abilities and new players come in and hit the ground running, then it should be more than doable, especially since we have no mid week game. Just play our top team as much as possible and treat every game like a cup final
That would get us 70 points, 3rd-5th ish. But that is from an ability point, and yeah football doesn't work like this, unfortunately. But if we can play to our abilities and new players come in and hit the ground running, then it should be more than doable, especially since we have no mid week game. Just play our top team as much as possible and treat every game like a cup final
If we get mbeumo and gyokeres in, then I'm expecting CL places and good cup runs. If we are limited by Onana making mistakes at the end of the day, so be it, but it's easy to see if that's the issue. Doesn't stop us from playing well. Need to get rid of a bunch, but for only 40-50 games next season, this squad is fine, with a really good starting 11.
#10 sub - Mount
CM subs - Mainoo and Casemiro
Wing back sub - Dalot
CB subs - Martinez, Maguire
Deeper/youth depth to round out the 2nd 11 - Chido Obi, Amass, Heaven
I'd be very happy with this group going into the season. Gives flexibility for some changes depending on opponent if we want to go more solid with Dalot or Casemiro next to Ugarte, has solid bench options like Zirkzee and Mount, enough depth for what we'll need and a decent balance to it.
If Amorim gets Mbeumo and Gyokeres in, then he simply needs to be qualifying for the CL next season.
Gyokeres
Cunha Mbeumo
Dorgu Bruno Ugarte Amad
Yoro De Ligt Mazraoui
Onana
CF sub - ZirkzeeCunha Mbeumo
Dorgu Bruno Ugarte Amad
Yoro De Ligt Mazraoui
Onana
#10 sub - Mount
CM subs - Mainoo and Casemiro
Wing back sub - Dalot
CB subs - Martinez, Maguire
Deeper/youth depth to round out the 2nd 11 - Chido Obi, Amass, Heaven
I'd be very happy with this group going into the season. Gives flexibility for some changes depending on opponent if we want to go more solid with Dalot or Casemiro next to Ugarte, has solid bench options like Zirkzee and Mount, enough depth for what we'll need and a decent balance to it.
If Amorim gets Mbeumo and Gyokeres in, then he simply needs to be qualifying for the CL next season.
This team would concede a good amount from set pieces. This team would probably also get run through in midfield
Our biggest issue was scoring goals, we went behind so many times and that changes the way the game is played. Get that first goal and teams open up, the low block, which causes us problems, is gone and we can take advantage.
Cunha and Mbeumo (if confirmed) are great additions and will immediately make a difference, get a solid striker and I truly believe the quality we have, and we do have quality, will shine.
I really think we are going to see a huge difference next season.
Cunha and Mbeumo (if confirmed) are great additions and will immediately make a difference, get a solid striker and I truly believe the quality we have, and we do have quality, will shine.
I really think we are going to see a huge difference next season.
I have genuine optimism for next season as it’s clear we are making a concentrated effort to get guys in and get rid of the deadwood.
Cunha great and if Mbuemo and Gyorkes follow it’s an entirely new frontline to excite us from the start of the season to the point that the latest horror show is soon forgotten about. I think it will feel a lot better for us all when Sancho and Rashford are just off the pay roll and completely out the club
I would still offload Casemiro if possible because of his wages and would like a more attacking central midfielder in his place.
Think defensively we can be okay when Martinez gets back.
Would definitely take Emi in place of Onana if possible. As bad as we were last year his mistakes were inexcusable and he’s definitely a liability at this level.
Overall I think the signings that are looking promising will be able to change the entire mindset and dynamic of the football club next year and Amorin will have his proper stamp on the club and for the first time post Ferguson I feel genuine optimism.
Cunha great and if Mbuemo and Gyorkes follow it’s an entirely new frontline to excite us from the start of the season to the point that the latest horror show is soon forgotten about. I think it will feel a lot better for us all when Sancho and Rashford are just off the pay roll and completely out the club
I would still offload Casemiro if possible because of his wages and would like a more attacking central midfielder in his place.
Think defensively we can be okay when Martinez gets back.
Would definitely take Emi in place of Onana if possible. As bad as we were last year his mistakes were inexcusable and he’s definitely a liability at this level.
Overall I think the signings that are looking promising will be able to change the entire mindset and dynamic of the football club next year and Amorin will have his proper stamp on the club and for the first time post Ferguson I feel genuine optimism.
Cunha seems a great profile, age and signing.
If Mbuemo comes for around £50m I think that's decent.
Even with just those two, we should be vastly better given the direct goal threat they pose.
Ineos signings so far have all been pretty good in my opinion, I'm aware De Ligt/Zirkzee were referenced as ETH signings by Ineos but they ultimately signed off on them:
Yoro, 18, £52m
De Ligt, 25, £38.5m + £4.3m
Maz, 26, £12.8m + £4.3m
Ugarte, 23, £42m + £8.4m
Cunha, 25, £62.5m
Dorgu, 20, £25m + £4.1m
Zirkzee, 23, £36.5m
Heaven, 18, £1m
So if nothing else, no more old mercenaries and players we can hopefully shift much easier.
If Mbuemo comes for around £50m I think that's decent.
Even with just those two, we should be vastly better given the direct goal threat they pose.
Ineos signings so far have all been pretty good in my opinion, I'm aware De Ligt/Zirkzee were referenced as ETH signings by Ineos but they ultimately signed off on them:
Yoro, 18, £52m
De Ligt, 25, £38.5m + £4.3m
Maz, 26, £12.8m + £4.3m
Ugarte, 23, £42m + £8.4m
Cunha, 25, £62.5m
Dorgu, 20, £25m + £4.1m
Zirkzee, 23, £36.5m
Heaven, 18, £1m
So if nothing else, no more old mercenaries and players we can hopefully shift much easier.
We’ll win the league
By signing Cunha we have strategically weakened one of our main relegation competitors...
More seriously, way too early for optimism, we need to sign more players to make a call. Mbuemo and a striker and there is reason for optimism.
More seriously, way too early for optimism, we need to sign more players to make a call. Mbuemo and a striker and there is reason for optimism.
Assuming we get Mbuemo over the line, we're not that many signings away from being potentially top 5 challengers
Next season, we'll see a huge drop off from at least some of the surprise packages from this year.
No European football will mean we have one game a week and a chance to get a settled team with one focus.
I also think Yoro and Heaven will start to form a great partnership. If De Ligt and/or Martinez can stay fit. We have the makings of a very good back three.
A strong defence with a strong(er) attack (even without any additions other than Mbuemo) is worth at least an extra 15 points next season.
Throw in a decent keeper and maybe someone better at LWB, we're laughing.
Next season, we'll see a huge drop off from at least some of the surprise packages from this year.
No European football will mean we have one game a week and a chance to get a settled team with one focus.
I also think Yoro and Heaven will start to form a great partnership. If De Ligt and/or Martinez can stay fit. We have the makings of a very good back three.
A strong defence with a strong(er) attack (even without any additions other than Mbuemo) is worth at least an extra 15 points next season.
Throw in a decent keeper and maybe someone better at LWB, we're laughing.
Don’t know why, but can’t stop believing that Zirkzee will be a monster next season as a false 9 with Cunha and Mbeumo playing off him. Obviously we are exploring the striker market, but I really think that combination would be awesome.
There's usually a nagging concern around signings, especially with our history of them. So two hungry and elite attackers entering their best years after becoming Premier League ready is as good as it gets.
Everything else will be a bonus
Everything else will be a bonus
Strengthening the attack cannot be understated how much that will improve things.
We failed to score in what, 15 games last season? So that's 30 points worth. Minimum.
Still think we need a #9.
We failed to score in what, 15 games last season? So that's 30 points worth. Minimum.
Still think we need a #9.
Wrong thread.
Depends on the transfers. Im not convinced we should be prioritising our budget on a front three of mbeumo, gyokeres and Cunha.
If we are bottom half in december and Amorim gets the sack, then we are stuck awkwardly with an abundance of 10s/ attackers that thrive in transition and no midfield. Would be a shame we go through all this "suffering" and still be a team that treats the ball like a hot potato.
No europe will be a net positive atleast in my view.
If we are bottom half in december and Amorim gets the sack, then we are stuck awkwardly with an abundance of 10s/ attackers that thrive in transition and no midfield. Would be a shame we go through all this "suffering" and still be a team that treats the ball like a hot potato.
No europe will be a net positive atleast in my view.
Bruno as one of the 2 CMs kills any positivity I might have for the next season. Reminds me of the time when we thought sticking Rooney in midfield was a good idea.
It could be potentially our best summer in more than a decade.
Cunha, Gyokeres, Mbeumo, CM and GK!
We are on track to make it happen. Hope the sales will go smoothly to fund the project.
Cunha, Gyokeres, Mbeumo, CM and GK!
We are on track to make it happen. Hope the sales will go smoothly to fund the project.
Getting rid of shite like Rashford, Sancho, Antony, Gernacho and Hoilund is the biggest reason for optimism
We'll hopefully have a functional attack next season
We'll hopefully have a functional attack next season
Ehh, I think it looks super mixed so far. Ugarte and Zirkzee are both overpays, and may not be particularly good PL players. De Ligt is solid, but when considering his fee + wages he's another overpay (4th highest paid CB In the Prem). Dorgu may be a total bust, we still don't really know.
Personally, I think odds are high we may live to regret buys like Cunha and Mbuemo. Goals don't always translate in a different track record, neither has a long track record, and they both vastly overperformed xG. Neither is some 22 year old that you'd expect further growth from, and Cunha has some attitude issues. We're also moving away from the youth movement (which I agree was a good sign) so far this summer.
No massively boneheaded Casemiro/Anthony type busts yet (which is something), but not a lot of clear success yet either. Yoro was a very high potential/exciting get, and Maz was an undervalued depth piece. That's about it.
PS: Forgot Heaven. Legitimately appears to be a very good purchase.
This. Cunha/Mbuemo/Gyokeres is a bit of a scary combo to be spending ~£200M on to me. Relatively old (likely not worth much by the end of their next contract), big over-performances last year that will likely regress, and no CM help.
Hope I'm wrong.
Yeah I’m of the same mind. Big money for an attacking front three that loves running into space. Cunha and Gyökeres in particular thrive mainly in transition. I worry we’ll spend the better part of £200m only to end up with more Ole chaos ball when teams start parking the bus against us. And the age profiles leave no margin for error if that happens.
Very risky strategy.
Yep. And more contracts handcuffing us with aging players if it doesn't work out.
I think at this point I'm rooting for both Mbuemo and Gyokeres to sign elsewhere, as they don't seem like they'd be good value nor upside.