Great post, and pretty much agree. It is subjective, and very small nuances.
In value, I would have probably scored De Ligt's value as A-, and Zirkzee as C+.
In potential, Sesko, at best A, but probably more A-/B+, Cuenha and Mbuemo probably A- too (I think A+ should be reserved for one of the best players in the world at that position, an absolute world-class player).
Strategic, I agree, maybe Zirkzee C+/B- considering we had only Hojlund in attack.
Performance is spot one, maybe Mazroui B-.
But as I said nuances.
I don’t disagree with your nuanced differences. The only reason I have De Ligt a B+ on value because of an A- were the purported wages which I deemed to be high. Transfer fee alone, I agree with you.
Zirkzee B- vs C+ is a tight call, again I went on lower wages and coming off significant young player accolades in Italy the season prior. In this day and age I consider 36m to be downright cheap. Which is pretty appalling. But agree it can go both ways.
I agree that A+ should be reserved for potentially world class players in the potential category. I keep hearing that Sesko has the ultimate tool kit and has an enormous ceiling but I have probably fallen foul of hyperbole there. An A or A- is probably more accurate in terms of his true ceiling.
Again I think you are likely right on Mbeumo and Cunha. I actually think Mbeumo will do the better of the two, but that Cunha has the potential to be a genuinely top class, even elite player because he has an X factor that few other players have. Nevertheless, a slight downgrade, as you suggested, is warranted.
The pattern we need to establish in the coming year or so is for the performance graded to catch up to the potential. I think our next signing, which should undoubtedly be a midfielder, should likely be focused on someone who can immediately come in and perform at an A- type level right away.
In terms of squad building there is obviously major surgery required in midfield. Next summer we should absolutely be moving on Bruno for the biggest fee we can to SA. If we can get 75m+ for him and are able to translate Rashford’s loan spell into a permanent transfer for 30-40m, in addition to Casemiro being out of contract, then we should parlay that money - and savings - into both Baleba and Wharton. It’s a 200-230m spend on two players, but two players who will transform the squad. We can also offset around 60% of that spend on sales, and another sizeable chunk on saved wages. Both together will likely make what Casemiro makes alone - or less.
Even if we switch to a 3 man midfield, which seems unlikely under this coach, but may happen under another, a three of Baleba, Wharton and Mainoo is about as well balanced, high quality, and youthful as you could get. A perfect blend of energy, physicality, ball winning, positional sense, press resistance, possession recycling, vision, transitional passing, and ball carrying.
What I want to see us do, is identify targets that we absolutely want, and stick with the pursuit (having done the due diligence and knowing they want to come - not like FDJ) until we secure the target. Even if it takes a year. Liverpool have done this to enormously positive effect, whereas we have just generally said “we need a midfielder” (for example), and pursued a player like FDJ all summer, only to then pivot at the last minute and sign Casemiro. Two massively different players at completely different stages of their careers. It exposes a complete lack of critical thinking.
If we have identified Baleba as the player we need, and we know he wants to come, we should not sign a different player just because we couldn’t get him this summer. We should build on the groundwork we’ve done and resume our pursuit before the next summer window starts and make sure he ends up a United player. Likewise Wharton, for whom I could understand if he was completely unattainable and we pivoted to Stiller - because there’s coherency there - but we should essentially adopt the same approach. That’s how great sides are built. By signing the right players for your needs, rather than shoehorning in more readily available alternatives.
Finally, I think we really need to be looking at making a play for Guehi in January if there’s any chance we can get him. He’ll be available for a great fee and he’s undoubtedly the best, PL proven, CB currently on the market. Homegrown and had bags of quality. Very comfortable playing on the left of a three and would make the perfect foil to Yoro and De Ligt, while Heaven, Maguire and Mazroui provide depth. Shaw should revert to the left as he has so much more quality there than Dalot, and is a good rotation option with Dorgu.
Thank you for the response.
