The left-winger market…

Rozay

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One consequence of us hiring an anti-United/anti-winger manager is that our squad has been ridded of all the left-wingers we have. Rashford, Sancho and Garnacho have all left the club without being directly replaced. Now we have recovered from a 14 month concussion - we appear to have decided that Manchester United should probably play with wingers after all.

So… what are our options? Diomande has been much touted, although the figures and competition involved are likely to be huge. We have a proud tradition of taking good footballers from Everton and sending them less good footballers in return. Iliman Ndiaye should be an option I think.

Do we need someone to come in and start, or a young prospect? Do we say that Dorgu is the answer? Mount? I think this position is required to complete our attacking options as a top club challenging for major trophies on all fronts. A collection of LW, Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo, Amad for 3 positions seems good to me, with Lacey and potentially Obi adding further depth if not loaned.
 
Keep seeing this come up - but we’ve got much more pressing positions to fill. Put it this way, if we get a top midfielder and a top right back with Dorgu/Mount/Cunha/Lacey on the left we could challenge for the title.

If we neglect centre mid or right back and settle for less, but buy a top left winger, well be in the same position fighting for 5th

Keen to understand why people think we need a left mid so much?
 
Ndiaye, Leao and Tyrique George are the names I’ve read.
 
Kenan Yildiz - Great numbers and productivity for a big side like Juventus.
Yan Diomande - We've seen a lot come from Bundesliga and look mediocre at best, i consider him a risk, for the price they'd want from him.
Alberto Moleiro- Been very good this season, he was always rated as a youngster and proving it with Villareal.I rate La Liga better than Bundesliga so i'd have him before Yan Diomande.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya - Started season good, but not done much since.
Bradley Barcola - For some reason I see a lot of links with him away from PSG, he'd be a good buy for anyone.

Rafael Leao I think is not worth it.
 
Number 3 priority is left winger. I would go for a proper speedster.

Still hoping Thor'gu will do it for us next season and we rather get complete midfield overhaul and a left back.
 
This should not be a priority right now. We’re the 3rd highest scorers in the league with our current attack. We need to get an attacking RB and a dominant midfielder to up our level and take us to top 3 in the league.
 
Who knows how we set up after Carrick's gone, maybe we will play Diamond and Cunha and Dorgu will be enough, with Amad able to put shift in. Now we need a DM and CM, then RB, thats 200mil out of the window already. Maybe striker who can play on the left could work for us. Zirkze replacement who has enough pace to go from the left..
 
Dorgu and Cunha can play there. The front line is actually looking reasonably well-stocked, barring a 25-30 goal per season ST:
- RW: Amad and Mbeumo
-10: Bruno and Mount
- LW: Cunha and Dorgu
- ST: Sesko

There are FAR more pressing issues with the squad.
 
Jericholyte2 said:
Dorgu and Cunha can play there. The front line is actually looking reasonably well-stocked, barring a 25-30 goal per season ST:
- RW: Amad and Mbeumo
-10: Bruno and Mount
- LW: Cunha and Dorgu
- ST: Sesko

There are FAR more pressing issues with the squad.
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Yeah I'd tend to agree with this. My only concern would be Mount's fitness - but Bruno is such a freak that he rarely misses games anyway. And if he was injured/suspended, you can play Amad or Cunha in the 10.

It just has to be all in on 2x big CM signings this summer. Arguably 3, with one being a cheaper squad option. Get that sorted and then look at a RB, LW, striker etc.
 
Lennon7 said:
Keep seeing this come up - but we’ve got much more pressing positions to fill. Put it this way, if we get a top midfielder and a top right back with Dorgu/Mount/Cunha/Lacey on the left we could challenge for the title.

If we neglect centre mid or right back and settle for less, but buy a top left winger, well be in the same position fighting for 5th

Keen to understand why people think we need a left mid so much?
Click to expand...

I keep seeing this come up, and don't understand why we'd need a RB when we have the excellent Mazraoui and Dalot who's much better at RB than where he's been getting most of his criticism.
 
Rozay said:
One consequence of us hiring an anti-United/anti-winger manager is that our squad has been ridded of all the left-wingers we have. Rashford, Sancho and Garnacho have all left the club without being directly replaced. Now we have recovered from a 14 month concussion - we appear to have decided that Manchester United should probably play with wingers after all.

So… what are our options? Diomande has been much touted, although the figures and competition involved are likely to be huge. We have a proud tradition of taking good footballers from Everton and sending them less good footballers in return. Iliman Ndiaye should be an option I think.

Do we need someone to come in and start, or a young prospect? Do we say that Dorgu is the answer? Mount? I think this position is required to complete our attacking options as a top club challenging for major trophies on all fronts. A collection of LW, Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo, Amad for 3 positions seems good to me, with Lacey and potentially Obi adding further depth if not loaned.
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To be fair the players we’ve got rid of in this position had rotten attitudes. So if it means we can focus on replacing them with players who work hard and have the talent, I’m all for it.

We haven’t directly replaced but at least ten attackers who have filled in have put us in a much better place.
 
Flying high said:
I keep seeing this come up, and don't understand why we'd need a RB when we have the excellent Mazraoui and Dalot who's much better at RB than where he's been getting most of his criticism.
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That’s called settling for less mate
 
Lennon7 said:
That’s called settling for less mate
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For you maybe. I'm genuinely happy with our RB options. We've barely played Maz as a RB but that's his best position. Dalot as a backup is absolutely fine back in his best position as well.

CM is by far the priority, I'd like to see 2 come in there. LW or LB need something, which largely depends upon where the manager for next season sees Dorgu playing. We need at least 1 more on that side. We also need a new GK to replace Bayindir. Then a CF to compete with Sesko. Maybe a new experienced CB if Maguire leaves. All of these are needed before we look at upgrading RB. IMHO of course.
 
RB is not a problem. Mazraoui is excellent. He was by far the best Moroccan player during AFCON, better than Hakimi, who is the best RB in the world. People tend to forget that he played excellent as a RB in his first year. 7/10 most of his games.
 
We have four senior forwards for 3 positions in the squad. We are by no means sufficiently stocked there at all, especially if we are a team that doesn’t intend to go out in the first round of every Cup.

Very common on the caf for the suggestion of a position to be taken as a negligence for another. I’ve not said we don’t need midfielders. I would imagine those are being discussed in various threads about midfielders.

I also don’t see right back anywhere near as pressing as others. Mazraoui was unanimously spoken of as one of our best signings in years when he joined and played at right back. Then that idiot came in and deleted the position for 14 months, however - he is a perfectly capable RB to me, one of the better ones in the league. I think Dalot is also a good RB, but I appreciate that his season has been frustrating. In any case, a RB is only needed if he leaves, otherwise what are we doing?

LB may be more of an issue. Shaw’s contract is almost up. Malacia is of no use and will certainly be leaving. I personally see Dorgu as a long-term LB option - especially with Mazraoui and Dalot on the right who are defensively stronger than him and perhaps offer less going forward. Amass has had a good season in the Championship, and Leon is probably a while away from being ready. If Shaw goes - I imagine we will need something there.

Midfield has been discussed to death, we obviously need 2 midfielders, possibly 3 - although I’d prefer Koné to be midfielder #3 after he comes back from Switzerland.
 
Cunha and Dorgu are fine there for the time being.

Let’s focus on a midfield overhaul first. We need 2 first team starters, say Baleba and Anderson.

I’d then sell Zirkzee and sign a new striker before getting a left winger.
 
After 2 CMs, the left wing is the top priority for sure. Needs to be a proper winger too, Amad is the only real winger in our squad right now while Cunha is a roaming 10 and Mbeumo is a wide forward. Lacey I guess is a winger too but he can be the deeper depth winger, definitely need one more senior player there who can be part of the competition.

No idea who
 
Personally, I’d like to see Dorgu at left-back. Even Amorim who hated wingers kept saying we needed a right-footed player who could play on the left-wing.

My personal choices would be Ndiaye or Yildiz. I don’t think we need a centre-forward with Sesko and Mbeumo as options there. Mbeumo and Amad are the type of players where you wouldn’t want one consigned to the bench. Mbeumo doubling up as a striker means that there’s a good chance both will be in the XI in many games. And where one of them is unavailable - the other is the default RW player, with Lacey then moving up to be the backup there. If Sesko is injured then Mbeumo starts centrally by default, with Amad and Lacey on the right.

I imagine Zirkzee doesn’t feature in our plans and will be gone in the summer. I’d rather he is replaced with a left-sided player rather than a centre-foward. Sesko can’t get into the team presently as the only centre forward. I don’t see room for Mbeumo plus 2.
 
We have two in Cunha and Dorgu already. What we need is a LB this summer not a LW.
 
Like you say, it depends on where Dorgu ends up. I agree that long-term I see him as a LB, with occasional appearances at LW in big games where an outlet like him is crucial. Realistically, I don’t see him starting at LW against packed defences. That leaves a spot for another option at LW alongside Cunha.

Ndiaye’s the guy for me. Baller.
 
We’ve got to sign an attacking player if we qualify for Europe, Zirkzee will go so that leaves 7 players to cover 4 position and that includes Dorgu who has to cover LB and Mount who is often injured.

It could be a LW or a striker but we have to add someone in one of those positions. Striker options aren’t great so maybe a LW is the way to go, Diomande and Fofana would add something different or cheaper options like George or Monga who would also boost the hg quota. Another option would be to go for someone like Maza and use him in multiple positions until
he can replace Bruno.

Obviously the priority is 2-3 midfielders but an attacker, LB and backup keeper are all required as well.
 
Rozay said:
Personally, I’d like to see Dorgu at left-back. Even Amorim who hated wingers kept saying we needed a right-footed player who could play on the left-wing.

My personal choices would be Ndiaye or Yildiz. I don’t think we need a centre-forward with Sesko and Mbeumo as options there. Mbeumo and Amad are the type of players where you wouldn’t want one consigned to the bench. Mbeumo doubling up as a striker means that there’s a good chance both will be in the XI in many games. And where one of them is unavailable - the other is the default RW player, with Lacey then moving up to be the backup there. If Sesko is injured then Mbeumo starts centrally by default, with Amad and Lacey on the right.

I imagine Zirkzee doesn’t feature in our plans and will be gone in the summer. I’d rather he is replaced with a left-sided player rather than a centre-foward. Sesko can’t get into the team presently as the only centre forward. I don’t see room for Mbeumo plus 2.
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Yeah dorgu I think is someone who will primarily rotate at LB but sometimes rotate at LW. Depends who we get though to be manager. If Carrick stays and we keep this then I think it'll be split as we'll want to do almost a 4411 and hold width in big games, think that worked well. If it's some ok me like Tuchel (I'd say likely) or Enrique (unlikely) then probably you use one of them like a wide forward.

With European football, Shaw is limited to 1 game a week so that's lots of games for Dorgu at LB - I'd imagine Amass is kept in and fills in with injuries as a 3rd LB.

I don't know for sure that we need a right footed or left footed LW, we can make it work with either as long as they are a versatile winger who plays like a winger IMO. Cunha and Mbeumo can be wide forwards, need someone to add to Amad to be that dribbler/ball carrier and creator from the wing and Amass to be the 5th. I'd honestly like someone like Kudus there as he can play in any of the front 3 positions, but it's too late for that. Then you have Sesko/Cunha/Mbeumo to be your CF options - it's actually a pretty healthy attacking group once we add a LW there. The key is for the player to be a ball carrying winger and not a wide forward though. Basically a non-twat version of Garnacho (or what he can be as a player, which is why I was against his sale, but looks like he's a bit shit at Chelsea anyway so no huge loss).

Saw rumors linking Rashford back if Carrick stays. Don't think that's the right option both for style of winger we need or for the off pitch/motivation issues or the message it sends, but anyway. Could be worse and if he's focused and happy then obviously he is a very good player. But I don't see it.
 
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Behind central midfield, left back and striker in our list of priorities.

Cunha and Dorgu are fine.
 
HankHill said:
Behind central midfield, left back and striker in our list of priorities.

Cunha and Dorgu are fine.
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Striker really isn't, at all. We have Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha who all fit better at CF (with how we play now) than as a left winger.

Dorgu next season will probably play 50% or games at LB as Shaw will get injured if he plays 2-3 times a week. A LW who plays as a winger, carries the ball forward is a must for the squad for any variation of 433/4231/4411.
 
Jericholyte2 said:
Dorgu and Cunha can play there. The front line is actually looking reasonably well-stocked, barring a 25-30 goal per season ST:
- RW: Amad and Mbeumo
-10: Bruno and Mount
- LW: Cunha and Dorgu
- ST: Sesko

There are FAR more pressing issues with the squad.
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Dont forget you have Shea Lacey as well who can be integrated slowly..
 
Reports in the Telegraph today if Carrick is retained as United’s head coach beyond this season, then he would like Rashford back.

Obviously to me its all media games after reports a month ago Barca will try to lowball us with an offer, makes sense to start with we want him back stories.

Before you reply I get it though relationship is broken, Rashford needs a new start and all that. That being said its not the worst option to see if the broken relationship can be fixed. As others has mentioned we have 4 positions with around 200mil give or take.
 
Flying high said:
I keep seeing this come up, and don't understand why we'd need a RB when we have the excellent Mazraoui and Dalot who's much better at RB than where he's been getting most of his criticism.
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Yeah it's weird. Seeing as LB is the more pressing position especially if the club decide Drogu is a left winger and not a left back
 
Flying high said:
For you maybe. I'm genuinely happy with our RB options. We've barely played Maz as a RB but that's his best position. Dalot as a backup is absolutely fine back in his best position as well.

CM is by far the priority, I'd like to see 2 come in there. LW or LB need something, which largely depends upon where the manager for next season sees Dorgu playing. We need at least 1 more on that side. We also need a new GK to replace Bayindir. Then a CF to compete with Sesko. Maybe a new experienced CB if Maguire leaves. All of these are needed before we look at upgrading RB. IMHO of course.
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I’d be happy with Maz, but he can’t stay fit. Dalot isn’t good enough.

In terms of left wing though are we considering the fact that Barca probably can’t afford Rashford
 
Rozay said:
Rashford, Sancho and Garnacho have all left the club without being directly replaced.
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You say that like it's a bad thing. Them leaving is one reason the team is doing better this year and it's one of the best moves the club has made. I'm very happy Garnacho and Sancho are nowhere near the club right now. Rashford? The same. His attitude like the others stunk to high heaven and I'm glad he isn't here. SAF wouldn't have put up with his laziness and attitude. The only reason most put up with his attitude is that he is a local lad. If wasn't from Manchester or was from the USA for example-- people would be more critical of him and not cut him as much slack.

No one was really lining up to sign Rashford, so that tells you everything you need to know. I'm thrilled RA and INEOS got rid of those 3 bad apples, and honestly I do not want Rashford back. He had his chance, he acted like a lazy baby for a while, so he blew his chance. You can't go home again applies to Rashford. Same thing with Ronaldo coming back a few years ago--- not a good idea.
 
Barcola is an interesting one. Big chance magnet and he’s an absolute sprinter which would add a serious dimension to our attack, but he’s like the final form boss of bozo attackers in the Garnacho type mould of missing chances. Will he grow out of it? Only 23.

Ndiaye makes a lot of sense on paper and fits the bill of our recent Prem proven attacking signings being in their mid 20s. Doesn’t strike me as a G/A grabber, but more of an overall game raiser. Players of his ball security and technical quality is always a plus in a side.

Think Yildiz is a total nonstarter. Juventus are starting to play good football again under Spalletti and he’s comprehensively their best player.

Rashford return is an option but probably unlikely. He’s still showing he has the ability to rack up G/A like he always has throughout his career but the general quality of his game is so-so. Probably best for all he dips out.

Haven’t watched Diomande so can’t really comment there.
 
I'd like a left winger in the summer for the balance of the squad too.

Dorgu did a job there for a couple of games but I don't think he possesses the skillset to regularly damage teams in the same way as Amad or Mbeumo on the other side. Cunha is a decent player but not a proper winger.

Yildiz and Diomande look like the kinds of quick, direct wingers who would suit us but I expect both would be too expensive if we're also signing 2 or 3 midfielders. I wouldn't mind an even younger player who starts as a rotational player with the aim of becoming a starter if they're talented enough
 
One variable is whether Dorgu is LW or LB in the long term. If he is seen as LW, we need to sign LB. If he is LB, we need to sign LW.

In my view, Dorgu is a LB in the longer term.It would then make sense to sign a winger who can play both wings.
 
I don't buy the argument. We have Dorgu, Cunha, Mount and they all give different tactical options.

We don't yet know whether we'll play with two out and out wide men or have one more narrow. So far they've been very narrow and at times morphed into a 41212 in which case there no's gap.
 
bosnian_red said:
Striker really isn't, at all. We have Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha who all fit better at CF (with how we play now) than as a left winger.

Dorgu next season will probably play 50% or games at LB as Shaw will get injured if he plays 2-3 times a week. A LW who plays as a winger, carries the ball forward is a must for the squad for any variation of 433/4231/4411.
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Mbeumo and Cunha start in their actual positions, though. They can fill in, but you need two players for each position and I think we both know that we can't count on Zirkzee.
 
Giggsy13 said:
We have two in Cunha and Dorgu already. What we need is a LB this summer not a LW.
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You're right. This discussion hinges a lot on whether we see Dorgu as a) primarily a left back or a wing back and b) a squad player or more than that. I guess he could be notionally our starting LB and then deputise for Cunha on the LW (or play ahead of him, of course). But either way we'd need either a fist-choice LB or a rotational option there, with Shaw presumably gradually being phased out. Maybe Amass or Leon could be that player, but I have a feeling we'll need to go to the market for a LB in the next year or two.
 
Be nice to find a Diomande type signing before they make the move to someone like Leipzig.
 
We first need to figure out how to best utilise Cunha, Mbuemo and Sesko (plus Amad and Bruno) in the starting lineup. I guess it’s a squad game these days, so strength in depth helps.

Midfield really needs to be addressed but we are also getting some money from sales (fingers crossed). We’d have to rule out the likes of Rodrygo (possibly better on the right anyway?) and Vini due to price and wage.

I’d love someone like Yildiz but not sure if juve would sell or if he’d be keen on the switch. I’ve not seen a lot of Diomande but from the little I’ve seen - I’m not overly impressed, personally - not for the price they’d want. Hopefully we can get by with what we have in the squad and promote youth as an understudy? I doubt JJ Gabriel will be ready for a squad position next season, will he?
 
The outstanding candidates are Diomande & Yildiz but they'll both be tough (price, competition etc).

Next tier is maybe Barcola, Nusa, N'Diaye & Malick Fofana (worrying injury history for his age)

You've even got a string of less obvious options who haven't exploded yet but are clearly talents. Bahoya, Fernandez-Pardo at Lille, Jesus Rodriguez at Como.

Basically there's a lot to choose from. The anti-striker market. All in their early 20s other than 25 year old boomer N'Diaye. And for size queens, the only one of these 9 wingers who's under 5'11 is Fofana.
 
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