Feels like it's hit a stalemate
What do we still need? Aka The never ending story
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
Second XI would be along the lines of:
...............Heaton/Kovar..................
Dalot - Evans - Lindelof - Malacia
............Mainoo/Amrabat...............
............Eriksen - Sancho................
........MG - Martial - Garnacho........
This would allow Henderson, Maguire, Bailly, Williams, Fred, Mctominay, VDB, Amad and Pellestri to all leave.
Very decent side to be fair,however won't sell all of those that's for certain. I feel like Pellistri offers something different to others
Just checking is Napoli, Arsenal a tier 5? Sometimes we should make the jump at 20m and MOT ourselves instead of alway paying double + for some other teams one year investment.
Season starts 2 weeks, Pre Season has been average based on results but encouraging based on new transfers in.
We are definitely trying to change into a possession / High pressing team which means we might get some in consistent results. Last season we had a terrific bike start with 3 points from first 3 games.
We must improve away form and I think we will play in two very different ways, counter attacking away from home and More possession based at home.
Assuming we sign ; A Onana, S Amrabat, M Mount, R Hojlund and probably a young CB and one other versatile striker which could be MG whether fans like that option or not( best option would be send him on loan)
Home Team ;
A Onana, D Dalot, R Varane, L Martinez, L Shaw, Casemeiro, M Mount, Bruno, Antony, R Hojlund/A Martial
- Subs T Heaton, AWB, V Lindelof,
S Amrabat, C Ericsen , J Sancho, S McTominay , A Garnaucho, MG/Amad
Away Team ;
A Onana, AWB, R Varane/VLindelof L Martinez, L Shaw, Casemiro, S Amrabat, R Hojlund, M Rashford, J Sancho
Subs - T Heaton, Dalot, J Evans, V lindelof, M Mount, C Ericsen, Antony, Garnaucho, Martial
We will play a version of 4231 away which will move to 3223 in transition and at home we will play a super attacking style of 4-1-2-3 but 3-1-6 in transition.
We are definitely trying to change into a possession / High pressing team which means we might get some in consistent results. Last season we had a terrific bike start with 3 points from first 3 games.
We must improve away form and I think we will play in two very different ways, counter attacking away from home and More possession based at home.
Assuming we sign ; A Onana, S Amrabat, M Mount, R Hojlund and probably a young CB and one other versatile striker which could be MG whether fans like that option or not( best option would be send him on loan)
Home Team ;
A Onana, D Dalot, R Varane, L Martinez, L Shaw, Casemeiro, M Mount, Bruno, Antony, R Hojlund/A Martial
- Subs T Heaton, AWB, V Lindelof,
S Amrabat, C Ericsen , J Sancho, S McTominay , A Garnaucho, MG/Amad
Away Team ;
A Onana, AWB, R Varane/VLindelof L Martinez, L Shaw, Casemiro, S Amrabat, R Hojlund, M Rashford, J Sancho
Subs - T Heaton, Dalot, J Evans, V lindelof, M Mount, C Ericsen, Antony, Garnaucho, Martial
We will play a version of 4231 away which will move to 3223 in transition and at home we will play a super attacking style of 4-1-2-3 but 3-1-6 in transition.
CM CB GK still with outs like Maguire, Fred VDB and maybe McT
Think the Away Team would struggle here.
Playing 10 men might be alright with Old Trafford as the 11th man, but playing 10 men away would be suicidal.
Missed Rashford from home team and Bruno from away good spot, tbf we’d struggle with 10 men in any game ?
I did a comparison of our post Fergie transfer activity when we did achieved top 4 vs when we didn't. In general, the club has made the mistake of not investing after achieving top 4 (with transfers in 2013-14 and 2018-19 being particularly criminal). LVG wasted the opportunity in 2015-16 and we fell off the rails under Ole after a "good" transfer window in 2021, imo by bringing Ronaldo, the Greenwood incident and Sancho proving to be a dud.
A lot of us feared that this transfer window may be similarly bad, due to tackover business, but I feel we have done fantastic till now in building on to ETH's success by bringing in crucial players. A lot of credit will go eventually to the manager for bringing less obvious targets that suit us to ensure budget is met(of course this remains to be seen, just my opinion that it would be so).
We have got consecutive top 4 only once but we can potentially cement our place there (talks of title are still atleast one more year away). The usual caveat being that we could still get surprised by another high profile incoming.
Transfers after seasons when club made top 4:
2013-14: M. Fellaini; Mata
2015-16: A. Martial; M. Schneiderlin; M. Depay; M. Darmian; B. Schweinsteiger; S. Romaro
2018-19: Fred; D. Dalot;
2020-21: Van De Beek; A. Diallo; A. Telles; E. Cavani
2021-22: J. Sancho; R. Varane; C. Ronaldo
2023-24: M. Mount; A. Onana; Hojlund*; Ambarat*
Transfers after seasons when club didn’t make top 4:
2014-15: A. Di Maria; L. Shaw; A. Herrera; M. Rojo; D. Blind; R. Falcao
2016-17: P. Pogba; H. Mikhitaryan; E. Bailly; Z. Ibrahimovic
2017-18: R. Lukaku; N. Matic; V. Lindelof; A. Sanchez
2019-20: H. Maguire; B. Fernandez; A. W. Bissaka; D. James
2022-23: Antony; Casemiro; L. Martinez; T. Malacia; C. Eriksen
A lot of us feared that this transfer window may be similarly bad, due to tackover business, but I feel we have done fantastic till now in building on to ETH's success by bringing in crucial players. A lot of credit will go eventually to the manager for bringing less obvious targets that suit us to ensure budget is met(of course this remains to be seen, just my opinion that it would be so).
We have got consecutive top 4 only once but we can potentially cement our place there (talks of title are still atleast one more year away). The usual caveat being that we could still get surprised by another high profile incoming.
Transfers after seasons when club made top 4:
2013-14: M. Fellaini; Mata
2015-16: A. Martial; M. Schneiderlin; M. Depay; M. Darmian; B. Schweinsteiger; S. Romaro
2018-19: Fred; D. Dalot;
2020-21: Van De Beek; A. Diallo; A. Telles; E. Cavani
2021-22: J. Sancho; R. Varane; C. Ronaldo
2023-24: M. Mount; A. Onana; Hojlund*; Ambarat*
Transfers after seasons when club didn’t make top 4:
2014-15: A. Di Maria; L. Shaw; A. Herrera; M. Rojo; D. Blind; R. Falcao
2016-17: P. Pogba; H. Mikhitaryan; E. Bailly; Z. Ibrahimovic
2017-18: R. Lukaku; N. Matic; V. Lindelof; A. Sanchez
2019-20: H. Maguire; B. Fernandez; A. W. Bissaka; D. James
2022-23: Antony; Casemiro; L. Martinez; T. Malacia; C. Eriksen
We need to improve the right side of the team to the level of Liverpool: RCB, RB, RW. We could also do with a press-resistant #8 and an additional striker.
For me, the jury is still out on this summer's signings. I just don't see us scoring enough goals to turn losses into draws, and draws into wins. And I'd still have preferred a keeper with PL experience - although I hear he gave Maguire a roasting a friendly which is a good start 
With Mount, Onana, Hojlund deal all done, I think we did very well and I am very happy. The only big miss here is KMJ, which I still feel gutted. But I think we are doing good so far this summer.
Next stage we could explore the following signings:
- Amrabat to replace McFred (looks likely)
- CB to replace Maguire
- Backup keeper to replace Henderson
I think that would be good enough for this summer.
Next stage we could explore the following signings:
- Amrabat to replace McFred (looks likely)
- CB to replace Maguire
- Backup keeper to replace Henderson
I think that would be good enough for this summer.
Be very surprised if we sign a CB as think Maguire could well end up staying,in terms of a backup keeper I feel Heaton looks comfortable
Next stage of rebuild priorities
Varane replacement
RB
Wildcard signing
Kane (IF still on market as free)
Haven't included backup ST at the moment as can see Greenwood returning. Hopefully Casemiro can go a bit longer yet but do think we need to be planning for it
Varane replacement
RB
Wildcard signing
Kane (IF still on market as free)
Haven't included backup ST at the moment as can see Greenwood returning. Hopefully Casemiro can go a bit longer yet but do think we need to be planning for it
Next year I am quite confident we will buy a RB, CB and a ST to replace Wan Bissaka, Varane and Martial. If Maguire stays another year then we get 2 CB next year. That will be the year of title challenge as whole squad has been rebuilt.
The only one that I feel will be hard to sell due to the wages is Martial or is out of contract next year. So in terms of AWB/Rapha do you see them being sold or just becoming squad players
To leave: Henderson, Maguire, Bailly, Williams, McTominay, Fred, van de Beek. Also Sancho and Martial in 2024 if they don't do well this season.
We should also be looking at South American market more often. How many players Brighton had from S America for so cheap?
The annoying thing with Caicedo is Brighton knew how to get round the loopholes as had advantage of a previous deal
We gotta buy a RB next season and depending on Maguire situation a CB this summer. Josip Sutalo would be the best option available for under 30m.
Martial is gone no later than next summer, no matter what. No chance he gets a new contract, even if he does well this season.
Should have got rid of Maguire for Kim,now we have missed out I would hold fire on a CB signing. I agree we need to sign a RB maybe as soon as January if the right player is available
Personally all I REALLY want before the new season starts in terms of incomings now is a quality young centre back. We have four cbs and Shaw. Bar Martinez they are all over or around 30, there is no quality young cb yet coming through.
We need both better cover than Lindelof for Varane if he suffers spells out again this season and we also need a long term signing there, JOhnny Evans for a season for me adds absolutely nothing.
If we can do that, I think its a decent window if far from my ideal one. As things stand currently, very dissapointed with our outgoings, that could change but I fully expect us to be lumbered with Maguire, Martial and a couple of others we will fail to move on too
We need both better cover than Lindelof for Varane if he suffers spells out again this season and we also need a long term signing there, JOhnny Evans for a season for me adds absolutely nothing.
If we can do that, I think its a decent window if far from my ideal one. As things stand currently, very dissapointed with our outgoings, that could change but I fully expect us to be lumbered with Maguire, Martial and a couple of others we will fail to move on too
One thing I'm flummoxed as to why we haven't addressed it is getting in an elite set piece coach. We've been dire at them for years, particular in attack, and the teams with better set pieces are accumulating handy goals every season which can keep you in or even win games when you're not even the better team
Didn't we hire a corner coach around January? We scored a couple last season if I remember correctly
We would have had that in Min-Jae,would you take Pavard as he has the ability to play RB
Take it that guy we got in wasn't up to scratch
Don't think he was a specialist set piece coach to begin with but from memory OGS hired him as one from Chelsea and then shortly after Rangnick joined he made him a general coach. In fairness, I think the goals conceded from set pieces reduced on his watch but when you see the impact the guy at Spurs had, we're really missing a trick.
WOuld take Pavard, but really preference would be a younger centre back that can come in an challenge over the next season or so and maybe even take over in that time. Not seen Tadibo....but that kind of profile.
My favourite young centre back have seen a fair amount of available is Lukeba but he is left sided, cant believe there isnt more interest in him at £30m, would be a briliant signing for a lot of premiership sides.
I would actually like us to sign Bella-Kotchap. He faded the second half of last season, but I thought he looked really good the first half of the season at Southamptonm, has all the tools to be a top defender, is only 21 and has a season of premiership experience under his belt already.
Both seem to be available under £30m and the stongest links seem to be with RB Leipzig, though seen some links of Lukeba to Liverpool....please no.
I think both have a far higher ceiling than other centre backs who have already moved for far more money
Bella Kotchap is not very good on the ball. Ousmane Diomandy looks unbelievable. He'd be my choice. Would be very expensive.
Heard his name on here but know very little
Might need Rory DeLap kind of player since we are actually scoring from long balls now.
Maybe we should wait for more of a natural CB rather than someone who plays at RB as well
Yeah, I think a young CB is ideal. Someone who can cover in case a couple of CBs are out and can also fill in at fullback in case of emergency. Would be needed if Maguire is leaving I reckon.
Must admit never heard of him, but if he is very expensive....I dont see us spending a big fee now on a CB with what we have already spent, especially if we do move for Amrabat. Actually dont even see us signing a CB this window now, which would be a mistake.
Bella-Kotchap has a very good long pass and though not a ball playing cb (in terms of short passing), I dont think he is weak on the ball, he is just as good as some of our cb considered good on the ball (not that I agree they are) and he is just 21. £25m I believe is his release clause, in the current market I think that is a bargain and as I said we arent spenging £40/50m on a cb now this market if that is the kind of cost the player you mention woul dbe
Realistically - I am more optimistic than I have been in a long time, mostly because of the age of our squad.
Keeper: Onana on paper is good enough - but he has to prove it first. We need a better backup-keeper than Heaton, but keepers can go years without missing a game so that is not necessarily a problem
Left back: Shaw is good enough, but I am not yet convinced by Malacia. He is good enough to fill in for Shaw in the odd game, but not good enough to win the league with - at least from what he has shown yet. But I will give him time to prove me wrong.
Right back: AWB took huge steps last season, if he can improve just slightly going forward - it is good enough considering how much he offers defensively. Dalot has never convinced me - on his day he looks really good, but he has days when he is taken apart by a really good winger.
Central defenders: Varane and Martinez are good enough but I dont rely on Varane to stay fit an entire season so I would love if we could sign a really quality defender. Lindelof and Evans are both good enough to act as cover, Maguire needs to go for his own careers sake. It's almost good enough - but we need one quality player as back-up because of Varanes fitness.
Central midfield: Good enough but with Casemiro and Eriksen both 31 - we need a really mobile box to box player. Amrabat can solve that problem but there are better players - even if they cost more.
Left wing: The position that worries me the least - Garnacho, Sancho and Rashford can all play there. And both Garnacho and Rashford play their best football from this position.
Right wing: Another position that could be interesting if Greenwood returns. Pellistri, Diallo, Sancho, Greenwood and Antony can all play there. The quality is good enough if they can start converting more chances.
Attack: The second position which is a question mark - if Højlund turns out the way we hope, it's not a concern. But until that happens - I would love for us to sign a proven goalscorer.
The way I see it - to really have a title winning squad - we might need a backup goalkeeper (not a priority). We definately need a central defender of the highest quality to push Varane and Martinez. We need a better rightback to replace Dalot. We need a world-class midfielder and a proven goalscorer.
But most of all we need Sancho, Garnacho, Antony and Mount to improve their finishing (and Højlund to be as good as we hope) - that will solve most of our problems
Keeper: Onana on paper is good enough - but he has to prove it first. We need a better backup-keeper than Heaton, but keepers can go years without missing a game so that is not necessarily a problem
Left back: Shaw is good enough, but I am not yet convinced by Malacia. He is good enough to fill in for Shaw in the odd game, but not good enough to win the league with - at least from what he has shown yet. But I will give him time to prove me wrong.
Right back: AWB took huge steps last season, if he can improve just slightly going forward - it is good enough considering how much he offers defensively. Dalot has never convinced me - on his day he looks really good, but he has days when he is taken apart by a really good winger.
Central defenders: Varane and Martinez are good enough but I dont rely on Varane to stay fit an entire season so I would love if we could sign a really quality defender. Lindelof and Evans are both good enough to act as cover, Maguire needs to go for his own careers sake. It's almost good enough - but we need one quality player as back-up because of Varanes fitness.
Central midfield: Good enough but with Casemiro and Eriksen both 31 - we need a really mobile box to box player. Amrabat can solve that problem but there are better players - even if they cost more.
Left wing: The position that worries me the least - Garnacho, Sancho and Rashford can all play there. And both Garnacho and Rashford play their best football from this position.
Right wing: Another position that could be interesting if Greenwood returns. Pellistri, Diallo, Sancho, Greenwood and Antony can all play there. The quality is good enough if they can start converting more chances.
Attack: The second position which is a question mark - if Højlund turns out the way we hope, it's not a concern. But until that happens - I would love for us to sign a proven goalscorer.
The way I see it - to really have a title winning squad - we might need a backup goalkeeper (not a priority). We definately need a central defender of the highest quality to push Varane and Martinez. We need a better rightback to replace Dalot. We need a world-class midfielder and a proven goalscorer.
But most of all we need Sancho, Garnacho, Antony and Mount to improve their finishing (and Højlund to be as good as we hope) - that will solve most of our problems
Agreed. Short term Amrabat and an experienced backup striker should be signed in August. If Greenwood returns in eg January we might shift focus to a CB. We are a few players short to challenge for the title.
We sell:
Fred
Maguire
DVB
Henderson
Mctominey
Bring in:
Amarabat
Pavard - can be our RB starter and can also play CB.
Fred
Maguire
DVB
Henderson
Mctominey
Bring in:
Amarabat
Pavard - can be our RB starter and can also play CB.
You're probably right. Also injuries have damaged him so much that I think we'll never see the 19/20 version of Martial again. Shame but hopefully he can be still be decent player for us or elsewhere.