Looked good in highlights in the summer I watched after they signed him. Bournemouth's Milosavljevic has also done quite well in the premier league when hes played
Your Hidden Gems or under the radar - Wanted Signings
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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.
Looked good in highlights in the summer I watched after they signed him. Bournemouth's Milosavljevic has also done quite well in the premier league when hes played
Matheus Mane must be on the radar now, that's several very assured performances now in the league. The sort of energy we need.
Yep same. Reminds me of Mainoo when he was first getting minutes. Got the agility and turns to make space
Good shout that, bit more top speed though. If they go down, I'm sure he'll have plenty of suitors if he keeps this up.
Literally came in here to say this. With Wolves looking likely to go down and us needing a winger, I think he would be a super signing. A rotational winger with what I hope will be another left winger coming in.
LW - New Winger/Mane
RW - Mbeumo/Amad
Born in Portugal, but grew up in Manchester (attending Rochdale's academy) - seems an ideal fit for United!
Could be a good, inexpensive back-up for the other former Wolves Matheus plus likely availabe in January.
I'm disappointed he hasn't played enough minutes yet to see data charts on him though, but his dribbling metrics must be right at the top end already.
He seems very versatile too, so could develop into anything.
Same on the metrics, but he's passing the eye test - for me anyway.
Posting Hugo Alvarez of Celta and Andre Almeida at Valencia again.
Two players I think could be worth looking at.
I'd also be keeping an eye on Barco at Strasbourg, didn't work out for him at Brighton but stats wise he looks to be having a good season.
Two players I think could be worth looking at.
I'd also be keeping an eye on Barco at Strasbourg, didn't work out for him at Brighton but stats wise he looks to be having a good season.
Just watched Middlesbrough this afternoon vs Southampton. They have a French centre back they brought in from America; Adilson Malanda. If his level is what he showed today he is Premier league class. Super confident. big, quick, solid defender, good positioning and can play football. Not afraid to break lines with his passing. One to keep an eye on for a central defender.
https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/1609213/mateus-mane
You can see his per 90 stats if you click the option on this page. It shows us he is 97.5 percentile for dribbles against other AMs, but his success rate is very low at 27.3 percentile and loses the ball a bit. Also his passing is very low, but he averages a couple of tackles
Enough for an 18 year old
I don't know about under the radar, but wondering if Kroupi at Bournemouth would be a decent bit of competition for Sesko, very high goal per minute average.
Not a hidden gem, but with West Ham looking like they're going down we should be all over Mateus Fernandes.
Noah Sadiki
Mane from wolves has really looked good since the wolves revival. Could be a good punt
Nathan de Cat of Anderlecht. 17 year old CM/DM who has played 21 matches in the Jupiler Pro League this season. Extremely highly rated. Bayern have been the team most linked with him and, with Kompany there, I would guess that’s where he’ll go.
At 6 foot 3 and relatively stocky, he’s probably not going to struggle too much with the physicality of the PL.
At 6 foot 3 and relatively stocky, he’s probably not going to struggle too much with the physicality of the PL.
It’ll be interesting to see what type of midfielder he develops into. From what I’ve seen (ie. YouTube highlights) he reminds a bit of Rice?
Coming from the Belgian league, the sensible move would probably be to a stepping stone club like Dortmund or Brighton. Either way, it looks like he is destined to move this summer so it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.
Nathan De Cat, Kees Smit, Kennet Eichhorn, Christos Mouzakitis, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Vasilije Kostov etc.etc.
There seems to be an awful lot of promising young CMs about at the moment who will probably be moving in the summer. One would think United will surely snap one of them up.
It seems a bit of a shame though that they're all mostly on the more #8, or creative side - can't see many prospects who look more like natural 6es, or defensive shields aka future Casemiro replacements. Don't think Mouzakitis is right for United either (too similar to Mainoo, lacks pace).
De Cat does seem one of the more disciplined defensively, along with Eichhorn and Bouaddi. Bayern surely won't have the need to sign both Eichhorn and De Cat? So maybe Eichhorn could be left for them meaning De Cat can get a PL move?
Smit is still my preferred one though; albeit he could also be seen as much as a potential Bruno replacement as a #8.
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Toth Alex. Biblical mistake not to sign him. Well done, Bournemouth.
I think Eichorn is the most needed profile but he's only 16 so unfortunately difficult to see it happen when we'll be even more unstable in that position than usual. All the others have question marks for the prices they might cost. Smit looks massive talent but big question marks over his physical ability. Bouaddi is a beautiful player to watch and is very highly rated but I'd love our future six to be more of a passer from deep.
From the snippets I’ve seen I’m very intrigued by Kostov, who I suggested in this thread a month or so back. Stylistically he reminds me a lot of Bruno and would require a more modest fee compared to the other names (£15-25m I would guess).
I agree that I think a player who is a strong passer from deep (as opposed to another dribbler through the middle of the pitch) is ultimately better for the 6 /DM role, as well as more in line with what Casemiro brought to the table.
Bouaddi with his carrying the ball forwards himself maybe leans him a bit more towards an 8 than a 6, even if he is also defensively resolute.
One of the main problems with 6es who progress the ball via dribbling, as opposed to long-range passing, is that they take themselves out of the position needed to shield the defence. And if they lose the ball they in turn leave the defence more exposed. Being able to quickly progress the ball with an accurate pass forwards is also generally better for relieving defensive pressure.
Perhaps have a check on some of the research I did in the thread below on possible players for the role in line with those thoughts:
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/centre-midfielder-transfer-links.488776/page-77#post-33997877
However, regarding Smit, I have no idea where "big question marks over his physical ability" would come from? He looks pretty quick and dynamic whenever I've seen him, and he's got a solid frame as well. But he's more an 8 or a 10.
Longer term one for the future
Bradley Burrows, Aston Villa under 21s
Has 4 goals 2 assists in 4 starts and 13 sub appearances at 17. Will be 18 this March
Has speed as well as the skills and a decent amount of end product, a fairly powerful shot, can whip a decent ball in. Plays as a striker or right winger
Bradley Burrows, Aston Villa under 21s
Has 4 goals 2 assists in 4 starts and 13 sub appearances at 17. Will be 18 this March
Has speed as well as the skills and a decent amount of end product, a fairly powerful shot, can whip a decent ball in. Plays as a striker or right winger
Some of you may have already read the research and analysis I posted in another thread regarding possible Casemiro replacements for a #6 /DM role:
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/centre-midfielder-transfer-links.488776/post-33997872
The closest things to ready-made replacements were mostly either obvious or mentioned before elsewhere, eg Anderson, M Sangare, Ederson, Casado. There are also some slightly younger, but likely expensive or unobtainable future prospects eg Chema and Yarmoliuk.
In another recent post, I'd also bemoaned how most of the exciting younger, and possibly less expensive CM prospects as potential CM understudies tended to be more 8s or even 10s eg Eichhorn, Bouaddi, Kostov, Smit.
Well, in having a go at applying my Casemiro-replacement search criteria to lesser leagues, one additional, exciting name jumped out - who appears the rare fish of being perhaps an elite potential CM with more of a ball-winner + deep-lying playmaker profile:
Matias Siltanen - Djugardens - 18
This kid was playing for KuPS in Finland at 17, and was apparently on Bournemouth and Man City's radars - but instead he went to Djugardens as their Bergvall replacement. At Djugardens he's now putting up an incredibly similar overall level of stats to those which Bergvall was also pulling at 18 before his €10mil+ move to Spurs. However, while Bergvall's strengths were in ball carrying and goal-scoring, Siltanen's are in ball winning and long-range passing.
I've added stats radars below for Siltanen's 2025 season at Djugardens as an 18 year-old, and Bergvall's final season there (2024) as an 18 year-old.
Funnily enough - Fotmob assigned Siltanen's 2025 season an overal player rating of 7.28, and Bergvall's s 2024 season there a rating of 7.27...
But also, don't just take the stats' word for it, his delicious forward passing and tenacious tackling can also be seen in the highlights reel below:
(Quick note that Siltanen's dribble success % on the radar might look distorted as he made so few, same with Bergvall's long-range passing %)
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/centre-midfielder-transfer-links.488776/post-33997872
The closest things to ready-made replacements were mostly either obvious or mentioned before elsewhere, eg Anderson, M Sangare, Ederson, Casado. There are also some slightly younger, but likely expensive or unobtainable future prospects eg Chema and Yarmoliuk.
In another recent post, I'd also bemoaned how most of the exciting younger, and possibly less expensive CM prospects as potential CM understudies tended to be more 8s or even 10s eg Eichhorn, Bouaddi, Kostov, Smit.
Well, in having a go at applying my Casemiro-replacement search criteria to lesser leagues, one additional, exciting name jumped out - who appears the rare fish of being perhaps an elite potential CM with more of a ball-winner + deep-lying playmaker profile:
Matias Siltanen - Djugardens - 18
This kid was playing for KuPS in Finland at 17, and was apparently on Bournemouth and Man City's radars - but instead he went to Djugardens as their Bergvall replacement. At Djugardens he's now putting up an incredibly similar overall level of stats to those which Bergvall was also pulling at 18 before his €10mil+ move to Spurs. However, while Bergvall's strengths were in ball carrying and goal-scoring, Siltanen's are in ball winning and long-range passing.
I've added stats radars below for Siltanen's 2025 season at Djugardens as an 18 year-old, and Bergvall's final season there (2024) as an 18 year-old.
Funnily enough - Fotmob assigned Siltanen's 2025 season an overal player rating of 7.28, and Bergvall's s 2024 season there a rating of 7.27...
But also, don't just take the stats' word for it, his delicious forward passing and tenacious tackling can also be seen in the highlights reel below:
(Quick note that Siltanen's dribble success % on the radar might look distorted as he made so few, same with Bergvall's long-range passing %)
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Some of you may have already read the research and analysis I posted in another thread regarding possible Casemiro replacements for a #6 /DM role:
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/centre-midfielder-transfer-links.488776/post-33997872
The closest things to ready-made replacements were mostly either obvious or mentioned before elsewhere, eg Anderson, M Sangare, Ederson, Casado. There are also some slightly younger, but likely expensive or unobtainable future prospects eg Chema and Yarmoliuk.
In another recent post, I'd also bemoaned how most of the exciting younger, and possibly less expensive CM prospects as potential CM understudies tended to be more 8s or even 10s eg De Cat, Bouaddi, Kostov, Smit.
Well, in having a go applying my Casemiro-replacement search criteria to lesser leagues, one additional, exciting name jumped out - who appears the rare fish of being perhaps an elite potential CM with more of a ball-winner + deep-lying playmaker profile:
Matias Siltanen - Djugardens - 18
This kid was playing for KuPS in Finland at 17, and was apparently on Bournemouth and Man City's radars - but instead he went to Djugardens as their Bergvall replacement. At Djugardens he's now putting up an incredibly similar overall level of stats to those which Bergvall was also pulling at 18 before his €10mil+ move to Spurs. However, while Bergvall's strengths were in ball carrying and goal-scoring, Siltanen's are in ball winning and long-range passing (quick note that Siltanen's dribble success % looks distorted as he made so few, same with Bergvall's long-range passing %).
I've added stats radars below for Siltanen's 2025 season at Djugardens as an 18 year-old, and Bergvall's final season there (2024) as an 18 year-old.
Funnily enough - Fotmob assigned Siltanen's 2025 season an overal player rating of 7.28, and Bergvall's s 2024 season there a rating of 7.27...
But also, don't just take the stats' word for it, his delicious forward passing and tenacious tackling can also be seen in the highlights reel below:
Nice write up.
A bit older and has had more first team minutes (though at different level to UK) but wonder if we’d look at him when have Thwaites?
It does seem fair to mention Thwaites; I do quite like him as he does seem a pretty similar profile as a deep-lying playmaker. I suppose it may depend on how highly Thwaites is rated internally. He has been in first team training in the past, but not yet made a squad.
I know Thwaites is meant to be good at spraying the ball about and at set-pieces, but the way Siltanen pings a pass looks to be something else. Majestic. Can't recall exactly how much defensive work Thwaites gets through either.
There’s no “meant to be”. Little back lift and cross field passes a la Scholes. If nothing on, easy pass and recycle.
I’ve rarely seen a player his age so good at shielding a ball… maturity beyond his years. Has (again) a bit of Scholes in him where he has a glance around before the ball comes to him. Also has a turn this way and that (like Mainoo) to lose players.
I went to QF, SF and final of 22 youth cup final and while the buzz was Garnacho, Mainoo always looked the one for me. There’s a few possibles now but I’d love to see Thwaites make it and now we’re back to a midfield three, he’s got a much better chance… not sure a two would work for him.
We’ll see.
Without wishing to de-rail the thread too much, I remember and understood the justified hype behind the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo. Thwaites hasn't really seemed to have stood out yet to the same degree. That you're even talking of there being a few possibilities now perhaps points to the fact of Thwaites not really seeming such an outstanding talent. Someone like Mainoo was actually captaining the England youth teams, while Thwaites doesn't even seem to get any youth international caps.
Mateus Fernandes
Did stand out and look good when we played Saints last year. Lot younger than I thought too.
Don’t think West Ham are selling for much cheaper (if at all) than the Wharton/Baleba/Anderson’s etc. considering they signed him for £45m!
Had an excellent game today. We really should be looking at him if Anderson rejects us.
Think I read there's a 28mn release clause if they are relegated so significantly cheaper.
They won't though
They're in the bottom three and the next worst team is five points clear of them. Absolutely every chance they are relegated. And if Forest go down, should take a few quid of Elliot Anderson's price tag.
Anything is mathematically possible, but I wouldn't bank on it. Nor Forest really, and this day and age without a release clause you won't pick a player from a relegated team for significantly less than the initial asking price.
Guehi is out of contract this summer and still commanded a decent fee in January. Anderson will cost an absolute packet regardless of Forest staying up or not
Neco Williams is tenacious and covers alot of ground, supposedly a United fan as a kid.
I think Hudson Odoi would also suit this team as a backup LW.
I think Hudson Odoi would also suit this team as a backup LW.
Maza and Anderson and it would be an incredible summer. Considering we need midfielders, really hope we have our eyes on him.
Absolute Nasri regen.
Would be interesting to see how he plays if we do sign him. Him and Mainoo are very similar, both are great at progressing the ball through their dribbling but aren't necessarily the best passers of the ball, atleast when it comes to through balls/long passes. Maza probably has a better engine than Mainoo since he gets involved defensively more.
You could imagine both playing in a 4-3-3 with a great deep-lying playmaker behind them. Haven't seen enough of Anderson to judge him on that but from what I've seen around Europe, someone like Pavlovic would be great albeit Bayern would never sell him.
Agree in that he's very similar to Mainoo in terms of ball progression, although I will say Maza has improved his passing, especially his weight of pass compared to last season at Hertha Berlin (through balls, he's not a long passer). I think Maza is as close as you'll get to a complete midfielder in todays game. A midfield 3 of Anderson, Mainoo and Maza would be lovely to watch.
I've seen him recently being linked to Barca though, him and Pedri in midfield would be unfair.
Aleksandr Stankovic Clube Brugge. Going to be a top 6