267 replies to this topic

[Zomp]

Last year United lost the league on point differential, got knocked out of the Champions League group staged and the Europa round of 32, and didn't win a trophy. There is no shame in losing the league to a team like City but the way they lost it...squandering an 8 point lead in the last month which included losing the lead to Everton 3 times in one match and losing to City...means the season is put under the "Disappointing" column.

Positives of last season: After a shaky start to the year David De Gea reclaimed the number 1 keeper position for United and proved to be an incredible shot stopper. While his presence on crosses could still use some work it was encouraging the way he bounced back from a tough beginning and his ability with his feet is second to none.

Jonny Evans improved IMMENSELY last season once Vidic went down and proved to a lot of the doubters he has the talent and composure to start for a top 4 club. Phil Jones showed at 19 why he is thought of as a top prospect in the game, and Chris Smalling was once again steady in the back. Rio Ferdinand had his best season in years.

Paul Scholes came back and proved he hadn't lost a step. Ashley Young made a difference in the second half of the season and my boyfriend Antonio Valencia won Manchester United's Player of the Year.

Though he didn't make many headlines this season, Wayne Rooney had one of his most consistent seasons to date and finished second in the golden boot race. Danny Welbeck proved the be the perfect partner for Rooney. Quick, deceptively strong, and showed an intelligence for the game that confused back 4s.

Negatives:

Patrice Evra and Rafael stuttered this season. As great as Patrice is going forward, he became a defensive liability towards the end of last season. Rafael was fine at the beginning of the year but lost his composure and has yet to be injury free for a long stretch.

Michael Carrick had a decent season but was responsible for quite a few mental lapses that got United in trouble last season. Anderson has never come good after impressing in his first season here all the way in 2008 and looks to be leaving the club. Tom Cleverley was thought of as the midfield savior but can't stay fit and poor Darren Fletcher is fighting for his career after having intestinal problems. Nani's decision making regressed this year after making strides the year before and was disappointing in many big games last season.

Chicharito may have been battling exhaustion as he hasn't had a break from playing in 20 months, but his finishing was off this season and teams may have figured out how to time his runs and use it against him. Michael Owen's contract has not been renewed (whatever) and Berba looks to be moving on to get more playing time (I still think he could have been used in games at Old Trafford to improve our goal differential. The signing will go down as a failure for Fergie but we wouldn't have won our 19th league without him and he's been a brilliant player when called upon).



Where does that leave us heading into next season? Scholes has actually agreed to play one more season but, as ever, United are still looking for that elusive midfielder. Luca Modric, Wesley Sneijder, Mario Goetze, etc...

United are rumored to have agreed on a fee for Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa. I've only seen him a few times but from what I've seen he plays in more of a 10 role which would push Rooney up front a little more. Scouting reports from the Bundesliga say he is adaptable and can play in the midfield but would need a very defensive midfielder next to him.

There are whispers of Kevin Prince Boateng, but though he'd be my dream signing I can't see Milan selling one of their best and youngest players.

Leighton Baines is also a rumored target. It makes sense because he's a better defender than Evra but I can't see Patrice leaving. I don't think either of them would be happy with a limited role.

With Kiko Macheda and Fabio rumored to be going out on loan, and Berbatov leaving, I could see United trying to sign an older striker as back up. Everywhere else they seem to be okay except, of course, for the midfield.

A few years ago Real Madrid sold off Van Der Vaart and Sneijder, and look how they've prospered at other clubs. I can't help but think of someone like Sahin who isn't getting any playing time there. He's someone we should be looking at.

[SoxFanInCali]

According to a study commissioned by Manchester United, 1 in 10 people support the club.

Not 1 in 10 football fans. 1 in 10 people on Earth.

Call me...skeptical.

[Snakebauer007]

I have 20 players on my current Soccer team I am running, 2 are United fans, it's in the stars....

[Zomp]

The Guardian has an article today stating that Nani is hinting at leaving because of contract talks being stalled.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out...

[Zomp]

A deal for Shinji Kagawa has been agreed upon and is pending a medical.

[Tartan_Sox]

The Guardian has an article today stating that Nani is hinting at leaving because of contract talks being stalled.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out...

I've seen Nani play in person 5 times, and I'm really struggling to remember if he even beat the first man with a cross during any of those games. Seems to be a completely "hot and cold" player, during the start of the season he looked completely unplayable against, beating men with ease, scoring for fun and generally just being key to everything. Then slowly but surely the cold version of Nani crept in, Valencia and Young stepped up and he seemed to fade in to irrelevance. He's on £90,000 a week and has supposedly turned down an increase to £130,000 which for a player as inconsistent as he is, is completely laughable

As you said, show him the door

[mgoblue2]

A deal for Shinji Kagawa has been agreed upon and is pending a medical.

Interested to see where he plays. A lot of what I've read pegs him either in front of or behind Rooney as an attacking mid. Either way, <3.

[Snakebauer007]

Seems a bit of a hybrid between Mata and modric, can play CAM or a deeper role, according to the one very knowledgeable Dortmund fan I Know

[Tony the Pony]

22 million pounds apparently won't be enough to get Modric (Spurs want 30), while it remains to be seen whether 15M is enough to lure Baines away from Everton.

Given Everton's financials, I'd say yes

[Zomp]

The Baines signing is a little confusing. He's a very good defender but you don't spend 15 million to get a 2nd choice left back and I'm not sure he'd start over Evra.

I'll buy you dinner if we get Modric for 22 mil.



Some reports today have United signing Kevin Strootman from PSV. Have never seen him play but he's a young midfielder.

[sachmoney]

Could you see them selling Evra?

Sign Baines, sell Evra to a French club, say big spending PSG who might want a French International as they continue their revival. Baines becomes your first choice LB and you might turn a profit between the two deals. It might make sense.

[Zomp]

It makes sense on the surface but everything I've read and seen leads me to believe Patrice is loved at the club (and is the captain when Vidic isn't).

I dunno, while I'd love Baines at the club Id rather our limited funds be spent on positions of need instead of an area where we just need a serviceable back up.

[sachmoney]

I wouldn't discount what Evra means to the club, but I think you have to look at the market for him as well. If it makes sense, you might be pressed to do it. Evra has two more years left on his contract and I'm not sure he's going to be as good as he has been in the past. I feel like he's already starting to diminish a little bit (I know he's one of your guys, but you have to concede at least that). Baines is 27 and you'd probably get him on a 4 year deal. I guess what I'm saying is you weigh Baines production vs Evra's production + Evra being loved at the club +/- transfer fee difference. It only really makes sense if you're getting Baines with the intention of selling Evra. I agree with you though; it's probably not worth the disruption to the team ethos and definitely not worth the spending looking at the needs of Manchester United. I was just laying it out there as the possible reasoning behind going after a Leighton Baines.

[Zomp]

I'm with you and I agree. I don't think the club agrees though.

[Snakebauer007]

I just don't think Leighton is that good, and at 27 he isn't going to get any better. Would rather keep Evra until you find someone United quality

[DLew On Roids]

Ferguson has always been willing to let players go. I think he'd do it if he thought footballing reasons warranted it.

I didn't see Evra do much this season, and the places I read/listen to seem to think he's slipping. I don't think Baines would be second choice at Man U.

[Infield Infidel]

Poland's coach

“In my opinion, in a moment they will be gone from Borussia,” Smuda told Reuters. “’Lewy’ is going to Manchester United, Kuba also somewhere in England, Piszczek to Real [Madrid]. They have a goal and they want to grow. I base the squad on them.”

[Zomp]

From what little I've seen of him Lewandowski is a target man, something Ferguson rarely plays with since RVN left. He wouldn't start anyway, but could be Berba's replacement.

[cjdmadcow]

Crewe won 2-0 despite Cheltenham having numerous chances. 9 of their starting 11 came through their academy and the first goal was scored by their latest wonderkid, Nick Powell, who is supposedly off to ManU. When you see the goal bear in mind he's naturally right-footed.

As I dreaded, Crewe's Nick Powell has signed a 4-year deal for Man Utd. A good signing. Bastards.

[Zomp]

Only 18, so not expecting much for a few years. But yeah, not hard to like this signing.

[Zomp]

Modric's price probably doubled after today's performance. Real are rumored to be after him as well.

[Royal Reader]

So, Giggs has been named to the Great Britain football squad for the Olympics, alongside fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy and City's Micah Richards.

Really pleased to see such a great servant of the game featuring in an international tournament. Giggsy was the first football player I ever had a poster of on my wall, aged eight.

[Vinho Tinto]

Modric's price probably doubled after today's performance. Real are rumored to be after him as well.

During the summer, you see a lot of random rumors; but one that has been getting steam is SAF going after Pablo Aimar (For 5M). Not sure if that is his hedge against Modric.

[Dummy Hoy]

So, Giggs has been named to the Great Britain football squad for the Olympics, alongside fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy and City's Micah Richards.

Really pleased to see such a great servant of the game featuring in an international tournament. Giggsy was the first football player I ever had a poster of on my wall, aged eight.

So that would make you in your mid to late 60s?

In all seriousness, it's great to see guys like Giggs and Bale (and Ramsey- don't want to offend our Arsenal friends! ) get a chance at a major international tournament. I'm sure they'd love to play for Wales, but this is cool.

[Zomp]

During the summer, you see a lot of random rumors; but one that has been getting steam is SAF going after Pablo Aimar (For 5M). Not sure if that is his hedge against Modric.

Hows his game?

[Vinho Tinto]

Hows his game?

He was great last year, and it would be a blow to SLB, but he's 33. It also took him a full season to adjust from La Liga to Portugal. This would deviate from SAF's transfer history of grabbing young players who he can have a couple of years to build up.

[DLew On Roids]

So that would make you in your mid to late 60s?

In all seriousness, it's great to see guys like Giggs and Bale (and Ramsey- don't want to offend our Arsenal friends! ) get a chance at a major international tournament. I'm sure they'd love to play for Wales, but this is cool.

On the other hand, we miss out on seeing Beckham rock his "love child of a Civil War general and the dude from Erasure" look for two weeks. It's a give-and-take process.

[Royal Reader]

On the other hand, we miss out on seeing Beckham rock his "love child of a Civil War general and the dude from Erasure" look for two weeks. It's a give-and-take process.

That is a stunningly accurate assessment of his current look. Kudos.

[Zomp]

Twin news:

Rafael has signed a new deal until 2016, while Fabio is going on a season long loan to QPR.

No one questions their talent, just their temperament and fragility.

[Zomp]

TONY V has been given the 7 shirt. The man is class.

[Zomp]

Ji Sung Park looks off to QPR, meaning we lose Goyan as a supporter

He'll always be remembered as a big game player who genuinely performed well in pressure situations, A few years ago he man marked Andrea Pirlo and kept him in his pocket, and he was Arsenal's worst nightmare. He definitely lost a step this season and had his worst game in the shirt against City last year, but still, for 4 million he was one of Fergie's best buys.

I'm a bit disappointed by the rumors that we aren't in for Modric after Madrid shows interest. Even with the signing of Kagawa I'd like to see another come in.

[Snakebauer007]

I'm a bit disappointed by the rumors that we aren't in for Modric after Madrid shows interest. Even with the signing of Kagawa I'd like to see another come in.

But how do you fit in all those guys if you sign Modric

[Zomp]

Quick and dirty:


--------------Back 5------------
------Carrick-----Modric-------
Tony V-----Rooney-------Young
---------------Welbeck--------------


Rooney can play up front or as the 10, Kagawa can play as the 10 and on the left, Nani can play on the left or the right. Chicharito and Welbeck can lead the line, and Scholes as cover for Carrick/Modric.

[Snakebauer007]

Oh I just meant, a player like Kagawa probably wouldnt be thrilled leaving Dortmund to ride the bench, not that he was garaunteed anything, but with adding Modric it definitely hurts him.

[Zomp]

I get what you're saying, I'm just not convinced Kagawa can play in a 2 man midfield (which is what he'd essentially be doing if Rooney is in the 10 role).

[goyangfc]

Ji Sung Park looks off to QPR, meaning we lose Goyan as a supporter

...

I'm a bit disappointed by the rumors that we aren't in for Modric after Madrid shows interest. Even with the signing of Kagawa I'd like to see another come in.

Not if ManU grabs Ki from Celtic.

However, he's also rumoured to be joining Park at QPR right now. He could just be what ManU needs, and this would keep the Koreans happy.

Edited by goyangfc, 09 July 2012 - 10:45 AM.

[OilCanCoulter]

Interesting take on the state of affairs at MUFC from a fan.

http://www.afinelung.com/?p=4394

Kind of long, but pretty interesting IMO.

Edited by OilCanCoulter, 09 July 2012 - 01:12 PM.

[Snakebauer007]

Is Kagawa married to a porn star? Giggs must be excited

[Vinho Tinto]

Interesting take on the state of affairs at MUFC from a fan.

http://www.afinelung.com/?p=4394

Kind of long, but pretty interesting IMO.

I had to quit before the end. There's only so much Interest I can provide a self indulgent blowhard.

[Zomp]

I had to quit before the end. There's only so much Interest I can provide a self indulgent blowhard.

This. If I want to hear people talk about how they are a better fan than everyone else, I'll call TonyThePony.

[Tony the Pony]

Ha!

I liked parts of that article. One comment was pretty good, too:

Sky stole our game, repackaged it and sold it back to us at an inflated price. And, encouraged by the British press, we lapped it up.

We had one chance to stop it, but in 1992 we were still shooting for the aspirational castle in the air, riding the pipedream sold to us by the tyrant. Protest was for unwashed lesbians.

[Tony the Pony]

Ji Sung Park looks off to QPR, meaning we lose Goyan as a supporter

RIP

Goyan added QPR FC and 2 other favorite teams to his profile.

[Zomp]

So Sao Paolo have confirmed United have bid for Lucas Moura, and that if he is going to leave they have to bump up their bid.

The Press are reporting the bid was 32 million, but really its a guessing game.

He's a very raw talent but his dribbling looks second to none. My guess is he'd start on the wing where we have a lot of cover, but if you find a talent like this and have a shot at him I think you have to go for it.

[Zomp]

Sir Alex confirms we've bid for Van Persie.

I don't get it...unless he's trying to low ball them.

[Snakebauer007]

So Sao Paolo have confirmed United have bid for Lucas Moura, and that if he is going to leave they have to bump up their bid.

The Press are reporting the bid was 32 million, but really its a guessing game.

He's a very raw talent but his dribbling looks second to none. My guess is he'd start on the wing where we have a lot of cover, but if you find a talent like this and have a shot at him I think you have to go for it.

Memories of missing out on Ronaldinho

[Zomp]

Definitely

[Tony the Pony]

Sir Alex confirms we've bid for Van Persie.

I don't get it...unless he's trying to low ball them.

Around 20M.

You guys, Citeh and Juventus

[TheYaz67]

Anyone following the emerging details of the future alliance/sponsorship between Government Motors and Man U? Certainly sounds like alot of cash ($550M over 7 years) and does not start in full until 2014-2015.....

Wouldn't think a proud franchise like MU would want to associate itself with abject failure - hopefully it doesn't (or does, depending on your perspective) rub off....

[DLew On Roids]

Franchise?

[TheYaz67]

From multiple newspaper headlines in the past couple weeks:

Manchester United is the most valuable franchise in sports at $2.23 billion US, according to Forbes magazine's annual survey.

Don't think I am the first the use the term.... I understand they are not a "franchise" in the Subway sandwich shop sense of the word