The Manchester United Thread

[Alcaraz]

You make it sound like Mourinho has actually been playing Mata.... therefore that doesn't really make much sense.

No I am talking about depth. Selling Mata would leave us with 4 players for 3 positions in the attacking band ... A couple of injuries and we are ******. Not to mention fixtures will come thick and fast from next month onwards since we are competing on three fronts

Mata has actually played a fair amount this season, believe it or not

Apparently we cant try to sign more than one player at a time...

and we can't negotiate with any player without Woodward and we can forget about using technology at all.

So your first point doesn't make sense at all. How is it impossible for ManUtd to be interested in Dante and at the same time negotiating with Chelsea for Mata? It's not like Woodward had to hold a banner infront of Dante with "interested" written on it to prove we are interested.

You two do realise that I was joking right. Why in the world would I think that club can't negotiate for two players at the same time when Chelsea were doing the same with Guarin and Matic? Just found it funny at how many players you seem to be chasing according to the papers ... Marchisio one day, Mata the next and Dante the third

Cue Sunil saying 'Oh look we called him out and he passed it off as a joke' ... Boring

Letting those players go will help in the next phase of FFP, but not for the one we are currently in. Chelsea have been working to comply with FFP for some time now so would make no sense to fail at first interval.

Mata isn't the deciding factor in race for the title. He has brought next to nothing so far this season and can't see that changing.

Its about depth. If we were having this conversation in the summer then I would definitely agree that their was a solid possibility of Mata being sold but now it just looks unlikely. Chelsea will get the money but have no time to bring in a quality replacement which will leave us very short in depth at the AM positions. Plus I hardly think we will sell to United after they stonewalled us for Rooney unless we can get some sort of guarentee that we will get Rooney in the summer

All in all, it's another bit of transfer hilarity: If United were serious about getting Mata then they should have come in at the start of the window before we sold De Bruyne or offer Rooney in exchange but they are willing to do neither. Common sense would say that United have as much chance of getting Mata as they have of winning the title but it's Chelsea so never say never

 

[Mike.]

And yet, rather than Chelsea denying it, on any level, the story grows and advances.... You seem to get your back up very quickly these days.

 

[Mike.]

It's also not really about Mata playing, but getting more starts a **** of a lot more minutes than he has had already.

 

[sunilvk7]

And yet, rather than Chelsea denying it, on any level, the story grows and advances.... You seem to get your back up very quickly these days.

Would be awesome to see how Alcaraz reacts if we sign Mata in Jan after calling Woodward every name under the sun for going with only cash deal.

 

[Alcaraz]

And yet, rather than Chelsea denying it, on any level, the story grows and advances.... You seem to get your back up very quickly these days.

It's also not really about Mata playing, but getting more starts a **** of a lot more minutes than he has had already.

Does this deal make sense from a United perspective? Yes ... Mata is a world-class player who is better than anything you have in your AM band at the moment

Does this deal make sense from Mata's perspective? Yes ... He will definitely get more starts considering his competition will be Januzaj and a bunch of mediocrity

Does this deal make sense from a Chelsea perspective? An unequivocal No

Why does Chelsea have to deny it to make you believe that this is a very unlikely transfer? You have said it yourself many many times ... If clubs spend time denying all the transfer rumours that relate to them, they would be calling the newspapers every hour

Would be awesome to see how Alcaraz reacts if we sign Mata in Jan after calling Woodward every name under the sun for going with only cash deal.

No it would be more hilarious to see United end up signing no one in January because they wasted all their time chasing a player they were never going to get on the terms they are proposing

 

[Subtle]

Would be awesome to see how Alcaraz reacts if we sign Mata in Jan after calling Woodward every name under the sun for going with only cash deal.

Although it would be quite amusing, it's simply not going to happen. If I was a very cynical man, I would say that all the hype and countless articles that this has generated are precisely what the papers want. After all, it has millions of frantic Chelsea and United fans the world over furiously checking their articles, giving them the precious page-views that they are under pressure to deliver.

There are 0 credible sources even suggesting that Chelsea would consider the bid at the moment. Despite what people think, neither the Telegraph or the Guardian are reliable, particularly the latter. When you factor in the Telegraph's latest spin on things (that Atletico will bribe United not to buy Mata with a first option to Costa!) it does all seem rather like a bunch of journos exploiting the hysteria of United fans for easy clickbait.

 

[Quasit]

Its about depth. If we were having this conversation in the summer then I would definitely agree that their was a solid possibility of Mata being sold but now it just looks unlikely. Chelsea will get the money but have no time to bring in a quality replacement which will leave us very short in depth at the AM positions. Plus I hardly think we will sell to United after they stonewalled us for Rooney unless we can get some sort of guarentee that we will get Rooney in the summer

All in all, it's another bit of transfer hilarity: If United were serious about getting Mata then they should have come in at the start of the window before we sold De Bruyne or offer Rooney in exchange but they are willing to do neither. Common sense would say that United have as much chance of getting Mata as they have of winning the title but it's Chelsea so never say never

I think you are pretty set with that position even if you sell Mata.

Also we don't know how long the talks have been ongoing. Migth be that there have been inquiries since december for all we know, but Mourinho didn't want to release Mata until you played against them.

 

[Mike.]

Actually it does make sense for Chelsea. They are well over FFP, selling in Jan rather than summer makes them sweet on that. They would get circa 40m for a player who isn't a focal part of the side, which could be used to actually get the players they need. Jose plays with a small squad anyway, less of an issue losing Mata, considering he signed the far more important Matic. Smooths things with United towards any summer move on Rooney (give than United would have a ready replacement in Mata already at the club).

I take it you thought about all those factors before saying no?

 

[Mike.]

Although it would be quite amusing, it's simply not going to happen. If I was a very cynical man, I would say that all the hype and countless articles that this has generated are precisely what the papers want. After all, it has millions of frantic Chelsea and United fans the world over furiously checking their articles, giving them the precious page-views that they are under pressure to deliver.

There are 0 credible sources even suggesting that Chelsea would consider the bid at the moment. Despite what people think, neither the Telegraph or the Guardian are reliable, particularly the latter. When you factor in the Telegraph's latest spin on things (that Atletico will bribe United not to buy Mata with a first option to Costa!) it does all seem rather like a bunch of journos exploiting the hysteria of United fans for easy clickbait.

Except that would a) be pretty elaborate click bait, too much detail here to be pure click bait b) distinctly not in Uniteds interests to let this click bait run.

 

[Mike.]

Although it would be quite amusing, it's simply not going to happen. If I was a very cynical man, I would say that all the hype and countless articles that this has generated are precisely what the papers want. After all, it has millions of frantic Chelsea and United fans the world over furiously checking their articles, giving them the precious page-views that they are under pressure to deliver.

There are 0 credible sources even suggesting that Chelsea would consider the bid at the moment. Despite what people think, neither the Telegraph or the Guardian are reliable, particularly the latter. When you factor in the Telegraph's latest spin on things (that Atletico will bribe United not to buy Mata with a first option to Costa!) it does all seem rather like a bunch of journos exploiting the hysteria of United fans for easy clickbait.

Also Ogden is reliable. doesn't mean it will happen, but he is reliable. Unless whoever informed him is spinning a story, fair to say there is some merit to it.

 

[GodCubed]

Mourinho is above all a pragmatist. If the benefits of selling Mata outweigh the positives - and it could be argued they do - then he'll do it without a second thought.

Also Ogden is reliable. doesn't mean it will happen, but he is reliable. Unless whoever informed him is spinning a story, fair to say there is some merit to it.

Definitely, Ogden's the best source for United stuff. It's the only reason I didn't dismiss the story out of hand.

 

[Tyton]

Although it would be quite amusing, it's simply not going to happen. If I was a very cynical man, I would say that all the hype and countless articles that this has generated are precisely what the papers want. After all, it has millions of frantic Chelsea and United fans the world over furiously checking their articles, giving them the precious page-views that they are under pressure to deliver.

There are 0 credible sources even suggesting that Chelsea would consider the bid at the moment. Despite what people think, neither the Telegraph or the Guardian are reliable, particularly the latter. When you factor in the Telegraph's latest spin on things (that Atletico will bribe United not to buy Mata with a first option to Costa!) it does all seem rather like a bunch of journos exploiting the hysteria of United fans for easy clickbait.

You lot are really underestimating what Mata himself may want. Summer transfer to PSG does not help him at all, he needs to be in a team where he actually plays.

This years World Cup is likely going to be the last stand for VdB and current generation of spanish players and any player who's heart is still pumping would want to be there. But he's not 'core' enough to be included in the squad if he spends next half a year on bench.

I wouldn't be shocked if he goes all out and tries to force his way out .

 

[Subtle]

Actually it does make sense for Chelsea. They are well over FFP

Do you have a source for that? As far as I know we are over, but comfortably complying with the break even requirement. W

selling in Jan rather than summer makes them sweet on that.

Unless I am mistaken we have absolutely no need to sell to meet FFP, unless we want to make a big purchase in January.

They would get circa 40m for a player who isn't a focal part of the side

But still plays a fair number of minutes. He's being chronically misused, but we have a lot of fixtures coming up and we just sold KDB. We would be insane to sell him and put ourselves in a position where a single injury could **** us, unless of course we were to get Rooney as part of the deal.

which could be used to actually get the players they need.

At the cost of greatly strengthening a rival, easing the pressure of their manager, helping them to dispel the gloom at the club and potentially reverting the dressing room rot. A bit like Ozil to Arsenal in many ways, except we'd be selling to a club that will be one of our direct competitors next season barring some colossal **** ups, rather than a foreign team.

Plus who would we then spend that money on? There's a shortage of big name strikers around at the moment and January is a terrible time to try and get one. If anything, chasing up PSG's interest for less money and then using him Mata as leverage to sign the unsettled Cavani would make a lot more sense.

Smooths things with United towards any summer move on Rooney (give than United would have a ready replacement in Mata already at the club).

So not only would we sell you Mata now, we'd let you keep Rooney until the end of the season as well? Utter madness. Under your own argument, if we sell Mata it's to free up funds so presumably we'd be buying a striker in the same window. If we did that, we'd have no need for Rooney so being in United's good books means nothing. Unless you're suggesting that we would sell you Mata and then just stash the money until the summer and use it to buy Rooney then, which would be absurd. We would have to be idiots to make that deal.

I take it you thought about all those factors before saying no?

It makes very little sense for us to sell him to you, and absolutely none if we're not going to get Rooney immediately in return.

 

[zzeezzy]

Mourinho is above all a pragmatist. If the benefits of selling Mata outweigh the positives - and it could be argued they do - then he'll do it without a second thought.



Definitely, Ogden's the best source for United stuff. It's the only reason I didn't dismiss the story out of hand.

I think we'll know more on this Mata thing... I still have serious doubts... by the end of tonight because Moyes will no doubt be asked in a pre or post match interview. Moyes isn't the best at hiding things, as we all know.

It still makes me wonder what Fergie and Gill were doing on the pitch at the end of the game against Chelsea and whether they are playing a part in this.

 

[Mike.]

Mourinho is above all a pragmatist. If the benefits of selling Mata outweigh the positives - and it could be argued they do - then he'll do it without a second thought.



Definitely, Ogden's the best source for United stuff. It's the only reason I didn't dismiss the story out of hand.

My first question was: is it the telegraph or is it Ogden? He wouldn't write if he didn't believe what he knew/was told.

 

[Subtle]

You lot are really underestimating what Mata himself may want. Summer transfer to PSG does not help him at all, he needs to be in a team where he actually plays.

This years World Cup is likely going to be the last stand for VdB and current generation of spanish players and any player who's heart is still pumping would want to be there. But he's not 'core' enough to be included in the squad if he spends next half a year on bench.

I wouldn't be shocked if he goes all out and tries to force his way out .

This is baseless and entirely out of character for Mata. The only tiny shred of evidence that would support this is one moment of frustration at being substituted. If anything, I think he'd be much more likely to want to try and stay until the end of the year and prove himself under Jose's system than force a move out. You could easily turn the idea on its head and say that proving he can work defensively is his best chance of getting into VdB's plans, as it would make him a valuable tactical option.

 

[sunilvk7]

I think we'll know more on this Mata thing... I still have serious doubts... by the end of tonight because Moyes will no doubt be asked in a pre or post match interview. Moyes isn't the best at hiding things, as we all know.

It still makes me wonder what Fergie and Gill were doing on the pitch at the end of the game against Chelsea and whether they are playing a part in this.

Rumors that Fergie is acting as DoF temporarily. Negotiates and talks to players whom we target. Might not be a bad idea short term as maybe managing ManUtd is a huge ask for Moyes and he needs time and he isn't Fergie to take care of everything.

Btw they were shaking hands with Roman and Jose as Jose invited them to some dinner gala.


On the other hand, what do you guys think of today's semi finals? We don't have any game in the weekend so we should send a full strength team and just go for it. Although we will get raped in the finals.

Would love to see

De Gea

Rafael Smalling Jones Buttner

Carrick Fletcher

Januzaj Kagawa Welbeck

Hernandez

Assuming Rooney and RVP are not fit enough to start the game. If they are fit then Rooney in place of Kagawa and Kagawa in place of Welbeck.​

 

[Alcaraz]

If Mata wants more game time, At Madrid have expressed interest in taking him on loan. They are fighting for the title as well. Plus it would suit Chelsea's interest to maintain relations with that club considering they have a certain hothead striker who has been in blistering form this season. This is in the extremely unlikely scenario that Mata decides to force his way out which would be totally out of character for the guy

 

[zzeezzy]

This is baseless and entirely out of character for Mata. The only tiny shred of evidence that would support this is one moment of frustration at being substituted. If anything, I think he'd be much more likely to want to try and stay until the end of the year and prove himself under Jose's system than force a move out. You could easily turn the idea on its head and say that proving he can work defensively is his best chance of getting into VdB's plans, as it would make him a valuable tactical option.

Wait... Wait.... Wait.... are you seriously trying to justify Mata would be better off trying to impress Jose and get back in to the Chelsea team and that would be better for his world cup ambitions? Instead of joining United who are in turmoil atm, playing many games and having the impact of turning their season around would be not as good for him? Lol.

 

[Subtle]

Also Ogden is reliable. doesn't mean it will happen, but he is reliable. Unless whoever informed him is spinning a story, fair to say there is some merit to it.

Is Ogden the source of this story? He's run with it as AFAIK, but I'm pretty sure he's not the one who brought this "breaking news story" to the Telegraph.