The Manchester United Thread

[RhQQ]

I'd much rather just let Poch (fingers crossed) develop Tuanzebe, who looks to me like he's destined to be a top, top CB, than sign some other 21 year old. He's a ball-player too, which Poch, or most modern managers, adore.

 

[RhQQ]

It was fascinating reading yesterday the anotomy of the van Dijk transfer from Joyce:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...f?shareToken=521fbb8d4aaf3ff5f3a3af4b25ca1fd8

Over an 18 month period, they looked at 34 different centre-halves in over 15 games each one analysing every single facet to once and for all fix one if their biggest long term needs with the very best. And they narrowed it down to 4 ‘A’ grade targets (the very best in the World), and 4 ‘B’ graders. (Quality youngsters who projected as probable future ‘A’ graders.).

Big Virg toped the ‘A’ grade list (he was the managers #1 target all along and he wouldn’t settle for just anyone. But even at that, Edwards and Gordon really had to convince him that any player was worth the £75 million outlay), Laporte (City and ourselves had van Dijk and him 1/2. So they both got their men), Koulibaly, and, which was the most interesting to me, Jerome Boeteng.

Interesting as I’ve never conssidered him in thw highest bracket of World CH’s and would never have thought he’d be under consideration. Fascinating how your layman’s, common view differs from top analytics and scouts within a major football club.

Data nerds can get it wrong too. Sometimes, the simple eye-test prevails. Wouldn't take Boateng these days personally, and if Bayern are looking get him off the books, I trust they think he's as good as done too.

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

I'd much rather just let Poch (fingers crossed) develop Tuanzebe, who looks to me like he's destined to be a top, top CB, than sign some other 21 year old. He's a ball-player too, which Poch, or most modern managers, adore.

Tuanzebe defo has to be in the squad next year. His only weakness is his heading and defending at set pieces. He’s propper quick, Strong, goid positionaly. Milenkovic is way ahead though playing with the ball. Could easily have both in the squad. Plus one can cover multiple positions.

 

[Mike.]

Yeah, I'm absolutely not interested in any defender who isn't going to have a serious instant impact. Look how comfortable Lindelof already is. What we need is a leading defender for him to partner. So someone like Toby. We've got some very good secondary defenders after that in bailly, Smalling, and bring back Tuanzebe. That's your 5 defenders. The rest can leave.

 

[Vanjagl]

Yeah, I'm absolutely not interested in any defender who isn't going to have a serious instant impact. Look how comfortable Lindelof already is. What we need is a leading defender for him to partner. So someone like Toby. We've got some very good secondary defenders after that in bailly, Smalling, and bring back Tuanzebe. That's your 5 defenders. The rest can leave.

Yep. Plus you have McTominay or Matic as CDs as well.

 

[zzeezzy]

I don't understand why Bailly hasn't ever managed to nail down one of those CB spots, I think it's a combination of inconsistency with fitness and Mourinho messing the lineup around time after time, not allowing any consistency. To my mind he is still our best defender with his raw attributes anyway, Lindelof is performing better but they should have another run together as a partnership if you ask me. He plays well and doesn't seemingly start next game, or if he plays bad in one game we don't see him for a month under Mourinho.

But yeah I'd agree we just need a manager who has a plan to develop the players we have whilst making some sensible additions, that's why I'm against spending a truck load on a CB especially now. Also given the direction we are going (under Ole) with this style of football, defending is down to the whole team as much as the backline anyway. Despite Jones flaws, he is more of a leader than the rest of them, not that it justifies him still being here really.

 

[Scouseinthehouse]

Bargain for anyone in need moving fast in January. Presuming the player would be interested in any move like which is another thing again.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...will-be-extended-confirms-mauricio-pochettino

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

Snap there hands off at that price! Don’t think the club are interested in purchasing players of that age anymore.

 

[ninjaskill]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufrrgu-QEoQ

Memphis Depay released a song yesterday, surprisingly decent one of the better of the songs released by an athlete

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

Can’t wait to see Sanchez under Ole

Ole confirms Valencia will remain as Captain and when is fit and ready will play.

 

[zzeezzy]

Can’t wait to see Sanchez under Ole

Ole confirms Valencia will remain as Captain and when is fit and ready will play.

Only part of the presser today I didn't like! De Gea should be captain and Valencia needs to be binned, he's finished and not a good captain in my opinion. We need to continue with Dalot mainly this season.

 

[Mike.]

Only part of the presser today I didn't like! De Gea should be captain and Valencia needs to be binned, he's finished and not a good captain in my opinion. We need to continue with Dalot mainly this season.

Valencia is well liked and is probably gone at the end of the season. He clearly has an influence on the players and it's not worth changing captains mid-season.

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

Valencia is well liked and is probably gone at the end of the season. He clearly has an influence on the players and it's not worth changing captains mid-season.

Agree. He’s clearly well liked and no point in Ole upsetting the atmosphere for a player who is gonna be gone soon. Dalot has clearly shown potential but he’s also been pretty bad a few times defensively.

 

[zzeezzy]

RE: Valencia I can understand the captaincy to a degree, but it's just worrying when Ole says that 'there is not many better fullbacks going forward in Europe'. He's not even close anymore, he couldn't find a cross in a church! Perfect chance to give Dalot plenty of game time this season with little pressure, he has had ups and downs but he is settling well overall.

 

[Vanjagl]

What should Ole say? That he thinks one of his players, his captain, is ****?

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

What should Ole say? That he thinks one of his players, his captain, is ****?

Exactly lol. Dalot will still get plenty of mins this season. Lots of games to play. Will learn a lot from Valencia imo.

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

Gomes, Roshaun and Buffonge all trained with the first team. Talks of Roshaun being on the bench as Smalling, Rojo and possibly Bailly are out.

 

[zzeezzy]

Exactly lol. Dalot will still get plenty of mins this season. Lots of games to play. Will learn a lot from Valencia imo.

Valencia might learn how to cross a ball and take on a man! Two things he seemingly can't or refuse to do. Hopefully that changes now if he plays.

 

[Theatre of Dreams83]

Valencia might learn how to cross a ball and take on a man! Two things he seemingly can't or refuse to do. Hopefully that changes now if he plays.

Dont care what Valencia does tbh. Won’t be here long enough. His attacking play is pretty bad in the final third. But Dalot could definitely learn a thing from him defending wise.

 

[steveorobbo]

If we are going to get anything from Lukaku I think its important Dalot plays more often than not. Some of the crosses he puts in Lukaku should thrive on.