Manchester United thread

[mojito]

Twitter:

David Gill "There will be interesting developments over the coming months."

David Gill says United have 'identified their targets and that 'there are funds available

David Gill admits he is still recovering from the devastating blow in the title race but has stressed that moves are already afoot to bring in new players during the summer.

The chief executive has confirmed there is cash for Sir Alex Ferguson to spend to improve his squad and targets have already been identified.

“It turned into a very difficult afternoon but that’s football for you,” said Gill, recalling Sunday's events. “We’ve had a great season, got 89 points and the title has never been decided on goal difference before. All the players and staff can be very proud of what they’ve achieved.

“I do think everyone at the club, from Alex down, agree we underperformed in Europe this year. We felt confident of getting out of our Champions League group and the Europa League was new for us and took some getting used to. But it demonstrates the high standards set for this club.

“The very fact we finished second and no team has come second with 89 points means we’ve got a lot to be proud of. We’ve got to move on and I’m sure we’ll come back fighting next year.”

When discussing moves on the transfer front, the chief executive is awaiting developments over the course of the summer.

“The manager, Jim Lawlor and the scouting team, everyone is looking at it and discuss it throughout the period,” he explained. “Obviously, the work intensifies now in terms of actually doing deals and we’ve identified players so let’s see what happens.

“It’s a 365-day-a-year job that talent is always on our radar but the paperwork is done in the close season and transfer window – we can sort out the deals beforehand and get them moving.”

In terms of competition from Manchester City at the head of the market, he replied: “We have to sell what this club is about. We still pay very well in terms of transfer fees and wages. City have raised the bar again and we’ve seen what they’re prepared to pay for players and to players but we’ll see what’s happening with the financial fair play and how that’s implemented and what the sanctions are going to be.

“It’s interesting. We should recognise we’re a very successful club, one of the top three in terms of turnover in world football and it generates a lot of cash to invest in players. We will continue to do so and our style is both buying players and giving youth a chance.

“Without doubt [there is money to spend]. We recognise we spent quite a bit of money last summer when we bought Phil Jones, David De Gea and Ashley Young and we understand that. I think we’ll be looking in the next few months and there could be some interesting developments.

“Come August, we’ll have got new players, had the Euros, the players will be back, we will have been on tour and start again. That’s the beauty of football. Everyone starts on zero points and we’ve got to step up to the mark and do well.”

cocktease

 

[manureid]

Watch City trump us for any decent target we are linked with, whilst we sign some 'possible' again. None of which will be a central midfielder.....

 

[beev]

I felt like throwing my iPhone against the wall when I heard the goal had been scored, I was ready to celebrate after hearing on BBC sports that Man Utd had won and next second, I hear screams of Aguero. Cannot think of a shitter way to lose.

Well I need to buy a new Foxtel remote.

I still can't believe it. Going to be hard to get over.

 

[SuperCats9]

I couldn't believe it, but i'm already over it, time to move on, we won last season and won it 3 times in a row during 2006-2009. Trophyless season, not like United but if there's one thing we know about this great club, it is that they will be back next season much stronger, i expect a response from what was really a woeful season for our standards.

We just need to sign some quality players in the midfield, not just unkown ones, top quality, we just can't let City beat us to them.

 

[mojito]

Michael Owen is GAWN!

Class player (and bloke), even if he was injured for the majority of his time here

I wonder though if this means...

Kagawa
7

?​

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

We had him for 1 season to long

 

[Noobz0r]

http://www.rnanutd.com/en/News-And-...y/manchester-united-seal-hazard-deal.aspx.htm

 

[A Bit High]

http://www.rnanutd.com/en/News-And-...y/manchester-united-seal-hazard-deal.aspx.htm

Fake website

Its not the official www.manutd.com site

Check out the actual spelling www.[B]rnaautd[/B]

 

[A Bit High]

Fake website dupes Manchester United fan into believing Eden Hazard had signed for the club
21st May 2012 5:41pm | By Editor

Man United fans were left red-faced today after many of them were duped into thinking the the red devils had signed French playmaker Eden Hazard.

A link circling on social media sent United fans to a website that looked identical to the club's official site - complete with working links to Manchester United' actual website - claiming that United had signed Hazard from French club Lille.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has signed an agreement with Lille for the transfer of Eden Hazard," read the supposedly official statement.

"The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty."

United fans quickly began to share the link on Twitter and Facebook, with many jubilant at the prospect of Hazard's arrival.
However the site's address was actually www.rnanuited.com.

The most high profile victim of the fraud was ESPN's otherwise consistently excellent, Soccernet, who tweeted a link to the story.

Although the hoax may be short lived, as Sky Sports News have reported within the last hour that the midfielder would prefer a move to Manchester United over his other suitors, most notably Chelsea and Manchester City.

 

[Hawthorn United]

Strong Kagawa rumours that he's close to signing. Anyone seen him play through the past few seasons?

I've only youtubed him last night and some of the passes and throughballs he played were delicious.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Hope we can him because we need a young midfielder to replace Giggs & Scholes

 

[Cruyff14]

Strong Kagawa rumours that he's close to signing. Anyone seen him play through the past few seasons?

I've only youtubed him last night and some of the passes and throughballs he played were Cyril Rioli.

Fixed.

 

[mojito]

Fixed.

Bruce McAvaney is that you?

 

[Cruyff14]

Special!

 

[Thewlis Dish]

He is exceptional. Half the price of Hazard (and a quarter of the wages) and has done it in a stronger league.

That's not to say Hazard won't be a star, but Kagawa is a pretty special consolation prize.

 

[pieman123]

Yep id prefer Kagawa plus an actual central midfielder that we need than just hazard

 

[Hawthorn United]

If our kit wasn't so awful, I'd definitely would order myself a Kagawa [insert number here] shirt.

 

[manureid]

Just watched some stuff on kagawa.... looks pretty good. Seriously good on the ball, and can pick a killer pass it seems.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

General Motors is now a sponsor.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Fletcher back would make a massive difference to the combative nature of the central midfield. Him and a fit and aggressive Anderson as two traditional central midfielders with Nani and Valencia on the wings and Kagawa off the shoulder of Rooney would be pretty decent. That set up would also allow Kagawa to drop deeper and the wingers to push higher and cut in to support the striker. In fact the front four could almost be interchangeable on the break as their speed and movement would trouble any defence.

Fitness concerns are a massive issue though, especially when you take into consideration the age of Giggs and Scholes. Shit could turn real nasty if Fletch, Ando, Giggs and Scholes go down or disappear into the sunset.

 

[A Bit High]

Anderson and fitness should never be in the same sentence together in positive terms!

Fat lazy f*ck who has the ability but not the right attitude.

Has has the same issue since he walked through the door as OT and has it improved?

Here is something, maybe if you lose the weight you might be fit enough to avoid all those injuries!!!!!!

As for Fletch, been in the seniors, for what a decade? Had 1 good season, there is a reason he was the player every United fan loved to hate.

Both Anderson and Fletcher are not the solution...neither is Giggsy and Scholes.

Be happy to be proven wrong mind you!

 

[A Bit High]

ABH's Player Season Rating Review

#1 De Gea - Had some poor moments to begin with, looked vulnerable when ball was driven low and hard, also had troubles with corners. After a spell he cameback and won the side many points. De Gea is a brilliant shot stopper and with a season or 2 in the gym to build his physic, his confidence with the highball will come. A lot to like about this guy and will be a great keeper. (6.5/10)

#3 Evra - Another year of some poor decisions, bad positioning mixed in with some very good performances. Not the same menace he once was going forward and he is not the greatest defender but still when at full flight has great feet and ability to get around opponents. Crossing is not up to Gary Neville standard. Needs more competition for his spot. (6/10)

#4 Jones - Looks like a good buy. Had some very god games mixed with some shaky one but with more first team experience will become a valuable player in United's future. (6/10)

#5 Ferdinand - Was his most consistent year for several seasons. With Vidic going down he needed to step up and I think he did. Still needs to accept sometimes that he was the person who ****ed up due to switching off and is still a worry injury wise and could breakdown at any minute but he was a solid contributor this season and was great assistance to Johnny Evans. (7/10)

#6 Evans - Took a giant leap forward in the eyes of many fans. He really stepped up to the plate this season and was possibly our best defender over the season. Hopefully this is the sign of the future for him as he should now believe he is up to EPL standard. Believe Johnny! (7/10)

#8 Anderson - Another promising start that turned into another frustrating failure. When up and going I like watching his swash buckling, powerful game but unfortunately he just is not fit enough to sustain it. This has been the pattern for this guy since he came to the club and he needs to wake up to himself or get the **** out. Disappointing to say the least. (4/10)

#9 Berbatov - Career seems over at United and leaving will be the best thing for him. When on song is lovely to watch. Dropped down in the pecking order due to emergence of Welbeck. Still good enough but getting on and is not the future. When he played he did alright, just not well enough to force out Welbeck and the chemistry of Rooney/Welbeck worked well. (5/10)

#10 Rooney - Best player over the course of the season. His work rate was second to none, kept a great temperament all season although he lived on the edge at times. Has become a true leader at the club and his performances were a reason United went so well in the league. Best is still yet to come. (9/10)

#11 Giggs - My all time favourite United player. Unfortunately age has caught up with him and is not the big game player he once was. Can still mix it with mid table sides but you do feel a little worried when we play the big guns. Would like to see him used off the pine more. Solid season without being spectacular. If United were fair dinkum would not be a regular starter. (6.5-10)

#12 Smalling - Think this kid has a bright future at United. Had some very good games but like most young players finding consistency will be the key to his future. Definitely a player of the future. (6/10)

#13 Park - Cant fault his work rate and effort, but is he the man that can turn a vital game? Not for me. A player who is fine to come on and get stuck in but a bit of a meh player for me. Not a starting player for United. (4/10)

#14 Hernandez - Hopefully just a second year blues season. Could not live up to his performances of the last campaign. Dropped back behind Welbeck in the pecking order and will need to fight for his spot which can only benefit the club and his overall game. Still have lots of love for the guy and he will shine again but 11/12 should be put to bed quickly. (5/10)

#15 Vidic - Only going to say that we ****in missed him dearly in the run in! He will be like a new signing come next season.

#16 Carrick - Best season for quite a while. Works hard going back and while his passing is not quite as dangerous as it use to be showed more glimpses of it this season than the previous few. Actually wish he would shoot more as he gets in pretty good positions just outside the box. Solid season (7/10)

#17 Nani - Thought he could replace Ronaldo but in truth he was along way off it. Showed glimpses early but could not maintain it. Disappointing overall. Is it time to move him on, can we continue to wonder if next year will be his year?? Needs to work harder to become a consistent performer who when he has a bad day he is still a sold contributor. (6/10)

#18 Young - Had an alright first season at United. Scored some spectacular goals but unfortunately has been labelled a bit of a back yard bully....oh and a diver. Needs to get the later out of his game and needs to work harder in all games as if its his last. Will improve as he get use to life as a United player. (6/10)

#19 Welbeck - Breakout year? Maybe not quite but he showed enough to suggest he is more comfortable with life at United. Worked well with Rooney and gets himself in great scoring positions...just needs to score more from the effort that gets him into those positions. Lots of upside for this lad who is still learning his craft. (6.5/10)

#20 Fabio - #21 Rafael - Both show plenty of promise and deliver randomly. They still have a lot to learn. They still fly into tackles and are regularly on the treatment table. Need to see signs of improvement soon or they can seek the exit door. Fabio (4/10) Rafael (5/10)

#22 Scholes - Nearly won us the title. Hindsight suggests he should have played at Wigan and if he had we would have got a result. Still is a fine player who works hard for the team. A great passer of the ball and a pleasure to watch, but if United are going to be serious contenders Domestically and in Europe we cant have Scholes as our main midfielder.....Love him but he should not start as many games as he does (8/10)

#23 Cleverley - Looked awesome early which got many of us a tad excited. Injuries were an issue but he looks to have a bright future. Is he what is required to fix our midfield issues....probably not, time will tell. Would be happy for him to learn his craft under the guidance of a midfield super star so lets ****in buy one!!! (5/10)

#25 Valencia - Absolute gun! Single handedly won us the title last season and nearly helped us do it again. Should have played against City. His runs and crosses were sublime and once he attacked the box and not the by line he was our most dangerous player. Up there with Rooney as our best player (9/10)

SAF - Nearly got us there again and while he did so with a not so great squad, he made some vital mistakes in the run in with team selections. Cost us dearly at Wigan and City IMO. Hard to be too critical of a man who has given us so much pleasure but unfortunately when you get so close you do pick out moments that cost the side. Overall still a great season to gain 89 points and score 89 goals. (8/10 but should have been a 10!)

 

[GarnerSmash]

Anderson and fitness should never be in the same sentence together in positive terms!

Fat lazy f*ck who has the ability but not the right attitude.

Has has the same issue since he walked through the door as OT and has it improved?

Here is something, maybe if you lose the weight you might be fit enough to avoid all those injuries!!!!!!

As for Fletch, been at the club for what a decade>> Had 1 good season, there is a reason he was the player every United fan loved to hate.

Both Anderson and Fletcher are not the solution...neither is Giggsy and Scholes.

Be happy to be proven wrong mind you!

Probably because they fail to see his true value. A player like him is vital in his ability to close down the space in central midfield and break up opposition attacks, especially with the intuitive counter attacking style United have always played under Ferguson. Anderson has shown a capability to do this before too, but be it injury or pies, hasn't done it consistently.

I too am worried about relying on these guys as well as Giggs and Scholes because of age and injury but think that we nay have to get used to the idea of doing so for one more season.

 

[A Bit High]

Essentially isn't what your talking about with Fletcher the role that Carrick now plays? But with better distribution.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Essentially isn't what your talking about with Fletcher the role that Carrick now plays? But with better distribution.

Carrick is about as urgent as an obese Labrador.

His strength is his distribution, not his defensive accountabilities. We look terrible defensively in the middle of the park against the better teams when he and Scholes are in the middle, hence their ability to control possession against us more often than not.