Manchester United

[dotty]

I really doubt we will spend more than £50-60m this summer, I fail to see what all the fuss is about regarding Valencia, yeah he is a decent young winger but a Ronaldo replacement, surely not?
As for our striker situation, signing Berbatov IMO was a massive mistake, he hasn't made the impact we were hoping for, 9 goals in 31 games is fucking wank and I can't believe Fergie paid what he did. I would of rather of signed Tevez last summer.


Haven't you ever thought that maybe Valencia has been brought in due to him 1. Being decent 2. Could be even better with a stronger team?

Also i think most would agree Valencia would be more willing to drop back do some donkey work and be unselfish something Ronaldo would consider doing?

Look at the stats of Ronaldo last season how many shots he took, the most in the league. Same in the Champions League.

And you should give Berbatov a little more of a chance for this coming season he had to come into a team that's been blending together for a few years, hard to come into when you've been playing for the farce team of Spurs.
Tevez got offered the same by Man Utd that City did but he chose City due to being a Key player and first team football, no blame on Uniteds part.

christ, Ronaldo goes and it's the end of Manchester United.

[Foxhound]

So, Valencia has signed for United. May the signing of him be a success.

[Bish]

Utd back to 4-4-2 next season, Rooney to shine and get injured right at the end of the season, just in time for the World Cup and Berbatov to surprise a lot of people.

:ninja:

[Dragonfly]

I think Berbatov will prove to be a good partner for Rooney, next season. Rooney will be Berbatov's Keane when he was at Spurs. Rooney could play off him and get plenty of goals.

[Haribo]

Miralem Pjanic claims Lyon team-mate Karim Benzema is close to completing a £38million move to Manchester United.

Benzema has been a long-term target for United, with Lyon prepared to listen to offers if the France international expresses a wish to move.

Reports had previously claimed that Benzema was willing to spend one more season with Lyon in order to maximise his prospects of playing at the 2010 World Cup.

However, he could now be on his way to Old Trafford after Pjanic revealed the 21-year-old is ready to link up with the England League champions.

"Benzema is nearly gone to Old Trafford," Pjanic told Bosnian website Sportsport.

"The English club are willing to pay €45million (£38million) for him and it is just a question of the day when he will move to England.

"He does not have anything against going to Manchester. Our side will be reinforced by Lisandro Lopez, the Argentine forward from Porto."

Real Madrid and Arsenal had also been linked with the striker, but it appears United have won the race to sign the coveted Benzema.

Steep price, but yes please.

[wrathchild_uk]

Hopefully this is true but i bet it'll turn out tommorow that he was misquoted or some crap.

[mufcsean]

Whilst I am glad we have signed somebody, I hope he isn't the last signing and i am dissapointed it is Valencia, don't get me wrong the lad is a good player but there are a lot better out there, and probably wouldn't have cost much more than the reported £18m. Obviously fergie saw something in him so I am not exactly saying it is a bad signing, i think we could have done better.

I really hope the Benzema story is true but i am not getting my hopes up too much.

By the way, has Valencia been given a squad number yet? I hope he doesn't get the number 7.

[Stormrider]

Watch Valencia's stats skyrocket in pes 2010 now :lol2:, which is good I guess I find he's so underrated in 2009.

I hope SAF gives Rooney the free role now, like Gerrard and Ronaldo. Just set the team up and let Rooney go wherever the hell he wants. I hate him as CF and LW, I don't really see him as a striker but AMF.

[Top Gun]

Im satisfied tbh, as long as we still spend big on a striker. Benzema!

[Acquiesce]

Valencia in to replace Ronaldo, neh. Valencia+Benzema in to replace Ronaldo, yeah, would be about right.

------------------VDS------------------

--Brown----Ferdinand----Vidic----Evra--

----------------------Fletcher----------

------------Carrick---------------------

--Valencia------------------------------

--------------------------------Rooney--

------------Benzema---------------------

----------------------Berbatov-----------


Strong team.

[AgentZero]

also edwin has i think made a statement that he'll retire at seasons end :crymore:

[Foxhound]

By the way, has Valencia been given a squad number yet? I hope he doesn't get the number 7.

I think he'll get #25 or #27.

also edwin has i think made a statement that he'll retire at seasons end

Which is why I hope that one of Foster and TK should be the first choice next season. They should be playing regularly so we can judge whether they will make it at United.

[Ziss]

If we signed Benzema who will drop to the bench? If we're going to sign a striker, let it be someone who isn't going to bitch and moan that they don't start every game. That Brazilian kid could be handy. Yes we'll miss Ronaldo's goals, but Rooney and Berbatov will chip in with quite a few more without the greedy greaseball having 90% of our shots.

[Phatmann]

Hopefully this is true but i bet it'll turn out tommorow that he was misquoted or some crap.

Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic has denied that he said team-mate Karim Benzema was close to completing a move to Manchester United.

The 19-year-old was quoted as stating in a Bosnian newspaper on Tuesday that the striker was just days away from switching to the England League champions for £38million.

Benzema has been strongly linked with a move to United as well as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal in recent weeks, despite declaring a wish to stay at Lyon for another season at least.

However Pjanic insists he said nothing which would suggest the French international is heading to Old Trafford.

"I have not granted any interview to the media. I do not know any other answer to say to you because I said nothing," he told Lyon Capital.

Source (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5408818,00.html)

Unfortunately, you were right. :faceplm:

[Acquiesce]

I reckon this ugly bastard would be a good signing for yous, Mesut Özil.
http://goaltr.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/25619.jpg

[AgentZero]

so Nani looks like a thriller era mj, Valencia is Jermaine?

[Winger]

I really doubt we will spend more than £50-60m this summer, I fail to see what all the fuss is about regarding Valencia, yeah he is a decent young winger but a Ronaldo replacement, surely not?

It is a similiar situation in circumstance to the signing of a skinny young Portuguese lad as the replacement for David Beckham. Cristiano Ronaldo was relatively unknown and largely unproven. He was almost completely made up of raw potential with quick feet, fancy step-overs, and impressive pace. He had no idea of when to pass the ball, nor when to snuff the idea of going off on a mazey dribble. Neither was this young lad willing to put in a shift going towards his own goal for the benefit of the team, as David Beckham always would. And then there was the diving, and the writhing in absolute agony that followed, before then dusting himself off after a miraculous recovery. He only began to show glimpes of being a proper replacement for David Beckham, and a player whom we could count on week in, week out, in his third year at the club, before delivering the goods with consistancy in his fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons at the club. It took time, let's not forget that. And thus Valencia deserves to be granted a bit of time himself, putting age aside, because players develop at different stages and with differing rates of progression.

In all honesty, I am neither thrilled with the signing of Antonio Valencia but, we cannot predict how the lad is going to develop over the course of two or three years, no more than we could for that skinny Portuguese lad we signed back in 2003. Valencia (in comparison to Ronaldo, back then) has a huge void to fill, as did Ronaldo. But he is a tad more proven at a higher level, and has had a few years in the England League. He is older and thus (hopefully) wiser in his understanding of the game, which he does seem to be with regard to his decision making, and he has a better work ethic both with the ball going forward, and without the ball going backwards. Again, this is in parrellel to Ronaldo, back then. He may never amount to all which Ronaldo was but, he is further along in his development than the unknown Ronaldo of 2003, meaning it shouldn't take as long for him to begin making meaningful contributions to the team on a regular basis. So let's keep our fingers crossed, and let's back the lad. He's a Manchester United player now, one who actually wants to play for the club, which makes him alright in my books. Let's see what he can do with better players around him.

The statistics that I think saw Fergie ear-mark the lad are to do with the number of crosses he puts in, the number of tackles he puts in, and the distance the lad covers during the course of a game. He is an orthodox winger who stays out wide to provide crosses for the forwards, and when not doing that he is providing cover for the full-back. Valencia is an out and out winger, meaning he is going to play out wide and stay out wide, bringing balance to the side, and shape. That means a lot of emphasis is going to be put back on the forwards, especially Wayne Rooney, who is now (hopefully) going to be granted a return to his favored and best position through the middle.

It's no secret that Ronaldo liked to float from his wide starting berth into the centre forward position, all the while surrendering his duties to the team when we were without the ball, which in turn saw Wayne Rooney shuffled out wide and shaddled with all the hard grafting. That without doubt stiffled Rooney's attacking contributions on many an occasion. The team benefited through Ronaldo, no question, but Wayne's game definitely took a back seat. With Ronaldo's depature it may be time for Wayne to flourish and really step up big time. Think about it, instead of the team, including Wayne, busting their asses to accomodate for Ronaldo we may now see the team, with Valencia stepping in for Wayne in that regard, doing what is necessary to give Wazza the chance to shine.

As for our striker situation, signing Berbatov IMO was a massive mistake, he hasn't made the impact we were hoping for, 9 goals in 31 games is fucking wank and I can't believe Fergie paid what he did. I would of rather of signed Tevez last summer.

I disagree. That said, it is only thanks to hindsight that I can say this. But Tevez was never worth £35.5 million, never in a million years. We paid £10 million to secure his services for two years. And then we offered up a further £25.5m to sign him permanently. Regardless of whether Berbatov is worth £30 million or not, that doesn't change the fact that Carlos Tevez was no where near a £35.5 million player.

I'm sad to see Carlos go, honestly I am, but, the fee was too high and his attitude was becoming nothing to be desired. Who is Carlos Tevez to demand first team football? He is a forward, and as hard as one works it's down to goals and assists to secure a start. Berbatov contributed more to the team than Tevez when goals and assists are totalled. Thanks to Berbatov the team scored 25 goals. Who is Carlos Tevez to question the gaffers tactics? Quite simply put, that doesn't happen, it's not a players place and it is down right disrespectful. And for all his "emotion" and "love" for Manchester United, it was he who answered with a shrug of the shoulders and "... difficult." to the question of whether he would like to stay at Manchester United after the Wigan game. The contract was on the table, with higher wages than a player of his contributions merited, and well, he's not here any longer which speaks volumes. I think he had decided months ago he was leaving, and was simply trying to play it nice with the supporters so he would not come across as anything other than a cult hero which he was during his brief stay at Old Trafford. It's hard to say whether it was down to money, or simply a desire for more regular first team football but, he has moved on of his own free will. I wish him well and thank him for his services to the club during his stay.

And Berbatov is another player who may well benefit from Ronaldo's depature to Madrid. Berbatov and Ronaldo would often end up occupying the same area on the field, taking up the same space. It didn't happen as often later in the campaign, mostly because Berbatov was dropping deeper and deeper, almost playing as an attacking midfielder so to get on the ball and attempt to pull a few strings. At Spurs it was Berbatov and another forward, usually Robbie Keane, through the middle with two wide men who stayed out wide, and Berbatov was absolutely outstanding in his time there. At Manchester United it was a little different with Berbatov and Rooney going through the middle, with Park staying out wide, but Ronaldo coming in off the flank to occupy a central position more often than not, and because of that we'd see Rooney pushed out wide or Berbatov deciding he was going to drop deeper (or maybe he was instructed to) to find more space and freedom to play. Later we saw Berbatov out of the picture altogether with a front three consisting of Park and Rooney playing wide, off a central Ronaldo. Or maybe even Berbatov playing off Ronaldo, with Rooney wide left, and floating inside, which again saw one too many players wanting to occupy the same space. So I for one am excited to see how Berbatov will do should we get two out and out wide men on the flanks, with another striker (Rooney) as support through the middle. Berbatov will have more space and time on the ball, and see more chances actually being created for him as a centre forward.

[Mullet Taylor]

whos getting the number 7 ?

[wrathchild_uk]

Source (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5408818,00.html)

Unfortunately, you were right. :faceplm:

I knew it would i just don't get where these stories come from sometimes..

[Foxhound]

whos getting the number 7 ?

Nani. In all seriousness, I don't know.
What about Trezeguet? If he's available on the cheap, why not? Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't he had a falling out with the French NT manager? That made him has no chance of making it to the World Cup next year, so he doesn't have to complain about not playing regularly.

[Mjällharth]

I believe they (Juve) are keeping him unless a big sum comes in.

[wrathchild_uk]

We've now missed out on Tevez and Benzema...we'll probably end up signing Owen at this rate.

[Joel]

As long as you don't go after Kun, I don't care who you buy.

Let's be honest though, how was you going to keep all three of Rooney, Berbatov and Benzema happy? Didn't work when Tevez was in the mix, so it wouldn't have worked now.

[Acquiesce]

Valencia in to replace Ronaldo, neh. Valencia+Benzema in to replace Ronaldo, yeah, would be about right.

------------------VDS------------------

--Brown----Ferdinand----Vidic----Evra--

----------------------Fletcher----------

------------Carrick---------------------

--Valencia------------------------------

--------------------------------Rooney--

------------Benzema---------------------

----------------------Berbatov-----------


Strong team.

As long as you don't go after Kun, I don't care who you buy.

Let's be honest though, how was you going to keep all three of Rooney, Berbatov and Benzema happy? Didn't work when Tevez was in the mix, so it wouldn't have worked now.

.

[Haribo]

Let's be honest though, how was you going to keep all three of Rooney, Berbatov and Benzema happy? Didn't work when Tevez was in the mix, so it wouldn't have worked now.

Who said anything about keeping Berbatov happy? :blush:

[Winger]

Disagree with Rooney out wide. Put him through the middle with another striker.

And as for Real Madrid signing Benzema. Bastards!

It'll be interesting to see if they continue their pursuit of David Villa now. And if they do, then it is curtains for Ruud van Nistelrooy, and probably Huntelaar, too.

Raul, van Nistelrooy, Higuain, Benzema, Huntelaar. Add Villa to that mix, if they manage to secure his services, and somebody has to go, and it won't be Raul. Higuain had a blinding season so he's probably safe. I say we put in a bid for Huntelaar. He could fit with either Rooney or Berbatov. And if Villa is still up for grabs then it's worth throwing our hat in the mix.

I'm surprised that Fergie didn't enquire about Huntelaar when the Ronaldo deal was taking place. Real probably would've thrown him in for free they were that desperate to land Ronaldo! But at that stage I figure he assumed that Carlos Tevez would sign once the contract was offered, which is what he'd always made out, which would've left us with three forwards and £25.5 million less in the transfer kitty.

[Joel]

.

Because Rooney likes playing left wing, right?

Who said anything about keeping Berbatov happy? :blush:

http://images.ibox.bg/2008/03/17/sdfds/519x764.jpg

Berbatov has his eyes on you.

[Acquiesce]

I'd play two other strikers up top, and give Rooney a free role, just tell him to go out and work his magic all over the pitch.

EDIT: Yeah, Rooney likes to express himself on the left wing, left.

[Dannyholt]

It is a similiar situation in circumstance to the signing of a skinny young Portuguese lad as the replacement for David Beckham. Cristiano Ronaldo was relatively unknown and largely unproven. He was almost completely made up of raw potential with quick feet, fancy step-overs, and impressive pace. He had no idea of when to pass the ball, nor when to snuff the idea of going off on a mazey dribble. Neither was this young lad willing to put in a shift going towards his own goal for the benefit of the team, as David Beckham always would. And then there was the diving, and the writhing in absolute agony that followed, before then dusting himself off after a miraculous recovery. He only began to show glimpes of being a proper replacement for David Beckham, and a player whom we could count on week in, week out, in his third year at the club, before delivering the goods with consistancy in his fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons at the club. It took time, let's not forget that. And thus Valencia deserves to be granted a bit of time himself, putting age aside, because players develop at different stages and with differing rates of progression.

I disagree, when we sold Beckham we IMO seen the best of him and his sale was a good move, escpecially with the circus that came with him and his cock of wife.

In all honesty, I am neither thrilled with the signing of Antonio Valencia but, we cannot predict how the lad is going to develop over the course of two or three years, no more than we could for that skinny Portuguese lad we signed back in 2003. Valencia (in comparison to Ronaldo, back then) has a huge void to fill, as did Ronaldo. But he is a tad more proven at a higher level, and has had a few years in the England League. He is older and thus (hopefully) wiser in his understanding of the game, which he does seem to be with regard to his decision making, and he has a better work ethic both with the ball going forward, and without the ball going backwards. Again, this is in parrellel to Ronaldo, back then. He may never amount to all which Ronaldo was but, he is further along in his development than the unknown Ronaldo of 2003, meaning it shouldn't take as long for him to begin making meaningful contributions to the team on a regular basis. So let's keep our fingers crossed, and let's back the lad. He's a Manchester United player now, one who actually wants to play for the club, which makes him alright in my books. Let's see what he can do with better players around him.

How do we know that Valencia will develop past his currently ability, he may be at his best now, just because he is 23 doesn't mean he will develop into a better player in the coming years. Also that young skinny Portuguese player score more goals in his first season than Valencia did. I will back him, he wears the red shirt but for me he is a decent signing in terms of the squad, a Ronaldo replacement he is not.

The statistics that I think saw Fergie ear-mark the lad are to do with the number of crosses he puts in, the number of tackles he puts in, and the distance the lad covers during the course of a game. He is an orthodox winger who stays out wide to provide crosses for the forwards, and when not doing that he is providing cover for the full-back. Valencia is an out and out winger, meaning he is going to play out wide and stay out wide, bringing balance to the side, and shape. That means a lot of emphasis is going to be put back on the forwards, especially Wayne Rooney, who is now (hopefully) going to be granted a return to his favored and best position through the middle.

Yeah he does put a shit load of crosses into the box, but if we have no one in there, is there any point. Berbatov is most likely going to be on the half-way line, when these balls are put in there.

It's no secret that Ronaldo liked to float from his wide starting berth into the centre forward position, all the while surrendering his duties to the team when we were without the ball, which in turn saw Wayne Rooney shuffled out wide and shaddled with all the hard grafting. That without doubt stiffled Rooney's attacking contributions on many an occasion. The team benefited through Ronaldo, no question, but Wayne's game definitely took a back seat. With Ronaldo's depature it may be time for Wayne to flourish and really step up big time. Think about it, instead of the team, including Wayne, busting their asses to accomodate for Ronaldo we may now see the team, with Valencia stepping in for Wayne in that regard, doing what is necessary to give Wazza the chance to shine.

Well thats a fair comment, but Rooney really needs someone to play off and for me he wont be able to play along Berbatov, as IMO there both second strikers. None of them can play the role of a target man, someone who they can play off. We seen the best of Rooney when he was alongside Ruud.

I disagree. That said, it is only thanks to hindsight that I can say this. But Tevez was never worth £35.5 million, never in a million years. We paid £10 million to secure his services for two years. And then we offered up a further £25.5m to sign him permanently. Regardless of whether Berbatov is worth £30 million or not, that doesn't change the fact that Carlos Tevez was no where near a £35.5 million player.

Well I disagree with you, Berbatov contributed last season with 14 goals all season and had 3-4 assists. For me that is not a good enough contribution to the team for the amount we paid for him. Where with Tevez he actually moved during the game, defended from the front and scored more goals and some important ones at that.

I'm sad to see Carlos go, honestly I am, but, the fee was too high and his attitude was becoming nothing to be desired. Who is Carlos Tevez to demand first team football? He is a forward, and as hard as one works it's down to goals and assists to secure a start. Berbatov contributed more to the team than Tevez when goals and assists are totalled. Thanks to Berbatov the team scored 25 goals. Who is Carlos Tevez to question the gaffers tactics? Quite simply put, that doesn't happen, it's not a players place and it is down right disrespectful. And for all his "emotion" and "love" for Manchester United, it was he who answered with a shrug of the shoulders and "... difficult." to the question of whether he would like to stay at Manchester United after the Wigan game. The contract was on the table, with higher wages than a player of his contributions merited, and well, he's not here any longer which speaks volumes. I think he had decided months ago he was leaving, and was simply trying to play it nice with the supporters so he would not come across as anything other than a cult hero which he was during his brief stay at Old Trafford. It's hard to say whether it was down to money, or simply a desire for more regular first team football but, he has moved on of his own free will. I wish him well and thank him for his services to the club during his stay.

Yeah he wasn't worth that sum of money but if I had the choice to Sign Tevez permantley or Berbtov, I would choose Tevez all day long. He is younger so you get more for your money. I can see why he chose to leave, Man U signing Berbatov must have like a kick in the teeth and the amount of time it took us to get talking to the company that owns him was a joke.

And Berbatov is another player who may well benefit from Ronaldo's depature to Madrid. Berbatov and Ronaldo would often end up occupying the same area on the field, taking up the same space. It didn't happen as often later in the campaign, mostly because Berbatov was dropping deeper and deeper, almost playing as an attacking midfielder so to get on the ball and attempt to pull a few strings. At Spurs it was Berbatov and another forward, usually Robbie Keane, through the middle with two wide men who stayed out wide, and Berbatov was absolutely outstanding in his time there. At Manchester United it was a little different with Berbatov and Rooney going through the middle, with Park staying out wide, but Ronaldo coming in off the flank to occupy a central position more often than not, and because of that we'd see Rooney pushed out wide or Berbatov deciding he was going to drop deeper (or maybe he was instructed to) to find more space and freedom to play. Later we saw Berbatov out of the picture altogether with a front three consisting of Park and Rooney playing wide, off a central Ronaldo. Or maybe even Berbatov playing off Ronaldo, with Rooney wide left, and floating inside, which again saw one too many players wanting to occupy the same space. So I for one am excited to see how Berbatov will do should we get two out and out wide men on the flanks, with another striker (Rooney) as support through the middle. Berbatov will have more space and time on the ball, and see more chances actually being created for him as a centre forward.

I'm not being funny m8, but for £30m I expect him to shine like a mother fucker, I disagree that Ronaldo and Berbatov would occupy the same space, Berbatov doesn't move in matches, its like someone has poured cement in his boots and he is stuck on the half-way line. I wouldn't call Berbatov time at white hart lane outstanding, for them maybe but 27 goals in two season is hardly outstanding.

So I for one am excited to see how Berbatov will do should we get two out and out wide men on the flanks, with another striker (Rooney) as support through the middle. Berbatov will have more space and time on the ball, and see more chances actually being created for him as a centre forward.

You clearly don't go to the games m8, Berbatov is not a centre forward and never has been, he is a second striker and so is Wayne Rooney. None of them are prolific. Berbatov IMO will never score more than 15 league goals and him and Rooney will not be able to play upfront with each other, you talked about how Ronaldo and Berbatov occupied the same space, well if we play them two upfront next season and don't sign and out and out striker (Benzema looks set today to join the spanish mafia) were looking at a poor season this coming season.

[Joel]

EDIT: Yeah, Rooney likes to express himself on the left wing, left.

Erm...No. Rooney played on the left, because that is what he was asked to do. He is a player who will do what is best for the team. But with Ronaldo now gone, the obvious answer would be to let Rooney play the role he loves to play and the role which comes naturally to him - Through the middle.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I disagree, when we sold Beckham we IMO seen the best of him and his sale was a good move etc etc

I agree with everything in this post. Valencia is nearly 24 not 19 and he's no where near as talented as Ronaldo, he's a squad player.

Now we've missed out on Benzema we really need to sign someone such as Villa or Aquero. True our squad is good enough to compete for trophies next year but not good enough to win them I don't think. Certainly not the champions league and if Liverpool have the same form not the league either. We've sold/lost two world class players and signed one average player.

[Stormrider]

Danny Berba had a lot more assists than 3-4. He finished with 9 in the epl, just 1 behind the leader, including a very nice one against Hull I believe. I also don't see him or Rooney finishing with more than 15-17 goals in the league but they're both good for 10 assists each which are just as good cuz assists=goals.

Maybe he played too deep cuz it was what SAF wanted. Hopefully this season will change. Let Rooney play in the middle switching up and down with Berba, Valencia on the right with Park, Nani, and Tosic fighting for the left. Bring in an experienced striker to come off the bench and I'll be really excited come August.

Also if Nani and Tosic don't live up to expectations we can try Ando on the left. He was quite a beast in that position for Porto.

[Dannyholt]

Yeah sorry Berbatov did finished with 9 assists not 5 but that doesnt change a thing, when you pay £30m for a striker, I want goals not assists.

Also Tosic looks like he could be a good player, I think he was in a similar boat as Vidic, he took a few months to adapt.
He looked good for the under 21, albeit it is the under 21's.

[dotty]

Rooney playing behind a striker or two in the middle free role innit.

I can't see you getting Huntelaar even on loan i think he'll get loaned out to Bayern Munich possibly an Italian team.

[AgentZero]

FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i wanted benzema to sign for us. Heres hoping madrid suffer irrepairable finacial damage and sell him in the winter window for 15M

[Mullet Taylor]

whatever happened to Lukas Podolski. for awhile he was the player to have and all that fuss has died

[Rainey]

whatever happened to Lukas Podolski. for awhile he was the player to have and all that fuss has died

I really like Lukas, I guessed when Toni joined bayern, he just didnt get any action. Well now hes back at Koln, and im sure he will pick up his game again

[StringerBell]

whatever happened to Lukas Podolski. for awhile he was the player to have and all that fuss has died

They seemed to prefer Ton :rolleyes:i at the time as to using Podolski. But yeah he is back at Koln which is he where he wanted to go since he started there.

[Stormrider]

Benzema is a good player but I didn't really want him so this is good. He won't be happy on the bench b4 the World Cup so who would we sacrifice for him? SAF won't bench Berba and I would hate to see Rooney on the left again. I really wanna see more of Ando and Nani this year. It could be a confidence thing for them cuz of Ronaldo. Remember Henry at Arsenal? The young gunners had a huge confidence issue playing with him then they all came out of their shells when he left. Now Nani don't have to be under Ronaldo's shadow and SAF is just the man to work his magic on Nani like he did with Ronaldo.

Ando is great in the middle of the park but as soon as he gets anywhere near the box he like panics and rushes things, either ends up slipping, fanning shots, or playing bad passes so he really needs to work on his game in the final third. This is the season for them to step it up and show us what they're made of and I hope they get a chance to do so.

[Meyyappan]

Its good you guys sold ron and tev or else it would have been boring for every one with ronaldo improving further next season............

[I.N Extasy]

You clearly don't go to the games m8, Berbatov is not a centre forward and never has been, he is a second striker and so is Wayne Rooney. None of them are prolific. Berbatov IMO will never score more than 15 league goals and him and Rooney will not be able to play upfront with each other, you talked about how Ronaldo and Berbatov occupied the same space, well if we play them two upfront next season and don't sign and out and out striker (Benzema looks set today to join the spanish mafia) were looking at a poor season this coming season.

Let us just wait and see how he is used? Berbatov has what it takes to be a good central forward. His positioning and first touch are good and above all, he has excellent composure. An "elegant" finisher as well.

[AgentZero]

Andre-Pierre Gignac looks a very good scorer 26 goals for tolouse more than Benzema...aside from that i know nothing about him, could well be a flop (Elmander)

[dotty]

Elmander didn't do too bad for his first season he cost 11million had a pretty nasty injury and he did score some goals, remember he's playing with Bolton hardly getting chance after chance is he.

[Haribo]

My heart has sunk considerably when I think of realistic targets now. ;[

If Huntelaar went to Milan on loan, I'll sit in my bedroom for a few days, my whole body shaking furiously.

[uA - 1905]

Andre-Pierre Gignac looks a very good scorer 26 goals for tolouse more than Benzema...aside from that i know nothing about him, could well be a flop (Elmander)

Gignac is better than that showboat Benzema.

[Bish]

I really like Lukas, I guessed when Toni joined bayern, he just didnt get any action. Well now hes back at Koln, and im sure he will pick up his game again

I just couldn't understand that move. Surely he's good enough to play for a better quality team than Koln, no disrespect. 1 good season next year, followed by a good World Cup showing, surely some big teams will be knocking.

[Mjällharth]

I thought big teams were knocking even this season. Not certain though.

[Bish]

I thought big teams were knocking even this season. Not certain though.

Don't think so. All I heard was Spurs.

[Mjällharth]

Oh, well then the situation was obviously different :laugh:

[Winger]

I disagree, when we sold Beckham we IMO seen the best of him and his sale was a good move, escpecially with the circus that came with him and his cock of wife.

I agree with the latter about the media circus that came with Beckham. But there is no way on earth anyone can say that Beckham was on the decline at the time of his transfer, nor in his time at Madrid. He was still a great player and had three good years in Madrid, with the fourth being somewhat sporadic. He was sold simply because he got on the wrong side of the manager. Beckham arguable has the same, if not more worth in him now than Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have for the past two years. Beckham has taken incredible care of himself physically, and his game has always been about his range of passing and specialist set pieces. We'd potential still be talking about David Beckham as a Manchester United player if not for the falling out bewteen himself and the gaffer.

All of that aside, though, I do think it was good business in selling him to Real. I simply believe it was a season or two too early.

How do we know that Valencia will develop past his currently ability, he may be at his best now, just because he is 23 doesn't mean he will develop into a better player in the coming years. Also that young skinny Portuguese player score more goals in his first season than Valencia did. I will back him, he wears the red shirt but for me he is a decent signing in terms of the squad, a Ronaldo replacement he is not.

How do we know that Valencia will not develop past his current ability? He may become a far superior player than that of his current standing. And the difference between Ronaldo and Valencia in their first seasons in England is the quality of their team mates. Let's judge them on their first seasons at Manchester United, because that's the level playing field and when we get down to it that is where it matters most.

And if you're bringing his age into it, I say look at Thierry Henry. He was 22 when he moved to Arsenal where he had a very difficult start. He was a flop from Juventus. But Henry started to come alive at 23/24 thanks to Wenger keeping faith in him, and with the aid of his talented team mates. Like I said before, players develop at different stages and with differing rates of progression.

And a David Beckham replacement Ronaldo was not, not for three years.

Yeah he does put a shit load of crosses into the box, but if we have no one in there, is there any point. Berbatov is most likely going to be on the half-way line, when these balls are put in there.

That's yet to be seen. It's simply a matter of Berbatov and Rooney being told to get into the box more. The set up and the instructions dictate this.

Ronaldo prefered to take players on, cut inside and go for goal as oppose to get down the touchline and cross the ball, so there was little point to Rooney or Berbatov arriving in the area. That was a major pet peeve of Ruud van Nistelrooy when he was at the club. He'd be making runs into the area only for Ronaldo to either discard the idea of a cross and try to go it alone, or cut the ball back to take a man on, again, leaving van Nistelrooy having no clue when to make his move because he'd often make a dash only for Ronaldo to check back and then cross it, at which point Ruud was offside or in no position to challenge. With players who cross the ball when the opportunity presents itself, such as Beckham, and potentially in Tosic and Valencia, it's simple, you make your move when you see them gain that yard or two to knock the ball in because you know that's what they'll do.

Well thats a fair comment, but Rooney really needs someone to play off and for me he wont be able to play along Berbatov, as IMO there both second strikers. None of them can play the role of a target man, someone who they can play off. We seen the best of Rooney when he was alongside Ruud.

I agree completely. Rooney was by far at his best when playing off Ruud van Nistelrooy. I hold out hope for Berbatov, though, if given instructions to play further up the field now that the opportunity and the space will be there. He done it for Spurs, with Keane sitting in the pocket just behind him, playing off him and around him to great effect.

Well I disagree with you, Berbatov contributed last season with 14 goals all season and had 3-4 assists. For me that is not a good enough contribution to the team for the amount we paid for him. Where with Tevez he actually moved during the game, defended from the front and scored more goals and some important ones at that.

Berbatov was credited with 10 or 11 assists.

Tevez scored 6 goals in 6 games in the domestic cups last season. I'm not going to count that considering the level of competition. In the league Tevez scored 5 in 29. Berbatov scored 9 in 31. In Europe Berbatov scored 4 in 9. While Tevez amounted 2 in 9.

Yeah he wasn't worth that sum of money but if I had the choice to Sign Tevez permantley or Berbtov, I would choose Tevez all day long. He is younger so you get more for your money. I can see why he chose to leave, Man U signing Berbatov must have like a kick in the teeth and the amount of time it took us to get talking to the company that owns him was a joke.

Why is it a kick in the teeth? It's called competition for places, and strengthening the squad. We had two strikers in Rooney and Tevez, and that was it. We needed to strengthen and that is what we did in signing Berbatov. Tevez still played more than enough games. And it was never just a matter of a contract being offered. Before getting to that stage we had to agree the fee with his agent, and it is only normal for a club to attempt and negotiate the price down until the final moment, regardless of whether it was preset or not, especially when it's £25.5 million on top of an already paid fee of £10 million.

I'm not being funny m8, but for £30m I expect him to shine like a mother fucker, I disagree that Ronaldo and Berbatov would occupy the same space, Berbatov doesn't move in matches, its like someone has poured cement in his boots and he is stuck on the half-way line. I wouldn't call Berbatov time at white hart lane outstanding, for them maybe but 27 goals in two season is hardly outstanding.

In all compeitions Berbatov scored 46 goals in 102 games for Tottenham. That is outstanding. 27 in 69, in the league. And that's not too bad, either. When we equate in the goals he created for his team mates he had a blinding two years at Spurs.

You clearly don't go to the games m8, Berbatov is not a centre forward and never has been, he is a second striker and so is Wayne Rooney. None of them are prolific. Berbatov IMO will never score more than 15 league goals and him and Rooney will not be able to play upfront with each other, you talked about how Ronaldo and Berbatov occupied the same space, well if we play them two upfront next season and don't sign and out and out striker (Benzema looks set today to join the spanish mafia) were looking at a poor season this coming season.

A lot of the same people said that Rooney and Tevez couldn't play together last season, and to be honest they couldn't to begin with but, then they hit it off and had a pretty impressive season. Two support strikers linking up was never going to work, though, was it. At least not until we had the League title and the European Cup in our possession! So I don't see why Berbatov and Rooney shouldn't be able to play with each other in a more settled 4-4-2 set up. Bergkamp was more of a second striker and managed to gel with Henry who liked to float wide and come deep. Bebartov managed to play with Robbie Keane who is hardly an out and out centre forward, either.

What's anything got to do with the number of games I go to? That equals nothing in the number of games I (or anyone else for that matter) see in full. If you can't discuss it without attemtping to score points as Mr. Manchester United then you can kindly fuck off.

I don't think it makes any different whether a centre forward scores 25 goals with 0 assists or scores 15 goals with 10 assists, as it still equates the same amount of goals for the team.

[Ghost]

Apparently we're going to sign Rodrigo Possebon on loan :huh:

What can you guys tell me about him?

[Phatmann]

Apparently we're going to sign Rodrigo Possebon on loan :huh:

What can you guys tell me about him?
Possebon has great potential. From what I've seen of him, he seems to be a very good passer of the ball and rarely loses possession. Unfortunately we haven't seen a lot of him, only a few cup games and 1 or 2 league games so I can't say much more. Possebon going on loan to Braga would be a good move for both clubs.

[Beechy101]

I've read that SkyBet have cut the odds of Michael Owen joining Man Utd from 20/1 to 7/4. Thoughts?

[Phatmann]

Oh christ. Michael Owen? Seriously? Fucking hell.

[dotty]

SSN say Michael Owens representatives are talking with Man Utd chiefs, FUCK ME!

[Haribo]

:lmao:

I may start looking towards the World Cup already.

[Joel]

:laugh:

This is brilliant. Benzema was linked. Aguero has been mentioned. There's been talk about Huntelaar. And you end up with Owen. That's just too much :lmao:

I'd like to think Guillermo is being punished for not seeing The Miz's potential.

Edit: However, I guess it's not as bad as Ross Turnbull.

[wrathchild_uk]

Hmm so much for the money not going to the Glazers then.. ;)

[Top Gun]

I would like to sign Owen tbh, with the right service he will score goals. Plus he's different to anybody we've had since Ruud really.

[AgentZero]

so far nothing concrete yet but Owen IMO is done. Although with the service he'll get at united he could benefit. Id prefer we take a chance on this Gignac or Fabiano.

[Phatmann]

After thinking this through, I'm not too unhappy about it. His recent form and the fact I don't think he will be good enough for us worries me but for a free transfer he could be a useful addition to the squad. However, I wouldn't be happy if we are relying on Owen and Valencia to replace Tevez and Ronaldo. :|

[Acquiesce]

Owen's out of contract and hasn't returned to pre-season training with tha toon? So he's free to a good home. All he needs to do is pass a medical, agree a contract, and then train like fuck to get his fitness levels maxed out. I personally think he would be a top signing. He hasn't scored much the past few years due to injury and the fact that he's been playing with a bunch of useless cunts. In a top team, and with his injuries behind him, I think he'll get back to his glory days with United!

[AgentZero]

brilliant move on his part to get to a good squad before the world cup. If he ends up scoring 20+ goals we'll have to stop singing build a bonfire.

[Phatmann]

brilliant move on his part to get to a good squad before the world cup. If he ends up scoring 20+ goals we'll have to stop singing build a bonfire.
Why? :unsure:

[Joel]

Manchester United's service has to be fucking revolutionary for Owen to score goals from the injury room. We're talking about new technology here.

[Acquiesce]

Manchester United's service has to be fucking revolutionary for Owen to score goals from the injury room. We're talking about new technology here.

Maybe he could get two tip's from this guy?:erm:
http://pal2pal.com/BLOGEE/images/uploads/pistorius.jpg

[AgentZero]

Why? :unsure:
rooney and owen are scousers. It would just be really ironic if we keep saying we hate scousers and want to burn them in the middle of the bonfire just a bit of housekeeping.

[Stormrider]

If we get Owen it'll be just like Saha all over again. 2 really good players at one point just a pity they have glass legs. Gignac might be a good player to bring off the bench if the price is right.

[L . F . C]

rooney and owen are scousers. It would just be really ironic if we keep saying we hate scousers and want to burn them in the middle of the bonfire just a bit of housekeeping.

Owen is not actually a scouser. He's from Chester, not really Liverpool is it.

[Vitumbiko]

Michael Owen. :laugh:

[Mullet Taylor]

listen lads, for anyone who is on the fence about the wonderful Michael Owen signing for Utd, simple read threw this 32 page Brochure and be simply amazed

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1194209/MICHAEL-OWEN-BROCHURE-The-complete-32-page-agents-dossier-fallen-Newcastle-star-England-striker.html

tbh thats a slap in the face his agent sending that to clubs. Isnt hard for clubs to find out about a player etc. I'm surprised so many fans are questioning the wisdom of the most successful british manager ever. He's delivered you the prem 3 in a row yadda yadda yadda and this is how the red army is repaying him ? moaning about signing a proven goal scorer who'll most likely get a pay-as-you-play contract....for what Owen can do, i say its worth the risk, plus Owen won't mind chilling on the bench and more importantly, he'll get his head down and work as hard as he can.

say Owen spends 12 months at Utd and scores 15 goals, isn't that worth the free transfer. Fuck the bigots who don't want him because of his liverpool connections, don't forget that rooney is the biggest scouse there is. Owen doesn't sound like 1 and rooney does

[Foxhound]

If he does sign for United, I think it'd be a decent addition. Besides, someone needs to accompany Hargreaves because he's lonely in the injury room since Saha left.

[HH]

What I was going to say, he may still have something in him; he still scored a handful of goals when he actually did play. But I dont think he'll pass this medical he's reportedly having today.

[Jonny2J]

Owen's out of contract and hasn't returned to pre-season training with tha toon? So he's free to a good home. All he needs to do is pass a medical, agree a contract, and then train like fuck to get his fitness levels maxed out. I personally think he would be a top signing. He hasn't scored much the past few years due to injury and the fact that he's been playing with a bunch of useless cunts. In a top team, and with his injuries behind him, I think he'll get back to his glory days with United!Get your facts right before posting anything eh?

[CRISSGRAN]

Get your facts right before posting anything eh?

Come on now, most of Newcastle's recent players have been nowhere near good enough to play for them.

[Hunter]

As a stop gap, Owen wouldn't be a bad signing. With the way the market is inflated today, getting a proven scorer albeit injury prone for free isn't bad. I think he'd be willing to take a wage cut as well in order to join a club such as Manchester United, it's either this or the possibility of dropping into obscurity for Owen.

Yes, I've just read his 32 page brochure and with stats of "an average 0.56 goals per game ratio", he's well worth going for on the free transfer. It also states in the brochure that "although only scoring 10 goals in the 2008/9 season his goal to opportunity ratio was the best in the Premier League" - that's quite interesting, makes me wonder how he can perform with the service he'll be getting at United.

Possibly the best signing of the summer? Watch this space.

[Phatmann]

Come on now, most of Newcastle's recent players have been nowhere near good enough to play for them.
Owen scored 10 in 31 last season and 13 in 31 the season before. I think he was moved to a deeper sort of attacking midfield role too for some of the last 2 years. Plus, his main injuries seemed to be in his first 2 years at Newcastle rather than the last 2 years. Interesting stat is that Owen scored 8 in 27 in the league last season while Berbatov scored 9 in 31.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

As a stop gap, Owen wouldn't be a bad signing. With the way the market is inflated today, getting a proven scorer albeit injury prone for free isn't bad. I think he'd be willing to take a wage cut as well in order to join a club such as Manchester United, it's either this or the possibility of dropping into obscurity for Owen.

Yes, I've just read his 32 page brochure and with stats of "an average 0.56 goals per game ratio", he's well worth going for on the free transfer. It also states in the brochure that "although only scoring 10 goals in the 2008/9 season his goal to opportunity ratio was the best in the England League" - that's quite interesting, makes me wonder how he can perform with the service he'll be getting at United.

Possibly the best signing of the summer? Watch this space.

Owen's scoring record was never in doubt, his injury record is. I agree it doesn't matter so much as he'll be a squad player and I do think he was well worth signing, nevertheless if he gets crocked we might never actually see him play. In the small chance he stays injury free AND rolls back the years he would be the best signing of the summer. I see him more as a squad player, nowt more.

[Foxhound]

He's having a medical according from Skysports.

[Baddar]

I posted this on another site, so I'll c+p it here. Here's my two cents on the Owen situation...

Owen is coming for free. Good bit of business I think.

He's not on the Luis Fabiano, Aguero, Kaka, Ribery, Alves or Iniesta scale of additions, but this is a free transfer. For a player who's scored loads of Premier League goals and been there and done it all before, I think it's a good signing for us.

About this "but you got £80m for Ronaldo" argument...

We did, yes. Chances are it won't all get spent, but I'm pretty certain more of it will be than just the Valencia purchase. I'm actually pleased we've signed him. It'll go against what a lot of United fans think (but then, some thought Berbatov was shit last season, I thought otherwise) but at a time when all of these millions are flying around for players and ridiculous bids coming in, we've just picked up a proven out-and-out striker. Unless Berbatov plays up front next season, I wouldn't be surprised to see Rooney and Valencia on the wings with Berbatov behind Owen.

I don't particularly think Owen will start every week, but with Fergie's love for Rooney out wide and Berba playing a lot deeper last season, Owen's the only real guy at the moment who we have to play there, aside from the youngsters.

[AgentZero]

This is good as were not giving him a normal salary but a pay as you play agreement.

About this "but you got £80m for Ronaldo" argument...

We did, yes. Chances are it won't all get spent There was a point where i doubted our ability to draw in players but im glad now Sir Alex have made some savvy moves in getting Valencia for a reasonable price and Owen for free. I do not hope we get desperate like the papers seem to portray us as and make a rash decision to ultimately risk 60M quids for Aguerro.

[Baddar]

Where has that been confirmed?

[Vitumbiko]

Where has that been confirmed?

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5412939,00.html

[Baddar]

In that article, at least, it doesn't say it's going to be pay-as-you-play.

[Joel]

This is good as were not giving him a normal salary but a pay as you play agreement.

There was a point where i doubted our ability to draw in players but im glad now Sir Alex have made some savvy moves in getting Valencia for a reasonable price and Owen for free. I do not hope we get desperate like the papers seem to portray us as and make a rash decision to ultimately risk 60M quids for Aguerro.

It's not a risk, because he's beautiful in every way :wub:

If the Owen deal is pay as you play, then I take back everything I have said and will actually think it's a very good deal.

[Appswah]

http://img.skysports.com/09/07/402x210/MichaelOwen-ManUtdkit-_2324976.jpg

haha, found it on skysports website.

[Ziss]

I say give him Twatez's old number.

As my Dad said "Nothing to lose".

Still, would be awesome to see him score the winner in front of the KOP end and kiss the United badge! :):):)

He needs to get some of his pace back, as without it he's pretty "meh".

[Dragonfly]

He's good at finding spaces, despite a loss of pace. With players like Carrick, Berbatov and Rooney being able to find him, he could prove to be a deadly striker. I'm even considering signing him for next season's Sun Dream Team.

[Joel]

I say give him Twatez's old number.

As my Dad said "Nothing to lose".

Still, would be awesome to see him score the winner in front of the KOP end and kiss the United badge! :):):)

He needs to get some of his pace back, as without it he's pretty "meh".

If he's not on pay as you play, then of course there is something to lose.

He's good at finding spaces, despite a loss of pace. With players like Carrick, Berbatov and Rooney being able to find him, he could prove to be a deadly striker. I'm even considering signing him for next season's Sun Dream Team.

I'm not too sure about deadly striker. Last season when he'd be put through on goal, he'd kick the ball straight to the keeper, or just mis kick the ball a lot of times. 10 in 31 kind of backs this.

So many people still say that if Owen gets a chance he will score, but this hasn't been true for the past 2 seasons.

[Dragonfly]

I think with a manager of Ferguson's calibre, he could give Owen a chance to show his potential. I agree that he hasn't been so clinical in recent seasons, but I think it's to do with confidence, despite what he may say. If he starts of well at Man Utd, he could gain momentum and find himself in South Africa next summer.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46009000/jpg/_46009614_owenshirt466.jpg

[Mjällharth]

I say give him Twatez's old number.

As my Dad said "Nothing to lose".

Still, would be awesome to see him score the winner in front of the KOP end and kiss the United badge! :):):)

He needs to get some of his pace back, as without it he's pretty "meh".

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/3128/owenjudas3.jpg
Anfield visible ; also Reina in the background :laugh:

[Miggy]

W
T
F
?

Owen? Seriously?

[BonBon]

Bring him on!I still think hes quality, at 29 he still has 2 or 3 years left in him!Lets just hope he stays injury free!
So what if he has played for liverpool sure wont it be even better if he pings a winner against them in anfield!!

[Ziss]

W
T
F
?

Owen? Seriously?
A lot of people said that about Henrik...

He just needs to recover a yard or twelve of the seventeen he's lost since his injuries, and he'll be fine.

If we'd paid cash for him, I'd be disappointed, but as he's a freebie, I'm quietly pleased.

[Mullet Taylor]

except Henrik is twice the player Owen is. One of the best headers of the ball, Henriks leap was one of the best...plus Larsson isn't an injury scare

i hope Owen does well, i used to hate him but now since hes came under alot of stick i wanna see him shine once again...Owen for number 7 :D ?

[Haribo]

I'm only pleased about Owen if he's going to be 4th choice striker, as a short term 'replacement' for the likes of Welbeck who could go out on loan.

If this was August and it was our final signing (after decent transfer activity), I would be very happy. It could be the cherry on the cake. But as things stand it's minus a cake. :faceplm:

[fick]

I cried when I heard the news about Owen. Real goddam tears.

I remember a couple of season ago when we were linked with him & I hated the idea then. That feeling has only got stronger.

[AgentZero]

it could be brilliant for england and utd that Rooney has an english striking partner with him.

[Foxhound]

Still, would be awesome to see him score the winner in front of the KOP end and kiss the United badge! :):):)


That would be brilliant.

[Haribo]

Empoli full-back Alberto Massacci claims he is on his way to Manchester United after talks with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 16-year-old has still to make his Empoli debut but is regarded as a genuine talent and long-term prospect for the English champions.

United have been criticised in the past for signing young Italian talent before they can be secured to contracts by their respective clubs, as was the case with Federico Macheda and Giuseppe Rossi.

Massacci, if reports are to be believed, has already had a medical with United and is to fly over to Manchester on Sunday to thrash out the finer details of the deal.

"When Sir Alex Ferguson rang me up, I couldn't believe it," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I had an hour-long conversation with him, in English. He seemed a humble person and nobody from the club made the pressure of an historic side weigh on my shoulders.

"In life a chance like this only comes past you once, so you've got to grab it with both hands. It isn't an easy decision aged 16 to leave home, family and friends, but I don't want to have regrets."

Fair enough :/

[The Messiah]

I can imagine SAF saying yoinks.

[mufcsean]

At first I was embarrassed that we signed Owen after being linked with Villa, Benzema etc. etc. but after a long hard think about it I have come round to the idea and I'm a bit excited about it to be honest.

All these people who are having a laugh now might want to look back 12 years or so to when we bought Teddy Sheringham, that was a shock then but he did a brilliant job for us.

This could be exactly what we need, and I think it is pretty obvious this is exactly what Owen himself needs.

Without trying to slag off Hull or Stoke, being linked with them and the suddenly joining Man United is just unbelievable, his confidence is going to be through the roof, and he can link with Rooney which is exactly what we(United) and England need.

I honestly can't believe we have signed him but a signing who can find the net as well as he can, for free is a good deal in my eyes.

I hope he gets a winner at the kop end :lol:

[Joel]

A lot of people said that about Henrik...

Erm...No they never.

People thought it was such a good move, as they know the experience Larsson could offer in the short term loan agreement.

Also, people were still praising himself over the impact he had in the Champions League final the season before.

[Dragonfly]

Erm...No they never.

He never specified who, so he might be right.

[Joel]

He never specified who, so he might be right.

If he said some then fair play, but he said a lot.

[Dragonfly]

If he said some then fair play, but he said a lot.

Maybe he has a lot of friends and family and they all said Larsson would be a bad signing.

[mufcsean]

Fuck it, lets do a Meyappan and just go for it.

£30m for Fabiano
£10m for Van der Vaart
£20m for Sergio Ramos
and while we are at it lets try and sign Ronaldo back for £70m

[Barry]

Owen is really the best you could come up with? This cannot go well.

[Foxhound]

Fuck it, lets do a Meyappan and just go for it.

£30m for Fabiano
£10m for Van der Vaart
£20m for Sergio Ramos
and while we are at it lets try and sign Ronaldo back for £70m

:laugh:

Mine would be;

£40m for Buffon
£15m for Sneijder

[Haribo]

£30m for Huntelaar + Sneijder
£25m & Nani loan for Veloso + Moutinho
£8m for Asenjo

Yeah, that's right!

[AgentZero]

£11m Andre Pierre-Gignac
£20m Giuseppe Rossi
£22m Ricardo Montolivo
£18m Fabiano Santacroce
easy as pie!

[Phatmann]

We've signed another youngster, this time from Charlton.

United have made another summer signing - 15-year-old defender Sean McGinty from Charlton Athletic.

The promising centre-half had been offered scholarship terms by the London club but with the Reds having tracked him for some time, McGinty has opted to switch to Old Trafford.

Although the Republic of Ireland U17 international is not contracted to the Addicks, the two clubs have agreed an undisclosed compensation package, which includes additional fees depending on the player’s progress at United.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: “To have a club like Manchester United tracking your youth players clearly shows the quality that our academy is currently producing.

“Of course, nothing would have made us happier than Sean coming through the ranks and representing our first team, and our coaches had high hopes for him. We did our utmost to persuade him to stay, but joining such a big England League club is obviously an attractive prospect, and Sean and his family made it clear that they wanted to move north to United.”

Murray added: “Manchester United have behaved entirely honourably throughout the process, and I’d like to thank them for that.”

Although only 15, McGinty represented both Charlton’s U18 side and reserves last season.

Source (http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&redirectorid=news_story&newsid=6635649)

[Winger]

Owen arriving at Old Trafford has really put a spanner in the works, or better put, in my works. Why? Because I was one of the numerous supporters who would not have touched Michael Owen with a barge pole. One of the many who thought he was past it and that he should have been considering himself lucky that two clubs the calibur of Hull and Stoke were throwing him a lifeline. And then he signs for Manchester United. I'm looking at Michael Owen wearing the shirt and holding the scarf, he's actually in United colours, while I'm, for the first time, contemplating what benefits (after first wondering if there were any) the addition of Michael Owen could actually bring.

Negatives:
- Injury prone.
- Lost a yard or two of pace.

Positives:
- Free transfer.
- Proven goal scoring record.
- Accepting a huge cut in salary.
- Accepts that he may not be a first team regular.
- Determined to prove his worth and repay the manager's faith in him.

I'm not over the moon about it but, the fact that it's a free transfer and that he has (supposedly) taken a dramatic decrease in wages makes it an easier pill to swallow. He'd be a great player to bring on when we're in need of a goal. Say what we will about Michael Owen, but he is a better finisher than anyone else whom we currently have in our ranks. And one thing Manchester United do well is create chances for the forwards.

We've been crying out for a striker who is clinical in the area, who plays in and around the area. We saw many a game last season where we created chance after chance that all went begging, save for one or two that were finally tucked away. We have now at least addressed that problem on some sort of level in Michael Owen. He may not be the answer, but he is a short term solution who could be good or great depending on his fitness. And it's an addition that didn't cost us a penny, for a player who won't throw his dummy out if he's not in the team every week.

We can now continue pursuing other targets with our transfer kitty intact, while being a tad more secure (his fitness) should we fail to land another quality forward.

[sukhy2004]

Aguero - 45million
Veloso and Moutinho - 20million and Nani on loan
Robben - 10million

:D

[Meyyappan]

Fuck it, lets do a Meyappan and just go for it.

£30m for Fabiano
£10m for Van der Vaart
£20m for Sergio Ramos
and while we are at it lets try and sign Ronaldo back for £70m

You wont be getting ramos and the ronaldo thing is seriously retard whilst i am sure u could get the other 2 for 40m

[Papa]

You wont be getting ramos and the ronaldo thing is seriously retard whilst i am sure u could get the other 2 for 40m

:faceplm:

[mufcsean]

You wont be getting ramos and the ronaldo thing is seriously retard whilst i am sure u could get the other 2 for 40m

Oh my, you are just brilliant, thanks that made my day.

[Stormrider]

Still think it's Saha all over again but still a great move. If things don't work out we can always offload him for a cool few mil which is pure profit, and I'm sure a handful of clubs will come knockin if that time comes. I mean just look at Everton and Saha :laugh:. Win win situation for us.

[Top Gun]

The more I've thought about it the better the deal gets, I think he will do very well.

[Foxhound]

The more I've thought about it the better the deal gets, I think he will do very well.

Yeah. From what I've read, his rumoured basic wage is around 20k per week. So, it's not a huge loss if he's injured for a big part of next season.

[dotty]

The only thing that can really go wrong with this deal is him being injury prone if he's fit he will score goals end of he just has that natural finishing ability.

Now Man Utd have lost their best player to Real and then lost out on a striking replacement, so what if Ferguson thinks about getting Owen who done well at Real Madrid but got shunted out, came to Old trafford for nothing less wages than Madrid had to pay and got more out of him than Madrid did?

For me it's a slight one up, nothing too lose i say, plus you can piss of every single Scouse Liverpool fan :)

[Ziss]

£35m and Brian Kidd for Diego Forlan
£42m and a pack of Ritz Crackers for Vitor Baia
£2.75m for Hans Segars
17p for Robbie Fowler

[Dragonfly]

£35m and Brian Kidd for Diego Forlan
£42m and a pack of Ritz Crackers for Vitor Baia
£2.75m for Hans Segars
17p for Robbie Fowler

It's a good thing you're not the manager. Baia and Segers are both retired and Fowler is past his best.

[Ziss]

It's a good thing you're not the manager. Baia and Segers are both retired and Fowler is past his best.
Sorry, I forgot to mention I was talking like that Marzipan user tends to...

[Mjällharth]

Is Meyyyappan the user in question? Sounds awfully like him.

[mufcsean]

Yeah that is who he means.

I read Eto'o would prefer a move to us rather than City and would also drop his wage demands, whilst he is a good player, his attitude stinks and i don't want him to be honest, i know Fergie is good at sorting out players ego's but i think it is too late to sort out Eto'o's seriously bad attitude.

[Mullet Taylor]

i think the signing of ashley young would sort things out

--------sar
da silva----rio---vidic---evra
--------carrick---------
valencia-----giggs-----young
-----rooney--------berbatov

whoever utd sign next needs to have tons of pace. i think ashley young would fit the bill. a young english player who is proven in the prem. plus hes not big headed and looks like a good team player.Young still looks like hes improving aswel

i still think signing Owen is a touch of class. Owen will defo score the goals but how good is he at heading the ball ?

[Papa]

Owen's decent in the air for a little guy isn't he? I remember him outleaping Jaap Stam to score with a header once.

[Jonny2J]

It looks to me like a lot of people in this thread haven't actually watched any of that gutless areshole Owen for a good while then judging by some of the comments in here.

I think he will do well, only because of the service on offer, as without anything he is an absolute waste of space, actually no fuck it he is just a fucking waste of space regardless. Absolutely hate the tosser and I have never ever been one to wish ill on a football player but I hope someone out there goes and ends his career.

[dotty]

i think the signing of ashley young would sort things out

whoever utd sign next needs to have tons of pace. i think ashley young would fit the bill. a young english player who is proven in the prem. plus hes not big headed and looks like a good team player.Young still looks like hes improving aswel

I agree I thought they'd go for him first, he's a team player and a decent player and will improve, I thought they had bought Valencia for 16mil not 23 that's a bit steep like.

[Mullet Taylor]

was valencia 23 mil ? surely it was 16mil up front and add ons etc over appearences and success etc

since young is english then his price tag will be £41,490,370.46

[mufcsean]

The fee was undisclosed but was rumoured to be in the region of £16 to £18. There will most likely be a sell on clause and other little add ons but nothing to take it over the £20m mark.

I would really like to sign Ashley Young as he is already a very good player and he has a lot of potential but as we all know, English players are stupidly over valued and I doubt we will be willing to pay anything like what Villa will be wanting.

[muscularmatt]

dont really ever associate with these man utd types usually tbh,
but i come here cap in hand to just beg of you that you make
michael owen AWESOME again so he can play for england and
we win the world cup

p.s. MOLINEUX GONNA FUCK YOU UP THIS YEAR!! WOOOOOO!!!!

[Hunter]

Don't worry Matt, Fergie will work his magic and Owen will be top scorer next season. :mellow:

Maybe not but I'm sure he'll do well enough to silence the critics.

[Foxhound]

i think the signing of ashley young would sort things out

--------sar
da silva----rio---vidic---evra
--------carrick---------
valencia-----giggs-----young
-----rooney--------berbatov

Replace Giggs with one of Fletcher or Hargreaves.

[Jonny2J]

The biggest myth in football btw is that Owen is a world-class finisher. He isn't, his shot is absolutely weak as piss, one of the weakest I have ever seen. What he is world class at though is his reading of space, anticipation and movement in the box, that is why I think he will do well at Man Utd, that is why he scores so many headers too as it's not because he out muscles or out leaps defenders most of the time, it is because of his reading of the game he gets into space in the box and reads where people are going to pass the ball.

Still hope his helicopter crashes with him in it though.

[AgentZero]

were tipped to sign a few more youngsters, which im not a fan of. Surely the Academy lads are worth a gamble too.

[Haribo]

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has revealed that winger Gabriel Obertan is on the verge of signing for Manchester United.

The highly rated 20-year-old became a regular for Les Girondins at the just 17 but last season found chances hard to come by under former Red Devils defender Laurent Blanc.

The French Under 21 international was loaned out to fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient for the second half of last season where he featured 15 times, scoring once.

Arsenal, Inter Milan and AC Milan are said to have been interested in the youngster but it appears United have won the race for his signature for an undisclosed fee.

"There is a very strong likelihood that the deal will go ahead," confirmed Triaud to L'Equipe.

"Manchester United want to sign him and, for our part, we would be delighted to see Gabriel playing for such a prestigious club.

"We will make the official announcement when the time is right."

Great? :faceplm:

[Hunter]

I quite literally have no opinion of that.

[Rainey]

Obertan looks to be a top player, I saw him in the toulan tournament and he is a proper winger

[uA - 1905]

Obertan played against us in the UEFA Cup back in 2007, he and the left back (Tremoulinas) raped our right side and they had tons of chances due to Obertan. This year we played them again, but he was at Lorient on loan so that was a huge relief.
Young, pacy, with lots of skills, and he could be a mini Ronaldo for you lot. Much better signing than Valencia if it goes through.

[Mjällharth]

In my opinion if Villa want to aspire to the top 4 they should manage to keep players of that stature.

[Stormrider]

You know whats weird? United also signed Obertan in my BAL.

[Bammers05]

You know whats weird? United also signed Obertan in my BAL.

That is weird.

Who else did they sign? :shfty:

[Top Gun]

I hope Foster is given more chances next season. I think he could be our number one for years but I'm worried he's getting impatient, I don't want to end up with Kuszczak. :S

[AgentZero]

god i was sad to se ronaldo be presented at the bernabeu. I know a lot of people say weve seen the best of him but i beleive there is loads more to come. Should injuries not plague the lad, his determined nature would see him improve still. Ill regretably keep on eye on his progress.
Also did a youtube sesh looking for Obertan vids and the kid looks promising but has the same tendencies as Nani at times.

[Foxhound]

I hope Foster is given more chances next season. I think he could be our number one for years but I'm worried he's getting impatient, I don't want to end up with Kuszczak. :S

I agree. I say make him the first choice keeper at the start of the season. I don't want him having the same role as last season -- appearing of the odd Cup games and league games.

[Haribo]

Gabriel Obertan is undergoing a medical ahead of his expected transfer to Manchester United from Bordeaux.

Reports in France suggest that the 20-year-old is close to completing his £3million move shortly with a four-year contract thought to have been agreed.

The France Under-21 international is said to have attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Inter and Arsenal but it seems the player is now destined for Old Trafford.

The winger struggled for form last season at Bordeaux with manager and former Red Devils defender Laurent Blanc sending him out on loan to fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient for the second half of last term.

Blanc admitted his surprise that a club of United's stature had come in for Obertan and added that the youngster needed to improve in a number of areas if he is to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

"I was surprised too, but it is an unexpected chance for him to play with one of the best clubs in the world," he told Europe1.

"Manchester United have been tracking him for a long time. They certainly hope to advance him, something that Bordeaux and Lorient have failed to do.

"He has the potential, but he must overcome psychological and mental challenges so he can express his true value."

Once Obertan completes his move to United he should arrive in confident mood having just been named Most Valuable Player at last month's Toulon international youth tournament where France finished runners-up to Chile.

I read it was £8m this morning. :/

[Appswah]

Ben Foster's signed a new contract.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5418844,00.html

[Stormrider]

That is weird.

Who else did they sign? :shfty:

Walcott but that's pretty much impossible in reality :laugh:. They also let Anderson go :erm:

[wrathchild_uk]

I hope were not going back to the days of signing players like Djemba Djemba, Kleberson and Bellion in signing this Obertan guy, was just reading how Blanc is rather surprised we've gone in for him considering he's supposedly struggled at Bordeaux and Lorient...oh well only time will tell i guess!

[fick]

I hope were not going back to the days of signing players like Djemba Djemba, Kleberson and Bellion in signing this Obertan guy, was just reading how Blanc is rather surprised we've gone in for him considering he's supposedly struggled at Bordeaux and Lorient...oh well only time will tell i guess!

I don't know about signing players like Double-Djemba, but I do know we are getting a penchant for signing ugly fuckers...

http://img.skysports.com/09/05/218x298/GabrielObertan_2271054.jpg

[Stormrider]

I hope were not going back to the days of signing players like Djemba Djemba, Kleberson and Bellion in signing this Obertan guy, was just reading how Blanc is rather surprised we've gone in for him considering he's supposedly struggled at Bordeaux and Lorient...oh well only time will tell i guess!

That brings back memories :laugh:. Unlike the other 2, Kleberson was the next big thing at the time, supposedly the new Gilberto Silva with attacking flair but he really fell off the face of the Earth didn't he. Wonder what he's up to these days.

[Joel]

Believe it or not, Kleberson was in the Brazilian Confederations Cup squad.

[Stormrider]

Believe it or not, Kleberson was in the Brazilian Confederations Cup squad.

Wow. Did he get much action?

[Top Gun]

I still think we need a big money signing tbh. The guy must have potential but I don't expect him to step straight up to performing in the Prem. Huntelaar?!

[AgentZero]

i think signing somewhat obscure players in large numbers is a much better gamble than a huge money signing.

[Stormrider]

i think signing somewhat obscure players in large numbers is a much better gamble than a huge money signing.

Agreed. Devoting time and energy towards rough gems could pay dividends in the long run.

[Ziss]

I'd like us to get that Brazilian kid in, and if cheap enough, Huntelaar too.

[uA - 1905]

You lot have signed a fantastic player. Well done.

[Acquiesce]

i think signing somewhat obscure players in large numbers is a much better gamble than a huge money signing.

In other words, signing shit/unproven players in large numbers is a better option than splashing the cash for maybe two brilliant players?

[Stormrider]

In other words, signing shit/unproven players in large numbers is a better option than splashing the cash for maybe two brilliant players?

Or young players with a lot of potential and with the right guidance possibly develop to be as good or better than those big money signings.

[dotty]

How much are Real wanting for Huntelaar? I doubt Man Utd would want to buy anyone from Real but if they want 20m or under they should make an offer.

Aston Villa have made an approach for Stewart Downing, could Man Utd now go in for Young?

[Stormrider]

How much are Real wanting for Huntelaar? I doubt Man Utd would want to buy anyone from Real but if they want 20m or under they should make an offer.

Aston Villa have made an approach for Stewart Downing, could Man Utd now go in for Young?

I think Real paid about 15mil for Huntelaar. I doubt they'd charge anymore than that for like their 5th choice striker. I mean they value RVN at 1mil I think.

I dunno about Young we have so many wingers already and his price will be sky high.

[Acquiesce]

Or young players with a lot of potential and with the right guidance possibly develop to be as good or better than those big money signings.

Or developing the young talent already at the club to become as good as the big money signings.

[Hunter]

What wing does this Gabriel Obertan play on, because if he's a right winger, that still leaves us with Nani and Tosic on the left. If that is indeed the case, easier said than done of course, but I'd like to see Nani sold, even if just for £8m, and try and bring in Robben from Real. We were on the very verge of signing the disguised 50-year old Robben before weren't we, until Abramovich threw a suitcase of blood money in his face, so I imagine Robben would appreciate the fact that Fergie has always been an admirer. That way we could utilise Robben while also blending Tosic into the first team as Robben might struggle with all the competitive games without picking up niggling injuries.

We could also do with a DMF or a CMF with real backbone since Hargreaves has fucking died. Completely forgot he existed until just about 10 seconds ago. Any shouts for a solid CMF? I love Fletcher and he's been truly great for us, and I can honestly see him being a first team regular for many years, but with Scholes about to kick the bucket, we could do with an extra asset in the centre since we've only really got Carrick, Fletcher and Anderson. Maybe try and pick up an experienced central player - but not to the age of Scholes of course.

[Stormrider]

Hunter I don't know anything about the guy but I read he's versatile and can play on both. I'm not a big fan of Robben. He's like a poor man's Ronaldo. Dribble dribble, cut inside and shoot all day long when I watched him at Real. He actually has a decent cross on him if only he just stayed wide like a true winger. Plus he's only good for like 15 games per season :laugh:

As for cmf I'm happy with what we have. If Hargreaves can stay healthy this year great but I wanna see a lot more of Anderson. Fletcher and Carrick can put in a lot of games. Giggsy can put in the odd game here and there and Gibson looked decent at times last season.

[Mullet Taylor]

Robben on his day can unlock any defence. mind when he first started at chelsea he was sortig it out. i cant really remember but why did Chelsea sell one of their better flair players to a european rival ? not like they needed the £

Robben and Owen, wonder who'd get the most games :D

[Joel]

Robben on his day can unlock any defence. mind when he first started at chelsea he was sortig it out. i cant really remember but why did Chelsea sell one of their better flair players to a european rival ? not like they needed the £

Robben and Owen, wonder who'd get the most games :D

He only had one more year left on his contract and it didn't look like he was going to sign a new deal. So Madrid offered double what we bought him for, so we sold him. It was good business on our part, seeing as he missed so many games and he could have left for nothing the following summer.

[uA - 1905]

Robben would be a great signing as well, Robben and Valencia on the wings with Nani and Obertan as backup would be the one of the best in the world, and yes I know Nani is a bit shit but he would be a good backup.

[Haribo]

I can't see Fergie wanting another central midfielder if I'm honest. Now that he's signed Obertan, Giggs is surplus to requirements on the wing and will play only in the centre now. Him and Scholes will obviously get less games than before, but it still leaves 4 others (+ Gibson for cup games). Then we've also got Ljajic to eventually groom into place. I expect one if not two midfield signings next summer when Scholes and Giggs probably decide to call it a day.

But don't get me wrong, I'd love to get someone for the middle of the park. How old is Senna now? Getting him for 2 years wouldn't be a bad thing, providing the fee is reasonable.

[Stormrider]

Robben on his day can unlock any defence. mind when he first started at chelsea he was sortig it out. i cant really remember but why did Chelsea sell one of their better flair players to a european rival ? not like they needed the £

Robben and Owen, wonder who'd get the most games :D

Unfortunately those days are very rare as of late. I was a fan during his Euro 2004 days. He was skinning full back after full back and providing an endless supply of quality crosses. These days he tries too much to be like Ronaldo and Messi. I'd rather see more of Tosic tbh.

[AgentZero]

fuck robben, isnt sneijder on Perez's fax list and he can also play down the middle As for a CMF can't go past Toure Yaya, we were linked with a raid on a nou camp but that seems to be just tabloid fodder but could do with his services. How much would Tim Cahill cost?

[Haribo]

How much would Tim Cahill cost?
The entire Stretford End.

[Top Gun]

So how do you reckon we're going to line up next season?

I'm guessing we're going to go 4-4-2 with Rooney and Berbatov up top. Carrick and Fletcher/Hargreaves? in the middle, Valencia and Nani/Obertan/Park/Tosic on the wings.

Though still think we need to sign somebody else. Ribery, Huntelaar, even heard Ibrahimovic today which would be intresting, though unlikely.

[Appswah]

http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/07/10/1374274/manchester-united-to-offer-20m-plus-dimitar-berbatov-for


haha. Heard it all now.

[Foxhound]

I can't decide which is worse, The Sun or Goal.

[Hunter]

Oh definitely Goal is worse, it's right up there with TribalFootball.

[AgentZero]

I can't decide which is worse, The Sun or Goal.
doesnt working for the require some form of journalism..whereis goal is run by joes like you n me

[Hunter]

Mate sent me this: New United home shirt......




















http://megwood.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/425-jackson-thriller-051408.jpg

:laugh:

[Dragonfly]

Does that mean your performances next season will be thrilling or that you'll die a lame death.

[AgentZero]

Obertan looks like a cartoon character but i cant put my finger who...

[Acquiesce]

Seen on SSN that Rooney trained for United this morning wearing a wooly cap, despite the sun beaming down on Manchester. Apparently one of his ear's is mangled. Wonder what happened. Any ideas?

[Sully]

He fell over on his yacht about a week ago and caught his ear against something, i think.

[Hunter]

Seen on SSN that Rooney trained for United this morning wearing a wooly cap, despite the sun beaming down on Manchester. Apparently one of his ear's is mangled. Wonder what happened. Any ideas?

Had a fight with Mike Tyson...and won.

[The Messiah]

Obertan looks like a cartoon character but i cant put my finger who...

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2026/squidwardspongebobsquar.gif

[AgentZero]

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3355/obertangabriel19308.jpg (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/obertangabriel19308.jpg/)
my mate says Doug! but i dont think so

[Bish]

He looks like Lewis Hamilton's mentally disabled brother who's locked in the cellar.

[Usul]

Spanish press are saying that Fergusson wants Eto'o so, allegedly, they've offered 29 million Euros and have agreed to pay him around 9 mill a year. :huh:

If this is true, Samu will not turn it down, and neither will we.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Spanish press are saying that Fergusson wants Eto'o so, allegedly, they've offered 29 million Euros and have agreed to pay him around 9 mill a year. :huh:

If this is true, Samu will not turn it down, and neither will we.

Thought Fergie wasn't going for players over 27 on big money transfers after Berba turned out to be a flop (well last season anyway)

I don't think it's good business signing a 28 year old for that amount, I think his best days are behind him. We should be focusing on Aguero or bring back Dong.

[AgentZero]

please no! Old Trafford is an ego freezone since july 6

[Vitumbiko]

Manchester United in fresh contact with Gremio over Douglas Costa

• Ferguson targets 18-year-old tipped as 'new Ronaldinho'
• United offer financial package of £7m plus add-ons

Manchester United have re-established formal contact with the Brazilian club Gremio about trying to reach a compromise over a fee for Douglas Costa, the talented 18-year-old who has been hailed as "the new Ronaldinho" in his country.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, rates Costa as the brightest young talent currently playing in South America but the England League champions could not convince Gremio to allow him out on loan when negotiations began earlier this summer and believe the deal can happen only if the Porto Alegre club drastically lower their valuation.

Gremio have severe financial issues and are acutely aware that selling their most prized young asset could be the answer to those problems. With that in mind, they have informed prospective buyers they want £21m. United regard that as excessive for a player who has not yet played 20 senior games but they are hoping Gremio's position is negotiable and have put together a financial package, with an initial outlay of £7m, plus a series of success-related add-ons if the player lives up to the promise that has brought him to the attention of Ferguson via John Calvert-Toulmin, the club's principal scout in Brazil.

The transfer hinges on whether a compromise can be agreed and United are hoping the influential deal-maker Chris Nathaniel can help to convince Gremio that they risk getting nothing at all if they continue to play hardball. Nathaniel, whose extensive list of clients includes Rio Ferdinand and Robinho, is prominently involved with Costa and has spent the last few days in Brazil, in the process holding extensive talks with Gremio's hierarchy.

Manchester City are also aware of Costa's burgeoning reputation but they, too, regard Gremio's demands as exorbitant and would rather pay significant transfer fees for established players. United's policy is different, targeting players below the age of 25 if large sums are involved, and Costa fits into their transfer strategy as a young, talented footballer whose value should feasibly go up in future years, just as happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 18 when he signed from Sporting Lisbon.

Costa, a Brazil under-20 international, has other admirers in Spain and Italy but has indicated he would like to move to England and become United's fourth signing of their summer, following Luis Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan to Old Trafford.

Carlos Alberto, Brazil's outspoken World Cup-winning captain in 1970, recently accused United of "raping Brazilian football" and urged Fifa to intervene to prevent the country's best young players from being lured away by Europe's leading clubs.

United, however, are proud of their expansive operation in South America, having plucked three Brazilian players – Rafael and Fabio da Silva plus Rodrigo Possebon – from relative obscurity in the past two years.

Costa, who joined Gremio at the age of 11 and is contracted to the club until February 2013, helped Brazil to victory in the South American Youth Championship in January and February, scoring three goals in the process, but United's interest in the player dates back more than a year before that. Gremio is the club where Ronaldinho made his breakthrough and Costa has obvious similarities in terms of his ability to run with the ball and beat opponents from his favoured role between midfield and attack, as well as being a free-kick specialist.

Any deal would be dependent on the player receiving a work permit but United have never had significant problems obtaining the necessary paperwork in the past.

LcZPye-oSqY

Promising talent, but I don't think he'll get anywhere at Man Utd, he'd be better off at some Portuguese team or just staying in Brazil.

[Baddar]

SAF has just announced at a news conference that United won't be making any more signings this summer.

One can only hope he's saying that to keep quiet on a possible incoming player, but it doesn't seem likely. :/

[Miggy]

Owen to get number 7.

Dear oh dear.

[Foxhound]

I'd leave the number 7 vacant, at least for one season.

Regarding Sir Alex not signing any new players, he does have a point. After the sale of Ronaldo, the players' price inflated.

The squad looks weaker than last season, but who's to say that the team will be weaker? It happened during the off season of 2006-2007 when Ruud left, and there was no direct replacement for Keane was made, but in the end, the team managed to gel together and played some of the best attacking football I've seen.

I remain optimistic for next season.

Meanwhile, Fergie knew Tevez was leaving
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he had a feeling Carlos Tevez was going to leave Manchester United as early as January.
"Maybe in January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer, I think it was on Inter Milan night and he never came back to me.

"I rang him on holiday, texted him twice and he never got back to me, so he had made his mind up.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5431237,00.html

Contradictory from what people believed that United only made an offer after the CL final.

[Haribo]

Brace yourself boys. We'll be fighting over 4th place with City and Everton.

[Berry]

Nah I don't think you'll do that bad, you'll get 3rd place easy. That'll be Arsenal fighting for 4th again :(

But who knows, I hope it happens though and we finish above you, that would be well worth it :D

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Brace yourself boys. We'll be fighting over 4th place with City and Everton.

I doubt it. Our squad was better than Chelsea's and Liverpools last season and now is on a par with them. Fergie always does this though, does mad every few seasons like the one he purchased Djemba Djemba and Kleberson. I don't know how he can think going into next season with a weaker squad than last season is a good plan. True the market is inflated but we have £80 million and I doubt prices will go down next transfer window with Real and City probably going to splash the cash again. If they've gone up in a recession are they really going to go down when the global economy is recovering?

I did some maths cos I was bored. Last season our top scorers in all competitions were:

Ronaldo - 26 goals
Rooney - 20 goals
Berba - 14 goals
Tevez - 15 goals
Vidic - 7 goals

Total - 82 goals

Without Ronaldo and Tevez (in theory) next season we would score 41 goals but we replaced them with

Owen - 10 goals
Valencia 6 goals

Which would hopefully give us a total of at least 57 goals meaning we're still down 25 goals a season from our top 5 goalscorers. It also means that Vidic may be our fourth top goalscorer next season!

Okay it was a bit silly. It does however mean that our current squad has to make up 25 goals between them on their last seasons tally to score the same. Also bear in mind Liverpool scored 9 more than us and Arsenal and Chelsea scored the same...

Okay I'll shut up. Maybe we'll win every game 1-0...

[wrathchild_uk]

This is starting to remind me of the time we sold Stam and got Blanc in as a replacement..seems as if were going back to the days of signing cheap replacements.

[AgentZero]

Stam was fuckin quality. I reckon this squad will start slowly and still maintain a string of 1-0 victories and Owen with number 7 if it hasnt been mentioned

[Mullet Taylor]

tevez done more to put pressure on the opposition and won quite a few meaty challenges. Owen won't do that as much whenever hes up top. im surprised he got the number 7.

[AgentZero]

Ya i reckon one of our new wingers should have attained it instead. It being traditionally a wingers number.

[Foxhound]

Ya i reckon one of our new wingers should have attained it instead. It being traditionally a wingers number.

If it was given to Valencia, people would be complaining because he's not a big name player.

Same thing would happen if it was given to Nani.

[Phatmann]

Am I the only one who doesn't really give a shit about shirt numbers? I couldn't care less who gets number 7.

In other news, I just heard on SSN that Tevez has moved to Man City "to win trophies." Maybe I heard it wrong?

[Miggy]

Come of it, imagine giving Rooney number 2? It just doesn't look right. 7 is a midfield number. Mind you the subs bench is in the middle on the wing of the pitch so it wont be so bad.

[Papa]

Come of it, imagine giving Rooney number 2? It just doesn't look right. 7 is a midfield number. Mind you the subs bench is in the middle on the wing of the pitch so it wont be so bad.

:laugh:

[Phatmann]

If Rooney was given number 2 I can honestly say I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

[Bish]

Am I the only one who doesn't really give a shit about shirt numbers? I couldn't care less who gets number 7.

In other news, I just heard on SSN that Tevez has moved to Man City "to win trophies." Maybe I heard it wrong?

I wouldn't pay much attention to remarks like that. Almost every player says something like that when they move to even a decent team. He's just saying/been told to say what the fans wanna hear.

[Foxhound]

Am I the only one who doesn't really give a shit about shirt numbers? I couldn't care less who gets number 7.

In other news, I just heard on SSN that Tevez has moved to Man City "to win trophies." Maybe I heard it wrong?

It doesn't bother me that Owen got the number 7. I was browsing some other forums and some were overreacting with it, calling it disrespectful to give the #7 to Owen because he played for Liverpool, or the #7 has always been for world class players, and Owen just doesn't fit the category anymore.

Was it disrespectful to give Cantona the number 7? I don't think so.

[AgentZero]

numbers in todays football is somewhat important. Somewhere along the lines of marketing a player, if it werent wed still have the positional numbers thing. Im not going to fret about Owen having 7 but in the light of the recent players adorning that number theyve been marvelous performers for the club so its kinda special.

[Haribo]

I'm sure after Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo, most of us were expecting a huge signing to collect the number 7 shirt (I suspect Fergie was hoping to give it Benzema). The fact this hasn't happened is actually more worrying than it being given to some Scouse has-been sick note.

[AgentZero]

I'm sure after Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo, most of us were expecting a huge signing to collect the number 7 shirt (I suspect Fergie was hoping to give it Benzema). The fact this hasn't happened is actually more worrying than it being given to some Scouse has-been sick note.
Hes from Chester and is a toffee. Im clutching on those facts for all moneys worth.

[Haribo]

Burnley have completed the signing of Manchester United youngster Richard Eckersley.

The full-back has inked a four-year deal at Turf Moor after turning down a new deal at United.

As he is under 24, Burnley will have to agree a compensation package with United for the 20-year-old.

Eckersley came through the ranks at Old Trafford and he was tipped for a big future at the club.

However, Clarets boss Owen Coyle has managed to persuade him to turn his back on United and move to the England League new boys.

Not bothered there.

[Phatmann]

We need a new poll, any suggestions? I was going to add a "who will we sign?" poll but considering the last 2 players we signed came out of nowhere - Owen and Obertan - the list of options would be never-ending.

[Foxhound]

'How many trophies will United win next season?'
'Where are all the goals coming from?'

[Meyyappan]

Fergie has said he will sign no more players

[Bish]

Fergie has said he will sign no more players

He also said he'd never do business with Madrid for Ronaldo, things can change quickly.

How about:
'Do you still have faith in Berbatov to deliver next season?'.

[Dan]

Do one on Michael Owen. It'll be interesting to see what people think of him now, then again in 6 months. When he'll be no doubt on his way to collecting the golden boot. ;_;

[Haribo]

'Are you happy with our transfer activity this window?'

The options being no and hell no.

[Acquiesce]

'Where will United finish in the PL next season?'

or,

'Who will be United's top scorer next season?'

[Stormrider]

How many games will Owen play b4 breaking his leg?

[Lord Shrimpeh]

We need a new poll, any suggestions? I was going to add a "who will we sign?" poll but considering the last 2 players we signed came out of nowhere - Owen and Obertan - the list of options would be never-ending.

Well it would probably end after no one.

How about "is City's first team now better than Uniteds?" :(

He also said he'd never do business with Madrid for Ronaldo, things can change quickly.

But the fact he's not planning to is worrying in itself. Unless Bayern offer us Ribery for 20p he probably won't do anything. Mind you judging on the last player they sold us that's probably a bit too much...

[AgentZero]

Im all for Who will hit the ground running out of the three transferees

[Foxhound]

From manutd.com

Travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster; Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Fabio da Silva; Nani, Zoran Tosic, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs; Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov, Federico Macheda, Wayne Rooney.

I'm disappointed that the other two signings won't be travelling, and the fact that Hargreaves is missing from the squad. I thought that he has fully recovered.
I wonder where's Vidic & Park.

[Baddar]

Obertan's injured, I believe.

No idea why Valencia hasn't gone though. Same applies to Veda.

[Phatmann]

Anyone else buy the home shirt today? I didn't plan to but I walked past Sports World and one of the people there was asking everyone who went by if they were a Man U fan as the shirt was on sale today. It's not a great shirt but at least they don't have those white bits on the back which peeled off for me. :(

That's a pretty good tour squad, not many youngsters. Are you going to travel to any of the games Skullverine?

[Baddar]

I ordered mine from JJB on Tuesday. It'll either come at some point today or tomorrow I would think.

I might get Macheda on the back as well to be different from other people who go for the more obvious options, but I'll hold off for a short while incase he goes out on loan. Our shortage of strikers tells me this shouldn't really happen, but who knows.

[Foxhound]

Anyone else buy the home shirt today? I didn't plan to but I walked past Sports World and one of the people there was asking everyone who went by if they were a Man U fan as the shirt was on sale today. It's not a great shirt but at least they don't have those white bits on the back which peeled off for me. :(

That's a pretty good tour squad, not many youngsters. Are you going to travel to any of the games Skullverine?

The top part of my black away shirt has peeled off. I thought an original replica would last longer. I barely use it, maximum of once a week.
I may be getting the new kit, but I may have to settle for a good quality knock-off @ bestway4you.

I'm not going to the games because they're mot going to my country, and they probably never will.

[Mullet Taylor]

Seen on SSN that Rooney trained for United this morning wearing a wooly cap, despite the sun beaming down on Manchester. Apparently one of his ear's is mangled. Wonder what happened. Any ideas?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1200086/Wayne-Rooneys-nasty-ear-injury-revealed-time-flies-Malaysia.html

[Stormrider]

Vidic picked up a knock playing for Serbia. Maybe the same for Park. Wondering why Valencia didn't go either.

[Phatmann]

We've signed Mame Biram Diouf from Molde and he's been loaned straight back to Molde. Fergie really is picking these transfers out of nowhere.

Source (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5437739,00.html)

[Appswah]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5437492,00.html

That mean they just cancelled one of their 4 games?

[Phatmann]

Yes, just the one in Jakarta. Looks like they are trying to arrange a match in place of the cancelled one so maybe they'll end up in Brunei.

[Miggy]

Skullverine has set this all up.

[ads]

We've signed Mame Biram Diouf from Molde and he's been loaned straight back to Molde. Fergie really is picking these transfers out of nowhere.

Source (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5437739,00.html)

This is bizarre, I was watching a video of him yesterday on youtube playing for Molde, the boy looks good and he can finish...perfect hat-trick in the first half.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knwLaO1YCn0

Granted, it is only the Norwegian league, but if you can finish you can finish.

[Phatmann]

We bought Solskjaer from Molde when he was 23. :naughty: If he becomes anywhere near as good as him, we've had a result. Unfortunately, I envisage him ending up like Erik Nevland or Fraizer Campbell. I hope I'm wrong.

He scored that perfect hat-trick in 10 minutes. :|

[Bish]

Oh dear.
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that new Manchester United signing Gabriel Obertan will be out for at least three months with an injury he sustained while still with former club Bordeaux.

Though I doubt he would have been thrown into the first team straight away anyway.

[Appswah]

Not bad.. first goal left foot, second right and third header..and his fourth was a major bit of luck lol.

[Foxhound]

Yes, just the one in Jakarta. Looks like they are trying to arrange a match in place of the cancelled one so maybe they'll end up in Brunei.

Would be great if that happens. We have one of the best hotels in the region, called The Empire Hotel, and our stadium is quite decent, has a capacity of 30 000.

Skullverine has set this all up.
Shh. Don't tell anyone. :ninja:
Oh dear.


Though I doubt he would have been thrown into the first team straight away anyway.
Hmm, I wonder how he passed the medical?


Any chance of Mame Biram Diouf related to El Hadji Diouf?


Good news on Hargreaves. Sir Alex says Hargreaves might return in September. He's currently on rehab.

[Baddar]

I like this Diouf fella already.

[Phatmann]

Would be great if that happens. We have one of the best hotels in the region, called The Empire Hotel, and our stadium is quite decent, has a capacity of 30 000.


Shh. Don't tell anyone. :ninja:

Hmm, I wonder how he passed the medical?


Any chance of Mame Biram Diouf related to El Hadji Diouf?


Good news on Hargreaves. Sir Alex says Hargreaves might return in September. He's currently on rehab.
No, he's not related to El Hadji Diouf. That certainly is good news about Hargreaves, although I hope that the injury hasn't affected his ability.

[Haribo]

That certainly is good news about Hargreaves, although I hope that the injury hasn't affected his ability.

Well you've got nothing to worry about there.

[Phatmann]

Well you've got nothing to worry about there.
Because you can see into the future?

If you're implying that Hargreaves is shit, you're wrong.

[Joel]

Well you've got nothing to worry about there.

Can't believe you still don't rate Hargreaves.

You're a stubborn bastard :lol:

[AgentZero]

fucking Bombings man!

[Phatmann]

We're selling Manucho to Real Valladolid. What a pointless signing he was. :unsure:

[Lord Shrimpeh]

We're selling Manucho to Real Valladolid. What a pointless signing he was. :unsure:

Maybe he and Dong can head a team of United rejects along with Djemba Djema and Kleberson. Could probably make a starting XI of rejects that would win league 2.

[Mjällharth]

How did you do that?

EDIT: Owen scoring the winner. Well I never.

[mufcsean]

Owen haha.

My my i'm fucked off this summer, 3 signings that are nothing to get excited about after losing 2 world class players. City rubbing the signing of Tevez in by sticking a shitload of posters of him in a City top all around Manchester, and the fact that we only seem to be interested in people who are young and have no major experience, and will most likely leave us after a season or 2.

Why the fuck are we not trying to sign big names, we should be going for the likes of Fabiano, David Silva and Huntelaar etc. Obertan, Owen, Valencia and Diuof are not even close to being anything to get excited about. I was excited about Owen as it was going to be intresting to see how he does but the novelty has worn off.

As for giving Owen the number 7 shirt, in one sense i am pissed off he was given it, we should have saved it til we bought a big name, but its better than giving it to Valencia.

[Baddar]

I was excited about Owen as it was going to be intresting to see how he does but the novelty has worn off.


The novelty has worn off before you've even seen him play a competitive game...?