LDN Blue

That's the thing though, it's easier because they don't have a system. Remember why it was hard for anyone to manage us post-Mourinho? It's because our system from Mou was still haunting every manager who came because those players were still here. United's Fergie players are going and that's why they've chosen to get rid of Moyes now. Because this summer, whoever's in charge will literally build his own system and philosophy. Indeed I don't think think they'll win the title, but they'll challenge long into it and will be in the CL too, at the expense of Arsenal.

But you make it sound like they've been in a state of years. They've had one blip, but that core of ex-players who they've brought in will ensure that Unity. They'll certainly attract a top manager, I don't doubt this at all.. All these big names are dismissing them now, but it'll be a more interesting story come summer. I still don't think we've heard the last from Klopp.

But you have to think for players that United court, are they going to think "for years"? This is the first time in a long time they've failed to reach 4th, but United as a club will have a brand that will attract players regardless. They've got that power of being "Manchester United" and that name alone will allow them to still sign top starts that can allow them to mount a title charge.

Nike is right here. United are weaker than ever, but not so weak that with a few signings they wouldn't be a top 4 side again. Yea, they've got a weak center midfield, but they've had that for years & managed to win titles - not just last season. 'If _____ than they could've ____' is always a weak argument but there's no doubting that their goal machines being injured was a major factor in their slip this season. Like Liverpool showed, a few astute signings for scoring goals (rather than defending) minus the obligations of Europe will allow them to mount a title/top-4 charge immediately next season.

17 is was iconic with Hazard, so I'd actually prefer it if he stayed as #17. Especially for people who bought the shirt this/last season.. But I guess someone has to take it lol

I wouldn't really go as far as world class. I mean he's good, really really good. But he's not someone that should be deemed irreplaceable this summer. Cahill's strongest asset is those last-minute challenges and interceptions, but they're actually basic things you're looking for in a defender anyway. He's reliable. He'll be in the right position with set plays and all but he's not as comfortable on the ball as you'd be looking for in a modern CB. He's prone to losing the ball when he goes walkies and he's lucky he's able to make last ditch tackles when he does lose out.

because Manchester United is till Man United. One the biggest brands in the world will not be out of Europe for too long. It's like if Real Madrid one season failed to qualify for Europe, they'd still have the brand.

We all knew it would happen, and really if we were one of those clubs at risk we too would be celebrating. It's like Barca's transfer ban being suspended, when it happened to us we were over the moon.

His Dad does need to take a step back a bit, the kid's 18* and he's expecting first team opportunities already? Ballsy. *That being said, he can't be blamed for lack of faith his son will ever get said opportunity.

We used the shirt thing to convince Mata to sign, now we'll use it to convince Hazard to stay

Very tragic, had potential to have a long career in football management. Rest in Peace.

which is fine as long as they're not a major threat to anyone. even the most "beautiful footballer" (however you choose to define that) will attract jealousy & thus hatred if it's successful.

I was literally just remembering that and look what I came across..

Of course. The last thing we need again is the cliquey dressing room we all were witnessed to in previous years, especially post-Mourinho to AVB era.

You have a point. Another example, more recent, was with Pappis Cisse and Wonga sponsoring NUFC. But I think these examples are a different debate from a celebration. If the religious aspect was just limited to this, and the player agreed to this, then I don't think there's an issue. But as you say, they can't then begin to dictate the club's actions because they should know that comes with a job. There haven't been many high profile issues regarding religious practices in football because of the mutual respect between those in the sports and those still strictly religious.

It's justified. 1 game for the usual ban & 3 for violent conduct.. And those 2 facts are both true.

"HE CAN'T BE SOLVED. HE CAN'T BE SOLVED. HE CAN'T BE SOOOOOOOLVED.. FERNANDO TORRES, HE CAN'T BE SOLVED" it's got a nice ring to it

they're never going to follow through with kicking a club out. it doesn't make sense for uefa on a financial level lol.

But Cavani didn't score against us.. he must be rubbish

We're successful, of course we are It's like, right now everyone loves Everton because they're a smaller, ambitious, club. If by some miracle Martinez got them to a consistent title-challenging squad everyone would turn on them too.

Yeah but it's undeniable that Liverpool have deserved to be where they are. They've outscored everyone and are currently unbeaten in 11 matches. I hate that they'll win the league, but I don't think this season it's a real shame we let them get this far.

If I could.. He was in that moment where the season was crumbling and he came and salvaged it. Got us a trophy and qualification for CL despite intense hatred from fans. Short term, yes. Long term, Mourinho is much better for us. Benitez doesn't have the experience or knowledge on winning a league, he's a cup specialist shown by his exploits in Spain, with Liverpool and ourselves. He crumbles under pressure and begins mind games he cannot hope to win. In the long term we'll have more trophies than Benitez could have granted us.

But you can't deny he's a goal scorer. He's confident in front of goal and has no trouble adapting to new teams.

Or was he unwilling to fight for his place? As is often said about Lukaku

Love how suddenly Vidal's name is all over the forum when there's absolutely no chance it's happening in the immediate future lmao.