Blue Armour

Yeah...don't think anyone else is going for a 100 million signing this window. At the same time, I hope we don't pay anywhere close to a fee of even 60 mill for someone like Lukaku

Not too thrilled about this especially since we've got Michy Batshuayi. If Lukaku is going to come in for that kind of fee he's bound to start, and he would probably throw a fuss if he doesn't. And honestly don't want him to relegate Michy to third choice. Already know a lot about Lukaku's game from the last two seasons and the Euro's. His consistency is nothing to shout about

Criticized his performance in the first friendly, but this was more like it. Plenty of energy and it showed in the results this time. Hope he can maintain this level of focus going into the new season.

When he said 2 CM's, I think he just meant 2 in front of the back four and an attacking midfielder/extra striker in front of them. Similar to how he had RLC in the first half yesterday in front of Matic and Mikel, and later having Oscar/Traore there in the second half. I would expect Fabregas to play the role that RLC did. And plus, Fabregas is not a stranger to playing up top as well.

Seriously, trash post...to even think Malouda was anything like Bograde. The man played many levels above several of starting 11 from last year, when on form.

Hope he can bring some freshness into the squad and their mentality

Surprised that people are only highlighting Mikel and Ivanovic...what about lazy-ass RLC? No surprise he was one of the first to get subbed. Chalobah who came on later, as well as Moses showed much more drive. Its because of the lazy, apathetic players in our squad that the good ones like Hazard and Costa become frustrated. Costa's face when sitting in front of the dugout after the second goal went in said it all.. Conte's got a real fight on his hands to get more drive from these players. Hope the manager wins this time

Based on his press conference, no, nothing's set in stone regarding formations. But you have to admit, with Batshuayi still yet to get acquainted with the league, we would need as many reputable strikers as we can get for backup/rotation

In all honesty, for the benefit of other clubs, Athletico needs to unearth the next big striker like they usually do, instead of going back for one of their old boys

But the thing is, if we're going to play 2 up top (or even if we didn't) we would need 2 quality strikers to come in. Do you really think we'll sign two more strikers this window? Having Remy doesn't count, because whenever we need Remy for backup, he's out injured.

Will not, and cannot blame the club if this one also slips by like the Radja transfer. When the player decides to stay at his club, there's nothing more that can be done. But what I won't accept is keeping all our eggs in one basket. If this one fails, who do we target next? There has got to be a plan C, D or E even. All I know is that with our current depth in central midfield, we are jeopardizing our chances of a top 4 finish next season.

Didn't the reports say that Kante favoured the Premier league over other leagues in the continent? If that's really the case, then you wouldn't have to worry about the CSL.

Eck...you would think that Adidas in its final year would try to make the most and release kits that look good and sell well... Instead they choose to give a bizarre parting gift.

Honestly I think are some people are just panicking because United made signings...IMO too early to do so....Conte's not even arrived at Cobham FFS...

Yep. Joe Cole is the perfect example. He was holding his vomit till he left Merseyside

Agreed...as much quality Pogba is, he is more of a luxury player at this point from our perspective. Someone like Kante should be far higher in terms of priority. And besides, only United can realistically match the transfer fees and wages to lure Pogba to England.

Matuidi is currently in England right (on a break from the Euros)? And linked strongly with United? He even got a pic taken with Zlatan (former team-mates I know) yesterday...If they sign him and Pogba, their central midfield will have no compare...Mauidi, Pogba and Mkhitaryan. We have got to get someone like Kante to hope to compete against something like that

Haha, if he doesn't I don't think it'll be too long before he gets one. Lots of fun to watch his intensity on the touchline,

.Honestly.. time to focus more on supporting Conte, and less on Jose. I'll probably be more interested in his comments around the time we actually play them again. Can't wait to get back at him especially since he won his last two encounters against us with Inter

Fantastic.

Hell yeah we should...don't have much luxury in squad depth to give away players, especially in that CDM position. Already gave away Ramires, without getting a decent replacement.

I hope if nothing else, captaining his national team turns into a good learning experience. Taking leadership of the game, whether they were wearing the armband or not, is a quality a lot of our older WC players had. EDIT: A lot of our previous WC players were national team captains as well.

I couldn't catch this game live. How was his general level of play? I heard that he started playing better when moved to the no. 10 role instead of Fellaini?

Total non-sequitur... some journalist tried to prompt him for an answer to see if he would go to Man Utd... He said his clothing brand will be available in Manchester...but you would have to wait for the real info... Lame, I know...

Always had a feeling this would happen... Oscar had his 'Goalaso' moment when Conte was watching from the stands.