OneMoSalah

People forget he was so close to joining us in 2017 though, that he had already been here before where he stated he grew up a Chelsea fan and idolised Drogba. He also said he wishes he worked with Conte sooner meaning he probably regrets not signing with us in 2017 or whenever it was. But its money now?

Vlahovic has done it for one season. People tend to forget that. Good prospect by the looks of it but would take Latauro Martinez over him all day long, plus he is that sort of CF who can score goals and also link the play which when you play a fluid front 3 like we tried to do last season, that is imperative. In a partnership or a front 3 with someone like Werner who runs in behind teams and isn’t the best at linking up, surely someone like Martinez would make more sense no than more of a target man type which Vlahovic looks like. Why do you think Lukaku and Martinez worked so well? Lukaku does less linking up because Martinez does it. And Martinez is also a hugely underrated goalscorer, aged 22 having scored 49 goals for Inter in 132 games, thats not bad at all. He isn’t like w Dybala who is more of a creative midfielder/10 as opposed to a second striker or centre forward. Or like Kai who is an attacking midfielder.

If City don’t get Kane they will still get Grealish (90% sure it’ll happen now) as well as have De Bruyne, Sterling, Mahrez and Foden who will get them a lot of goals. Even Gabriel Jesus if he plays regularly from the start if they dont buy a CF will get them a lot of goals as he has proven at City he is capable of getting decent numbers in limited minutes despite not being an elite CF or first choice, getting a goal every second game more or less at City. Man United have got Sancho, Rashford, Cavani, Greenwood and Fernandes who will also get a lot of goals. Liverpool have got Mane, Salah, Jota who will undoubtedly score a lot of goals. Firmino will also contribute. Not signing someone who will score a minimum of between 10-15 league goals next season would be stupidity if we want to be serious and compete for the title. The likes of Werner and Havertz may come good but they got 6 and 4 league goals last season. The others such as Mount got 6, CHO 2, Ziyech 2 and Pulisic 4. Regardless of them all improving their returns we still need to get a regular and reliable goalscorer to try and bridge the gap between us and City. TT and his tactics can only get us so far because eventually, we will need that killer at the top end of the pitch. Werner isn’t that killer player in the final third, he probably is always going to be a secondary or third source of goals in a top team. Havertz isn’t going to be that guy either I don’t think, despite the promising performances as a false 9 when Tuchel came in.

Based on one game v Bournemouth? We still need a CF. I am not against Broja taking Giroud’s spot in the squad but if we sell Abraham, then another recognised CF is 100% needed. And a good one at that. Werner and Havertz will improve but again, they didn’t get enough goals between them last season to say that we would be good to rely on them this season. Think they got 10 league goals between them.

What…. he is nowhere near the same level Eden was or close to possessing the same footballing intelligence or creativity that Eden had for us….. and is nowhere near as decisive in the final third. As mentioned before, he clearly has a tendency to take too many touches and thats a problem at a big club when your doubled up against or need to move the ball quickly to break teams down. Maybe its ok at Villa when your their key man and they look to you but in a top team, with de Bruyne’s, Bernardo Silva’s, Sterling’s etc, you cannot afford to do that. For sure, Grealish is a good player and improved his goals and assists last season but he played in a mid table team where he basically got a free role off the ball, didn’t need to track back, stayed high as Villa’s outlet on counters. Plus he only got 6 goals and 10 assists in 24 starts, 4 sub appearances. When you look at it 5 of those goal involvements came in that freak 7-2 game v Liverpool. Actually, 9 of those 16 goal involvements in the PL came in the first 7 games which he all started. So in another 17 starts and 4 sub appearances after the first 7 weeks he only got 7 goal involvements. He’s in for a big shock at City because Pep will demand regular goals, assists and more importantly lots of work rate and pressing. Said it before, I think City should of signed Sancho back and United went for Grealish in all fairness. Sancho suits City more than Grealish would for me. And Grealish suits United more because hes a counter attacking player and thats how they play in big games.

Tbf Baka had a handful of games where he played very well here, for me against Spurs, United and Atletico in particular he looked a very good player, much better than Drinkwater ever did, but he did turn shit after that sort of initial period. It probably wasn’t the pace of the league as such, it was more the technical ability or lack of it should I say and footballing intelligence that made him look shit. If Tuchel decides Drinkwater is good enough to be our 4th choice CM when he has sat on the bench for Villa and Burnley though and then played for whoever FC in Turkey then I would be surprised. Not one of them is good enough though really and we should be looking to get someone of a higher quality than both of them in.

And Conte’s Juventus wasn’t a defense orientated team built around a back 3 with two hard working wingbacks and 2 physical hard working well rounded midfielders around Pirlo (Vidal and Marchisio - although they were top top players and more than just workers)? Or Deschamps France team at the World Cup? Most games United play bar the top 6 they usually dominate the ball either way. And prior to Bruno Fernandes arrival when the creative burden was on Pogba, did he express himself then? No he didn’t. He's 28 years old if he was a truly world class player you’d think he would have shown it at club level by now. Even in patches. But he hasn’t. I don’t see why Pochettino and PSG want him either. The worlds most inefficient luxury player.

Mid table PL clubs get more TV money and have bigger budgets than teams like Sevilla though so obviously the wages here will be on a whole different level than what they are. Zouma is only on 46k? Even if he is, no way is Kounde on 73K at Sevilla. That would surely be there highest earner?

He was average under Mourinho who has been one of the best tactical managers in the 2000s. Even if Mourinho wasn’t at his peak/best, you cannot tell me Pogba was anything more than average through most of his spell there and probably has been a lot of the time since Ole was there as permanent manager bar the initial season during the time he changed. I mean again, for France, Deschamps is also hardly an outstanding manager and the proof of that is that France hardly play exceptional football (although they did win the World Cup playing like they did) so this ‘imagine him under an outstanding coach’ stuff baffles me. It always has. It baffles me even more considering his best football at United came under Ole who isn’t an exceptional coach after Mourinho was sacked in 18-19. I know he was pretty good at Juventus, looked a real player who could become a world class midfielder but he hasn’t done anything of real note at club level since coming to England in 2016. Well maybe half a season. £90m too. And can anyone actually imagine him running a lot in Pochettino’s high pressing tactics at PSG either?

Dumb selling Pogba? Based on what? The guy shows up 5 games a season and is more or less a highlight reel player. This idea of Pogba being anything more is an absolute myth. He’s flashy yes and it looks good sometimes but he’s not anywhere near the level he should be. He doesn’t make good decisions as a central midfielder a lot of the time. Then when he does something great, he will do something stupid, letting someone run by him or not chip in like the rest of the team and close down. Even at France for the Euros in the game v Switzerland he summed himself up. Done something brilliant scoring that great goal then gave the ball away so cheaply doing something stupid where the Swiss got their second or third goal from. I mean would you take Pogba here? Your playing with 10 men without the ball when he plays and he’s spent countless seasons at United where he has struggled to inspire or drag that team over the line when he was meant to be their catalyst. Even Ole doesn’t play him in CM in big games, instead using Fred and McTominay there behind Fernandes and that sums it up for me. I would probably be more worried if United sell Pogba and actually get someone who can play as a slightly more disciplined midfielder to compliment Fernandes and McTominay who can definitely further improve as a box to box midfielder. Heres hoping they keep him because in the 5 or 6 seasons he’s been at United, I don’t think he has had a standout one yet bar maybe the second half of 18-19 under OGS.

Fair enough but again, I still think there is a bit of overhyping on him. I mean I doubt City are kicking themselves either after seeing how good Dias has been (wanted us to sign him and Laporte ourselves in both those seasons they moved). As I said in the first post, Kounde is a good player but still has got to play at a high level consistently. Huge potential but potential is potential. Also throwing in a stats comparison between Varane who probably had the worst season of his 10 years at Real Madrid (which again he wasnt even that bad) against someone who had arguably his best season at Sevilla isn’t exactly going to convince anyone who has seen Varane play regularly since he started at Madrid that Kounde at €80m is a better buy than a World Cup winner who has also been part of a team thats won 18 trophies for £41m. Which is why I am baffled we didn’t consider a move for him considering the original links a while ago. £41m is a steal.

So I guess now people will be saying Ziyech “isnt a cunt for telling Hakimi not to sign for us” after last night then? I think v small teams CHO and Ziyech is our best bet on the right tbf. Be plenty of football for him and Reece unless we do something big but I think Hakimi was the only real target for that area. Either way I think this is Callum’s biggest season of his career yet coming up, he’s 21 this year and needs to really start showing a bit more consistency and kick on another level I think to really nail down a slot in the team somewhere be it RWB or off the lefthand side. I get its maybe not a last chance saloon situation because at 20/21 you’ve got plenty time still but he needs to try and force his way into the team on a regular basis with his performances or before we know it we will be looking and wondering why hasnt he kicked on.

They were wanting him to replace Sancho IIRC but yeah will just accelerate more rumours on Haaland. He is more of a central striker but has played from the sides too. Not entirely sure how they’re planning lining up under Marco Rose but he has played with 2 upfront at Salzburg and Mochengladbach using a 442 diamond as well as also using a 433/4231 so will need to keep an eye on it and see. As well as that, other than Haaland Dortmund don’t have any other established CFs really so it makes sense to bring someone in to provide cover/grow into the team anyway for next summers eventual sale of Haaland. But cue the Haaland will be sold now rumors 😂

Found out? I can’t see it. At his age, where he was before also, he is certainly far too good to get found out. And even then bar the fact he maybe isn’t as physical as a van Dijk or a Dias, he’s every bit as good as most top top CBs these days and still in the top however many. Can do basically everything and he has pace that Maguire doesn’t so in all likelihood its a potentially very good partnership for United. I think its also a big mistake from us not making a serious move for that price. He’s probably better than most or dare I say it, all options out there in that price range at present. I think people are thinking Madrid’s downfall or France’s games at the Euros means he is all of a sudden a bad player when in fact he has grown into and been one of the best central defenders around for the best part of 8 or 9 years. I mean surely if he wanted him that bad he would of signed him? Not like moneys ever been an issue for City for recruiting defenders is it? Or that Pep rarely gets what he wants at all at City? For CBs, Stones cost 47.5m in summer 2016, Laporte cost 57m in January 2018, Dias cost 61m in 2020 and Ake cost 41m that same summer too. Throw in the money they paid for Mendy, Walker, Cancelo as well then 2 GKs too so one would think that surely if he wanted him, they’d have bought him, no? Considering they’d spent 100+ mil on 2 CBs in that summer its not exactly like they were short of the funds to meet his release clause/asking price at any point. And if Nathan Ake is seen as a better signing than Jules Kounde then we should really be questioning if he is the right signing. Clubs get linked to hundreds of players by the media, it doesn’t necessarily mean its true.

Wouldn’t even swap Zouma for Kounde straight up yet alone doing a deal for Kounde that is cash + Zouma personally. I mean Kounde is good currently, young, with huge potential but he still has to get to that next level consistently. He had one really outstanding game v Barcelona which made everyone notice him more but you would think he did that week in week out when the truth is, he didn’t. He didn’t play much better than Rudiger or Christensen did under Tuchel for instance either really. The worst of it is Varane for £41m is an absolute steal and those cunts United are the ones making the deal, not us, which is infuriating.

If he was a reliable goalscorer, assister or chance creater I would agree but he is neither of the three bar one half season with Sarri really. I mean how can he be an effective super sub if he doesnt contribute goals, assists or key passes regularly?

Lewis Baker playing CB in a back 3 with Sarr and Sterling or?

Aye perhaps but still I think we need to see what Tuchel does this season tactically because a managerial change always provide that bounce run of results 9 times out of 10 although his impact was clear, changing the system, getting a real balance and ultimately a much more effective way of playing. I think as well when we compare this next season when its finished to the 6 months from last season also it will give us a good indication of how good he really is. My only concern with him and it’s something he spoke about himself I think, is that he maybe sometimes gets the inclination to tinker too much. Like at Mainz and Dortmund he would regularly chop and change a lot, the systems and players. Or even players positioning. He has already had a few games here where he’s mixed things up personnel wise too but In Germany he was notorious for it.

Aye would think so. If Lamptey doesn’t go though means he will probably be their back up RB. Which he could have just stayed and gone on loan perhaps.

Seen a handful of games this season. As I have of Camavinga. Wouldnt say theres a great deal between them. Camavinga maybe struggled compared to last season but wouldn’t say that theres anyway one is much better than the other, even if they are slightly different players.

Not sure how you can say that. I mean I doubt anyone watched Tchoumeni at Bordeaux here (unless we have some hidden Bordeaux supporting users) and really, he only played 3 games the season before last for Monaco. Lot of talk of him being a good player but Bakayoko was very much the same and flopped horrifically after one standout season. Do agree Camavinga is a bit overhyped and he had a poor year last season but, at the same time, Tchoumeni is probably getting similar plaudits and links that Camavinga got the season before last where he was very impressive for Rennes. Would say its hard to say ones ‘miles better’ than the other all things considering they’ve both really only had one pretty good season by the sounds of it. Have to disagree. Phillips was definitely much better throughout the Euros I felt bar the first 50/55 minutes v Italy in the final where Rice was excellent to be honest. His use of the ball is also much better although still England were too safe in midfield in terms of trying to break the lines and play into the front players. Rice will never be a top club player unless he improves that. You cannot simply be a top midfielder these days if your technically not good enough to play forward and play whilst under pressure. Its no surprise once the Italians pumped up the pressue second half v England that Rice (and Phillips also) struggled severely to get a grip on the game again. They kept losing the ball. Phillips would probably suit our team more than Rice bar the fact he isn’t exactly big physically. Better passer of the ball. Plays in a team who always/usually dominates the ball, playing through the lines although I think where he plays for Leeds, as a 6, its his best role.

I think we would have seen him under Frank is he was ‘that good’ but again who knows. Not doubting he has potential but whilst Leeds may not be the worst move, its hardly outstanding either as theres no given he will play much more there than here really. Don’t think he will play regularly there this season at least anyway, although if he does fair enough. Livramento going to Brighton when Lamptey is there, is 100% a stupid move though. If he wants to play, going to a team who have another young RB - who had to leave us in the first place at to get first team football and is only 20 years old - who will likely be their first choice, well its stupidity. But again, fair play. Lot of talk that Sterling has impressed Tuchel in training so we will see how it goes with regards to if losing these 2 is as bad as people seem to think. Bate nowhere near the first team regardless so can’t see the fuss for the next 2/3/4 seasons at least and Livramento well we’ve got James who is vastly superior as it is and the most sensible long term option looking at our squad for RB/RWB.

Was always a calculated risk bringing him in (apparently was someone Conte did want too). Have to get rid now. Even for what we paid for him. Or less.

10m for someone who hasnt played a first team game? And his contract is running down no? No chance.

What about the others who also played the FA cup final this season, last season or the UEFA Super Cup etc? Or the rest of the Derby team who lost the playoff final also when he was there? Or the rest of the England team who lost the Euros final? You calling them all not capable of being part of trophy winning teams too? Or are you just going after our player of the year for the sakes of being controversial or edgy over a forum which I think the Mount critics are more than anything now because even when he was playing well last season, it was still reoccurring. Same with Jorginho. Its kinda embarrassing. And “privilege of featuring in”, honestly what the fuck are you on about haha. I mean you saying he shouldn’t have made 5 finals? And even more ironic, wouldn’t playing in 5 finals in 2 years for club and country not indicate he’s doing something right no???? Theres a reason he’s playing in all these big finals. No doubt he has a quiet Euros but jesus christ, you’d think it was a criminal offence (and its not because he has dirt on all these managers or are their sons etc, despite the conspiracy theories)