Hutcho

Hopefully we can meet in the middle at more 30ish. Anything much over that and it is getting a bit too expensive. Especially as one of the few teams who want to buy him.

I think he means that on top of the occasional game against lesser teams where mata and hazard might be rested, lukaku can come on to make an impact and kind of play alongside rooney (just in front of him), if we want to come out in the second half more attacking or whatever. Unlike the situation now, where if we want to put another striker on, it has to be a like for like swap or we actually have to play 4-4-2. With rooney, we could play similarly but slot rooney alongside mata, and let him make runs of the striker. But yeah, of course primarily it is to fill the void we have at striker.

Mourinho is manager though. He isn't afraid to bench bug names who doesn't deserve to start. Sure they will all get chances, and it wouldn't help Lukaku's playing time having another striker coming in. But it's a long season, and he can still have a very big role. I really think Mourinho will be able to see that he is our second best striker (if rooney comes) and act accordingly. He is still young, and improving he doesn't have to be no. 1 playing every game, even though I think he could do that job well for us if the bid for rooney falls through.

Someone i have never voted before... NishC300. GL all. And thanks for the mention Alex.

Paulinho is at tottenham, but our midfield could well get raped by Yaya.

We have had 1 pre season game. Give the guy a chance. If he thinks he can work some magic in our midfield then that is fine with me. In Mourinho i trust and he will do what he thinks is best. Sure i would have loved to see DDR join, but its not always as simple as that. And you can't complain at his lack of arrogance when the season is still a month a way. Give him a chance.

Probably pictures that shouldn;t be posted in the physical and mental health thread.

Yeah thats cool. Do it in a monthly block or whatever...

Still in. Not sure if I will get round to writing much news, but I'll definitely help with the match previews. Are we doing them for pre season games as well? Just pick an order and we will rotate round. And if anyone needs any help post here and I'm sure someone can help find some stats or something. I can do whenever, except I am on holiday for the United game () and the bayern game, so probably won't be able to do a preview for them.

To clarify I think that's what Jose will do. Just based on the fact he is familiar with him. At Madrid there was lots of Competition in there. But realistically here, I can only see it being him or Mikel in one of those spots as a rambl/lamps partnership won't be solid defensively. I still think essien can do a job in there. But obviously so can mikel. We will see.

Yeah picking strikers I'd terrible right now. Rvp is now put as I cba to spend that much. Might go 3-5-2 for a change, and fill up on AM's.

Honestly, I think essien will be no 1 DM over mikel. And mvg will get a few opportunities here and there.

My mate just text me... He is very worried lol.

Thanks guys. In case anyone is wondering, i Got lots of Chelsea stuff.

Thanks guys. In case anyone is wondering, i Got lots of Chelsea stuff.

And, i think @Barbara, wins with best happy birthday message...

That was pretty funny, actually thought it was serious for the first minute.

I have been informed by stingray to make sure "the women don't take over"... So i am watching you...

Thanks. Yeah i never really take notice of the socks. Perhaps i should lol.

White would probably go a bit better, but blue is th colour, though tbh i never really take note of what colour socks we have. What are the ones for this season? White or Blue?

Yep i agree. Really cement our intentions.

Thanks guys.

United could let rooney sit on the bench, unhappy. Or sell him to a rival but get some money from it and get the wages off the books. I think we will have to bid higher to get them to sell, but either way united have a bit of a problem on their hands.

Happy birthday WHS. My birthday today too lol. 19th of July, clearly a great day.

If we get him... Great. If we don't... Lukaku we are all behind you.