Reddish-Blue

Lamps should have been gone? HAHA, that's the most absurd thing i've ever heard. You actually compared a Chelsea legend to Mikel's situation? Mikel would of been sold long ago at another top club.

United won't sell him to Chelsea because they're not going to strengthen a rival club I think it's pretty simple with Rooney...either PSG buy him or he stays at United.

You look at the Nigeria squad..Mikel is the most experienced midfielder with 40+ caps. He's expected to influence the way they play... As for Chelsea, he's always been surrounded by great midfielders like Lamps & Essien at their peak, Ballack..etc. But now, we don't have that leader in midfield, that bit of grit & steel... I really expected Mikel to step up and fill the void but he simply hasn't. In terms of talent & tools available, he's up there with the best...but whats missing from Mikel's game is that bit of aggressiveness and/or ability to influence the game on a consistent basis.

Both of your examples of MIkel playing well are against below average teams. As I said, he looks great against poor opposition...which is what you expect from an average midfielder.

Yea, his passing range is brilliant...must be so hard to just stand there and pass the ball back to the CB or to Cech...under no real pressure. Mikel is a passenger, not a leader...and that is part of the problem with our midfield. We don't have a CM/DM who is capable of leading the players in those tough games against strong opposition. As for people who use Mikel's AFCON performances to praise his ability and his brilliant play...well you'd expect him to stand up against average opposition.

According to whoscored..he's missed 3 penalties this season.

I just think if we're gonna use a 3 man midfield...Ramires should start alongside Oscar and the DM. Then KDB can come off the bench for a tiring Mata or Oscar..

Yea, that makes alot of sense. We're gonna pay Torres..175,000 a week just so that he can come on for 20-30 minute cameos and try to take advantage of tiring defences? I'd rather keep Ba, he's on lower wages and he's not gonna complain or sulk if he doesn't get enough playing time under Mourinho.

I reckon leaving the PL and trying to work his way through another league would be a good step for Rooney. He needs a change of scenery...not sure if a move to Chelsea would actually help him.

In terms of attributes...I'd go with Cavani, Rooney, Gomez As for cost...Gomez, Rooney, Cavani I'm not including Lewandowski cause he's pretty much a Bayern player.

Well...there should be clubs interested in signing him on loan from us...once the deal is official. I agree with your point though..he's got potential..just like Chalobah, Ake, RLC..he needs to prove himself in a stronger league. Hopefully we find the right club for his development...

There's no reason to spend 17 million on Schurrle. If we really wanted 'squad depth' for the wings...i'm sure we can find a capable player for under 10 million. As for Marin, let's see how he goes in pre season under Mourinho...he's always had talent, just needs to find consistency. (Unless some club is willing to pay around 5 million for Marin...we might as well try to give him some confidence)

Dortmund are in a bad position regarding Lewa....if he really wants to go Bayern, he can just run down his contract and then move on a free next season. Should be an interesting transfer window for Dortmund...i'm expecting to see Eriksen sign for them for some reason.

When will the Torres nightmare end.. I don't see many clubs who are gonna take a risk on a declining Torres...

Hopefully Mikel gets sold. It's unfortunate that no-one wants to pay a decent fee for a rubbish defensive midfielder.

Yeh but what if Bayern doesn't want him after 2 years? They could sign someone else. At the end of the day, Lewandowski's dream is to play for Bayern..even though it shows a lack of ambition.

Sounds like a great deal. Bring in a talented prospect, loan him out to a solid footballing club..where he should be able to settle in with his Serbian friends and then bring him back when he's ready. If this kid fulfils his potential, we'll have a solid RW option in the coming years.

Thats why we need a backup keeper who can fill in for Cech...and as you've mentioned in the other thread...Schwarzer or Green on a 1-year deal wouldn't be a bad option. Not taking anything away from Blackman..but his skill-set is very raw.

Exactly. We offered Napoli quality players as well as cash for Cavani. I guess the president has every right to be greedy on this particular transfer..because Cavani is a special talent and he's their most important player. At the end of the day, it depends what Mourinho wants...a beast forward for 50 million or 2-3 potentially good players for 50 million..

He moved to Club Brugge at the end of May for a reported 180,000...and apparently he's had trials at Spurs, Wigan, Celtic in the past year. Hope he gets some experience in Belgium...him and Langerak should be competing for the Socceroos #1 jersey (if they develop as expected) once Schwarzer decides to call it a day. (Note: I always keep a close eye on talented Australians...cause that's where I grew up! )

Yeh there is a reason...and as a second choice ST...he played 18 games (21 as substitute)...still managed to score 23 goals this season. As I said, Cavani should be #1 priority..but Gomez isn't a bad option. For something like 15-20 mil, it would be interesting to see how Jose uses him...

He needs regular football...Langerak definitely has the talent, just needs a bit more exposure..

I'd take a good finisher above someone that misses easy chances but improves the team's overall play. Gomez is an old fashion centre-forward, his technical ability is limited but he'll get you goals. Cavani should be our #1 priority...but Gomez for 15-20 mil isn't a bad option.

Schwarzer, Harper, even Robert Green is available on a free... All of them would be good enough backups to Cech on a 1 year deal.

Well I don't put myself in that category. Not all football fans are fickle. If I hate a player, I would NEVER chant his name. In Torres' case, I just clap when he gets subbed off.