Radamel Falcao

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

Tremendous player, his movement is amazing and his finishing ridiculous. But it means nothing if they can't sort out their attacking build up and defense. A player like Falcao will look very average if they play the way they've been playing recently. He's the ultimate poacher but how can you poach if there's no chances being created? Hopefully, before van Gaal sorts these problems out, because he will, we will be out of sight.

[The Skipper 20,593]

Di Maria and Falcao in one window though... Crazy stuff. I'm just delighted they still have massive holes in their squad.

[The Chels 2,502]

He called United the biggest club in the world. No doubt he'd have done the exact same if he signed for Real. These mercenaries...

[Sovieticus 743]

He called United the biggest club in the world. No doubt he'd have done the exact same if he signed for Real. These mercenaries...

But they are big though

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

Di Maria and Falcao in one window though... Crazy stuff. I'm just delighted they still have massive holes in their squad.

They do have some weaknesses in their squad, obviously their defense is nothing special, compared to ours but it's hardly weak either. The signings of Falcao and Blind boost them a lot. They're still missing Rafael, Evans, Shaw and Rojo. In central/holding midfield Carrick, Blind and Herrera are coming back as well. Add that to the other ridiculous talent they have, their squad is looking more impressive than Arsenal's or Liverpool. Once van Gaal moves away from this 3-5-2 insanity, they'll become a force again. Maybe not like before, but a serious candidate for 3rd or even 2nd. They don't even have European football to worry about.

[Pizy 18,425]

So if they're a considerable distance off of top spot come January, how much do you guys want to bet they'll splurge another £100m panicking and buying some defenders in desperation to finish top 4?

I hope this season goes spectacularly wrong for them.

[The Chels 2,502]

But they are big though

I highly doubt a South American player who dreams of playing for Real thinks United are bigger.

[The Skipper 20,593]

They do have some weaknesses in their squad, obviously their defense is nothing special, compared to ours but it's hardly weak either. The signings of Falcao and Blind boost them a lot. They're still missing Rafael, Evans, Shaw and Rojo. In central/holding midfield Carrick, Blind and Herrera are coming back as well. Add that to the other ridiculous talent they have, their squad is looking more impressive than Arsenal's or Liverpool. Once van Gaal moves away from this 3-5-2 insanity, they'll become a force again. Maybe not like before, but a serious candidate for 3rd or even 2nd. They don't even have European football to worry about.

They still seriously need some WC CBs though. Rojo is a bad signing, Smalling & Jones aren't fulfilling their early potential (add Rafael to that), Evans is bang average... - they've been training under the 3-5-2 system predominantly this season - no stability on their back four - no chemistry with so many new players... There's too much to do.

I don't think they'll mount anything serious this season no. Maybe next year.

[Sheva. 5,373]

Pretty smart by Utd. A lot of their fans are now wanking over El Tigre, and already forgot Evans/Smalling/Blackett will still play major minutes at least until January. And they still don't have a true DM.

It's also a bit of a clusterfuck having all these players for 3-5-2, so will be interesting to see how Van Gaal handles it.

[LAB 1,030]

Weirdest MU summer ever. You have to stand in awe in front of their exquisite set of attacking players, but that defensive plan is a joke! LvG will prove either a genius that sees something noone sees (no way really) or too damn stubborn.

Can't wait to experience yet another nail biting PL winter.

[Tomo 21,733]

United are like us under Rafa, they have great players, but only on some areas of the field.

On the other hand, now Fergies gone they look like there heading down the route of Real Madrid, splash big on Galacticos, the individual talent will win them trophies but they won't dominate.

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

They still seriously need some WC CBs though. Rojo is a bad signing, Smalling & Jones aren't fulfilling their early potential (add Rafael to that), Evans is bang average... - they've been training under the 3-5-2 system predominantly this season - no stability on their back four - no chemistry with so many new players... There's too much to do.

I don't think they'll mount anything serious this season no. Maybe next year.

Why do you think Rojo is a bad signing? I've always been impressed with him every time I saw him play. He can also play CB if need be. So can Blind. I do agree their defense is nothing special but you don't need a special defense to come 3rd or even 2nd in this league when you have an assassin like Falcao up front. Once van Gaal moves away from that silly formation and they settle, I see a top 4 finish at least.

[quickpassnmove 924]

ManUnited, shooting for a 14th place finish. would be wonderful if they were teetering on relegation come the end of April

[The Skipper 20,593]

Why do you think Rojo is a bad signing? I've always been impressed with him every time I saw him play. He can also play CB if need be. So can Blind. I do agree their defense is nothing special but you don't need a special defense to come 3rd or even 2nd in this league when you have an assassin like Falcao up front. Once van Gaal moves away from that silly formation and they settle, I see a top 4 finish at least.

Never ever been impressed with Rojo as a CB, however he was decent as a LB. In a sense that he's going to be United's main CB it's a bad signing.

I disagree with the Falcao factor too, you're overstating it. 1) Falcao has just come back from injury, who knows if he'll reach that godly Atletico Madrid form - where the team was fully geared to created chances for him - will it be the same at United? I don't think so... 2) As mentioned before, that Atletico team was built around Falcao. United won't be built around Falcao, they have too many quality players there for them to do that. 3) What is United's best XI? Who missed out? Mata? RVP? Rooney? They have an abundance of attacking talent but they're not compatible as it stands now. 4) The foundation of the team is slightly above average. Daley Blind is not a bad DM but he isn't hugely amazing. Can't hold the team down on his like someone like Matic does... He's not the best under pressure. Add Herrera next to him and the foundation of the team is not solid at all. Decent teams (which there are plenty of in the PL) will find out sooner than later that pressurising United through the middle will create opportunities for yourself.

I can see them finishing top four too probably but they should be doing that with the talent of their team. It won't be considered an overachievement or anything. Hence why I think United won't do anything serious this year (i.e. title challenge) - unless everything magically comes together I can't see it happening, even if they have no Europe. The team is still a bit in chaos IMO.

I'll view them as a threat next season perhaps.

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

Never ever been impressed with Rojo as a CB, however he was decent as a LB. In a sense that he's going to be United's main CB it's a bad signing.

I disagree with the Falcao factor too, you're overstating it. 1) Falcao has just come back from injury, who knows if he'll reach that godly Atletico Madrid form - where the team was fully geared to created chances for him - will it be the same at United? I don't think so... 2) As mentioned before, that Atletico team was built around Falcao. United won't be built around Falcao, they have too many quality players there for them to do that. 3) What is United's best XI? Who missed out? Mata? RVP? Rooney? They have an abundance of attacking talent but they're not compatible as it stands now. 4) The foundation of the team is slightly above average. Daley Blind is not a bad DM but he isn't hugely amazing. Can't hold the team down on his like someone like Matic does... He's not the best under pressure. Add Herrera next to him and the foundation of the team is not solid at all. Decent teams (which there are plenty of in the PL) will find out sooner than later that pressurising United through the middle will create opportunities for yourself.

I can see them finishing top four too probably but they should be doing that with the talent of their team. It won't be considered an overachievement or anything. Hence why I think United won't do anything serious this year (i.e. title challenge) - unless everything magically comes together I can't see it happening, even if they have no Europe. The team is still a bit in chaos IMO.

I'll view them as a threat next season perhaps.

Yeah, I agree with that. It can be easily be summed up as they are an unbalanced and top-heavy squad, something we all know.

The bolded part can also be applied to a team like Arsenal. They are pretty "light" through the middle but that doesn't stop them from finishing 4th. Not every team can have a Matic or Toure.

I don't think they'll challenge for the title either. Challenge as in 3-6 points off top place. I think they can finish high though, 3rd or even 2nd (City letting Negredo leave is idiotic) but I don't think it will be close points wise between us and them. Their fans will be delighted with 4th place I guess, despite the players they now have.

[iseah100 5,612]

Never ever been impressed with Rojo as a CB, however he was decent as a LB. In a sense that he's going to be United's main CB it's a bad signing.

I disagree with the Falcao factor too, you're overstating it. 1) Falcao has just come back from injury, who knows if he'll reach that godly Atletico Madrid form - where the team was fully geared to created chances for him - will it be the same at United? I don't think so... 2) As mentioned before, that Atletico team was built around Falcao. United won't be built around Falcao, they have too many quality players there for them to do that. 3) What is United's best XI? Who missed out? Mata? RVP? Rooney? They have an abundance of attacking talent but they're not compatible as it stands now. 4) The foundation of the team is slightly above average. Daley Blind is not a bad DM but he isn't hugely amazing. Can't hold the team down on his like someone like Matic does... He's not the best under pressure. Add Herrera next to him and the foundation of the team is not solid at all. Decent teams (which there are plenty of in the PL) will find out sooner than later that pressurising United through the middle will create opportunities for yourself.

I can see them finishing top four too probably but they should be doing that with the talent of their team. It won't be considered an overachievement or anything. Hence why I think United won't do anything serious this year (i.e. title challenge) - unless everything magically comes together I can't see it happening, even if they have no Europe. The team is still a bit in chaos IMO.

I'll view them as a threat next season perhaps.

I think Falcao will be fine. He played all of preseason and was touch and go for the world cup till the last minute. I still think they are too unorganized to crack top 4, are they better than Liverpool? They may be on par with Everton. Their team will take a while to click.

Agree with everything else though!

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Not with intention to ruin MU lovefest party. How is his knee condition? Has he ever play for 90 minutes yet since injured?

Also I love a lot of pressure has been put on Falcao. All of them think Falcao will be their saviour and can lead MU back on track immediately. I would not be surprised if he failed to do so, as it is not an easy job to do, even if you're perfectly fit, leave alone with dodgy knee.

[iseah100 5,612]

"United can attract and pay world-class players with no CL football. It's the combination of financial muscle and reputation that is impressive."

"I think the manager helps out in this case. I don't think we nab players like Di Maria or Falcao with Moyes. The money is important but playing for the likes of Van Gaal or Sir Alex is part of the draw too I would imagine."

"Mourinho must be crying himself to sleep. He would kill to have one of our attackers, let alone all of them."

"Attracting all these players without CL football is proof of how big a club United really is."

Redcafe...ohhh lord.