Manchester United Talk/Gossip/Rumours - 2013/14

If Barcelona have received bids from other teams as well as United, I think that the various clubs have received word from Fabregas' agent that he wants out.

BUT...

The more likely aspect of it all is that he will use the incoming and failed bids to get a new contract and a promise of more playing time.

Someone jokes about Osman and people take it seriously.

End that conversation right now. There's more hope of signing Fabregas than that.

master-t wrote: »

Interesting stat RE Baines.

Most successful crosses in the Premier League last season: Baines (106), Snodgrass (81), De Guzmán (76), Beausejour (69) & Bale (63).

stat can be skewed by a number of things -

he was an ever present last season and has only missed 6 games, in 4 years - more games = more crosses.

Everton dont play with width in the traditional sense, so he has to get forward more than normal full backs - a similar approach at United would see Evras crosses go up.

with a target like Fellani at the end of those crosses, its easier to get a better success rate.

but the main thing, is that he practically takes all their set pieces.

As above, starting to circulate now that Strootman has agreed to take Roma up on their offer, with the fee being reportedly between 15m-20m. Cant hlep but feel we definitely missed out here. can only conclude that United had no interest to further pursue, as Strootman looked like he was stalling the Roma deal to go to United.

Big, big, big pity. But best of luck to him, looks like he will be a quality CM for many years to come

Cypher_sounds wrote: »

Did many other big clubs bid for Thiago?

Yes, Bayern

Has David Gill left his role yet? In previous years he seemed quite quick with Sir Alex at getting transfers done early and somewhat discreetly.

So perhaps with Ed Woodward now taking over, it could somewhat explain the unusual (and different) approach taken by Utd to sign Fabregas. Maybe even losing out on Thiago the way they did, frightened him into a somewhat premature attempt to get Fabregas? All this is theory of course.

Personally I think (and hope) there had to be something to do with Utd getting some information from either Barcelona or Cesc's agent that there could be a possibility of a move.

NiallSparky wrote: »

How would people on here feel about taking Fabregas on a 1 or 2 year loan deal? Could potentially make sense for all parties.

Don't think it makes sense for Barcelona. They need money for other players. Yeah Xavi would be gone by then but sure Cesc could have broke his legs in the mean time and be worthless.

For United, Definitely. Why not.

I've tried to get my head around this Fabregas business and unfortunately I can see only two possibilities that make sense.

1. To soften the blow of not landing Thiago the club has made an inquiry about Fabregas, showing that the club have ambition when it comes to signing a midfielder and are looking to get an established world class player, but knowing that the chances of actually getting him are quite small.

2. United may not have made an official bid but Barca have leaked it as such to the press to drum up some interest in a player they may be willing to part with for the right price.

Sadly neither of these possibilities make signing Fabregas anything more than a pipe dream.

If United were really interested in the player they should have went in with a proper, "take it or leave it" bid, high enough to entice Barca into a sale, explaining to Barca that they want the player ASAP, and tried to get a deal done before any other teams got wind of a possible transfer.

The way it has played out means the media get involved, other clubs get involved and it makes us look very foolish if it turns out the club had no belief in actually being able to sign the player.

Now I know this is all still rumour and there's plenty of time to sign players, but I would like to see some decisiveness from the club in the market. Identify one or more realistic targets, get the deals done quickly and allow them to have some sort of pre-season with the club.

The Barca managers comments haven't killed the story. Which makes me believe he does have a price.

Do I think United will meet that price? Do I fook.

Personal opinion. Just my own tastes. Doesn't matter if I'm right or wrong but I would be really disappointed if Nani & Rooney stayed and Fellaini joined.

Two players that I just don't enjoy watching and one that I never want to see play for us again.

Puts a damper on things for me if it happens but I'm sure I'll get over it once a few games have been played.

Again nothing against the merits of each player. Just ones I don't want to watch playing week in week out.

Rafael Da Silva : "I can't wait to play more games with Wilfried Zaha ahead of me, he has come in and has shown no fear, even in training he is running past our top defenders."

GSPfan wrote: »

The Barca managers comments haven't killed the story. Which makes me believe he does have a price.

Do I think United will meet that price? Do I fook.

That's what annoys me. I think they've called United's bluff. The club were probably hoping for a resounding "he's not for sale at any price!" from Barca. Then they would be "forced" to go for a more realistic signing but still look like they tried to land a big one.

Instead Barca just say "oh he wants to stay but it's nice to get bids" and attract interest from a host of clubs.

Best case scenario: We table a big bid that is accepted, De Gea turns on the Spanish charm, RVP shows him what a Premier League medal actually looks like and Fabregas signs, possibly causing heart attacks for some on here who never thought they'd see the day when United sign a good CM!

Average case scenario: Fabregas and the club quickly clarify that he's going nowhere, the story dies, United focus their full attention on another target.

Terrible case scenario: Arsenal/City/Chelsea table a big bid that is accepted, Fabregas signs for one of them.

Worst case scenario: Arsenal/City/Chelsea table a big bid that is accepted, we don't match it, Fabregas signs for one of them, we sign Gibson and Osman.