Manchester United Transfer Rumours/Discussion 2007/2008

PHB

End of season, next season begins

I hope we tie up a deal for our midfielder within the next 2 weeks, and that gives us time to consider our striking options.

If Saha stays, I think we need another similar style striker to cover for him. Smith isn't good enough at it, and we can't play 4-5-1 every time he is injured.

leninbenjamin

now that the whole Nani deal seems to be off, who can ferguson go for on the wings? i think todays performance really showed that a replacement for Giggs is really needed.

PHB

Well, I think we are weak in the wings. We only have three good wingers, and with Park injured, Giggs is playing too much to be effective. At his age, he needs to be rested more to be honest.

Another winger, another striker, and another midfielder is need for us to have a fantastic squad, currently, it's just pretty good.

Jonny Arson

Ok I presume Foster is coming back? - so goalkeeping they're grand

Defence - I said in the other thread they can't rely on Vidic. A Centre-back is needed as Ferdinand is a liability. Maybe a right back as Neville is missing alot and is getting older.

Midfield - Centre-mid and left winger, as in future replacements for Giggs and Scholes.

Forward - A centre-forward is essential. Saha is on the sidelines more than on the pitch and Solskjaer is no more than an impact sub. Maybe even 2 forwards needed as I don't think Rossi can cut it.

Can't think of many names at the moment but I think Berbatov would be a smashing striking partner for Rooney.

PHB

Defence - I said in the other thread they can't rely on Vidic. A Centre-back is needed as Ferdinand is a liability. Maybe a right back as Neville is missing alot and is getting older.

I think Ferdinand and Vidic are a cracking pairing. Pique will be returning after a fantastic season in La Liga, so I think he'll really add to our depth. A RB isn't needed just yet, and we have some good youth talent in the area of RB coming up, so no need to spend money here IMO.

Midfield - Centre-mid and left winger, as in future replacements for Giggs and Scholes.

I think Scholes doesn't need to be replaced, Keane does. We need a tackling central midfielder. We can get to Scholes next summer. I think we just need another winger. Giggs is fine if he doesn't have to play nonstop, but he's just too old to play week in week out. Park normally covers here, but we've been injured unfortunately.

Forward - A centre-forward is essential. Saha is on the sidelines more than on the pitch and Solskjaer is no more than an impact sub. Maybe even 2 forwards needed as I don't think Rossi can cut it.

I think Rossi's record in Serie A speaks for itself, 9 goals in 17 games. But he can't replace Saha when injured, he'll take Ole and Smiths place as the 3rd choice striker. If Saha can't get fit, then we need a replacement for his style of player.

Can't think of many names at the moment but I think Berbatov would be a smashing striking partner for Rooney.

We were in for Berbatov last summer, but he decided to join Spurs. He ain't leaving them this summer by the looks of it. He'd be great though, my hope is with Eto coming, but we'll just have to see.

Dave!

I'll C&P my post from the other thread........

United have a pretty good defence, we've just been plagued with injury this season... Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Neville, Evra, Silvestre, Heinze, OShea... Not the worst! I'd be more concerned about having someone up beside Rooney, and a replacement for Giggs.

I'm not sure what you mean about not being able to rely on Vidic. I'd consider him an absolute gem of a defender! He's usually solid as a rock, although he hasn't played his best since coming back from injury.

Agreed on the midfield... Scholes is still playing excellent football, and he's still going in on the hard tackles. But he can't do it forever unfortunately! There was speculation about us going for Deco - has anything emerged about that? Although he's no spring chicken either.

Berbatov would be a great purchase. If we coulda kept Larsson then that'd be sweet But alas!

Jonny Arson

I totally forgot about the outstanding Jonny Evans to beef up United's defence. That will save a few quid.

PHB

Reports in Germany saying Owen is joining

Reports emanating from the German press have claimed Owen Hargreaves is poised to complete a move to Manchester United.

Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea could be softened somewhat by the securing of the Bayern Munich midfielder, if reports prove to have genuine credence.

German magazine Spiegel has reported on its website that United have concurred on a deal with Bayern, at a fee thought to be worth £17million, with the transfer to go through just as soon as Hargreaves puts pen-to-paper on a four-year contract.

Hargreaves was conspicuous by his absence for Bayern's final league game of the season, against Energie Cottbus on Saturday, with his German paymasters having suggested a knee injury was the reason behind his non-appearance.

The Canadian-born England international refused to comment when quizzed on reports of his imminent signing for United, but the Premiership champions' long-standing pursuit of the combative midfielder is well documented.

justfortherecor

Sorry, didnt see this thread when I posted my last message.

But then again, why is a new thread needed. Would it not be better to just keep the man utd transfers/discussion in one thread. Is the one with 1000+ posts for '2007' just forgotten about now?

The Nike sponsorship effect is really showing, we need to change our stripes at every available opportunity! Just seems like a gimmick to me.

PHB

It's a new season, new thread

Sizzler

Out:

Kuszcak : Ropey as fook, has never had a 'safe' game.
Silvestre: Muck ! Always good for a defensive error.
Richardson: Do I need to even explain this one?


In:

Hargreaves: By the looks of it, £17m I think is steep and I'm struggling to see where he will fit in, I think the whole team set up will have to be changed to accomadate him.

Left winger required....since the Nani lad has signed up again not sure where we are going to find this lad

Striker seems to be the key signing for the summer. Ideally a lad who can link play, hold the ball up and preferably score from outside the box, apart from the odd Rooney & Scholes piledriver we dont tend to have many goals from 20yards+, not since Hughes have we had a player like this.

Berbatov has been widely mentioned but hes very similar in play to Rooney and I have been told by Spurs lads (in the know) that he wont be sold this year.

Eto: Sums of €40m being mentioned...AMB

Torres: Not sure how he has done this season after superb record prior to the WC. But again sums of 25m being mentioned, for a lad who has yet to prove it big style I wouldnt bother, could be another Morientes

Owen: Apparently linked with us today in a few papers? Id be amazed if Newcastle let him go after spending so much on him and seeing fcuk all in return. If there was somehow a chance we could get him (fully fit may I add) I wouldnt be unhappy, I think he would fit in very well.

Hoping Fergie has the clout to pull in one major quality signing this summer, would be nice if it was one that none of us saw coming

PHB

Berbatov has been widely mentioned but hes very similar in play to Rooney

I have no idea where you are getting this from? Berbatov is a leading line striker, who holds up the ball well. Rooney is a withdrawn striker, who likes to drop deep to recieve the ball.

Sizzler

PHB wrote:

I have no idea where you are getting this from? Berbatov is a leading line striker, who holds up the ball well. Rooney is a withdrawn striker, who likes to drop deep to recieve the ball.

Eh, hes more likely to drop deep mate then stand up on the opposing 18 yard box waiting for long balls, have you watched Spurs this season? Hes always floating around linking play, difference is hes more likely to be in the box for a finish but the point was thats not his natural game versus what Utd need.

PHB

Eh, hes more likely to drop deep mate then stand up on the opposing 18 yard box waiting for long balls, have you watched Spurs this season? Hes always floating around linking play, difference is hes more likely to be in the box for a finish but the point was thats not his natural game versus what Utd need.

I watch a ****load of Spurs as two of my good mates support them, also they play good football
Very few players stand in the box waiting for the ball.
Berbatov is much much more like Drogba or Saha, than he is like Rooney.

Sizzler

PHB wrote:

I watch a ****load of Spurs as two of my good mates support them, also they play good football
Very few players stand in the box waiting for the ball.
Berbatov is much much more like Drogba or Saha, than he is like Rooney.

Lets not go off topic...we aint buying him so guess we dont have to worry about it

PHB

Fair enough

eirebhoy

Sizzler wrote:

Eh, hes more likely to drop deep mate then stand up on the opposing 18 yard box waiting for long balls, have you watched Spurs this season? Hes always floating around linking play, difference is hes more likely to be in the box for a finish but the point was thats not his natural game versus what Utd need.

I think it's more to do with the role he's given. Some games Keane will play off Berbatov, some games Berbatov plays off Keane. If Defoe is playing then Berbatov will definitely drop back a bit.

Little-Devil

Breaking News on Skysports news.

Bayern Munich President Franz Beckenbauer says Owen Hargreaves joining Manutd :-)

DubDani

Bayern Munich announced this morning on German Sports TV (DSF) the transfer of Owen Hargraves to ManU for 25 mil. Euro plus extras depending on titles etc. Total Fee up to 32 million Euro. He will sign a 4 year contract at ManU.

IMO far too much for an average player who made two or three good games in the England Team.

homerjay2005

so starts the summer long rumours, this is going to be a long thread again!

DubDani

This is not a rumour. A Member of the Bayern Munich's Board of Directors announced it live on national TV. I am sure it will now be a matter of hours for either ManU to unveil the player or for Bayern to put it onto their website.

Vokes

So, that's a midfield of:

--- Hargreaves --- Carrick ---
Ronaldo

---

Scholes

---

Giggs

in CL games anyway ?

PHB

Well Hargreaves is defo coming, so that's the first transfer out of the way, and I'm happy we got it sorted so early.

Now all we need is another striker and winger and we've got an amazing amazing squad.

It's going to be an alternation of

Hargreaves-Scholes [for teams that are very physical, like say Liverpool]
Carrick-Scholes [for teams that play football, say Arsenal]
Hargreaves-Carrick [for when Scholes is rested against weak teams]

For CL games, I think it will depend on if we get another striker. If Saha was fit, I think we'd have played a 4-4-2. If say Berbatov was signed (he won't be, but just for an example)
our CL team would be

Ronaldo-Hargreaves-Scholes-Giggs

---

Rooney---Berbatov

---

If we don't sign a striker of that quality, then it'll be a 4-3-3, with Giggs and Ronaldo on the wings, with Rooney up front.

Mitch Connor

DubDani wrote:

Bayern Munich announced this morning on German Sports TV (DSF) the transfer of Owen Hargraves to ManU for 25 mil. Euro plus extras depending on titles etc. Total Fee up to 32 million Euro. He will sign a 4 year contract at ManU.

IMO far too much for an average player who made two or three good games in the England Team.

Bayern aren't a bad side and Hargreaves has been a first choice player for them for years now; he wouldn't have done that if he was an average player. He has been great for them in the league and in the CL for a while now.

People have a poor opinion of him because he was generally crap for England; but that was when he was playing on the wing, or at full back. When he has been played in the centre of midfield, he has been consistently one of england's better players.

It is too much money; but it always is too much money when united are concerned, we have to accept that and move on. All i care about is getting the right players in; and Hargreaves is one of them.

Now we need a winger and a striker.

eirebhoy

According to Chick Young on BBC Radio Scotland Man Utd will offer Hearts £8m for Craig Gordon after their match today. :eek:

Mitch Connor

eirebhoy wrote:

According to Chick Young on BBC Radio Scotland Man Utd will offer Hearts £8m for Craig Gordon after their match today. :eek:

Hopefully not. Really, that would be one of the dumbest things ever.

Gordon is good, but is he better then van der Saar and Foster? I don't know, and then we have Tommy K as well.

No need to completely waste 8million on a keeper.

Necronomicon

Hopefully Hargreaves will be unveiled ASAP so Fergie can move on with the rest of the summer.

I think goalkeepers/defence is grand. Foster coming back will really put it up to VDS, especially if you compare their performances in the latter stages of this season. Instead of selling Kuszack I'd like to see him on loan at another Premiership club.
Defence is grand imo, people talk about a replacement for Neville but he's not going anywhere for a while yet. If we can keep everyone together, with Evans, Simpson and Pique coming back, there is more than enough defensive cover (maybe even some surplus to requirements).

In midfield, some cover for Giggs is definately needed. I think the injury to Park has highlighted how he simply cannot play in every game. He was having a fantastic season, but just dropped the performance levels in recent games. I don't think people should be too critical of him - and with Park coming back for the start of the season as adequete cover, I think money would be best spent on a long-term replacement. With Hargreaves coming in our central midfield will be beefed up, and I don't think too much cover will be needed with Fletcher putting in decent performances this season, and Pique playing some blinders in midfield for Zaragoza.

Up front is the big question; Saha, I'd like to see stay to be honest because he's a good option to have, but he can't stay fit enough to be first-choice. I'd like to see someone pacey in the side, someone like Tevez, that would compliment the pace in attack of Rooney and Ronaldo. Although, having said that, I don't subscribe to the notion that a player like Berbatov would stunt our free-flowing and counter attacking style of play.
Michael Owen? No thanks. Saha fills our quota of sick notes.

As for departures, I think Silvestre will be surplus to requirements, while Richardson is just not United quality, never will be. He's the only player that makes me genuinely cringe when I see him lining up. However, a glance at various quotes (some were posted in the old United thread) would suggest that the pair are staying. If you believe reports, Brown and Heinze would be the more likely departures, which is a crying shame. Brown is possibly the best 3rd choice centre back in the country and great right-back cover, I'd be sorry to see him leave. Ditto with Heinze. You'd also have to say that Saha's days look numbered.

So, to sum up, what I would like:

In: Hargreaves, left winger, striker.

Out: Richardson, Silvestre, Kuszack (loan).

sofireland

Hargreaves is the type of player we need in there to break things up

Good thing its sorted early now we can go after our other targets!

eirebhoy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6674237.stm

PHB

I think that is the classic example of somebody using United to get their price up.
Like, with VDS and Foster coming back, why would anybody think we want to buy Gordon (who seems to be a pretty good prospect I might add)

Im_No_Superman

PHB wrote:

I think that is the classic example of somebody using United to get their price up.
Like, with VDS and Foster coming back, why would anybody think we want to buy Gordon (who seems to be a pretty good prospect I might add)

Yeah looks like it, would be stunned if he ended up at United tbh.
So who would ye like signed to play on the wings now that it looks like Nani is out of the question. Personaly Id love to get Quaresma, he is top class.

Little-Devil

Tauren wrote:

Bayern aren't a bad side and Hargreaves has been a first choice player for them for years now; he wouldn't have done that if he was an average player. He has been great for them in the league and in the CL for a while now.

People have a poor opinion of him because he was generally crap for England; but that was when he was playing on the wing, or at full back. When he has been played in the centre of midfield, he has been consistently one of england's better players.

I agree with you Tauren, Bayern are big club and you need to be good to play week in week out. Hargreaves has won 4titles, European Cup, German Cup, not bad for an average player.

I really think we need to sign a top striker and we need to replace giggs. I can't see Berbatov signing for manu this summer, he had the chance last summer and rejected the chance, so why would he change his mind. Then there more rummors of Michael Owen joining this summer. I've no doubt he would score goals, but he is slightly injury prone like Saha, but not as bad, but also i dont think Owen is a great team player and he doesn't really get invloved with the play, a bit similar to Ruud style.

Who do you buy to replace Giggs? I can't see ferguson playing Giggs in a 4-4-2 next season with hargreaves, he hasn't got the legs for it anymore which is why rooney has played out there so often. There are few players who Manu could sign, Daniel Alves, Sambrosa, but it i think if we sign Gareth Bale, then he will used as a left winger.

I think we could do with a 2 strikers this summer, but hopefully Rossi is given a chance and that would leave only one, but who i dont know. The same names keeping popping up in the papers, Owen, Torres and Huntelarr. I'd be happy with Torres, not seeing Huntelaar play for Ajax so i can't comment, but he has scored goals in holland. I think Saha is a gonner this summmer, i wont be sad to see him go, might have loads of ability, but to many injuries and far to easy as well. I saw a comment SAF said last week, the new he was a risk when buying him, what a risk £12,000,0000 to be exact.

Outs:
Richardson
O'Shea
Saha
Tomas Kuz

Ins:
Foster
Pique
Rossi

LegacyUser

Please please please go and get Samuel Eto'o. He has the arrogance but he plays to back it up too...He has a fiery attitude worse than Cantona but so what, he plays ball and he plays it briliantly....best striker in the world.

Mitch Connor

I was big on torres last season, but as time has gone on, I have become less and less sure he'd be any good for us. His goal scoring record for Atletico is crap, even including all the penalties he takes. He has talent, but i'm not sure he is the leading man striker we should be looking at, or how he would adapt to the premiership. I think Huntelaar is a better bet - bigger, stronger and has a fantastic goal scoring record, comparable to what Ruud was hammering in for PSV. Another name from holland we are being linked with is Alfonso Alves, he has smashed 34 goals in 31 games this season for Herenveen.

Apparently, we have also become interested in Sneijder, after all the scouting trips for Huntelaar, he could be the guy for the left wing. Anderson, at Porto, is another winger we have been linked with today, and that kid is special.

blobert

Not sure how old he is but Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pederson would be a great replacement for Giggs. He probably wouldn't cost crazy money and he is consistantly one of the top wingers in the Premiership.

I'm happy enough with signing Hargreaves, any player that keeps the like of O'Shea and Fletcher out of the team is improving things!

Mitch Connor

I think Gamst would be a very good signing, but he would cost at least 12million i reckon, possible be more - english club, man united buying, the math never adds up!

I think his throwback winger style and early crosses would be a lovely counter-point to Ronaldo on the other side, and be very good for our strikers. Would also mean we have someone capable of knocking them in from inside 30yards, which would be nice. Unless we are trying to injure players in the wall or fans in the crowd, Ronnie is fairly useless at free kicks close in.

Sizzler

The Craig Gordon rumour is the biggest load of bollix I have read in a while A) Id be amazed if anybody paid £3m for him, let alone £8m ! We dont bloody need him !

Gamst Pederson would be a GREAT signing imo, not sure how he would work out in europe but he would be a huge asset in the bread and butter of the league, hes nearly guaranteed to throw in decent crosses from the left and not give the right back bruises on his shin Whats the chances of Blackburn selling him though! Would have to be a huge bid.

Silly season will start in the next few weeks, sit back and enjoy the back pages

Headshot

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/default.stm

Manchester United will turn their attentions to Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Tores, Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and Southampton defender Gareth Bale after capturing Owen Hargreaves. (Daily Mirror)

I just dont know about torres

he's playing in bad madrid side but still im unsure

he did have a great world cup

I really like Nani and the friendship united have with sporting ,united could get him

and bales iv changed my mind about him

rather not see him at united

PHB

Tevez looks set to go to one of the big big clubs, I can't see United bidding for him, as he is not the type of striker we need most, and will cost a ****load. It's a pity, but what can ya do.

Nalz

PHB wrote:

Tevez looks set to go to one of the big big clubs, I can't see United bidding for him, as he is not the type of striker we need most, and will cost a ****load. It's a pity, but what can ya do.

also that whole ownership third party thing isnt the kind of deals United go for.Too much red tape etc.

Ins: Evans, Pique, Rossi, Hargreaves, Bale, Huntalaar

Outs: Sivestre, Richardson, Eagles, Gibson (loan)

The Muppet

There appears to be too many issues surrounding Tevez for united to go for him. He's an excellent player but his owners are going to want to maximise on their stake in him so chances are he will never settle at any club , He's another anelka and United will stear clear.

I'm in two minds about Owen, He was a fantastic striker but I think his recent injuries make him too much of a gamble unless he is very very cheap.

Whoever we buy he must be physical enought for the premiership and I'm not sure some the the continentals being mentioned as likely targets are.

herbieflowers

What about La Liga's top scorer? He may be 30 but he's banging them in, probably the most clnical finisher in the world...

The Muppet

What about Benni Mc Carthy? He's proven in the premiership and would cost a lot less than torres etc.

herbieflowers

I think Fergie won't sign a striker from another league, too much of a Veron-esque risk imo...McCarthy, Defoe, Viduka, Berbatov

PHB

I think if Fergie can get Eto he will take him
Strikers are of a similar sort all over the world. Veron is a very specific type of player.

Van Nist has been great this season, I've really enjoyed watching him play. I would have loved him to stay at United, but you can't argue with Fergie, we won the league without him, and the addition of Carrick. You just can't deny he made the right choice.

LegacyUser

Eto'o is a guaranteed player you simply can not go wrong with. He is tall, strong and lightning and is one of the most physical players in La Liga...he doesn't give up easily...

Sizzler

Papers say today Van der Sar is going to be dropped for next season in favour of Foster!

Still being linked with Nani (which Im amazed at considering he signed a new contract only last week), Torres features prominently and Bale, crikey!

Ive a feeling Bale is a done deal but Im totally uninspired by spending money on him based on what Ive seen of him A good player in a kak team.

Mitch Connor

van der saar has been a liability since the spurs game, if not before.

its going to be a fun summer!

Sizzler

Tauren wrote:

van der saar has been a liability since the spurs game, if not before.

You must be reading the same papers as me One rag claimed he hasnt been right since he broke his nose in that game and the players blamed him for Drogbas goal on saturday..

Mitch Connor

i probably read the same papers (or websites) but my opinion on van der saar is based entirely on what i have seen this season. I do not think he has been as good this season as last season, but since the Spurs game he has seemed really really rubbish on crosses and coming off his line for the ball. He has made some very good saves over this period, but his command of the box and his presence has been crap imo.

Have to say, my initial reaction was to blame the defence on Saturday, but I couldn't bare to watch a replay, so i can't give a proper opinion on it. But, as an example, I would put Tevez's goal last week forward as an indiction of what van der Saar is doing wrong; he should have been off his line to smoother that chance, tevez never should have got a shot in, let alone a clean unimpeded strike.

Sizzler

Foster's confidence will be sky high if he starts as number 1. No harm to have VDS as back up though