S.M.B. wrote: » How many games has Ole used the diamond and played 2 up top? Feels like at least 4/5 at this stage. I'd be more than happy with Rashford, Martial and Lukaku competing for game time with not obvious first choice XI.
astradave wrote: » It looks as if Ole tailors his formation to suit the players available though instead of squeezing square pegs into round holes, even when Mata comes into the team it's the diamond with him at the point instead of out wide, basically playing to the players strengths.
DM_7 wrote: » Tadic is proof of the quality available without spending stupid money. Guy is 30 now, playing great and leading. United need astute signings, people that suit what the manager needs from the team so the team as a whole whole will function well. It is not just about spending massive money. Club need to start getting it right.
areu4real? wrote: » What would people think of trying to prise Son from spurs? Wonder how much Levy would milk us for if we tried. I'm a big fan of his, he can play multiple positions, super fit and rarely injured, equally good with either foot. At 26 he's a at peak now, would be an option. Would happily see them drop 50m for him. Doubt we could get him at that price but I reckon he'd fit in well with the current system. Also has the commercial benefit of keeping our Asian market kicking which would appeal to the business side of things too
markc91 wrote: » https://www.reddit.com/r/reddevils/comments/axo5f5/translation_of_ole_gunnar_solskjaer_on_the/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share great interview here with Norwegian TV from ole
areu4real? wrote: » "Player-logistics wise, how much of your day is spent with that? In january, it was none, as we weren't going to sign any players. Now the club is working on the players they want to bring in in the summer, and I've been a part of a couple of those. There is a lot of work that goes into this, and then I come in at the end of the process. As a manager now, I say where I think we should progress, what positions I think we need new players in, and what positions I think we will have great academy players in." This part is promising
bucketybuck wrote: » Really? I would have thought that the manager saying what positions he thinks he needs new players in, where he thinks they should progress, and what academy players he likes should have been at the start of the recruitment process, not at the very end.
Lord TSC wrote: » I'd be sure he was asked initially, but the fact is his opinion will hold a lot more weight now than when he was initially brought on.
bucketybuck wrote: » Its interesting phrasing though, "There is a lot of work that goes into this, and then I come in at the end of the process." And thats this week, not December when he was appointed. It really does beg the question. If the club is working on certain players for the summer and Solskjaer was not involved at all in identifying those players... ...then who was? Are these Mourinhos targets? Woodwards?
DM_7 wrote: » Who is not clear but I recall Ole said weeks ago that the club have people working on transfers, scouting etc.
Pheonix10 wrote: » Why would even Woodward want to be in charge of transfers? Surely he would prefer to just focus on the commercial side. Especially if the manager likely knows best what his side needs.
bucketybuck wrote: » It really does beg the question. If the club is working on certain players for the summer and Solskjaer was not involved at all in identifying those players... ...then who was? Are these Mourinhos targets? Woodwards?
Fred The Red wrote: » Out of interest why are you segregating these? Buying a player now is just as much or even more a commercial move as an actual footballing decision when player marketing is involved. Here in lies the problem with Woodward.
Lord TSC wrote: » And now, as Ole switches from temporary to full time, he'll be given more power in identifying targets.
Pheonix10 wrote: » But in fairness, why would Woodward want to get big star names like Bale etc if they won't progress us long term. The team will decline and then less commercial deals will be possible? Surely by supporting the success of the team, he will be able to even do better commercially. E.G if we won the league. He would be able to sell the crap out of everything.
Fred The Red wrote: » Signing Bale for example is a terrible footballing decision on so many levels. It's a mighty scoop for a marketing decision however.
Lord TSC wrote: » Depends on how much we'd get him for tbh. His agent is working hard on making his position untenable at Real now. Can't see anyone paying 100m for him, but Real have sometimes jettisoned players cheap to get rid of them. Would Woody be tempted if he could get him for 40m and get Real paying some of his wage? Could he be got on a season long loan deal? A fit Bale for 70% of games would probably be a great weapon to have, and the right deal could let them invest heavily elsewhere.