Manchester United Transfer Rumours/Discussion 2007/2008

PHB · 19-05-2007 06:35PM #1

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 · 19-05-2007 07:06PM

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 · 19-05-2007 07:40PM

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 · 19-05-2007 08:08PM

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 · 19-05-2007 08:15PM

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! · 19-05-2007 08:20PM

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 · 19-05-2007 08:30PM

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

PHB · 19-05-2007 10:44PM

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 · 19-05-2007 11:01PM

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 · 19-05-2007 11:05PM

It's a new season, new thread

Sizzler · 20-05-2007 12:04AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:06AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:36AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:39AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:42AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:50AM

Fair enough

eirebhoy · 20-05-2007 12:56AM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:46PM

Breaking News on Skysports news.

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

DubDani · 20-05-2007 12:48PM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:49PM

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

DubDani · 20-05-2007 12:55PM

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 · 20-05-2007 12:55PM

So, that's a midfield of:

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

Scholes

Giggs

in CL games anyway ?

PHB · 20-05-2007 12:55PM

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 · 20-05-2007 01:05PM

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 · 20-05-2007 01:42PM

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

Mitch Connor · 20-05-2007 01:45PM

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 · 20-05-2007 01:47PM

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 · 20-05-2007 01:50PM

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 · 20-05-2007 04:50PM

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

PHB · 20-05-2007 05:16PM

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 · 20-05-2007 07:03PM

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.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours/Discussion 2007/2008

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