Manchester United Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

kryogen · 04-03-2010 04:06AM

Liam O wrote: »

emm, it says in the Mirror one that United had an £8m bid accepted and then went back and paid £4m more when Arsenal bid Is it just me or does that sound totally retarded to anyone else?

exactly

kryogen · 04-03-2010 04:10AM

opinions?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=749562&sec=transfers&cc=5739

Chelsea and Man United tracking defender Luiz
By Soccernet staff

March 2, 2010

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated Benfica defender David Luiz.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is a known admirer of the £15 million-rated Brazilian and is hoping to secure Luiz's signature in time for the start of next season.

The 22-year-old would strengthen an ageing Chelsea defence, but Ancelotti is likely to face competition from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has also been keeping tabs on Luiz for some time.

Sir Alex reportedly sees him as a natural, long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, whereas Ancelotti would look to play the former Under-20 international in his preferred role of centre-back.

Luiz has been a mainstay in a Benfica defence that has conceded just 11 goals in 21 league games this season, propelling them to the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Luiz has a £45 million buy-out clause written into his current contract which expires at the end of the 2014-15 season, although it is thought Benfica are open to offers. Real Madrid, Fiorentina and Bayern Munich have also shown an interest.

Despite the transfer talk, Luiz, who is yet to win his first full cap for Brazil, is focused on playing well for Benfica and breaking into the international squad in time for this summer's World Cup.

He said: "We have to do our utmost to win the Portuguese Liga, Portuguese League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Will it be hard to win all three? Definitely, but it's our duty to give it our best shot.

"I work hard every day to perform for my club, and if I get the opportunity to pull on my country's shirt I'll grab it with both hands. But it's still only a dream, not an obsession."

cant say i have heard much about him myself

and at 22 i find it odd he hasnt got a call up for the Brazil squad at all yet

kryogen · 04-03-2010 04:14AM

and relating to the financial news, this came out a couple of hours ago

[I]Bid to buy Man United stirs bond buyers
Mar 4, 2010 1:33 AM | By ©The Times, London and Sapa-AFP

Manchester United fans trying to force out the club's American owners have claimed that more than 20000 of their number have joined the campaign.

Current Font Size:
STICK TO BASEBALL: Protests against American ownership are not new. Recently they were extended to English football clubs, when US ownership of Man United and Liverpool became the focus of protesting fans. Here a Liverpool fan shows his antipathy to club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks Picture: AP
Markets are giving some credence to the prospects of a bid
The Manchester United Supporters Trust is campaigning to force the Glazer family to sell the club, which now carries debts of about £716.5-million.

Speculators have begun buying bonds in the gamble to buy the club.

The fans' campaign and the moves by speculators come after a group of millionaire football fans, calling themselves the Red Knights, laid the groundwork for a long battle to take over the club.

The Knights pleaded with fans around the world to join the trust to show their support for a bid. They said their proposals were at "an early stage" and that the group needed to find at least £1-billion before it could launch an offer.

However, speculation in the club's bonds indicates that the financial markets are giving some credence to the prospects of a bid.

Jonathan Moore, an analyst for Evolution Securities, who advises hedge funds, pension funds and rich individuals, said he had been contacted by speculators interested in buying bonds.

"I've had conversations with a number of investors in London who are trying to weigh up the possibilities of a deal," Moore said. "The key factor is whether the Glazers would be willing to sell."

Investors have deserted the club's bond issue since it was launched last month because of fears that United are not paying a high enough interest rate on their loan to make the risk of funding such a heavily indebted club worthwhile.

The first full set of financial results to bond investors, released this week, show that United slashed spending on players and on the Old Trafford stadium last year as the club moved to deal with the £716-million debt mountain.

In the first six months of 2009 the club spent £24.9-million on new players, compared with £29.7-million the previous year. The biggest chunk of the 2009 money was spent on the final instalment of the transfer fee for Dimitar Berbatov, who joined the club in 2008. [/I]

kryogen · 04-03-2010 04:23AM

oh and im sure most have read or seen this already but i havent seen it posted here so for anyone who hasnt seen it

Manchester United owners Glazers get backing from Gill By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News, Soccerex, Manchester

Man Utd not for sale - Gill
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has dismissed concerns surrounding the Glazer family, claiming the owners were "running the club the right way".

The club's debt level of £716.5m has prompted much unease among supporters, with one group of wealthy fans - "The Red Knights" - targeting a takeover.

But Mr Gill said: "The Glazers do not want to sell and from our perspective are running the club in the right way.

"The owners are very long-term owners... they are not sellers."

The so-called Red Knights include Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, acting in a personal capacity, lawyer Mark Rawlinson and financier Keith Harris.

Mr Gill said that the group were "credible people" who had "every right to do what they think is right".

But he added there were questions about how a group of up to 40 wealthy individuals would be able to run the club.

Financial stability

There has been criticism of the Glazer regime because a once-debt free company is now carrying large debts.

Manchester United fans have protested against the Glazer's ownership
The amount of debt secured on the club and the Glazers' shareholding in it is more than £700m according to recent accounts.

However Mr Gill said that a recent bond issue which replaced £509m bank debt with a £512m bond provided financial stability going forward.

He added: "Our financial results show that we can live with [our financial] structure, and enjoy the benefits."

Before the emergence of the Red Knights, United's owners were already under fire over their control of the club from the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (Must) - which is running a vocal campaign to bring about a change of ownership.

Chief executive of Must, Duncan Drasdo, said its membership had doubled to about 78,000 people in the past month - with much of that growth coming following the "Red Knights revelation".

People will see that Manchester United will continue to be a well-run club

David Gill
Manchester United chief executive

Utd buyers "need deep pockets"

Mr Gill said that those Manchester United fan groups opposed to the Glazers ownership of the club were intelligent people with ideas about how the Old Trafford outfit should be run.

But he said the issue had perhaps received the wide coverage that it did because United was such a big club.

And he pointed to the cases of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, and AC Milan, where it is the owners who make key decisions "not the fans".

Mr Gill told Soccerex delegates: "Unless the owners wish to sell, and they have not given any indication to me, then they can't buy the asset - it is not for sale."

'Passionate'

He said that although the Glazer family did not attend every match at Old Trafford they watched them all on television.

"They are passionate about the club, they do understand sport," he added.

He also pointed to the fact that the Glazer family had owned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American Football team since 1995, demonstrating their long-term interest in sport.

"People will see that Manchester United will continue to be a well-run club," he said.

"The structure we have in place is entirely appropriate."

Poor old David is really making himself unpopular with the fans isnt he, shame cause he has been a great chief exec from a footballing point of view

I actually agree with a some of what he says here too tbh

Degag · 04-03-2010 04:44AM

Wow for paying 12m for a player who has only played a handful of senior games.

Mitch Connor · 04-03-2010 08:56AM

Mr Alan wrote: »

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7003699.ece

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-complete-12m-Smalling-deal-as-they-fend-off-interest-from-Arsenal-article302823.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/hodgson-predicts-big-future-for-16312m-diamond-smalling-1881186.html

pretty much every media outlet reported it as that.

iirc he has a 10m release clause that had to be met & then Utd topped Arsenals bid. of £10m, i'm sure a lot of it is made up of add ons & in spread out payments like all modern transfers.

If he had a 10million release fee, it makes no sense for anyone to bid over that.

TonyD79 · 04-03-2010 10:52AM

Mr Alan wrote: »

Arsenal never spoke to the player though so i dont think is wages Wenger is refering to.

Hodgson also spoke about how it was a lot of money that Utd paid for him, anyway, it doesnt matter we'll never know for sure so can only speculate!

Gill said they paid alot of money for him the other day when stating they had the money from the ronaldo transfer in the bank.

Dunno why everyone is going nuts over fee. If he played a full season next year with Fulham and played well we would be looking at alot more money with the likes of city/chelsea around.

keane2097 · 04-03-2010 11:21AM

Mitch Connor wrote: »

If he had a 10million release fee, it makes no sense for anyone to bid over that.

Bid clubs don't tend to take advantage of release fees for players - it's seen as bad etiquette or something.

SlickRic · 04-03-2010 11:25AM

kryogen wrote: »

opinions?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=749562&sec=transfers&cc=5739

Chelsea and Man United tracking defender Luiz
By Soccernet staff

March 2, 2010

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated Benfica defender David Luiz.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is a known admirer of the £15 million-rated Brazilian and is hoping to secure Luiz's signature in time for the start of next season.

i haven't seen enough of him to comment properly.

but my instinct...

£15m for a Brazilian CB?

i would imagine that can rarely turn out well.

Mitch Connor · 04-03-2010 11:27AM

SlickRic wrote: »

i haven't seen enough of him to comment properly.

but my instinct...

£15m for a Brazilian CB?

i would imagine that can rarely turn out well.

15million for a Brazillian CB who has never played for the full Brazil side. Whats not to get excited over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZUDHDvONQ8&feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZUDHDvONQ8

nicklauski · 04-03-2010 11:32AM

Tick a boo son!

Said it before, I thought he was a striker with a finish like that!

TonyD79 · 04-03-2010 11:42AM

Sideshow bloody bob!!! These reports of us looking for a long term replacement for Evra is BS. Only last week the tabloids were reporting that Fergie sees the twins as the future of the club. Fabio has been injured and we havnt had the injury probs on the left that we have seen on the right in the last 2 years which have gave Rafeal his chance. Unless Vidic leaves we dont need any defenders once O Shea is back.

Nalz · 04-03-2010 12:39PM

I'm sick of David Gill and the Glazers

Mr_Roger_Bongos · 04-03-2010 01:58PM

I signed up to MUST on Tuesday and referred a few others at the same time, but haven't received any membership number or login.

Does anyone know if i should i have received something automatically? I realise the sites very busy, new goal = 150,000 members!

Loving the green and gold revolution, great picture on the front of the site too.

Paul Tergat · 04-03-2010 02:03PM

Just an update, I emailed MUST yesterday hoping they would send out the scarf and hat earlier for me and i got an email saying they will send it out recorded delivery - got it this morning. Sweet!

flahavaj · 04-03-2010 02:17PM

SlickRic wrote: »

i haven't seen enough of him to comment properly.

but my instinct...

£15m for a Brazilian CB?

i would imagine that can rarely turn out well.

Brazilian centre backs terrify me for the most part. Ones that may cost 15 million more so.

Anyone remember Celio Silva?:eek: Dodged a f*cking bullet there.

Mr_Roger_Bongos · 04-03-2010 02:17PM

That's magic, is that what you get for signing up?

Paul Tergat · 04-03-2010 02:23PM

Mr_Roger_Bongos wrote: »

That's magic, is that what you get for signing up?

no mate theyre £7.50 each

kryogen · 04-03-2010 02:25PM

SlickRic wrote: »

i haven't seen enough of him to comment properly.

but my instinct...

£15m for a Brazilian CB?

i would imagine that can rarely turn out well.

unless it Lucio!

the article says he would be our long term replacement for Evra, does that not imply he is a left back?

flahavaj · 04-03-2010 02:40PM

kryogen wrote: »

unless it Lucio!

the article says he would be our long term replacement for Evra, does that not imply he is a left back?

Don't think i've ever seen the lad play tbh. maybe its just my subconscious longing for a replacement for Vidic.;)

Wrt to lucio, yes he was brilliant Vs Drogba the other night but i've been less than convinced by him in the past tbh. Never too fond of centre halves that "can play a bit."

kryogen · 04-03-2010 02:47PM

flahavaj wrote: »

Don't think i've ever seen the lad play tbh. maybe its just my subconscious longing for a replacement for Vidic.;)

Wrt to lucio, yes he was brilliant Vs Drogba the other night but i've been less than convinced by him in the past tbh. Never too fond of centre halves that "can play a bit."

wouldnt be a fan of Rio then?

i dunno, i like centre backs like Roger Johnson and Scott Dann tbh, and Vidic of course, those who will just kick the **** out of ya to get the ball if they have to, putting there head where the finesse defenders wont pout their feet

on the other hand i think its quite handy to have a mix, one to be able to put his foot on the ball, read the game and take the pressure of the midfield by offering himself for passes and one who will go through his own grandmother to get the ball in back garden!

SlickRic · 04-03-2010 02:50PM

kryogen wrote: »

unless it Lucio!

he's a liability.

i'll take the smilie to mean you know that though!

that being said, he's one of the better Brazilian CBs, and in fact the combination the national team have now, are probably one of the better ones they've had. Juan is solid enough himself.

eZe^ · 04-03-2010 02:51PM

I always liked Cris from Lyon, he's an absolute tank...

kryogen · 04-03-2010 02:51PM

SlickRic wrote: »

he's a liability.

i'll take the smilie to mean you know that though!

that being said, he's one of the better Brazilian CBs, and in fact the combination the national team have now, are probably one of the better ones they've had. Juan is solid enough himself.

spot on

i think he is a legend but i am definitly of the opinion that he is a luxury, or a liability to use your terminology, player

He genuinely thinks he is an attacking midfielder!

Pro. F · 04-03-2010 02:57PM

kryogen wrote: »

putting there head where the finesse defenders wont pout their feet

Was that a funny, coincidental typo or did you mean that? Either way, I like the idea that finesse defenders pout with their feet

SlickRic · 04-03-2010 02:57PM

eZe^ wrote: »

I always liked Cris from Lyon, he's an absolute tank...

i thought of him too, but i don't have the knowledge to comment on him. but he seems well thought of alright.

i saw him at Anfield, but our attack was so bad it was difficult to judge. he could certainly head long balls away comfortably anyway.

flahavaj · 04-03-2010 03:04PM

kryogen wrote: »

wouldnt be a fan of Rio then?

In the early days before he copped himself on I despised him tbh.

i dunno, i like centre backs like Roger Johnson and Scott Dann tbh, and Vidic of course, those who will just kick the **** out of ya to get the ball if they have to, putting there head where the finesse defenders wont pout their feet

on the other hand i think its quite handy to have a mix, one to be able to put his foot on the ball, read the game and take the pressure of the midfield by offering himself for passes and one who will go through his own grandmother to get the ball in back garden!

I love a good mullicking centre back, Steve Bruce ftw.

flahavaj · 04-03-2010 03:06PM

eZe^ wrote: »

I always liked Cris from Lyon, he's an absolute tank...

He's actually been good when I've seen him this season.

The Serie A-Heads have been jerking off over Thiago Silva at Milan. Haven't seen much of him tbh, looked pretty poor against United.

SlickRic · 04-03-2010 03:26PM

flahavaj wrote: »

I love a good mullicking centre back, Steve Bruce ftw.

nice word.

is that a hybrid of 'bollicking' and 'mullering'?

flahavaj · 04-03-2010 03:31PM

SlickRic wrote: »

nice word.

is that a hyprid of 'bollicking' and 'mullering'?

Not really sure, its a word I'd use quite often. Usually to describe a GAA player who hasn't risen beyond Club senior level, with little skill but bucket loads of honest endeavour and enthusiasm.

Nothing like a good mullicking corner back.

Manchester United Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

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