Feb 22
Brown, Lahm - United’s Right Back Situation | And Some Thoughts on Nani
We are finally past our Lyon hangover, or so I would like to believe, and we can now look forward to our game against Newcastle in the weekend. We will get a preview in, prior to the match, but till then we will fill you with your daily dose of United related news, and a little commentary of our own.
Wes Brown’s contract wrangle has been going on for several months now, and the fact is that United have an offer on the table that is not acceptable to Brown. Wesley has been a fantastic servant of the club, coming through the youth ranks and it’s a pity to see him leave if this doesn’t get resolved soon. I, for one, would like to have players like him in the club because of the passion they show when they are on the pitch — which comes from so many years at the club. And he is a more than decent player to have as back up. However, if the two parties involved don’t seem to come to an agreement, then they should let him go. He has been good for us all this while, and we must be indebted to him for the way he’s filled in for Gary Neville; anyone else would have taken sometime to fit into the side. But, having said that, we must have a player lined up to be signed as a long term replacement for our injured skipper. True, we have Rafael and Fabio, but they will need more time to bed in. Or we would have to rely on Simmo suddenly becoming brilliant overnight.
Which brings us to some talk about Philip Lahm — who has been touted around by papers. He’s a right footed left back who can play right back as well. Those who saw him in the world cup know how good he looked going forward. I am sure close Bayern Munich observers also have glowing things to say about him. But as long as the price is right we must get someone in that position, as we have entirely relied on Patrice Evra to provide us with the impetus on the left wing, while the right side, despite having defensive solidity, has offered nothing going forward.
Staying with right backs and Brown, SAF reckons it’s more of an issue with his agent that’s causing trouble with his deal. I am not sure how true this is, but he said the same of Heinze initially. At the end of the day, a player can make up his mind by showing his agent the finger, but again, who said football was that easy these days.
Finally, here’s a thought for some of you to ponder over.
Nani, our new signing this season, was an expected transfer target. While his quick transfer did surprise us, most of us were partly expecting it to happen sometime — Anderson was the bigger surprise buy. Both weren’t expected to play a very prominent role in the side this season, but Nani was pressed into action, at the start, due to suspensions to Ronaldo and injury to our other winger, Park. Rooney’s injury also didn’t help much. He made about seven starts in the first ten games.
His impact however wasn’t much to boast about. He did look a bit like Ronaldo when he first arrived. A few stepovers and some indecisive play resulting in giving the ball away a little too easily. He did show a penchance for the spectacular by banging in two absolute belters (against Tottenham and Middlesborough), but that were the highlights of his season.
Recently, however, he has had some really excellent performances. Especially against Arsenal, where he toyed with their defence, and against Lyon, when his (and Tevez’s introduction) made an almost instant impact. His pace and direct approach is something that aids the United way of playing. But most striking of all his strengths is his quality of delivery.
It wouldn’t be remiss of me to be saying that since Beckham’s departure, we have struggled to find a winger who can consistently ping balls into the middle with a satisfactory level of accuracy. Nani’s corners have been top drawer, but more encouraging has been his ability to cross from open play. More importantly, it’s his ability to do so from either wing that makes the signs even more encouraging. Against Arsenal it were his crosses from the left to Fletcher that resulted in two goals while, against Lyon it was from the right.
All we need from him now is an improvement in his decision making — which should improve with experience — and we could happily thank Giggs for all his years of service to the club. More importantly, the Welshman himself would be happy to concede his place to a worthy candidate to take over his reins.
At the moment, though, it’s still early days but I have been genuinely impressed by his recent displays.
What do you think? Are you as excited by Nani from his recent displays than the earlier ones?
Related items from Red Rants:- Transfer Talk: Lahm and Benzema | Evra’s Contract
- The January Transfer Window - Possible Targets
- Manchester United 07/08 Squad Numbers released
- United’s £100k+ Christmas party, useless Shorey, Arsenal will stumble and of course, Rooney is better than Kaka
- Who is your Manchester United’s Player Of The Month for November?
Tags: Daily Roundup · Discussions
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:28
I don’t know what happened in the dress-room or in everyday training, but Nani is a different player recently. I’m Giggs’ biggest fan, but it seems that the years-long search for his replacement has come to an end. By the way, I’m surprised by Lahm’s(extremely convenient) price tag!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:37
see whats going to happen is a developed version of the 4-4-2 next season, where on one side we have a winger that uses pure trickery, pace and shooting while the other side will use a bit trickery, alot of pace, alot of crossing, and the odd shotat goal.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:43
yea it seems tom heaton has been called into the u-21 england squad, good for him. we shouldnt sell him he is cover for an injury hit manchester(can play midfield)
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:45
I think united are daft the press are saying brown wants £10,000 extra a week that only works out to £2m over a 4 year deal he’s gonna get taxed for 40% of that anyway so united should pay also logically he’s a good player and what’s the point paying £8m or £9m for a replacement. They should try and offer him his testimonial cos it’ll be 10years come May as part of the deal. I really feel it’ll be one of our biggest mistakes to let him go on a free come on united sort it out! Also buying lahm is a mistake how’s he gonna fit in? next you’ll evra wanting to leave!!! hope united don’t mess up the team spirit!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:54
viz its simple really, lahm would play right-back, cover at left-back, injury to evra, lahm to left-back, simpson to right-back(o’shea is abosolute shite at right back)
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:11
Dan,heaton the keeper?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:20
An interesting stat
In the last five matches that United have played, the time that we have played:
Without Carrick: 0-4 (4 goals conceded, no goals scored)
With Carrick: 9-0 (9 goals scored, none conceded.)
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:21
Nani looks a far better player.Before he didnt know what to do with the ball,now his decision making is much better.His crosses are great.They get whipped in and dip a lot so even midgets like tevez and rooney could score from them.He keeps the ball much more.I think he has one of the hardest shots in the united team.I dont think fergie will drop giggs,but in all fairness he should.How many corners have we scored from nanis corners?quite a lot 4 or 5.He has more assists than any other united player i think.And he hasnt played to much recently.ive only seen Lahm play in the world cup,he is really small,but gary was too.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:24
Carrick looks great these days.My opinion of hargreaves has changed.He isnt the player I thought he was
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:12
Lahm would be an excellent signing. If he really doesnt cost more I say: GOAND GET HIM!! Nani has really improved this year(2008)! At the start of the trasfer market in January, I was hoping Fergie would be trying to get Benzema and Quaresma, but now I think Nani can become the left winger that United needed. His decision-making is much better, and he has 11 assists! BTW, If Ronaldo and/or Vidic get a yellow card against Newcastle, they will miss the Fulham game! Both have 4 yellow.
This would be my dream first-eleven for United next season
VDS
Lahm
Rio
Vida
Evra
Ronaldo
Carrick
Anderson
Nani
Rooney/Tevez
Benzema
We have to remember that no-one can play every game, so Rooney and Tevez should switch. Both have proved to be amazing super subs. Rooney(Villa 2-0). Tevez(Spurs 1-1, Lyon 1-1)
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:24
This is for laughs,
RR its good you can notice how bad Wesley is as per going forward, but one thing you’ve misfired at is how bad he is in terms of defending.
Being an english, there are some tackles that normaly go un answered by the referee when in actual sense the guy should have receive a second yellow card or even matching orders. As we know that happens in every league where home based players are given the benefit of doubt. I recall when commentators used to and still defend Smudger or Steve G after a horroundous tackle and they are all like “we all know how Gerrard plays” then why cant you know how Essien or Mikel play if you can know how badly Allan Smith or Gerrard play.
Guys, Brown has that side tackle that always leaves me panicing in my seat when ever he goes for that challenge but thank God he’s english and thats why he can’t make such tacles in the champions league and hence his midiocre performances in those games.
I therefore think letting Brown go wont be a big loss after all he’s been royal to Utd yet being paid little monies. But letting him go is better than being held at ransom and robbed in day light to pay him wages that are worthy a world class defender young than him and more skilled going forward and defending at large, of which Brown at any of those.
Ofcourse i dont doubt or underlook his capabilties, he’s been a good cover for our Skipper and by the way a decent defender but not the quality for a Manchester United first choice right back.
Viva SAF let the guy go if what’s tabled isn’t juicy in the quank’s eyes after all you’ve got to sort out stuff with the much talented Evra who atleast needs a better pay !
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:32
taehr, heaton the goalie yes, he was a midfielder in his youth and only about 4 years ago switched. in a mass injury hit reds he can be used.
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:33
i find it disgraceful the way Brown is being treated, he is clearly being offered a pittance compared to the other top earners, and given that this is the most important contract of his career it seems to me that ferguson and the glazers are just trying to take advantage of his loyalty and love for the club. Sadly it seems this stance will backfire and I can see Brown leaving in the summer. He would be a great signing for Everton/Newcastle.
Also - Carrick should not be left out of the side on current form, playing far better than both Scholes and Hargreaves. Same with Nani, way ahead of Giggs on current form.
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:41
has anybody got the adebayor miss video? i really want to see it!
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:46
I’m glad that United are sticking to there wage policy structure. I totally understand the in the short fall it would be a good idea to match Wes’s wage demands. Chelsea had the problem where wage demands were being met and it disrupted there team. I won’t lie. I know nothing about potential replacements from outside Old Trafford… I do hope it gets resolved.
Nani is still pretty immature where his field play goes but I reckon he could have a few more decisive moments yet before the season ends….
Also did anyone notice on skysports pictures of Sir Alex talking to Benzema after the game on wednesday? what do you think the chances are of us getting him in the summer?
February 22nd, 2008 at 13:57
Aulas is renowned for being, shall we say, prudent with his sales. Each summer it seems like somone big is sold from Lyon, Essien, Diarra (Real Madrid one) now Benzema and likely Ben Arfa. It makes me wonder what he does with all that cash!
Benzema is good, but anything above £15m is a risk not worth taking IMO. He doesn’t look to have a great temperament, he doesn’t speak English, and has really only had one season. If they want £45m for him then let him waste away at Lyon, winning the French league for another 3 seasons and passing his prime.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:01
i say, we try to wrap up the deal before the transfer season starts, with an exchange deal of, brown(3mil) silly(5mil) and saha (9-11mil) with a bit of money aswell.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:17
Dan: Brown is a bosman in the summer. We won’t get any money for him.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:18
in my own view i believe all united need is a supplementary left back and right back as well other than that the balance enough to cope with any misfortune that might come our way for the coming seasons but i believe we need to add this young man Benzema he is wonderful talent and would no doubt add an indepth to ur team.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:28
Beachryan, Benzema and Ben Arfa have only just turned 20 so another 3 years at Lyon would not be the be all and end all. Although I think both will be sold this summer. In regards to not speaking English, Ronaldo didn’t speak the language when he arrived and don’t think Nani or Anderson do. French isn’t really a problem as SAF and CQ both speak fluently along with Evra.
Think Benzema is the missing link up front, Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez and Benzema up front would give us the most feared and devastating attack for years to come, supported by Anderson, Carrick and Nani. Would quite happily see UTD drop £25m for for Benzema and throw Saha and Silvestre on top.
Not so sure about Lahm, yes he is good but we have the Silva twins here now, and will be ready to play next season. Believe that Fabio is slightly better than his brother and is very much like Cafu. If we were to buy Lahm that would also impede the development of both Pique and Simpson.
Think this Brown affair has gone on too long, bloody agents are driving this. Whilst it a sad state of affairs and it would be disappionting to see a player who has from the age of 12 been at UTD, leave, I feel that the contract offer should be withdrawn now, might make him realise that leaving UTD there is only one way to go - down. Can £10k a week really make much of a difference to a multi millionaire anyway? Besides which £4k of that will probably go to the taxman.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:39
its funny utsav, you put dan and then brown, browns my surname.
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:46
all im gonna say is imagine Nani whippin the ball into big manucho nxt year…..gon be unstoppable
February 22nd, 2008 at 14:51
31 apps, 15 goals for tevez, he is atchully a
goalscorer isnt he! im relly impressed with his season, im bacing him to get over 20 goals this season.
February 22nd, 2008 at 15:07
i’ve read somewhere in the last couple of days that pique is not satisfied with his playing situation and wants to leave. anyone else hear anything of that sort?
February 22nd, 2008 at 15:07
Dan Brown… Are you a writer by any chance? … lol
February 22nd, 2008 at 15:31
Benzema was good against us and has been in golden patch.However spending 43 Mill ???
)
However no knows what Fergie might pull out of his hat , he has been gearing himself up for buying ‘THE STRIKER’ for the past 2 seasons , that explains the sale of Rossi & Smith knowing the fact Ole was going to retire and rumors abt Adebayor and Torres …Real Madrid will surely be in pole position and they will splash money for him .
For me next seasons star player is TEVEZ .. Commenting that he lacks pace is ridiculous , he has kept on playing non stop , not to forget the effort taken by him personally to keep westham up and his role in Copa America..
Please dont compare Rooney and Benzema ..
Rooney has been damn unlucky this season , seems to get injured whenever he hits top form … Many strikers loose their first touch , pace , stamina when they get injured however Rooney has had no such effects & He is a big match player , (So is Anderson
Actually United`s aerial threat is damn under rated and we seem to do it less often .. Rooney Ronaldo Tevez all can head and it just seems to be the matter of service provided to them .. Nani looks on par with Andy for the past 2 matches and with Giggs invaluable lessons he seems to do exactly what the team needs ….
Brown has been extremely good in the defensive end however in the offensive end his crosses has been below par this season.
Lahm is superb player , very good defensively and in attack lethal …
February 22nd, 2008 at 15:36
I still can’t understand who’d pay 10 mil for saha , at his age and i seriously doubt with his injuries will any club even think of taking a big gamble on buying Mr.Injury for 10 mil ,i dont think so…
i think it could be in the region of 3 or 4 mil
February 22nd, 2008 at 16:39
Carrick is a better player than Hargreaves in my opinion. Very under rated. Also nobody except Chelski would pay anywhere near 10mill for Saha. But we all know that they paid 30 mill for shevchenko so maybe a big cheque will be in the post for Mr Glazer when summer comes!!???
February 22nd, 2008 at 16:40
Benzema Benzema Benzema……those are the only words i am seeing or hearing after yeaterdays
Match please guys lets be practical we need a target man like huntelaar PLus 43 mil
thats simply ridiculous…….
February 22nd, 2008 at 17:05
Taehr, your opinion of Hargreaves shouldnt change as he is exactly the player you think he his. A great holding midfielder that protects the back four and assists in the occasional attack. The funny thing is, when Carrick was going through his bad form, everyone said the exact same thing. Thats kinda the problem with one sided players. When they dont do the one thing they are bought for well, then everyone hates them. Can you imaging if Carrick was playing at the beginning of the season as well as he is now? And at the same time Hargo was a rock in front of the back 4? We wouldnt lose!
Hattrick, I agree with you on the brown situation. I dont think that Silva twins will be ready, but we have plenty of cover on the right. I think that SAF seriously has to think about starting Pique on the right of Ferdinand and Vidic with Evra on the left. We have Simpson to back up Pique on the right in the chance he has to play up the middle or is injured and O’shea and Evans who can back them up. I think the worry lies on the left, behind Evra. O’shea isnt the answer, and I would not be sad to see him never play there again but without cover for Evra, every time he goes into a tackle i find myself peaking through my hands and praying he doesnt stay down. I’m not sure that Lahm is the answer, but if we can get him relatively cheap, then why not? I would prefer someone less ‘known’ as I seem to think they wouldnt get so upset at not playing regularly.
As a final note, I think Benzema and Ben Arfa would be a great buy, although I’ll settle for just Benzema. I havent seen too much of Ben Arfa so I cant comment on him, but Benzema looks quality.
February 22nd, 2008 at 17:24
GOD! whats with you guys and benzema, so he made a goal out of nothing woop-te-do, tevez can, ronny can, an on-form rooney can, manucho can. someone please tell me whats the point of a youth academy if all we do is sell the players to lower league clubs… OOOOHHHHH i see, so we can make couple of millions, we sell 4 youths, each valued at 2 mil, and buy lahm, thats how it works.
February 22nd, 2008 at 17:41
Hargreaves himself has admitted that he is struggling to adapt to the pace of the game of the team and the league. Give him time. Sooner or later he’ll come good. Atleast he’s no Djemba-Djemba. What happened to that fellow? where is he now?
February 22nd, 2008 at 17:44
Anybody with two eyes in thier head can see the talent that Nani has got and he has steadily improved as the season has proggressed. He is far from the finished article but with more games and a steady run in the team I think he will become a very dangerous player with the ability to score and provide goals and also his desire to help out in the defensive side of the game is good.
As for some of the negative stuff that has appeared on this site regarding our ability in europe this year, let me try and point a few things out to the glory hunters that seem to lose it after every average performance. Last year we won the premiership, reached the semis of the CL and got to the FA cup final with a team that was well of the pace both in Europe and at home in the previous two seasons. The premiership success was a brilliant achievement for a team that in my opinion was 2 seasons ahead of schedule. Since then SAF has added 3 top quality young players in Anderson, Nani and Tevez on top of the young players already at the club eg Ronaldo and Rooney, now my point is this this, there isnt another side in Europe that has so many young midfielders and forwards competing at Uniteds current level and that includes Arsenal. Wether we like it or not this team is still a work in progress and we wont see the best of it for a few years yet and with the addition of a top class goalgetter and right fullback we could be seeing the emergence of a super side, but dont put too much pressure on a young team that must mature at its own pace and will probably make a few mistakes along the way.
In Anderson, Rooney, Ronaldo and Nani we have 4 of the biggest talents in europe, but all four are still only babies in footballing terms so dont get upset every time they put on a below average display, we have seen glimpses this season of what this team can be and I for one am looking forward to seeing them grow.
February 22nd, 2008 at 17:58
what about moving hargo to RB, didn’t he play in defense for a half this year already? probably wouldn’t offer the offense that everyone is looking for but should offer good cover for ronaldo’s runs at goal.
given that we have more than enough center mids.
February 22nd, 2008 at 18:18
Gator: Hargreaves played as a full-back before, but isn’t that a little odd to play our 17m player in that position. But I’d love to see him play there.
February 22nd, 2008 at 18:26
good idea gator, but hargos strength is closind down players, breaking up plays, shutting out the opposition, and playing through balls to make play.
February 22nd, 2008 at 18:31
But dan our youth players are all shit.brandy,cambell,dong are all not united players.welbeck still needs to be given a chance.But when a striker like benzema becomes available,you have to take it.I still feel we lost out on torres and I dont want that to happen again.Rooney and tevez are great but benzema is on a higher level.He is a pure finisher.
February 22nd, 2008 at 18:36
Excellent article Red Ranter. I for one am a big Philip Lahm fan but I would have mixed feelings about him coming to United. Bayern is my other favorite team and I am kind of looking forward to seeing how Lahm, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Klose and the rest of the boys work next season under Klinsmann new regime. Still, if he is to go I pray it is to United and not Barcelona. Lahm is the real deal and his flexibility and ability to play left or right is a true gift and a blessing. He should be priority one.
As for Nani, not much more to add as you really nailed it in your article. The sky is the imit and it really is encouraging to see the lad show us more recently, especially an ability to make a cross count. All the more reason why we need a striker who is a monster in the air. Can we all say HUNTELAAR!
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:03
taehr, dong is not youth, brandy and campbell are quite good and are goalscorers, look at their records.
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:09
I don’t think Lahm will come just for 8.5mil, i think its more in the range of 11-13mil, hes 24, and great at left back AND right back, Brown is good, but going forward, he cant NEVER cross the ball in nicely, just think what if we have 2 EVRAs, one one the left, one for the right, our transition game would be just EXPLOSIVE. I am a big Lahm fan, hes fast, young, can shoot (anyone see his goal in the world cup? it was the first goal of the tournament, and it was amazing)
heres a video of the goal.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDFCICO1z2k)
and concerning our youth, the Brazilian twins will NOT be ready next year, probably in 2 or 3 years until they starting making a big impact, pique is a center back, so we have cover for Rio and Vidic, but Lahm can play right back when G Nev retires and if brown is gone, or we can use him as left back and have Simpson at right back if Evra gets injured.
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:13
“brown cant never cross the ball nicely”yea you might wanna rephrase that
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:25
I have been a fan of Lahm’s since the WC. I believe he scored the first goal in the cup too. Whats going to happen to Gary? Hes been out this entire year but surely he will be back next year. We have Simpson, Pique, OShea, and as pointed out, even Hargo can play in the back 4. I agree that we dont need to lose Evra. He has been key on the left side. I love what Nani and Anderson are bringing to the game and hate to see Giggs and Scholes struggling to make an impact. Carrick is definitely the on form player in the middle and is holding up the midfield well. Up front, I am curious as to when Manucho will be able to start in the first team. I know he is in Greece and there are issues with his work permit. I would love to see him start next to Rooney or Tevez. Rooney is struggling to find the net but I feel that he brings other qualities to the game as well. I hope he starts finding the net soon. Tevez brings passion to the game and I love watching him play.
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:27
Grognard comes with the golden name, HUNTELAAR !!!!!
He is the man .. He is a proven striker .. Can score in both left and right foot .. Is superb in headers … He has a hell lot of stamina… Has a very high Shots on goal ratio…
Can score against the Big Guns …WoW the list goes on …
He will be a great addition to our portfolio of strikers with Rooney Tevez Manucho Wellback …
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:30
Ive mentioned some full-backs that I would like to see in United. Richards, Dani Alves and Lahm are some of them, but lately Ive been watching that Inter player Maicon. He is like a player that is both Evra and Vidic. He is strong, fast, great crosser, good dribler and one of the best tacklers Ive seen in my life! He wont come cheap, but he, and Benzema, is a player that I would really LOVE to see in the United jersey. I know its only my thoughts and we havent heard any rumour about him, but as I said, I would love him to play for United. He can play as a right winger too!
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:40
Agree with grog.
Lahm and Huntelaar.
Lahm is amazing. Did a great world cup as far as i remember.
Huntelaar is a finisher, heads really well, and loves to do the biycle kick. Though he could do with a few inches more (both in terms of pace and height)
Benzema is very similar to Ronaldo (brazilian one) in his play. By the way did you guys know that Benzema was a goalkeeping trainee when he was a kid? His hero was EVDS!
February 22nd, 2008 at 19:47
a player that i would LOVE to see playing at united would be a homegrown player from the ranks, some pure british talent. that would be nice to see wouldnt it?
February 22nd, 2008 at 20:04
Records in what?the reserves?anywayz huntelaar is good but benzema is plain better.I dont trust the dutch league to judge players.Kuyt scored like 33 goals in 31 games or something and he is absolutely shit.im not saying huntelaar is too but as others have shown,scoring a crazy number of goals in a league like alves,kezman does not guarantee that their good players. Benzema scored against rio and vida and thats enough proof for me.He didnt only score but troubled them the whole game.That said 45 million is just fuckin crazy talk
February 22nd, 2008 at 20:32
campbell:
06/07 royal antwerp, 33 app and 21 goals(pure league)
07/present, 20 app and 8 goals(pure league)
u18 record, 23 goals 35 app
reserves, joint second-top scorer with nine goals behind rossi.
brandy:
07/present, swansea, 5 app 2 goals(pure league)
reserve, scores alot lol.
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:17
[Dan]You forgot this:
07/08 Campbell (on Loan at Hull city): Apps 18 Goals 8
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:20
really, im sure he has played 20 league games.
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:27
benzema is class. u can see it in his movement his touches his composure and his finishing. he has a sort of grace that reminds me of zidane and tremendous self belief like cantona.it would be a dream to have him and i hope its realized.
as for huntelaar, hez a great finisher and good in the air…but so is Manucho and i cant see manucho-huntelaar upfront together unless we change our playing style which wont happen.
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:30
Grognard’s 2008 ManU Shopping List:
1. Klaas Jan Huntelaar
2. Philip Lahm
3. Artur Boruc
4. Giuseppi Rossi
Forget Benzema because he will cost 40 Million to get him. Berbatov is going to be too expensive and is not as prolific a scoring machine as Huntelaar. Lahm is far superior to Alves and Bosingwa and can play left or right. He is a carbon copy of Evra except he can cross and he has a dangerous shot as well. Boruc for me is in the top 5 keepers in the world and he is young. The heir apparent to EVS. He is sensational shot stopper and if given a strong back four like we already have, United will have to be sick as a parrot to give up more than 25 goals against in a BPL season. As for Rossi, we have a buy back clause in the contract and Fergie should exercise it. Rossi is a valuable asset and he should be brought back and given the chance to play often.
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:36
my sshopping list:
lahm…
we are great in all parts of the field apart from right-back though we do have pique and simmo.
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:37
My shopping list:
1.Maicon
2.Benzema
3.Manucho(If we can call him a new signing)
Why does Rooney always seem to find the net against Arsenal and Newcastle? Newcastle(8 games, 7 goals) Arsenal(9 games, 5 goals). And who can forget THAT goal against the geordies in 2005: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wO3HhOu6Y&eurl=http://therepublikofmancunia.com/that-goal-against-newcastle/#comment-3291
February 22nd, 2008 at 21:55
Here is a thought, Instead of spending big on Lham, buy a player in the likeness of Salgado, Sgnol who probably costs very less or expect Garry to come back. The reason is we can give a lot of chances for our home grown youngsters like Danny Simpson or Pique who have got great determination. When are we ever gonna make the next star from home-grown players?
all we need is a world class keeper.
February 22nd, 2008 at 22:13
foster was ment to be are no.1 this season anyway so i doubt a keeper move, and jerry, 8mil really isnt that much, it’s atchully quite cheap.
February 22nd, 2008 at 22:18
you see, foster is almost ready to return!
February 22nd, 2008 at 22:35
Totally agree with you Grognard on the signings of Huntelaar and Lahm. Not so sure about Boruc, he’s an amazing keeper, but I do think that Ben Foster is just as capable. Also, as we have Manucho and even Welbeck in the squad as strikers next season, I do not think that Rossi well be bought back as he wants a lot of playing time. Huntelaar has got the presence in the box that we need and he can head in all of Nani’s amazing crosses for us. Question for you Grognard, I remember you had mentioned our future formation would be a 4-2-2-2 a long time ago in the days of the Veloso rumors, but what do you feel our best formation would be if we were to sign a striker like Huntelaar?
February 22nd, 2008 at 22:43
i agree nani is getting better and will continue to improve every season, he is not the same player as ronaldo, as he is alredy delivering balls expertly, dnt care what noone says tho i love his sumersault goal celrbration. There is huge debate in regards to what kind of tactics we will be using nxt season but i am in the middle on this one, we can remeber redranters excellent post on the 4-2-3-1 system of the galacticos, we could surely adopt this and play excelently or we could stik with the united way of the original 4-4-2 and continue playing rooney and tevez together up frnt with nani and ronaldo on the wings, however the prospect of having berbatov or this wonda kid benzema upfront with the free flowing movement of the 2 R’s and Tevez behind would be exciting, and having 2 deep lying central mids, it mouth watering either way aslong as we keep the prosperity of the club for many years which im sure sir alex or his successor will do. In regard to our right bk position, i think we do need to bring sum1 in id love m. Richards to come but hts just not going to happend but lahm is a wrld class player one i consider to be up their with the best in the world his attacking potential and can defend. the 2 young brazillians r unproven and simpsons needs more experience at loan lelvel to be honest. In my opinion if this Brown thing doesnt work out we should try to sign lahm to be the successor of Neville
February 22nd, 2008 at 22:47
[Dan]
He’s played 18 League Games (and 20 in all including Cups)
February 22nd, 2008 at 23:04
ok, either way its still a great record.
February 23rd, 2008 at 0:01
OK Dan, how confident are you with Foster/Kuzzack/Heaton next season?
February 23rd, 2008 at 0:08
i said foster, not Kuszczak and heaton, foster is a top goal keeper and i am REALLY confident about him next season and even this season. Kuszczak has already proven to everyone that he is capable of being a united no.1, all he needs to do is work on his kicking. heaton is a fine stopper to, dont know if he’s united no.1 material yet but the future will tell. tell me why do we need a world class keeper, when we have one already, 1 that is about to become one, and another that has the potential to be one?
February 23rd, 2008 at 0:29
My point is Foster hasn’t proved enough in Premiership. Would you rate him more than Reina or Chec?
February 23rd, 2008 at 0:36
Grognard I can understand why you rate Boruc so highly, but I watch the Celtic games often and although he is an unbelieveable shot stopper, he’s only decent at cross catching and he’s a bit like Paul Robinson in the way he produces moments of brilliance and moments of madness, and at a top club like ours I don’t think it’s possible to have a keeper prone to mistakes. Although I’m sure you already regard VDS as someone who is prone to mistakes if I remember correctly? The way everyone seems to talk about Huntelaar makes me want him, but other than a few highlights of his overhead kicks and his scoring records, I know very little about him, although I still wouldn’t want to drop Tevez for him and I don’t think Tevez would accept a role as super sub. Lahm would be great as long as his price is hugely infalted by the Bayern Munich owners as with Hargreaves who was definitely overpriced, although I still am delighted to have him here unlike a large percentage of people here. And I really doubt Rossi will ever come back just to be a super sub either, and he isn’t a better player than either Rooney or Tevez no matter what people think, although he knows he is still loved by many Manchester United fans and would be happily welcomed back if he chose to. But he deserves to be where he is now, in a Champions League-chasing team and in the top scoring charts in La Liga. I also still have alot of faith in Foster’s ability and although he’s not world class now, I think he could definitely become world class.
February 23rd, 2008 at 0:49
while many people say that Pique can play right back, i really believe that he plays best at CENTER, and he is the ONLY capable and available CB that i would trust in if vidic or rio happens to get an injury. That leaves as with simpson and o’shea for RB and LB covers, simpson is very good, but still doesnt have enough experience and o’shea is just not united quality at those positions, someone like Lahm can Immediately complete our squad, providing quality RB and can cover at LB.
As for Huntelaar, lets not forget that he has scored quite a few in the champions league and for the Dutch national team as well, at the age of 24, he has some experience of european competitions already and international experience, yet young enough to improve and will NOT cost a ransom like Benzema will.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:12
why doesnt pique play as the right back cant see a problem hes being wasted sitting on the bench
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:20
Conor; Lahm is worth every penny he will cost. He was a revelation in the last World Cup and he showed the world the vast variety of skills he possesses. For me their is no better WB in the world. His dribbling, ball control and vision is outstanding and he is also a solid defender as he marks tightly and can tackle well too. His only weaknesses is his lack of height and even then, he is not that bad in the air. I also love his shot. Huntelaar is the real deal. One can argue that he has been more prolific a scorer in Holland than RVN. He also has a vaster skill set and superior height. Where RVN beats him is in pace.
Kurt; If we bought Huntelaar I would want the team to use a 4-1-2-1-2 DIAMOND formation.
LAHM-RIO-VIDIC-EVRA
HARGREAVES
RONALDO NANI
ANDERSON
ROONEY-HUNTELAAR
I love Tevez but I think he makes a better Super Sub. Scholes and Giggs are too old and would make great subs at this stage in their careers. As for Carrick, I feel he can fit in for Hargreaves or Anderson at any time in a rotation that would kee those three fresh, while also giving them ample playing time. I would use Manucho as an occasional striker in Cup games to build his confidence and experience.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:43
Grognard, i agree with your formation but i would actually make it into 4-1-3-1-1
Lahm - Rio - Vidic - Evra
—Hargreaves/Carrick—
Ronaldo - Anderson - Nani
———Rooney———-
——–Huntelaar——–
just because i believe that keeping Huntelaar up front and have Rooney help him while supporting the midfield, honesty, i think Rooney is much better as a 2nd striker just behind Huntelaar. Pushing Anderson back into center mid allows for attacking and defending responsibilities and he seems to be equally great at both.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:47
i think we are already playing a 4-2-3-1 system this season.
evs
brown rio vidic evra
carrick anderson
ronaldo tevez giggs
rooney
i think lahm and benjema will be the best buys.we dont really need huntelar as
we will lose our fluency in attack.ronaldo will surely lose his goalscoring ability if huntelar arrives.why some people are so annoyed with hergreaves and carrick,i dont know.it looks like one will get the bashing if the other one is playing well
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:51
I’m a fan of the 4-2-3-1 myself. I think it would look something like this with new signings:
Lahm - Rio - Vidic - Evra
Hargo Anderson
Ronaldo Rooney Nani
Huntelaar
Solid defense with two good wingback who can get up and cross. Good midfield, one passer who can tackle well, and one defensive mid who is ok at passing. Also have Carrick and all 3 can be played interchangeably. Strong attacking mids who can interchange - Tevez can also be thrown in interchangeably - with Rooney/Tevez and Ronaldo going through the middle and Nani out wide on either side crossing. And of course Big Klaas in the front spearheading the attack, latching onto through balls and heading in crosses. That’s my favorite formation lads.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:31
I’m pretty sure Klinsmann will keep hold of Lahm as they are pretty chummy from there time with the Germany national team… would think he would be a fantastic acquistion though.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:48
I have no problem with 4-1-3-1-1. It would probably suit Rooney well playing just behind Huntelaar.
Shannon; The chances of Lahm leaving now with Klinsmann at Bayern are probably 40%. Still money talks and the challenge to play for a team as great as United will appeal to Lahm. Hargreaves being his friend cannot be underestimated. Still German players are very tentative about leaving Germany. I have been a Bayern supporter for 35 of my 48 years and so I am torn about this one. I want United to get a quality RWB and there are none better than Lahm. Still Bayern have Sagnol and Lell so I think they could cope without him.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:45
I agree, and i also think the Celtic keeper would be a super signing but i cant agree on Hunterlaar… I think he will bring about a style in which we played with Van Nistelrooy at the helm which i wouldn’t be pleased with… Hopefully Manucho turns out to be a talent so we can have him banging em in
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:01
Yeah Kuszczak has all signs of becoming the No.1 keeper next yr ..He is also young so his reflexes will only bound to improve. He just has to improve on his kicks ..He commands the box very well , has good pace to come out and clear the ball . I remember seeing him when he played for West Bromwich Albion .. He was absolutely fantastic . Especially the matches against Chelski United etc.. If i am not wrong I guess he also won ‘Save of the Season ‘ award in the yr 06.
Assuming Manucho is very good as a holding striker , in away matches like Pompey Tottenham WestHam Bolton Boro etc. were our wingers seem to go horribly wrong…
we will start 4-2-1-2-1 ..
Lahm-Rio-Vidic-Evra
—Hargo-Carrick—-
——-Andy——–
—Rooney-Ronaldo–
—–Manucho—-
I cant see us changing from 4-4-2 to any other formation in our home with
Lahm-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Nani-Andy-Carrick-Ronaldo
Tevez-Rooney
Next season our attack will be even more diversified lethal and we can quickly change our style .. Proper RB , Nani`s crosses being even more accurate with the lessons from Giggs , just a matter of time Andy starts scoring , Manucho giving us exactly what we dont have … With Epl increasing the subs bench to 7 players i guess fergie will have that in mind and create havoc !
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:13
Has anyone considered that lahm \Klaas\benzema are not willing
to move from their present clubs.none of them have been quoted as
saying that they would want to move.they seem happy at their clubs.
And another thing if we continue buying players each time we have
difficulties in a particular position we are likely to end up
with more Rossi type situations.
Thirdly,I would like us to give our youth players/young players in
the squad some games especially the likes of simpson he looks good.
we need to be content with what we have.Because the more players
we buy the harder it is to accomodate them.
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:34
Yeah get your point… i think we are getting abit ‘fantasy football’ in here… however if Brown doesnt sign on then simpson will not be adequate cover
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:52
I dont know who said it,but one manger once said ” football is a simple game made difficult by managers” or something like that. Im seeing a lot of different types of formations,but I believe they all add up to 4-4-2.Huntelaar is a good player but no pace.Pace is almost everything to a striker playing for united.Runs have to be made off the ball otherwise we become predictable.manucho is going to be a much better target man than huntelaar,he is massive.
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:59
Oh and Im looking forward to next season,scholes and giggs would become bit part players,nani would hopefully have matured by then.We would have new strikers,manucho and huntelaar/benzema.I hope anderson doesnt go to the olympics as next year we need to start with Our best squad,not like this year with no strikers and half-fit players,also we now have seven subs.We have the best squad in the league and with seven subs we could fit in loads of options.Cant wait!
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:24
I think that we are almost there… getting the best squad in the world. Only, we can not be that without a good, tall striker. Ever
yone can pass great balls in front of our enemy§s goelies, but no one can out jump the defence. Rooney, Tevez….Saha… they all play good with both of their feet, but no one can score with a header. I§m not shure Benzema is the right choice for our main striker. I think we need someone more like Luka Toni….. Adebayor… that kind of profile of a striker. I also think that Brown is not the best solution for a right back, but he is good enough when you consider his defenzive qualities. He did have a couple of nice assists from the right flank…
February 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
I’m not of the option that we need a top goal scorer to complete the team. Sure Huntelaar would convert a greater percentage of chances but would we create as many with him in the team. The closest comparison for us is RVN, and despite his huge personal success our goal scoring rates fell when he was at the club. We play better with everybody contributing goals, there is a very real danger that with a pure goal scorer, that players focus too much on setting up chances solely for him.
What I think we need is a player who can play up top and release Rooney into a freer role further back. Attributes include pace, strength, movement, ability to run the channels and reasonable aerial ability. The player doesn’t need to have brilliant strike rates, a reasonable goal scoring rate would do. The class of players include Anelka, Saha, Eto’o and Benzema. To be honest there is a reason for the price of Benzema in comparison to Huntelaar. Huntelaar is a very good player, Benzema has the air a of potential world class player about him.
On the comparison of Huntelaar and RVN, I’ve had a look at their scoring rates while in Holland, which are virtually identical. Huntelaar has a slightly better rate in the league, with RVN having superior CL (whilst at PSV) and International records. Should also be noted that RVN is actually taller and personally I’ve never seen anything that suggests Huntelaar is any more skilful.
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:13
JB; I watch Huntelaar quite a bit as we get a lot of Ajax games here in Canada. Trust me, he is very skillful. He scores in many different ways, some of the them spectacular (ex bicycle kicks, diving headers, sharp a