Summer Transfer Window 2019

[Spikey M]

Atletico Madrid are paying Benfica 126m euros for Joao Felix.

Now that is fucking insane.

We need a new patch at this point. The beta is fucked.

[randomlegend]

Jorginho being in the Chelsea bit flies in the face of him being shit, no? Most passes in the final third and won more possession than Kante? I thought the big issue with him was that he just passed it sideways a few yards? Or is it because opinion turned against Sarri and he was a Sarri man?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfyjSzysoH0

[randomlegend]

Inter want Lukaku on loan for two years for 10m euros, with a 60m euro obligation to buy at the end of that term.

Lol.

[Lewis]

Take it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Jorginho is basically a midget version of John Obi Mikel - tidy, unspectacular, and an easy target for fans to shout FORWAAAARD!!!! at when we are 1-0 down at home to Southampton because he doesn't have any visible urgency about him.

He came into the season post the League Cup final, as several of our players did. I slightly fear for him under Super Frankie Binman though, unless he manages to find a way of combining him and Kanté in a DOUBLE PIVOT.

[randomlegend]

Take it.

After they tried to get £50m out of us for fucking Perisic, they can suck a dick. I'd rather have him play u23s.

[Spikey M]

It's not your money m8

[Lewis]

Forty million and Francesco Toldo.

[Ian]

Fucking bastard clubs just deciding how big a bid needs to be before they want to accept it.

Won't somebody please think of the children?

[SvN]

£70million is decent, we won't get more than that. Who cares if we don't get the full amount for a few years.

[Smjffy]

Add the £10M saved on wages then it's not too bad a deal for all parties tbf. He started pretty young so I reckon he'll be done and dusted by time he's 30 anyway especially if he continues to lift weights as he seems to have done. Too big.

[Mellberg]

Obviously you sell the shit cunt.

[Smjffy]

Kovacic to Chelsea for £50M! Jesus.

[Smjffy]

If we somehow managed to swing this then it would probably outdo winning the league as far as wtf moments go.

https://icdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/sturridge-mbappe-320x207.jpg

Followed players last week, plays as Liverpool in FIFA, likes Klopp, almost joined in 2017...it's a lock, right....?

Any itks online?

[SincereTheRebel]

Inter want Lukaku on loan for two years for 10m euros, with a 60m euro obligation to buy at the end of that term.

Lol.

Bargain

[Jimmy Floyd]

Kovacic to Chelsea for £50M! Jesus.

We kind of have to do this or it's Ethan Ampadu starting all year.

[SincereTheRebel]

Chelsea are in a LOL sitatuion with the ban. You can hold them at ransom

[Smjffy]

We kind of have to do this or it's Ethan Ampadu starting all year.

As a Welshman I have absolutely no issue with that.

[Smjffy]

Chelsea are in a LOL sitatuion with the ban. You can hold them at ransom

It's probably the best time for them to have it given Arsenal are shit and Man United have a massive makeover on hand. I doubt they'll suffer too much for it. It's only two windows, right?

[SincereTheRebel]

He should get in Chelsea, from the locs alone

[Smjffy]

Sepp van den Berg signs. Yay. :|

[Boydy]

How did Lukaku get so shit? He used to be good, right?

[niko_cee]

What's the deal with Chelsea then? Can they sign Kovacic because he was there on loan with a clause to buy before they were transfer banned? You'd think a transfer ban was bad enough, but if it also forces you to shell out £50m on him as well that feels like a double kick in the groin.

I have high hopes for this ginger Dutch kid I have only just heard of and seen for the first time. Him, that Hoever chap, all under Van Dijk's tutelage, sorted for years no doubt.

[Smjffy]

How did Lukaku get so shit? He used to be good, right?

Not really. He's always been a flat track bully but now he's just fat, a spack and bullshit. Too many weights and a completely different mentality to the Everton Lukaku.

[niko_cee]

He looked decent from time to time for United. He was very much part of that revolutionary winning run they went on. He's just not that good or that bad, and is made to look shitter when everyone else around him is playing poorly as well. He'll to well in Italy forever. Can't United just do a swap deal with Icardi or something - or that Inter centre-half everyone is always being linked with? Skrinar?

[Smjffy]

I have high hopes for this ginger Dutch kid I have only just heard of and seen for the first time. Him, that Hoever chap, all under Van Dijk's tutelage, sorted for years no doubt.

Jaap Stam was his manager at Zwolle, VvD a potential partner in defense....quite frankly if he doesn't make it then he needs shooting with those two beasts.

[Smjffy]

He looked decent from time to time for United. He was very much part of that revolutionary winning run they went on. He's just not that good or that bad, and is made to look shitter when everyone else around him is playing poorly as well.

I can see quite a few United fans taking issue with that.

[Baz]

Jaap Stam was his manager at Zwolle, VvD a potential partner in defense....quite frankly if he doesn't make it then he needs shooting with those two beasts.Reading between the lines, he’s basically Jaap Stam’s regen.

[SincereTheRebel]

What's the deal with Chelsea then? Can they sign Kovacic because he was there on loan with a clause to buy before they were transfer banned? You'd think a transfer ban was bad enough, but if it also forces you to shell out £50m on him as well that feels like a double kick in the groin.


Becuase of the clause, the ban does not apply becuase he was on loan.


I have high hopes for this ginger Dutch kid I have only just heard of and seen for the first time. Him, that Hoever chap, all under Van Dijk's tutelage, sorted for years no doubt.

All central defenders should be big ginger bastards.

[randomlegend]

Lukaku is a good goalscorer, but Ole wants to play a style of football that Lukaku just doesn't suit at all.

[Smjffy]

Lukaku is a good goalscorer, but Ole wants to play a style of football that Lukaku just doesn't suit at all.

Solksjaer isn't good enough to implement any style. Klopp, Poch and Guardiola, yes. Mr Nostalgia hasn't given even the slightest sign of it has he? Or is the caretaker stint overruling his permanent stint?

[SincereTheRebel]

Whats the correct word for that. Binman?

[niko_cee]

He wants them to play fast, counter-attacking football, which doesn't really work if your main forward has the bulk and mobility of a dwarf planet.

[randomlegend]

There's no point engaging you on anything to do with Utd.

[randomlegend]

He wants them to play fast, counter-attacking football, which doesn't really work if your main forward has the bulk and mobility of a dwarf planet.

His first touch is the biggest issue.

[Ian]

Solksjaer isn't good enough to implement any style. Klopp, Poch and Guardiola, yes. Mr Nostalgia hasn't given even the slightest sign of it has he?

:cab:

[Danny]

there's no point engaging you on anything.

ftfy

[Smjffy]

There's no point engaging you on anything.

Fixed. :(

You know it's going to be another season of nothing though, right? And he'll be gone by New Year? It's far too big a job for him and he hasn't even replaced any of the outgoing lot yet, if indeed they go and if they don't then that's going to make things even worse.

Thou cannot wait.

[Smjffy]

He wants them to play fast, counter-attacking football, which doesn't really work if your main forward has the bulk and mobility of a dwarf planet.

Well, forward come winger. He should be in the thick of it. Hell, I'd rather have Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw bombing down and getting some quality balls in, hell, if Wan Bissaka manages to beat the first man he's better than Ashley Young. United haven't had that in a long time, no proper wingers either in my mind.

[Ian]

You know it's going to be another season of nothing though, right? And he'll be gone by New Year? It's far too big a job for him and he hasn't even replaced any of the outgoing lot yet, if indeed they go and if they don't then that's going to make things even worse.

Quite possibly. But you know that your initial statement (unrelated to this one) was bonkers, one-eyed nonsense though, right?

[Gray Fox]

We have no idea how good Ole is at United yet. These haven't been his players, but it looks like he's getting the guys he wants.

It may not happen in one season, but they've started on the right path. Avoiding the temptation of a 30 year old big name is the next step. They'll be challenging for 4th regardless though.

Chelsea have just had their best player pinched and are about to appoint their own Ole, potentially without the ability to buy anyone. Arsenal need to start learning to play away from home to have much say in the top 4.

[Smjffy]

Quite possibly. But you know that your initial statement (unrelated to this one) was bonkers, one-eyed nonsense though, right?

No....far from it but obviously blinkered because I'm a Liverpool guy and not because he flunked in his last year at Molde, got Cardiff relegated, a job he himself said he wasn't ready for before returning to Norway, which wasn't as good as his financially backed first two seasons.

I ain't being a dick but if you're not ready to manage Cardiff then how on earth can you be ready to manage one of the biggest clubs around? Especially one that requires as much on/off the field work as United.

The only blinkers I see are 1990's United fans pining for the days of old and Solksjaers only link to that was sticking a bloody foot out.


;)


Man United will finish 20+ points adrift again for sure and as I said, Ole will be dismissed before the end of the season.

[Lewis]

No need to watch any matches now I know how it ends. Cheers.

[Smjffy]

We have no idea how good Ole is at United yet. These haven't been his players, but it looks like he's getting the guys he wants.

It may not happen in one season, but they've started on the right path. Avoiding the temptation of a 30 year old big name is the next step. They'll be challenging for 4th regardless though.

Chelsea have just had their best player pinched and are about to appoint their own Ole, potentially without the ability to buy anyone. Arsenal need to start learning to play away from home to have much say in the top 4.

Lampard should be nowhere near the Chelsea job either tbh. What 30 year old big names have Man United signed other than Sanchez which was to stop him going to City? Unless you're on about Ibra in which case he smashed the league until he was injured the sexy bastard.

Nearly £70M on two players who have played less games combined than Andreas Pereira has managed in his entire career. Bonkers.

[Smjffy]

No need to watch any matches now I know how it ends. Cheers.

I've probably done you a bigger favour than you realise there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

No need to watch any matches now I know how it ends. Cheers.

I don't know why you bother with that anyway when there are transfer rumours to read.

[Pepe]

Not rumours, knowledge.

[Ian]

A load of stuff completely unrelated to the actual question.

Is there a special reason you're refusing to engage further on the statement I'm actually disagreeing with? I feel like it'd be easier if you either said you refuse to budge on the inference that only about 3 managers are capable of having a style or accept that it was bollocks and we all move on with our lives.

Save the how crap Ole is or is not for somebody who's disagreeing with you.

[Smjffy]

Is there a special reason you're refusing to engage further on the statement I'm actually disagreeing with? I feel like it'd be easier if you either said you refuse to budge on the inference that only about 3 managers are capable of having a style or accept that it was bollocks and we all move on with our lives.

Save the how crap Ole is or is not for somebody who's disagreeing with you.

Did I not already answer? Only others in the Prem you could say is the Wolves boss and Garcia of Watford but that's grasping.


No....far from it but obviously blinkered because I'm a Liverpool guy and not because he flunked in his last year at Molde, got Cardiff relegated, a job he himself said he wasn't ready for before returning to Norway, which wasn't as good as his financially backed first two seasons.

I ain't being a dick but if you're not ready to manage Cardiff then how on earth can you be ready to manage one of the biggest clubs around? Especially one that requires as much on/off the field work as United.


His small stint has been littered with him being shown up as tactically naive and clueless. You only need to look at the rabbit in headlights look against PSG to realise that but then it was probably that match that forced United's hand. In reality, you can forget about his good start because the more recent form is some of the worst form, stats, records in Man United's. 1 defeat in 16 was great but 7 defeats in 11 is unforgivable.

Obviously I'm bias but I said when Moyes was hired he'd flop, I said when LvG was hired he'd flop, Mourinho the same and now Solksjaer who's definitely the weakest of the quartet. Every one of them has actually made Man United worse than when they arrived. Solksjaer will be the one to drive the nail in the coffin.

[Lewis]

You've been predicting United's imminent demise for as long as I've been posting here, so let's not pretend you've really predicted anything.

[Ian]

Your original post implied that a manager not being successful means he has not and cannot implement a style and that therefore all players are neither suited nor unsuited to a given team, which is bonkers.

And yet you seem to be interested only in repeating yourself on points that I haven't argued either for or against.

Not that I'm playing down your perceptiveness in thinking that David Moyes might not be Alex Ferguson, you understand.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Even a broken clock...

[Smjffy]

Your original post implied that a manager not being successful means he has not and cannot implement a style and that therefore all players are neither suited nor unsuited to a given team, which is bonkers.

And yet you seem to be interested only in repeating yourself on points that I haven't argued either for or against.

Not that I'm playing down your perceptiveness in thinking that David Moyes might not be Alex Ferguson, you understand.

Nah. My initial post implied that Klopp, Poch and Pep are the only ones in the league who have brought a distinctive style that they have implemented and in quite a short time after joining the clubs too. Poch also did it at Southampton, Klopp did it at Dortmund and Pep did it at Barca/Bayern.

OGS has shown nothing other than a title in a meaningless country whilst leaving Cardiff in a worse position than he found them due to his inability to manage and now he's statistically one of the worst Manchester United managers, period. David Moyes actually had a better record and he got sacked!

Quite a long way of getting around to the original point which was only the three mentioned above have managed to incorporate a style. You could watch them in black and white and you'd know which team was which based on how they play. You wouldn't have a clue what a Solksjaer team played like and buying younger yet lesser players isn't going to change it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He only has a worse record if you discount the games as a caretaker.

Also, any manager can implement a style you lunatic. It might not yield results, it might be crap but that isn't the point.

[Andy]

Nah. My initial post implied that Klopp, Poch and Pep are the only ones in the league who have brought a distinctive style that they have implemented and in quite a short time after joining the clubs too. Poch also did it at Southampton, Klopp did it at Dortmund and Pep did it at Barca/Bayern.

OGS has shown nothing other than a title in a meaningless country whilst leaving Cardiff in a worse position than he found them due to his inability to manage and now he's statistically one of the worst Manchester United managers, period. David Moyes actually had a better record and he got sacked!

Quite a long way of getting around to the original point which was only the three mentioned above have managed to incorporate a style. You could watch them in black and white and you'd know which team was which based on how they play. You wouldn't have a clue what a Solksjaer team played like and buying younger yet lesser players isn't going to change it.

Does it only count as implementing a style if you finish in the top 6?

[SvN]

Why are people engaging with this crackhead? It's like having a row with your pet dog.

[Bam]

Why are people engaging with this crackhead? It's like having a row with your pet dog.


:D

The thing is he's not even trolling, I think he actually believes what he's writing. :drink:

[Ian]

I'm working from home and extremely bored. This time he's at least answered the question with only half his post talking about stuff that's not relevant, which is an improvement. I think with an evening's work I can get him to only answer one question incorrectly.

[Smjffy]

There was nothing wrong with the comment suggesting OGS won't do jot nor suggesting that he has no set style to implement. Christ, you could tell in Klopps first game against Tottenham that things were going to be different. Solksjaer got the job based on his playing days, not his managerial record. Couldn't go for Neville, he showed his hand at Valencia. Couldn't go for Giggs, he had a stab at it and got discarded (the cunt shouldn't be the Wales manager either.) Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce would be a no go. Paul Ince or Roy Keane burned their bridges an age back.

I suppose Phil Neville will be the next in line.

[Smjffy]

Why are people engaging with this crackhead? It's like having a row with your pet dog.

Libel. :thbgrin:

[randomlegend]

There's no point engaging you on anything to do with Utd.

....

[randomlegend]

Oh and by the way, my brother is at LEAST 17 times worse than Smiffy.

[Smjffy]

There's no point engaging you on anything.

Fixed again. Also, there's just no way! I don't believe it. He isn't.

[SvN]

What's most hilarious is if United have a bad season, he'll probably bump this thread with a completely oblivious "told you so" post.

[Ian]

There was nothing wrong with the comment suggesting OGS won't do jot nor suggesting that he has no set style to implement. Christ, you could tell in Klopps first game against Tottenham that things were going to be different. Solksjaer got the job based on his playing days, not his managerial record. Couldn't go for Neville, he showed his hand at Valencia. Couldn't go for Giggs, he had a stab at it and got discarded (the cunt shouldn't be the Wales manager either.) Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce would be a no go. Paul Ince or Roy Keane burned their bridges an age back.

I suppose Phil Neville will be the next in line.

Unbolded bits: Still nothing to do with anything that anybody else is talking about and yet you can post nothing else about.

Bolded bit: So wrongheaded it's hard to believe that you can have watched a game and actually believe it, regardless of the results of said games.

I look forward to another thesis related to the unbolded bits.

[Baz]

Misread and thought randomlegend’s brother is Tony Mortimer.

[Kikó]

Can someone summarise the walls of text from Smiff? Is it basically OGS is going to fail over 12000 words?

Lukaku could be a good striker if he was the right weight. He's in awful condition and he's not good enough to be a weighty back to goal striker as 1) he can't hold the ball up with his feet 2) he can't jump and win headers.

Wan-Bassaka is a good signing though. We've got a few decent young lads at the club now. So I look forward to seeing Young at right back.

[Ian]

As concisely as I can: only three managers in England have a defined style of play. This can be explained by a lengthy, unrelated diatribe about the hiring of OGB.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Klopp is the greatest manager to have ever walked our planet.

[Smjffy]

As concisely as I can: only three managers in England have a defined style of play. This can be explained by a lengthy, unrelated diatribe about the hiring of OGB.

"Only" three, you say? I said only three, did I? I didn't include Nuno Santo nor Garcia? I didn't have to point out that I was referring to the Premier League too, did I? Because you took it as all managers in all the worlds.

As far as telling you so SvN, I didn't do that when LvG went, I didn't do that when Mourinho went (who I felt got a shit draw in the end) and I didn't do it when we won the Champions League, nor did the meltdown occur when we blew it. Twice.

Kiko - Wall of text basically said you could blur out the faces, have all players play in the same colours, no commentary and you'd have a very good idea whether you were watching a Klopp side or a Guardiola side because they have implemented said style at multiple clubs, same as Poch. Quite frankly I don't believe Solksjaer has the tactical nous nor wit in which to pull it off. If he did then he would have been linked to jobs based on his ability and not his connections. The reason no one was looking to swipe him from Molde is because he's a very average manager. His philosophy appears to be let's pretend it's 1999. You simply do not just waltz into a club the size of Man United and change it over night, Liverpool had the exact same problem which is why we knocked ourselves off our perch. United is just a mirror image of it.

[Smjffy]

Klopp is the greatest manager to have ever walked our planet.

Well, he's the best in Europe, it'll be the world in December(?).

I appreciate it wasn't easy for you to admit that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

As concisely as I can: only three managers in England have a defined style of play. This can be explained by a lengthy, unrelated diatribe about the hiring of OGB.

Yes, all the worlds.

[SvN]

Houllier Benitez King Kenny Rodgers Klopp will definitely win the Premier League.

[randomlegend]

Longstaff to United sounding more and more likely. Rumoured £30m...for a player with 9 senior appearances. Yikes.

Also AWBs brother seems to have leaked a photo of his contract signing/presentation lol. CBA to link on phone.

[Smjffy]

Houllier Benitez King Kenny Rodgers Klopp will definitely win the Premier League.

Each has come closer than the other so it'll happen eventually. Probably a lot sooner than your next one anyway. I've actually been very reserved with our chances of success for nearly three years now which is funny because since I stopped hoping we started to become good.

We don't even need trophies given the enjoyment we get weekly.

[Ian]

"Only" three, you say? I said only three, did I? I didn't include Nuno Santo nor Garcia? I didn't have to point out that I was referring to the Premier League too, did I? Because you took it as all managers in all the worlds.

You described those two as "grasping", which given you didn't even include Sarri I thought meant they could be disregarded.

That still leaves 15 Premier League teams "without a style of play." As de-escalations of absurd statements go this is the equivalent of "I'm not saying the moon is made of cheese. It could be any dairy product!"

[Smjffy]

You described those two as "grasping", which given you didn't even include Sarri I thought meant they could be disregarded.

That still leaves 15 Premier League teams "without a style of play." As de-escalations of absurd statements go this is the equivalent of "I'm not saying the moon is made of cheese. It could be any dairy product!"

Nah, you're definitely misinterpreting what I was trying to point out. If you hired Pep, Guardiola or Poch, you know what sort of football you're getting as they've been instilling that style at numerous clubs, OGS's seems more of an idea, of course he wants to be a good counter attacking side like United used to be under Ferguson but I don't see where he's shown at any point in his career thus far that he's been able to do that with any club, basically.. I don't know how else to explain how I mean it to come across so fuck it. x

[thommo]

Watched a lot of Molde to come to that conclusion, have you? I don't particularly rate OGS myself, but I struggle to believe you can't see he has tried to play a certain way since coming to Manchester United.

And this idea that no other Prem managers other than those 3 (or 5) have a definitive style/tactic is ridiculous. Even the relegated clubs all played in a particular manner that you could easily identify - Cardiff under Warnock, Fulham under Jokanovic (fleetingly) and Huddersfield under both Wagner and Siewert.

[Smjffy]

He's tried to play a certain way because that's what the supporters are demanding. He's done nothing but sing to their hymn sheet but whatever. It'll be another funny campaign of calamity for them.

I haven't watched a lot of Molde but if you do your homework you'll see many of their own felt the same, especially during his second spell. Warnock could be mistaken for Pulis, Jokanovic's wasn't fleeting, it was found out when the quality of attackers improved and Huddersfield under Wagner were just pretty and again, if he had conviction in his 'style' or whatever then he wouldn't have fucked it all up by changing it.

The Southampton manager seems to have more of a clue and again, he's done it at a previous club. OGS hasn't. He's making it up on the fly.

That's the last I'll say on it since you're all being pedantic and acting like nobs. Bandwagon jumpers.

[thommo]

So Warnock doesn't have a particular style as it is similar to Pulis? But Hasenhuttl does even though it is very similar to the German pressing tactic employed by Klopp, Nagelsmann and others? Jokanovic didn't have a very obvious attacking style throughout the 2 seasons Fulham made the playoffs and the early part of the Prem season? Wagner didn't have a possession-based style that he implemented throughout his time at Huddersfield?

You're doubling down on a frankly ridiculous point you made just to beat up OGS with. He might not be particularly good but dial it back a bit.

[randomlegend]

Private zookeeper in Portugal has leaked Bruno Fernandes to Utd on twitter.

[Lewis]

Matthijs de Ligt has accepted Juventus offer of a five-year contract worth €24m (£21.6m) a year, of which a third will be performance related bonus, but Paris Saint-Germain have still not given up on signing the Ajax defender... The offer would give the centre-back a basic salary of around £270,000 a week with add-ons increasing his possible earnings to £415,000 a week. Juventus will now start official talks with Ajax in the hope that a deal of around £70m will clinch a deal.

'Alexis' money that. Little wanker.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What's he had, 30 good games?

[Ian]

This is beginning to remind me of the period the NFL went through where the #1 draft pick was becoming the highest paid player in the league (or at least in the top handful) basically every year.

[randomlegend]

'Alexis' money that. Little wanker.

I bet those wages are bullshit. When players contracts get leaked they're almost always on way less than the media reported.

[Smjffy]

Certainly gets leaked before tax is taken out. £500,000 a week is probably only £300,000 after tax, that's nearly £10M in the coffers. I find when footballers wages are taken into account that that part always gets forgotten. Very well paid but also pay more than your average Joe even if they lived ten lives.

[SincereTheRebel]

Players deserve more money.

[phonics]

Actually Italy just passed a law where foreigners coming into football pay 50% less tax on their income hence why Juve are able to put these mental packages together.

[Smjffy]

Damn right. I don't know about you but I'm pretty fed up of the managers and higher ups having all the power.

[Smjffy]

Actually Italy just passed a law where foreigners coming into football pay 50% less tax on their income hence why Juve are able to put these mental packages together.

I just Googled and Premier League players don't even pay 45% tax, it's much less. Nevermind.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's the reason, supposedly, why Ronaldo went over there.

[Smjffy]

https://www.itv.com/news/2019-01-21/record-number-of-footballers-under-investigation-by-hmrc-over-tax-avoidance/

I actually forgot about all that. Some clubs also hire their players under a different term so it's not classed as corporate tax or whatever. Way too much for my noggin'.

[Smjffy]

:D And I just got to use 'shift, ctrl, T'.

:pards:

[Pepe]

Very well paid but also pay more than your average Joe even if they lived ten lives.

Congratulations on figuring out how income taxes work.

[Smjffy]

I know I've been away for a little while but Jesus....look at the mess of you lad. You try far too hard.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The only Mexican in history to do so.

[Pepe]

:D

[SincereTheRebel]

Zaha has confirmed he wants to leave Palace.

[Gray Fox]

I have a feeling he'll only get a sideways move. The clubs he wants to play for wont pay the fee needed to get him.

[Lewis]

How will sideways moves pay it?

[Gray Fox]

Clubs don't tend to want as much when it's not one of the big boys. Cut price deal towards the end of the window I think.

[Smjffy]

I thought he wanted to move to a club in the Champions League? Chelsea won't happen due to transfer ban, Arsenal unlikely to afford, City and Liverpool don't need and I doubt he'd go back to Man United.

If he goes then they can join Brighton with the three promoted clubs as the seasons relegation candidates, I reckon.

[phonics]

He’s asked to leave because he wants to join Arsenal not because he wants to leave in general. Deal was done if they finished in the champions league but they fucked it so he’s going all out to try drop the price.

[Gray Fox]

You'll have plenty of money for him when you sell Aubameyang to United.

[randomlegend]

Lack of an official announcement for AWB is weird. Something's a brewing.

Or probably not.

[Smjffy]

You'll have plenty of money for him when you sell Aubameyang to United.

You know on a serious note, if they did go for him then it would be some great business for United especially if Lukaku went.

Sign AWB, pinch Aubameyang, Arsenal use that to get Zaha, United's % off that sale makes the AWB then look reasonable all the whilst weakening Palace and putting an end to Roy fucking Hodgson.

[Smjffy]

Martin O'Neill. Call it a day, fella.

[phonics]

You'll have plenty of money for him when you sell Aubameyang to United.

I don’t think they’ll pay what it’d take to get him by the sounds of how much they’re losing money on Lukaku. It’ll be Van Dijk money. He’d be great for them as well. If they paid the money it’d probably work out being good for all parties.

[randomlegend]

Isn't "Auba" a pace merchant? Signing a 30 year old pace-reliant striker for big money seems mental to me.

EDIT: Probably sounds more disparaging than it's meant to, I definitely think he's a good player.

[Giggles]

I thought he was about 24.

[randomlegend]

1144673526735130624

Cute.

[Smjffy]

Isn't "Auba" a pace merchant? Signing a 30 year old pace-reliant striker for big money seems mental to me.

EDIT: Probably sounds more disparaging than it's meant to, I definitely think he's a good player.

The last time Man United signed a 30 year old striker from Arsenal it didn't go too badly.

[phonics]

Isn't "Auba" a pace merchant? Signing a 30 year old pace-reliant striker for big money seems mental to me.

EDIT: Probably sounds more disparaging than it's meant to, I definitely think he's a good player.

I thought this too but pace is a much smaller part of him than I thought. He has excellent movement/space creation that gets him free from 6 yards out constantly. If his finishing wasn’t so erratic he’d have an extra 10 goals this season. Missed a sitter/open goal every other game and still got 30+.

[Smjffy]

The other one is better anyway.

[niko_cee]

BBC have Wan-Bisaaka as £50m (£45m+add-ons) done but not 'confirmed' but the best bit is a sell-on fee of 10% if United sell him for more than £50m. Erm, ok.

You have to admire the ambition.

Edit, no, best bit of the article is:


United are paying £45m up front, making Wan-Bissaka the club's fifth-biggest signing, behind Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Angel di Maria and Fred.

Not enough Marti Pellows for that.

[niko_cee]

Also, I was a bit non-plussed at the idea of Valencia buying Cillessen for what seemed to be a mad amount the other day, but I see Barcelona have reciprocated and bought some other no-mark off them for about the same. Swapsies.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jesus, I've just seen that Cillessen is 30.

I thought he was about 21.

Neto is far superior from the little I've seen of both so Barcelona have done well.

[Smjffy]

I expected to see Anthony Martial on that list.

[Smjffy]

Also, I was a bit non-plussed at the idea of Valencia buying Cillessen for what seemed to be a mad amount the other day, but I see Barcelona have reciprocated and bought some other no-mark off them for about the same. Swapsies.

I reckon it's probably something to do with the FFP. I read about how PSG got around the Mbappe fee just yesterday, it's pointless having it if it's not going to be implemented.

I think we all know sod all will actually happen to City other than a fine.

[randomlegend]

I expected to see Anthony Martial on that list.

The fee reported for Martial was with every possible add-on, which included stuff like him winning the Balon D'or.

What we actually paid seems to be somewhere around £35m.

[randomlegend]

I reckon it's probably something to do with the FFP. I read about how PSG got around the Mbappe fee just yesterday, it's pointless having it if it's not going to be implemented.

I think we all know sod all will actually happen to City other than a fine.

AC Milan just got kicked out of the Europa League for breaching FFP.

[Smjffy]

AC Milan just got kicked out of the Europa League for breaching FFP.

Hardly a punishment when they pretty offered it themselves. Great way to get out of Thursday night football.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48801681

Seems like they've just got away with it to me.


It is understood this ruling was requested by Milan as part of their overall FFP settlement agreement with Uefa.

Last year, Milan were banned from the Europa League but then reinstated by Cas following an appeal.

This year, Milan agreed to take the ban as it was in the mutual interests of both the club and Uefa.

It is likely to earn Milan a more favourable ruling from Uefa in terms of their overall FFP predicament, as they face breaches in the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

I don't understand why they get any say in it. The rules were clear for everyone.

[phonics]

Jesus, I've just seen that Cillessen is 30.

I thought he was about 21.

Neto is far superior from the little I've seen of both so Barcelona have done well.

I’m basing my entire opinion on the two Europa League games we had against them. He’s genuinely one of the worst keepers I’ve ever seen.

I spoke about Aubameyang spaffing sitters earlier. We scored from every attack we had in both legs. Awful keeper.

[John Arne]

Can any fans of Irish football confirm that Izzy Akinade is indeed a rapist? He has just joined Ho Chi Minh City FC and apparently they didn't do any research on him.
Giggles

[Giggles]

Can any fans of Irish football confirm that Izzy Akinade is indeed a rapist? He has just joined Ho Chi Minh City FC and apparently they didn't do any research on him.
Giggles

Yep. See the shit leagues thread. He was part of a gang rape of a minor when he was also a minor.

http://www.courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/768d83be24938e1180256ef30048ca51/742f5c6a7cadd0dd80258412004e5c63?OpenDocument&fbclid=IwAR3WyWZyTTob2FyGEhmLesX9CHkc4qfm2MBQ1Vbzx 9skMpkzddKbIHpzPaQ

[Shindig]

Oh. I can see why he signed.

[John Arne]

Yep. See the shit leagues thread. He was part of a gang rape of a minor when he was also a minor.

Was it the rape that lead to the deportation, or something else?

[John Arne]

Was it the rape that lead to the deportation, or something else?

The link answers this.

[Giggles]

It was. It happened years ago but the case was re-examined lately and the deportation judgement passed.

[Giggles]

I'd heard he'd landed in Asia and signed for someone as there were doubts he'd left Ireland (didn't show up for the official deportation), but I didn't realise it was Vietnam.

[John Arne]

I'd heard he'd landed in Asia and signed for someone as there were doubts he'd left Ireland (didn't show up for the official deportation), but I didn't realise it was Vietnam.

We released our best foreigner to fit him in the squad :face:

[Giggles]

He's fairly talented, but that's where the good points end.

[Spikey M]

Is John Arne from Vietnam or is he another one on the TTH Yewtree list?

[Giggles]

Is John Arne from Vietnam or is he another one on the TTH Yewtree list?

I asked that very question the other day but I can't remember what thread. It went NI > GB > Nam.

[Giggles]

He was always fairly unrepentant too.

982446863793164289

[SincereTheRebel]

Oh dear.

[SincereTheRebel]

That alleged Lukaku deal for Man utd is awful. £9m for a two year loan to Inter with an option to buy for £60m. Inter could still turn around at the end of the two years and tell them to fuck off. For that type of player, Inter should be paying at least half the agreed transfer fee for two years. At the end of the two year loan, he will have one year left on his Man Utd deal. Sounds like an bad deal.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That alleged Lukaku deal for Man utd is awful. £9m for a two year loan to Inter with an option to buy for £60m. Inter could still turn around at the end of the two years and tell them to fuck off. For that type of player, Inter should be paying at least half the agreed transfer fee for two years. At the end of the two year loan, he will have one year left on his Man Utd deal. Sounds like an bad deal.
They're usually guaranteed.

It's a way of shifting around money for PFF.

[SincereTheRebel]

They're usually guaranteed.

It's a way of shifting around money for PFF.

If its guaranteed then its a different story. James was on a two year loan at bayern who had the option to buy him but decided not too. He now has one year left on his Real Madrid deal. Just another weird example.

[niko_cee]

Money is irrelevant to United. I'd imagine they're largely immune to FFP

Not having Lukaku in the squad/on the wage bill, if it allows recruitment of a better replacement, is hugely beneficial, regardless of the cost. Same for Sanchez, they should just pay him to fuck off to China and move on.

[Smjffy]

Whisper it quietly but a winning goal the other night, winning penalty last night. He looked up for it.

[SincereTheRebel]

If money is irrelevant. It makes no difference to the Utd policy if Lukaku or Sanchez stay.

[Kikó]

I'd bin Lukaku if I thought we would replace him. He's clearly not good enough due to his condition and his touch so £70m is pretty decent money.

[Manc]

The internet tells me he's 94kg. Surely not?

[Smjffy]

14 1/2 stone isn't too bad given it's mainly muscle. It's not like he's fat. He's just too big and it's played against him.

[Kikó]

He should be whatever weight he was at Everton initially.
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Romelu+Lukaku+Sunderland+v+Everton+Premier+Ag0sLBJ GcbCl.jpg

[Kikó]

He says his ideal weight is 100kg in this article- https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a756166/romelu-lakuku-the-fittest-footballer-at-the-euros/

[Smjffy]

:eek:

That's quite surprising that but then he was a 20 year old kid back then. It's mad to think he's already been in the game for a decade.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've just found out that Angel Gomes is Nani's cousin as well as his Godson.

[Ian]

14 1/2 stone isn't too bad given it's mainly muscle. It's not like he's fat. He's just too big and it's played against him.

Yeah, he's basically built for a time when centre-halves were still allowed to commit GBH on you.

[Andy]

Matt Target to Villa, decent signing for them. We have an 18 year old ready to step up and cover Bertrand.

Fee is supposedly somewhere north of 10m rising to 15m.

[Smjffy]

How do you feel about Che Adams, Andy?

Also, this chap seems to be doing quite well. https://twitter.com/JamesMcCann74

[Andy]

In all honesty I know very little about him, I trust that Hassenhuttl knows what hes doing so hopefully it's his pick.

It's the position we needed to strengthen the most and hes a good age so should be decent even if it takes him a season to fully get going.

[Smjffy]

I've heard his name mentioned a few times over the years so surprised he's only 22. I hope Danny Ings kicks on again next season for you given the amount of football he's missed.

[Max Power]

Che Adams is quality. Reminds me of a hench Vardy. Wanted us to go in for him as he is a local lad.

[randomlegend]

Looking quite likely Lukaku will go to Inter and United will sign Ben Yedder as a replacement (Sevilla have agreed to sign Luuk De Jong to replace him).

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

From the little I've seen of Ben Yedder I like him a lot.

[Gray Fox]

Rabiot to Juventus on a free.

That's a midfield of him, Emre Can and Ramsey they've not paid a fee for. Good business.

[niko_cee]

When did that Italian tax thing come in? Did Juve factor it in for the wages they are paying Ramsey? If not he must be laughing.

All well and good not paying a transfer fee, but you're shelling out massive wages and signing on fees in lieu of that for, well, some of them are decent I guess. Hardly a terrifying midfield trio.

[Spikey M]

Rabiot to Juventus on a free.

That's a midfield of him, Emre Can and Ramsey they've not paid a fee for. Good business.

Each of them is probably on about eleventy grand an hour for the privilege.

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves have confirmed Dendoncker on a permanent deal. He started last season super slow, but since Wolves switch to three CM's, instead of two. He has been great.

[SincereTheRebel]

Konstantinos Manolas has joined Napoli from Roma

Juventus current central mdifield options

Miralem Pjanić
Sami Khedira
Aaron Ramsey
Blaise Matuidi
Emre Can
Rodrigo Bentancur
Adrien Rabiot

:cab:

[Pen]

Is Bentancur any good? The few times I’ve seen him play he has been very underwhelming, not that I exactly know what he’s supposed to be good at anyway. The rest make a handy six for the three places in midfield with two somewhat similar kind of players for each position.

[Lewis]

It's good how they've assembled that midfield on the cheap, but it's not that amazing. You can't pick a three out of it that would strike fear into whoever they need to beat to win the Champions' League.

[SincereTheRebel]

Rashford has signed a new deal with Man Utd until 2023

[Ian]

Fucking lol if it's for the £300k that's getting bandied about.

[niko_cee]

I saw that, but with a 'heavily incentivised' caveat. It's lol either way.

[Ian]

I suppose it depends how heavily it relies on incentives. And to be honest I don't even know where the line would be for me as I've given up on pretending to know or care about how football and money work but still, that would be a lol amount if it's structured in such a way that he's regularly getting £200k+ certainly.

[Smjffy]

Rashford grabs ten league goals, gets a humongous contract.

Lukaku outscores him despite not scoring in last 8/9 games and getting benched throughout season gets sold?

Ha.

[Ian]

You manage to make 'despite not scoring in the last 8/9 games' like a compliment.

I'd also wager that Lukaku is already on a ludicrous contract, albeit perhaps not as ludicrous as whatever the guaranteed money in Rashford's new one is.

[SincereTheRebel]

Rashford grabs ten league goals, gets a humongous contract.

Lukaku outscores him despite not scoring in last 8/9 games and getting benched throughout season gets sold?

Ha.

English Premium ay it.

Rashford is a better 'on the ball' version of Tackie Mensah

[Pleb]

Not sure what to make of Rashford getting another contract if I'm honest.

[Danny]

I won’t even bother engaging that nonsense. We will probably end up talking about Marcos Rojo.

Smiffy that is.

[randomlegend]

Reported wages are - without fail - complete fantasy.

ITKs doubling down on De Ligt to United. Also Bruno Fernandes and Longstaff.

[Danny]

Henry Winter in The Times (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/marcus-rashford-it-hurts-me-where-united-are-now-i-want-us-to-be-winning-the-champions-league-wqg7vcgfg)

‘He’s not driven by money; his new salary is less than half some of the crazier figures mentioned in headlines.’

Edit: I am not buying the De Ligt stuff. Would obviously be happy if we do sign him (as long as it’s not those made wages) but I just don’t see it right now.

[Lewis]

It would be worth it for Randrew's victory speech.

[phonics]

We’ve put in a bid for Zaha, half of what they asked for but his brother told sky sports it’s his dream to play for Arsenal so that’s a done deal. #ITK.

[Danny]

It’s Suarez all over again :drool:

[Spikey M]

De Ligt would have to be brain dead to sign for United. What do they have to offer? They're not even at the same table as the other clubs in for him these days.

[phonics]

Money

[Shindig]

What if Jones goes the other way and gets his life back on track?

[Kikó]

Sorry what? Which Jones are you talking about?

[SincereTheRebel]

Not James Earl. He is still trying to end some turtles.

[Spikey M]

Money

I'm pretty sure Barcelona, Juventus and PSG have money.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If I were him I'd want to play for United. Great time to join them if you're an actually good 19 year old defender with leadership qualities.

Dutch people tend to have a raging erection for Barcelona though.

[Ian]

I'd be astonished if De Ligt happened but it's not like he hasn't got another 15 years in him to rectify it if that particular mad notion took him.

[niko_cee]

Henry Winter in The Times (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/marcus-rashford-it-hurts-me-where-united-are-now-i-want-us-to-be-winning-the-champions-league-wqg7vcgfg)

‘He’s not driven by money; his new salary is less than half some of the crazier figures mentioned in headlines.’

Edit: I am not buying the De Ligt stuff. Would obviously be happy if we do sign him (as long as it’s not those made wages) but I just don’t see it right now.

Pay-walled out, but his 'salary' will be something like £150-200k basic (to fit with the half of what is being reported line), with the bulk of the rest in appearance related bonus. It's irrelevant unless it turns him into an indolent spack (he's probably too young for that) but it's still funny in the grander scheme of things.

[Lewis]

It's about right if you consider how stupid the club would look if they lost him on a free transfer. Plus it takes him well into what ought to be his prime.

[niko_cee]

I dunno, they had that ubiquitous option to extend for a year anyway didn't they? Maybe it would be worth waiting to see if he had an actual decent season at some point before putting him on par with the best forwards in the league.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They had no option but to extend Rashford, they just have to hope he remains hungry on that money. Some do, some don't.

[niko_cee]

Good to see that Arsenal are still rolling in with laughable bids.

God I used to hate it when we did that ALL THE TIME. Fuck you pay me and all.

Isn't defence a bigger priority for them anyway?

[Ian]

They had no option but to extend Rashford, they just have to hope he remains hungry on that money. Some do, some don't.

I don't think that'll be his issue but obviously you can't be sure.

[Smjffy]

I reckon his issue will arise as a result of that grade A cunt Lingard. He's another United would be well served getting rid of.

[Gray Fox]

Do Arsenal know what a defender is?

[randomlegend]

"Grade A cunts" are people who set cats on fire or support Liverpool.

Lingard is just enjoying himself being a bit of an idiot.

[Smjffy]

Dixon - Adams - Bould - Winterburn.

Once upon a time they did. It would still be equally as good in today's game I reckon.

[phonics]

Think them being in their 50s might be an issue.

[Gray Fox]

Still better than Mustafi to be fair.

[Danny]

Pay-walled out, but his 'salary' will be something like £150-200k basic (to fit with the half of what is being reported line), with the bulk of the rest in appearance related bonus. It's irrelevant unless it turns him into an indolent spack (he's probably too young for that) but it's still funny in the grander scheme of things.

Thats probably more along the lines of it and someone with 170 first team games and 32 England caps at 21 is probably getting close to that level these days.

For anyone who wants to read, bolded the pay bit


Marcus Rashford’s commitment to Manchester United flows deeper than the ink on the new four-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year, he signed today; it flows from within. It’s in his blood. He’s a Manchester United fan, hoarding programmes and keeping tickets of games he attended growing up, and motivated now by the mission of getting his famous club fighting for the Premier League and Champions League again. Rashford knows it will take time but is here for the long haul.

He has stood in front of the trophy cabinets at Old Trafford fuelled by a fan’s fervour to fill them further. He has even sat in the stands on non-match days, looking out on to the pitch, reflecting on great games of the past and visualising future glories. On match days, the lad from Wythenshawe via Withington runs out and hears the desire for success of the fans, a craving he shares. “It’s not a job for me,” Rashford says of being a Manchester United footballer. It’s a passion.

So as he sits on the sofa at his neat but unflashy home south of the city, the message is simple and unequivocal. Rashford renewed his vows with United because of his belief in the club’s “values”, in his team-mates and in his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s “revolution”.

He glides in fresh from a stretching and conditioning session in advance of reporting to Carrington for the new season, doing everything to get mind and body ready. A specially-prepared dinner from his chef waits on the kitchen table. He’s very still, no fidgeting, no glancing at his phone, just focused on the questions and why he loves his club. He’s not driven by money; his new salary is less than half some of the crazier figures mentioned in headlines.

“It is a huge sense of pride and a huge feeling for me to sign the contract,” he says. “Manchester United are one big family. Some clubs don’t have that — it’s just a football club. That’s why Manchester United are more than a football club to me.

“Me being a fan changes the emotional side of it. Say we lose a game, it affects me more than it should because I’m a fan. It hurts every day to see where we are now, [compared] to where we’ve been in the past. I use that pain as motivation. It makes me more determined to put the club back where they belong.

“There’s nothing I want more than to see the club winning the Premier League again, winning the Champions League again. Everybody here deserves much, much more than what we’re giving them right now, not only the fans, the club itself. They don’t deserve to be where they are now. As players, we’re the ones who have the opportunity to try and forget about the past five, six years and put the club back on track.”

Rashford, 21, was raised during the glory years of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Class of ’92, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. “I had United posters on the wall,” he recalls. His mother Melanie proudly keeps a picture of a tiny Rashford, long before his growth spurt, standing in the shadow of a garden hedge, resplendent in full replica United kit. “I used to read a lot of books and programmes on Manchester United,” he continues. “When we used to go games, I used to take programmes home to read. For a long time I used to keep each ticket. If I wasn’t doing that, I was outside playing football.”

He was either in the garden, where he was so keen to make it that he did shuttle runs, or at the local grassroots talent factory, Fletcher Moss Rangers in West Didsbury. “I’ll never forget when United spotted me,” he smiles. “I was six. I was on Fletcher Moss playing fields and there was this mystery man watching. I didn’t think too much of it, just carried on playing. I glanced over again and he was speaking to my mum and brother [Dwaine].”

Rashford carried on scoring goals. “Then they called me over. ‘What’s going on?’ I said. ‘How’s it going mate?’ the mystery man said. ‘You OK?’ He then said where he was from. Manchester United. Woah. I never expected someone from United to be there. I yelled. I was buzzing. It put a spring in my step for a lifetime. I know I was that young — six — and most people aren’t thinking of playing for someone’s first team at that age, but when he said he was from Manchester United, straight away nothing was going to get in my way of fulfilling my dream.”

Within a year, he was in the club’s academy. “The dream of playing for Manchester United was there from the beginning. When I then moved to Carrington when I was 11, and saw the players first hand, that’s when it became ‘it is possible’.

“I like the foundations of the club, the morals. Obviously the football was beautiful but as I got older, 10, 11, I fell in love with the club, not just the football. It’s the values. United teach you to be good people before they teach you to be good players. That, for me, is the biggest thing. When you go home to your parents, you’re a better person every day. Little things like in the morning you have to shake everyone’s hands. When you leave you have to do the same, whether training’s been good or bad.”

He knows all about the history of the club, the Busby Babes, the Munich disaster, the Class of ’92, the treble. “It is important to know the history. Honestly, the amount of tours we did of Old Trafford. I must have been on at least seven tours. From about nine [years old], one tour a year. We went around as a team, walk around the building. Especially the trophy cabinet, that’s the place that wows you. Then go to the pitch, sit in the stand for 20 minutes, in silence, just listen to the noise around. To visualise everything that happens there.

“United’s style is relentless. Every United team I’ve played for, we’ve always attacked, and it doesn’t matter if you are winning three or four nil, you want to score another goal. I grew up watching the first team do it, and just wanted to replicate that.

“In the academy, I used to look at how the first team were as a group. We used to go on the balcony, and watch them do their gym work and then they’d all go together out on the pitch and start their training. Everyone’s together.

“I was quite shy. I wasn’t one to take pictures of the players. In the beginning, I just used to watch and take in as much as I could. When I started the scholarship [aged 11], I got a bit closer. You can be eating at the same time as them, and they say hello. It’s a club for learning. That’s the DNA of a Manchester United player, adapting and learning to play the Manchester United style as well. That will never change.”

The DNA, which Solskjaer seeks to bring back to the fore, is boldness, attacking, never giving up and the energy of youth graduates. The walls of Carrington are covered with pictures of home-grown legends, inspiring academy pupils. “I remember when I was younger and walked through those buildings, and there was David Beckham, Gary Neville, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Ryan Giggs. For me, they were motivation every day. We used to see the pictures and watch them [the Class of ’92] on the weekend or midweek playing for United, that was our drive. Now when we go back it’s got us on the wall. It’s a bit breathtaking to be honest.

“Seeing the Manchester United shirt with my name on it hung up in the dressing room for the first time was the biggest feeling I’ve had in football.” It was at Watford on November 21, 2015. “I didn’t play but just seeing the shirt holds a huge importance to me. Nothing can replace that. We’ve had some brilliant moments since then, but that moment is in my heart, it is the best moment. It meant my dream was closer — and it was Manchester United. Seeing my name was emotional, but seeing the badge . . . is an even stronger emotion. It’s the badge that drives me. If I do well for the badge then people will remember me.

“I feel the fans’ energy. It’s positive energy for me. That atmosphere helps me. There are moments in games where I might be tired, in a difficult moment, and that positive energy from the fans keeps you going and nine times out of ten you get through it.”

United fans first saw him in competitive action on February 25, 2016, against Midtjylland in the Europa League at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial got injured in the warm-up, Rashford stepped in, and scored twice. He was calm and ready. “That’s what Manchester United are brilliant at. That’s why so many young players can come through. United get all the DNA — in how they like to play — into your body from a young age, so when you step out on to the field it comes naturally, you just enjoy it. All the core values just come out of you.

“They prepare you to take responsibility. Coming through United’s academy you have to be ready to do that. It’s like with the penalty against Paris Saint-Germain.” It was last March, the last minute at Parc des Princes, and Rashford struck from the spot, winning the Champions League tie. “Fearless,” was Solskjaer’s verdict.

“United prepare you for those moments,” Rashford added. “I felt ready. It’s not thinking too much, just go and take the penalty. In my head, it was simple.” He practises daily. “I take ten balls after training, take ten penalties, and it can get you in a rhythm.” He’s presumably practising against David de Gea. “I know! He’s good! But you want to go against the best! If you’re training with the best, you learn more than you probably learn in games.”

He strives constantly to develop his game, working on his left foot and heading. He draws on Solskjaer’s pedigree as a predator of the penalty box. “There are loads of things I learn from him in training, whether he’s just speaking to me or doing a session. It’s about learning more from the manager about when the ball’s in wide areas, and second phase. A lot of the goals he scored were goals where someone had a shot and it’s a rebound, or somebody crossed it in and somebody cleared. If it’s second phase, he was one of the best at scoring. I’m learning so these habits become natural.”

Rashford enjoys Solskjaer’s management. “He just gets it. He understands. He’s been a player here. He knows how we may feel in certain moments because he’s been there himself. The fact that he understands us way more than a normal manager is why he’s fitted in straight away.”

He believes the Solskjaer “revolution” will work. “That’s what drives me every day. If I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t be waking up every morning and giving 100 per cent to try and put the club back where they belong. I believe in the players, the staff and the manager. The players have the faith in the manager now. If we’re going to do it, now’s the time. We’re looking forward to the new season. One season is not going to change it. It can take two or three seasons but I feel we’re ready to take the first step, and really start showing people that we are Manchester United.”

New players are arriving, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, both 21 like Rashford. “Manchester United are renowned for having hungry, young players, whether they’re bringing them in or buying them,” Rashford continued. “That bedding-in period is important. We do the most we can individually and as a team to make new players feel comfortable, because once they feel comfortable United can be a beautiful place.”

That helping hand extends to the community. He’s a role model, proud to be showing a pathway for those from his old areas. “In the places that I’ve lived, on the journey to where I am now, people have difficult challenges in life. It gives people faith and hope that I’m from the local area. To see success coming from the area, everyone’s proud of it. That’s what special about these places. Seeing players like Danny Welbeck pushing through to the first team gave me motivation. Danny grew up in Longsight, not far from my family house so for him to do it drives everybody on.

“When I’m back from where I’m from, Wythenshawe, it’s all relaxed. It’s very rare they ask me for pictures, they prefer to just have a chat. They might want you to speak to their kids. It’s important to always remember where you come from, if you can go back and give advice, I do it.”

Talk is not simply about United. “Football’s not for everyone. We speak about anything. If I can help them in any way, I do it. I say, ‘if you approach it in a positive manner, and always tell yourself that you’re going to get where you want to, whether it’s dance, music, football, it doesn’t matter how long it’ll take you, you will reach that goal’. It’s aspirational.”

As well as leading the community, and leading the line, Rashford wants to be leading the team out in the future. “That’s a lot of kids’ dreams, to captain Manchester United. It’s a responsibility I’d definitely be keen on doing when the time is right. Whether I have the armband or not, it’s good to be a leader within the team. Different people drag you through different stages of the game. Everybody needs to be a leader. Being captain would be the moment that would probably overtake that feeling of seeing the shirt for the first time. If you are leading the team out, that would be a special moment.”

United’s No 10 emphasises he’s not in it for individual acclaim but for collective glory. “For me, you don’t chase the most goals, you don’t chase someone’s record. If it’s going to happen, it will happen naturally. I want to be the best I can be every day. If I can do that I’m giving the club the best chance to be where we need to be. I just feel proud to have the opportunity to be in a position to help the team get back to being the successful Manchester United. That’s what I’m determined to do.”

[Smjffy]

Southampton absolutely nailed this one. :-D


https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1145648211912208384?s=09

[John]

It's a bit naff but I lolled at Targett in the replies saying they could have dropped him off.

[SincereTheRebel]

Good to see that Arsenal are still rolling in with laughable bids.

God I used to hate it when we did that ALL THE TIME. Fuck you pay me and all.

Isn't defence a bigger priority for them anyway?

Naa its Arsenal. Defence is never a priority.

[John Arne]

If it is true (big 'if') that is laughable by Arsenal. Let's bid less for Zaha than Palace just received for a kid right-back. I look forward to the next bid of 40.5m.

[phonics]

I find it weird seeing so many people saying 'THEY TRIED TO PAY IN INSTALLMENTS OVER 5 YEARS LOL'

Aren't literally all transfers paid over the course of a players contract?

[thommo]

Spurs have finally completed a signing. Jack Clarke from Leeds, loaned back for the year.

Also, Bristol City have made their record signing to permanently get Tomas Kalas. 26 and only now leaving Chelsea after 7 separate loan spells.

[SincereTheRebel]

Prem teams are really dipping into the championship nicely for signings in recent years.

[Ian]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48831519

Well.

[SincereTheRebel]

Step up from Newcastle.

[John Arne]

When Benitez said that Newcastle didn't share his vision, I didn't think that vision was earning pots of money for a mid-table Chinese super League team.

[SincereTheRebel]

Leicester have rejected a £70m from Manchester Red says SSN yellow

[Ian]

If they'd have just done the decent thing by relocating the club to China and giving him all of the money then they could have kept hold of him.

Bastards.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Leicester have rejected a £70m from Manchester Red says SSN yellow

And let that be the end of it.

Koulibaly would be so much better for a lot less.

[Ian]

Wasn't Koulibaly being touted as likely the cheaper of the two?

That was from the news though, not #ITKs so what do I know.

[SincereTheRebel]

Napoli have signed Manolas as either a replacement or a partner.

[randomlegend]

Koulibaly would absolutely not be cheaper than Maguire.

[Gray Fox]

Pablo Sarabia from Sevilla to PSG is done.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Regardless, Koulibaly shits all over Maguire.

[SincereTheRebel]

Koulibaly has four years left on his Napoli deal. World record fees for a defender if you want Koulibaly.

[Max Power]

Maguire also has four years left. Can see him going for £80-90m but not sure even United will go that far.

[randomlegend]

It'd take a mental fee to get Koulibaly. Like £100m+

[Gray Fox]

Isn't Toby Alderwiereld now £25m due to a release clause?

[randomlegend]

Yes, but there's rumours his contract demands are ridiculous as he's trying for a last big pay day.

Given he'd otherwise be a no brainer for about 15 teams at that money, I'm inclined to believe it's true.

[Andy]

Hard to justify mega money for him with his questionable injury record.

United should be taking the risk though, far better than anyone else in that back four at the moment even if he misses a few games here and there.

[SincereTheRebel]

Gary Cahil and Tyrone Mings are avilable for pennies.

[SincereTheRebel]

Marko Arnautovic hands in transfer request at West Ham

[Jimmy Floyd]

They'd be justified in forcing him to run down his contract in the reserves.

[SincereTheRebel]

He did this last year and then signed a new deal didnt he? He will have some release calyuse in there somehwere.

[SincereTheRebel]

He has been OK for West Ham all things considerd. Usually, most of the West Ham strikers fail completely. The West Ham striker curse may be worse than the Chelsea one.

[Lewis]

This time last year I lolled at the reputed Harry Maguire numbers, but now I don't know. There aren't loads of great options available, and can you put a price on not having to start Phil Jones every week?

[Ian]

If some kid is going for north of £100m having played bugger all games in Portugal then an actual decent, experienced defender is probably worth, at an estimate, £987m even if he's not actually world class.

[SincereTheRebel]

That is what happenes when you watch and count other people money.

[SincereTheRebel]

Sky sources: West Ham have rejected a bid of 22m Euros (£19.7m) from a Chinese Super League club for Marko Arnautovic.

We understand they regard the bid as insulting for a player of Arnautovic’s quality.

Disrespect

[SincereTheRebel]

Che Adams first interview in a Southampton shirt. Settings targets already at 3:50 of the video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngFEWR2irsA

[Pepe]

Is he really called Che? :face:

[Smjffy]

Klopp flying overhead was a piece of genius.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Spurs are signing Ndombele:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48841318

I heard rumours we might try and hijack it last night. Clearly too late or bollocks which is a shame.

[SincereTheRebel]

is he more like Iniesta, Xavi, or Busquets?

[Spikey M]

He's basically Dembele with an N.

[Shindig]

Rafa's kids are going to have to learn Chinese, then.

[randomlegend]

He's basically Dembele with an N.

Sounds like a deaf person trying to say Dembele.

[Max Power]

The post Rafa exodus begins with us signing Ayoze Pérez maybe...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48843718

Arsenal have CHANGED THE GAME, they've signed Gabriel Martinelli an 18 year old from Brazil.

[SincereTheRebel]

:lol:

What happened to Yaya Sanogo?

[SincereTheRebel]

Actually, why am I clowning. Those crazy signings arsenal has made in recent years from lower leagues for a few million get a ridiculous amount of playing time. He probably goes straight into the first team with 30 starts next year.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Aren't they always shit? Looking at you Ryo Miyaichi.

[SincereTheRebel]

Players that come to mind without checking

Rob Holding
Matteo Gundeozzi

They get way too much game time. Clearly not good enough for a team with aspirations like Arsenal.

[SincereTheRebel]

There are probably more players they have bought that turned out to be an embarrassment but given the price...

[phonics]

If Rob Holding was allowed the opportunity to slot into an already stable set-up a la Gary Cahill when he joined Chelsea, he'd be first choice for England by a mile. Absolutely quality player, only time the Arsenal defence looked any good last year was when he was playing instead of Mustafi. Was really hitting his stride and then an innocuous push that happens 2-3 times a game pops his ACL. So frustrating.

Made Diego Costa look like the one with less than 50 games in that FA Cup final.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's crap but made to look good next to your other options.

[phonics]

He's crap but made to look good next to your other options.

Total nonsense.

What is this scale where a teams 1st/2nd best defender is 'crap' and they still finish in the top 6? On that rating there's literally 6-10 good centre backs in the entire world.