I've watched enough of Kagawa to know he's got a real chance of making at Utd, he's very good IMO. But I agree, I don't think its enough. I hope we plan on buying more than just him.
Ideally, yes. The more strength in depth the better, obviously. Whether there are two top drawer central midfielders we could go for at the same time is the issue. i don't think finance is the problem; the money is there. It could be a recruitment problem. Only a small band of players are of the required standard, and it won't be easy for two to be immediately available.
Hmmm I have my doubts. Firstly the policy seems to be that we dont sign established, over-priced, mature players. We actually DO look for "value". Kagawa is moving on I understand so he'll be cheap enough. The same went for Young last season. So money may be available - but its one available for certain types of players. I dont agree that theres only a "small band" of the required standard - I do think we have a real problem finding them though. Our record of unearthing real talent that has an impact on the first team is actually pretty mediocre and even worse when you narrow that field down to "Centre Midfielders". Theres plenty of players out there - I just worry that we dont search for them extensively enough. I dont remember us ever seriously being linked with Africans, Dutch, Germans or French players before. Not really. Theres a lot of talent in those areas. I may well be wrong but with the level of investment coming from City, Chelsea, Real, Barca, PSG seems to mean we'll be up against it to attract top, recognised talent - that doesnt mean we have to sign second tier players it just means that we have to find more players like Hernandez etc. The less heralded men who are actually of a very high standard. Either way - I dont think one midfield is enough, not nearly enough. It would be a huge ask to expect Kagawa to undo the level of play we witnessed in Europe this season for example, or completely address the devastation yaya Toure caused in our midfield, all on his own.
Its pretty clear HD - I dont think one player is enough. From the little I know of him he is an attacking player - small and fast and quick? That wont address the difficulties we've had defensively, by which I mean I think we need more protection from midfield as well as more creativity and goals. A lot to ask of one small attacker yes?
Whether Fletcher is available next season will be a key factor. Without his return I fully agree that we'd definitely be wanting to sign two central midfielders. Is Sneijder still a target, or has that ship sailed? Same for Modric.
I hope the Sneijder shenanigans are done because he is not what we need. Modric on the other hand would be the ideal signing but the asking price would be absurd especially now since they have Champions League football (unless Chelsea win it this season )
I very much doubt they are targets. We simply wont pay what Levy wants for Modric. Sneijder wants too much money too. So unless we can get them at a better price I think that ship has sailed. Fletchers availability would be helpful for the squad but I dont rate him that highly. Irrespective of his involvement I think two midfielders are necessary.
I don't mind him staying so long as we still invest in the midfield. Park/ Giggs cannot play there again and there are serious question marks over Anderson too.
Exactly! This combined with his bigging up Carrick could very well mean he believes CM is more or less sorted for next season....which would mean he would get an average-good CM player...just what we need, eh lads? I'm gonna support UTD no matter what happens in the market, but transfer dealings will have influence on my expectations of next season. Right now, my expectations are ZERO-based on the way the squad played this season, not necessarily the results.
this. and this. and NOT this. He´s 37 ffs, he needs a break between the seasons. I will not complain more before the transfer window is shut. If we still buy enough its okay that he´s staying. But if that stops us from buying somehow you´ll agree with me - next season.
Im happy that he's staying, although I worry about what it may mean. he made the difference he maded because he missed the first half of the season, yet his performance still tailed off towards the end, we shouldnt rely on a 37 year old to be kingpin of our midfield. He shouldnt be used as an excuse not to spend on the players we need because Fergie thinks the wage and transfer costs are 'silly money'. He should be there as a quality luxury player
Don't be so sure. Remember he was more or less a luxury player before he retired. With players coming back and, hopefully, new signings to be made he'll probably resume his old role in the squad. Anyway, as long as he performs like he did this season when he is called upon, Scholesy getting another year is a good thing.
he was up there with our best player when her came back, but i really hope this isnot fergie fix for or midfield.
people forget on thing here....he didnt play until January. He had a long rest and only had to play for 4 months. We were out of all cups soon, so no extra games there. Next season is a complete one and we could have up to 60 games. He´ll be very tired end of next season. His body isnt the one of a 20 year old any more. He´s become slowlier.
There are some of us who have already said similar things, you're right. and this combined with Fergies comments as reported on the BBC today are worrying. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18069113
