[RedForceRising]

6 question marks for next season

I know we still have a month of solid football left, before we are all put through cold turkey, but I am already looking forward to next season and see 6 areas of Manchester uniited’s squad that need to be addressed.

?1 – Strikers
Do we want Tevez and does he still want us? I don’t think he’s going to be here next season, so who will replace him? Villa, Eto’o, Benzema?
Do we even need a replacement? Can Macheda, Welbeck and Campbell fill the gap Tevez might leave behind?

?2 - Left wing
Nani. Talented, but is often found wanting. Are we going to rest our hopes on his small shoulders or prevail with Park. Is Ribery a realistic target and is he the answer?

?3 Central Midfield
We have discussed Owen Hargreaves at length and I believe that when he comes back, he can be our midfield boss, but we seem to lack an attacking midfielder. Someone, who can bring the ball forward and pick a lovely pass to release a striker. A Fabregas so to speak. Anderson might become that sort of player, but should we sign someone else in the meantime.

?4 - Central Defence
The question has been posed on the forum before.
Do we keep the status quo and allow O’Shea and Brown to fill in whenever injuries strike or do we sign someone to have more cover.
What about Catchart and Chester?


?5 – Goalkeeper
Probably my main concern besides the left wing position.
VDS has been very good for most of the season, but he has had some horror shows as well over the last two season and the shut-out record was more the result of a formidable defence, IMO.
He’s also turning 39.
Should he be our main custodian or should Fergie hand the gloves to Ben Foster?
Should Fergie just sign a long-term replacement and minimize the risk? Kuszczak might be leaving too. Who will be the third keeper?

?6 – Captain
I suppose this depends on whether Gary Neville is still here next season, but I think Rio Ferdinand should be the club captain next season with Hargreaves the vice captain.
What about you?

 

[dlan4327]

I can see Macheda getting a lot more games. Not starting but more games for sure.

 

[scottsati]

i think so much depends on whether we are willing to let certain players go, i cant see say any point in bolstering the squad with more 'squad' type players in any are while we have players already there-if maybe we moved on a couple of players here and there then yes go for it.

i'd go for striker as discussed before in the mould of ruud or ole, someone who is deadly right in front of goal, no messing abou, no tricks, no running back just a player who everytime a ball is fed into the box you know he'll be on the end of it.

i'd get another specialist central defender in- not a world class player, but a top class PL player who can provide good cover in that area.

left wing i'd like to see us buy a top draw player there but thats easier said than done.

i'm quite happy goalkeeping wise, a lot depends on PIG though and whether he is happy to play third choice- he might wanna move on and re-establish himself somewhere else in the first team now foster seems to have come thorugh so well.

central midfield- if hargo can get himself fit then i'm happy to give him and another( carrick) for me a go in tandem, without the need for bringing in new blood.

as for the club captain- sadly i think we need a new one- i wouldn't be shocked if nev actually accepted this and maybe suggested and handed the armbad to rio for next season- as hard as it is to say this nev's best days are behind him and we need a club captain who is a dead certain starter for every game.

sorry if i haven't addressed your points in order just thinking off the top of my head

 

[Richie]

6 question marks for next season

I know we still have a month of solid football left, before we are all put through cold turkey, but I am already looking forward to next season and see 6 areas of Manchester uniited’s squad that need to be addressed.

?1 – Strikers.
Do we want Tevez and does he still want us? I don’t think he’s going to be here next season, so who will replace him? Villa, Eto’o, Benzema?
Do we even need a replacement? Can Macheda, Welbeck and Campbell fill the gap Tevez might leave behind?

Not long ago, I was certain we needed a new striker, and I think I have discussed with you RFR the possibility of a Benzema, Villa etc. But having seen Macheda's recent performances, the the fact that I think his style of play would suit Rooney beutifully up front, I would give him a chance to fill the void and have Welbeck as backup. However, if Ronaldo were in fact to leave this summer I would be looking to bring in an established prolific goalscorer upfront as we would need a large supply of goals (among many other things) to cope with the loss

?2 - Left wing.
Nani. Talented, but is often found wanting. Are we going to rest our hopes on his small shoulders or prevail with Park. Is Ribery a realistic target and is he the answer?

For me, we have to bring someone in. I think Nani has made backwards steps and shows no hunger to improve. The fact he has not featured against Everton or last night says it all to me about Fergie's confidence in him. Park will only ever be good enough for a squad player here, as even though he workds hard and moves well, his technical ability is poor and regularly looses the ball. Our lack of a good left winger often disrupts out rhythm in attack as often out players are relecutant to pass it there because of the lack of quality. I think that if we are not signing a striker too then Ribery is definitely realistic, and if we were to miss out on him to say Barcelona we could definitely get Silva or Young

?3 Central Midfield.
We have discussed Owen Hargreaves at length and I believe that when he comes back, he can be our midfield boss, but we seem to lack an attacking midfielder. Someone, who can bring the ball forward and pick a lovely pass to release a striker. A Fabregas so to speak. Anderson might become that sort of player, but should we sign someone else in the meantime.

This one is a tricky one. Because the center of the midfield is the heart of the team and we currently have nobody (fit) who bosses that position. Which forces the likes on Berbatov far too deep to try and creat things from midfield. However, with Hargreaves coming back, that will give us somebody who can fight and cover ground at pace, which should free up the creative talents of fellow midfielders a bit. I think in the last few matches Anderson has began to show some promise and should be given another full season to prove himself. We also have the likes of Ryan Tunnicliffe and Matt James in the youth ranks who should become first team members in a few years.

?4 - Central Defence
The question has been posed on the forum before.
Do we keep the status quo and allow O’Shea and Brown to fill in whenever injuries strike or do we sign someone to have more cover.
What about Catchart and Chester?

I think we are just about alright here to be honest. Our first choice back 4 is impeccable really, and I include Rafael in that because he is now an excellent defender aswell as an attacker now. Then we have the likes of Brown, O'Shea, Evans and Fabio who can all do a more than decent job in our back 4. And in real crisis I think the likes of Chester are just about okay but obviously we would need to play more defensively to help them. When hargreaves is back he will provide that vital fight and tackle infront of the defense that will make them seem much better than they currently look.


?5 – Goalkeeper
Probably my main concern besides the left wing position.
VDS has been very good for most of the season, but he has had some horror shows as well over the last two season and the shut-out record was more the result of a formidable defence, IMO.
He’s also turning 39.
Should he be our main custodian or should Fergie hand the gloves to Ben Foster?
Should Fergie just sign a long-term replacement and minimize the risk? Kuszczak might be leaving too. Who will be the third keeper?

I think for one more season we are okay in this position. Van Der Sar will have the very occasional lapse but in general, while not world class, he is safe. I think this is a position we will be looking into next summer if Foster hasn't made strides because world class teams need world class keepers.

?6 – Captain
I suppose this depends on whether Gary Neville is still here next season, but I think Rio Ferdinand should be the club captain next season with Hargreaves the vice captain.
What about you?

I think Neville, Scholes and Giggs will be here next season and will retire at the end of that season. For that time, Neville should continue as captain because behind the scenes he is Mr Manchester United and is a great example of professionalism, determination and loyalty to the rest of the team. On the pitch I think Rio will be the regular captain and rightly so. Plus as you say Hargreaves will be back who is an influential character, Rooney lately has been giving out orders and bollockings on the pitch and even the likes have Darren Fletcher have started to improve their leadership qualities on the pitch.

All questions I have thought myself RFR, good post by the way, I've answered in red on the quote:thumbsup:

 

[sunchaser]

1. i also think tevez will leave. if we can afford to buy a striker i would agree. but its not the biggest necessity imo. if we do buy one i would like eto'o. he is more clinical than benzema ( benzema seems to me more like a berbatov type of player to me ), and is arguably better than villa.
but i would use the money on a cm and/or a winger.

2. if we can offer nani + some money to buy another player i would say yes. i dont know how realistic ribery is but sounds too good to be true.
if not...well park is not bad, we can do good with park. he is a good support for evra on the left flank.
he may be not a big threat but evra is increasing the left flanks mobility and creativity. so park probably compensates a bit for evra regarding the attacking threat.

3. this is a must. a BIG yes for this.

4. i dont think we need a cd. rio, vidic and evans are enough. when brown will be back everything will be ok.

5. gk...hmm, tough question.

6. captain...i dont care who is.

those are my answers if ronaldo stays.
if he leaves we must buy a winger, a cm and a striker. all top class.

 

[NoxiousD]

1. If Tevez leaves, we need a RVN type to replace him and bring more of a threat...

2. Ribery is NEEDED here, no other names do the position justice apart from Ashley Young

3. If Hargo returns i think we are fairly covered here, but should discuss replacing Scholesy sooner rather than later

4. No, Wes/Evans/Rio/Vida is fine for the time being, we're linked with a lot of teenagers here, which would be good long term to replace Rio

5. Someone like Frey/Akinfeev/Buffon is needed here, tired of Peters replacements flopping

6. Rio is a good choice, but i wouldn't look past Hargo or Rooney on any other case, both commanding

 

[RedForceRising]

@Richie

I think we have pretty similar thoughts on most of the players.

Strikers - You won't believe how excited about Macheda. I haven't even written about it on the forum, but this kid could be the perfect foil for Wayne.
He's still really young though, but Rooney was a first-teamer almost from the get go too, so why not.

Regardless of Ronaldo staying, I'd still like a good finisher added to the ranks though. Maybe we can find a bargain somewhere like Santa Cruz was when he moved to Blackburn.

Left wing - is a must for me. Ribery or Young for me.
Nani's decision-making is still poor and I'm not going to gamble the next two season on him waking up his idea.

Central Mid - like you said it's tricky. We are well-stocked there with very good players, but none of them strike me as exceptional. More than a midfield hardman, I actually would like a creative attacking mid. To me this is actually an extra reason to sign Ribery. He can cut in from the left and cause havoc.

Centre backs - also agree. Don't need anyone, but would like to see Catchcart be moved up to the first team.

GK - I honestly don't want to gamble on another season with VDS and Ben Foster is still capable of clangers. A good experienced keeper should be a priority IMO.

Captain - Well..a few months ago, I was dead certain that the entire old guard would retiring next season. Sort of the end of a dynasty. Now I 'm starting to wonder, if Sir Alex might consider advising one or two of the old guard to retire.

I think Gary Neville is looking increasingly suspect and eventhough his United through an through, I now feel more confident when I see Rafael on the team sheet than Gary Neville.... that's saying something.

If Gary calls it quits at the end of the season, Rio should definitely be the club captain.

 

[RedForceRising]

1. i also think tevez will leave. if we can afford to buy a striker i would agree. but its not the biggest necessity imo. if we do buy one i would like eto'o. he is more clinical than benzema ( benzema seems to me more like a berbatov type of player to me ), and is arguably better than villa.
but i would use the money on a cm and/or a winger.
- man...Eto'o is being touted as a 5million target for some clubs in the papers today. ONLY 5 million?!?!? That's nothing. That's less then what Sunderland paid for Kieran Richardson. Sign him now! Brilliant player.

2. if we can offer nani + some money to buy another player i would say yes. i dont know how realistic ribery is but sounds too good to be true.
if not...well park is not bad, we can do good with park. he is a good support for evra on the left flank.
he may be not a big threat but evra is increasing the left flanks mobility and creativity. so park probably compensates a bit for evra regarding the attacking threat.

- Ha! this is so funny. I actually have day dreams of Bayern accepting cash plus Nani for Ribery!

3. this is a must. a BIG yes for this.
But who would your candidates be? Not many realistic ones around I think.

4. i dont think we need a cd. rio, vidic and evans are enough. when brown will be back everything will be ok.

5. gk...hmm, tough question.

6. captain...i dont care who is.

those are my answers if ronaldo stays.
if he leaves we must buy a winger, a cm and a striker. all top class.

Understand what you're saying about Ronaldo's possible departure. His ability to function as a winger AND striker might necessaitate the purchase of two class players.

 

[shiven]

That's a lot of question marks RFR..!

But anyway, I don't think tevez will be here next season so that means we do need to replace him..
I think we need a proper center forward though that will score us goals.. Pretty much the same names yee have all thrown around already.. Benzema and Eto'o with be my 2 choices..!
I just feel Berbatov doesn't suit the way we try to play at the moment, our attacks haven't got the same pace as they had last season and Berbatov likes to slow it down to his own pace..!

I wouldn't be worried about center midfield in the summer to be honest, if Anderson and Hargreaves stay fit next season then we will be fine in that department.. Carrick, Giggs, Scholes and Fletcher can all still do a job there too..!
At center defence I feel the same again, we've got some good options there, Rio and Vidic obviously being 1st choice.. Evans, O'Shea and Brown filling in too, young Chester coming up the ranks and I think we are close to signing a young brazilain cb called Dodo..!

The left wing is a position that we could look to strengthen, even though I feel Nani will still prove everyone of his critics wrong-Believe me next season he will improve dramatically..
Ribery is a possible target, but I honestly feel he will make the move to Barcelona..
Tosic and Ljajic could play wide too and we will have to see how well they develop..!

I think VDS is gone after next season from goal, so I feel we do need a new no.1 to come in but not this summer.. Foster will get his chances next season to impress and hopefully he can solve our problems..
I don't rate Kusckack at all and maybe he will be sold off to bring in money for another keeper..!

As for Captain, Rio's a good shout..!

 

[Richie]

@Richie

I think we have pretty similar thoughts on most of the players.

Strikers - You won't believe how excited about Macheda. I haven't even written about it on the forum, but this kid could be the perfect foil for Wayne.
He's still really young though, but Rooney was a first-teamer almost from the get go too, so why not.

Regardless of Ronaldo staying, I'd still like a good finisher added to the ranks though. Maybe we can find a bargain somewhere like Santa Cruz was when he moved to Blackburn.

Left wing - is a must for me. Ribery or Young for me.
Nani's decision-making is still poor and I'm not going to gamble the next two season on him waking up his idea.

Central Mid - like you said it's tricky. We are well-stocked there with very good players, but none of them strike me as exceptional. More than a midfield hardman, I actually would like a creative attacking mid. To me this is actually an extra reason to sign Ribery. He can cut in from the left and cause havoc.

Centre backs - also agree. Don't need anyone, but would like to see Catchcart be moved up to the first team.

GK - I honestly don't want to gamble on another season with VDS and Ben Foster is still capable of clangers. A good experienced keeper should be a priority IMO.

Captain - Well..a few months ago, I was dead certain that the entire old guard would retiring next season. Sort of the end of a dynasty. Now I 'm starting to wonder, if Sir Alex might consider advising one or two of the old guard to retire.

I think Gary Neville is looking increasingly suspect and eventhough his United through an through, I now feel more confident when I see Rafael on the team sheet than Gary Neville.... that's saying something.

If Gary calls it quits at the end of the season, Rio should definitely be the club captain.

Yeah I've always thought we have similar views and understandings of the team.

With regards to the striker situation, I would welcome a world class striker no doubt, but with the emergence of Macheda it has just moved down my priorities a bit. So for insatnce, if we had to not sign one to fund a move for Ribery, then that is fine with me.

I am in agreeance over the left wing being a must. Top priority.

In the center mid thing. It has to also be considered that there aren't really many top class players available. And as you say if we got Ribery who would move inside with the ball and create things with his vision and movement that would solve the creative side of the problem. While the return of Hargreaves will add the fight.

Not sure I agree over the goalkeeper. I think that while, if a really world class keeper was to come available I would jump at the chance, I think after a season where we had 14 consecuative clean sheats, reducing the number of goals conceded shouldn't be a main priority. Another year with Van Der Sar should be fine. Though it is something that would nice to be improved on, we obviously don't have the funds to solve every issue in one summer.

 

[peterswellman]

?1 – Strikers
Do we want Tevez and does he still want us? I don’t think he’s going to be here next season, so who will replace him? Villa, Eto’o, Benzema?
Do we even need a replacement? Can Macheda, Welbeck and Campbell fill the gap Tevez might leave behind?

I don't think tevez will be here next season. Still though he could prove us all wrong but he's not doing himself any favours spouting crap to the media. Can we please have Karim Benzema? Please Fergie. He fb. I think if we let Tevez go we do need a replacement, I have every faith in the youngsters but they need another year to kind of find their feet. Especially Macheda

?2 - Left wing
Nani. Talented, but is often found wanting. Are we going to rest our hopes on his small shoulders or prevail with Park. Is Ribery a realistic target and is he the answer?

I think there is no denying we need another winger. Although, I suppose if we bought another striker it would free up Ronaldo to just stay on the wing. the obvious choices are David Silva and Frank Ribery but I really don't think we'll purcahse any of them. I'm unsure who else but we'll get someone.

?3 Central Midfield
We have discussed Owen Hargreaves at length and I believe that when he comes back, he can be our midfield boss, but we seem to lack an attacking midfielder. Someone, who can bring the ball forward and pick a lovely pass to release a striker. A Fabregas so to speak. Anderson might become that sort of player, but should we sign someone else in the meantime.

This is ANOTHER area where we could probably use one more player. I would be happy to see a youngster with bags of potiential and look to mould him into the 'new' Scholes(I realise there will never be another one). Carrick isn't fit to clean Scholesy boots and only has one gear. Hopefully Anderson is overcoming the dreaded SSS.

?4 - Central Defence
The question has been posed on the forum before.
Do we keep the status quo and allow O’Shea and Brown to fill in whenever injuries strike or do we sign someone to have more cover.
What about Catchart and Chester?

No, we are fine here. There are other areas which need our money more.


?5 – Goalkeeper
Probably my main concern besides the left wing position.
VDS has been very good for most of the season, but he has had some horror shows as well over the last two season and the shut-out record was more the result of a formidable defence, IMO.
He’s also turning 39.
Should he be our main custodian or should Fergie hand the gloves to Ben Foster?
Should Fergie just sign a long-term replacement and minimize the risk? Kuszczak might be leaving too. Who will be the third keeper?

I think we should be looking to bring in someone here aswell. I don't think Foster is ever going to be good enough tbh. From what i've seen i'm not a huge fan of his. We do need a good experienced keeper and certainly not someone like that bloody Victor Valdes that's bene touted.

?6 – Captain
I suppose this depends on whether Gary Neville is still here next season, but I think Rio Ferdinand should be the club captain next season with Hargreaves the vice captain.
What about you?

Rio captain and for me Rooney vice-captain.

 

[sunchaser]

RFR, yea i agree buying a central midfielder is tricky.
you asked me what would my candidates be...well, i would definitely look at Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.
ive seen this guy playing for CSKA and i can assure you is pure class. might be pretty cheap too.

btw he is a winger. but he can play well as a cm too. would be my answer for our midfield troubles.

or Zyryanov ( another russian ) if you want a pure CM. Gourcouff would be nice as a creative/offensive CM but its hard to get.

 

[zoran_zlatanov]

?1 – Strikers

I don't think we will buy another striker. /unless we sell Berbatov/ .

?2 - Left wing
We really need a class player. I like Park's energy but I don't think we should rest our hopes on his shoulders. It could be great if we sign Ribery.

?3 Central Midfield
This is our weakest position /IMO/. We really need creative midfielders. We have some but they are either very old to play every week or injured too often. Lets hope Fergie will make the best choices this summer.

?4 - Central Defence
I will not talk about Rio and Vidic. They are great. Evans had some good games and I think he could do the job when we need him. The problem is to find good defender who will be happy to be third choice.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/04/22/manchester-united-swoop-for-brazilian-teenager-dodo-115875-21298685/

Only speculations but could be true.


?5 – Goalkeeper
We need a new keeper. I am sure most of you wouldn't agree with my first choice /Gomes/ . But don't think he is a realistic target.

?6 – Captain

I agree that Rio is the best choice.

 

[peterswellman]

?5 – Goalkeeper
We need a new keeper. I am sure most of you wouldn't agree with my first choice /Gomes/ . But don't think he is a realistic target.
[/COLOR]

Please tell me it's not the Spurs guy you're on about? Or i'm going to dismiss you as not having a clue.

 

[zoran_zlatanov]

Please tell me it's not the Spurs guy you're on about? Or i'm going to dismiss you as not having a clue.

Oh, I am tired of members who watch only EPL.

Just see his records. Not to mention his experience in the CL.
And his age /28/ which is perfect for a goalkeeper.

Have you ever seen any of his games in the CL or in Eredivisie?


Heurelho Gomes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[peterswellman]

Oh, I am tired of members who watch only EPL.

Just see his records. Not to mention his experience in the CL.
And his age /28/ which is perfect for a goalkeeper.

Have you ever seen any of his games in the CL or in Eredivisie?


Heurelho Gomes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eredivise? Tell me you're joking? It's packed with talent alrite. Kuyt was a ******* renowned goal scorer there ffs.

Have you seen how poor he's been since he joined the PL. The place you want him to play for us. He can't cut it at Spurs, what chance has he doing it for us. Think ffs.

 

[zoran_zlatanov]

Eredivise? Tell me you're joking? It's packed with talent alrite. Kuyt was a ******* renowned goal scorer there ffs.

Have you seen how poor he's been since he joined the PL. The place you want him to play for us. He can't cut it at Spurs, what chance has he doing it for us. Think ffs.

I told you. You are among the fans who judge players based on their games in the PL only.Most of the teams from Netherlands don't have good defenders but they surely have great attacking players. No need to mention their names. Therefore it is a hard place for the goalkeepers. And those records look really impressive. He had so many incredible saves against top class teams in the CL groups and knock-out rounds. But I told you that it is difficult for the British fans to realize that a few bad games in the PL don't make you a bad player

 

[peterswellman]

I told you. You are among the fans who judge players based on their games in the PL only.Most of the teams from Netherlands don't have good defenders but they surely have great attacking players. No need to mention their names. Therefore it is a hard place for the goalkeepers. And those records look really impressive. He had so many incredible saves against top class teams in the CL groups and knock-out rounds. But I told you that is difficult for the British fans to realize that a few bad games in the PL don't make you a bad player

Wait for it......the PL is his recent form ffs. Jesus you're a thick one.

A few bad games? He's been shocking since he's signed. As poor a keeper as i've seen since Taibi. Yet you want him to be our new number 1 keeper? he can't cut it for a mid-table side, let's sign him for the Champions. Do you realise how ridiculous that is?

Great attacking players? Look at Kuyt's record in Holland ffs.

Btw, i'm not 'British', please don't refer to me as that.

 

[zoran_zlatanov]

Wait for it......the PL is his recent form ffs. Jesus you're a thick one.

A few bad games? He's been shocking since he's signed. As poor a keeper as i've seen since Taibi. Yet you want him to be our new number 1 keeper? he can't cut it for a mid-table side, let's sign him for the Champions. Do you realise how ridiculous that is?

Great attacking players? Look at Kuyt's record in Holland ffs.

Btw, i'm not 'British', please don't refer to me as that.

You are not talking about his recent form. He had some very bad games but his recent form is good. He had a excellent game against us. He had an excellent game against Chelsea. He is playing a lot better during last few months.

21/03 v Chelsea (H) 1-0
04/04 v Blackburn (A) 1-2
11/04 v West Ham (H) 1-0
19/04 v Newcastle (H) 1-0

So, you are trying to tell me that his form is not good ??? 2 goals for 4 games /3 clean sheets/

Even if we count the whole season as bad - this is just one season. See his entire career.
Every player need some time to adjust to his new teammates.

I will not argue anymore

 

[peterswellman]

You are not talking about his recent form. He had some very bad games but his recent form is good. He had a excellent game against us. He had an excellent game against Chelsea.

Even if we count the whole season as bad - this is just one season. See his entire career.
I will not argue anymore about this

But surely even out of those games, if you can't handle the pressure for Spurs you're never going to able to handle it for United.

His entire career was in a league where Dirk Kuyt as a prolific goalscorer ffs.

It's a daft choice and I hope to god we don't ever consider signing him.