Not Entirely Moyes’ Fault
Missing out on our main transfer targets and the mayhem yesterday was not entirely Moyes’ fault. The bulk of the fault lies primarily with Ed Woodward.
Central Midfield Problem Resolved?
I am not really a fan of Fellaini but he is here now so I am going to back him. The fact that Moyes had allegedly made late bids to sign Khedira and Sneijder suggests that Fellaini was our last resort. For this reason we can only thank Moyes for addressing the central midfield problem that has been apparent for at least three seasons. Marouane Fellaini offers a ‘fear factor’ that we have been missing for a long time since Keane left in 2005. I hope that we use in an either a central or defensive midfield role. He is a big physical presence that is capable of holding his own against the very best and hopefully he continues his goal scoring from last season despite playing in a deeper position.
The Herrera Situation
This has got to be one of the strangest transfer negotiations in history. What actually happened? The whole situation was laughable from start to finish. The guy had a buyout clause which according to Sky Sports News we were ‘willing’ to meet (whatever that means). However, it turns out that we wanted to pay in two instalments which are against La Liga rules. In the end we were unable to reach a compromise with Bilbao. If the reports are correct I feel really sorry for Ander Herrera, who would have taken a pay cut to join us. I have respect for the guy. I think he will be painted as a bad apple by his peers and the supporters now that he is still at the club. I really hope we continue to pursue Herrera since he is a player I have always admired since he was at Zaragoza.
Ed Woodward: Who Are Ya?
Over the course of the transfer window this Niles Crane lookalike has proven what a complete novice he is. Woodward comes across as someone who is not a football supporter. The whole jetting off from our Australian tour to carry out ‘urgent’ transfer businesses was so ridiculous when you take into account we did not sign anyone or sell anyone. The late bids for Sneidjer, Coentrao, Ozil and Khedira reeked of desperation. There’s no point in making late panic buys. Call me a mad man but I would prefer Fellaini over Khedira.
The Line Up
I think with the current squad of players we have we are capable of retaining the league and possibly challenging for the UCL. Ridicule me at your peril.
Our strongest starting 11 looks like this:
De Gea
Rafael, Rio, Vidic/Evans, Evra
Carrick, Fellaini
Nani, Rooney, Kagawa
RvP
United We Stand
Although I am still sceptical about Moyes’ ability at the highest level, I still believe we need to have more faith in our club. I understand that many of you are angry and frustrated about what has unfolded in the past 24 hours but let’s try and stay positive. Manchester United Football Club is MORE than just a club, it is an institution and we will continue to win honours in the future whoever our manager is.
Strange Summer
posted on 3/9/13
When you actually look at that lineup then you realise we have a VERY good team and loads of decent backups
posted on 3/9/13
Doesn't matter really.....now Arsenal have brought Ozil they are apparently going to win everything and have the best midfield in football
Everyone else has no chance
posted on 3/9/13
Kagawa can't even get on the bench.
posted on 3/9/13
Some may say this is our version of Got_Better, but actually, the O.P makes sense.
and i've always said, the this squad didn't need much tinkering.
They the champions. and they walked it last term.
Our rivals had no choice but to spend and reinforce.
but The UTD team is still a quality squad.
I'm gonna be saying this a lot...
Over to you Mr Wayne Rooney... Time to step to the plate!!
posted on 3/9/13
De Gea
Rafael, Rio, Vidic/Evans, Evra
Carrick, Fellaini
Nani, Rooney, Kagawa
RvP
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Assuming everyone is fit come the time.......I hope that's the team we start at the Etihad against the berties in a few weeks time.
I reckon that team could cause City all kinds of problems.
Although I expect 1 or more of Giggs, Clevs or Welbeck to start instead sadly.
Had Moyes started the team that finished at anfield on sunday, I reckon we could have come away with at least a point. Negative tactics cost us badly.
posted on 3/9/13
It was a shambolic transfer window from start to finish.
Seems as if we had Alan Partridge doing our business, phoning up every club in Europe and asking "got any midfielders for sale?"
posted on 3/9/13
For what it's worth I think this transfer window has been nothing short of shambolic for a club of your stature.
You're in dire need of a midfield maestro yet have failed to land one. For sure SAF has gone but is still very much in the wings. Moyes is not to blame for the lack of acquisitions imo, the man has only been there for two minutes.
You've a fantastic 'warchest' and are one the biggest clubs in the world and I don't wish anyone to lose their job but surely someone 'upstairs' has to go?
Not your best summer by a long stretch but hopefully the season will be a good one for you all
posted on 3/9/13
It was a shambolic transfer window from start to finish.
Seems as if we had Alan Partridge doing our business, phoning up every club in Europe and asking "got any midfielders for sale?"
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you comment is shambolic....
posted on 3/9/13
We must remember that Moyes only took the job on July 1st and he would have wanted to complete a full evaluation of the squad before drawing up a list of transfer targets.
All in all, the Summer has gone as I expected, with a lot of rushing around and confusion. Future transfer windows will be better organised
posted on 3/9/13
De Gea
Rafael, Rio, Vidic/Evans, Evra
Carrick, Fellaini
Nani, Rooney, Kagawa
RvP
---------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming everyone is fit come the time.......I hope that's the team we start at the Etihad against the berties in a few weeks time.
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Agreed. Just for once I'd like to see us go into a big game and play our best 11, with the intention of taking the game to the opposition. We just don't seem to do it anymore.