I sort of agree, in that I wouldn't miss another CL campaign like this one. But will it affect our spending this summer? You mention Mahrez, for example; Leicester now look highly likely to qualify for the CL and you have to wonder why he'd leave them for us if we don't make it. It's alright saying we got Di Maria in 2014, but how much did he really want to come?

Our name and Mourinho's name will be enough to nab the targets, as long as we convince them a plan is in place to gradually rise to the top then they will be all on board.

Clockwork.

Money talks and we could offer Mahrez a hefty wage.

I'd prefer us to recruit players on merit but unfortunately we can't offer guaranteed trophies anymore, so I guess we have to be really selective when we choose to sign players. The last thing we need is another Di Maria, although I do accept he would have been a lot better under a different manager.

Mahrez is unlikely if I was to hold my hands up, but we would be foolish if we didn't attempt to woo him.

comment by De Gea's Right Foot - Supreme Leader Arab (U11781)
posted 9 seconds ago
Our name and Mourinho's name will be enough to nab the targets, as long as we convince them a plan is in place to gradually rise to the top then they will be all on board.
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Hopefully Arab.

We are lucky that we are still an attractive proposition for a lot of players.

Even if we were to miss out on the CL, I doubt it would really affect our transfer targets a great deal than if we did qualify.

Yes, this is one of the best pro-Mourinho arguments; players will recognise his pedigree and will (hopefully!) look past this season. I still think we only need about three anyway - a new CB, a winger and a striker. No need for a complete overhaul.

Back to the OP, if we finished fifth and won the FA Cup, I guess I'd be happy with that.

good article

id only add that when we arent destroyed by injuries we are a more attacking team as the last few games have shown

if we have no more injuries and get schweinsteigger fit we can do well til the end of the season and win a trophy.

could really have done with Young being fit too, the right side of our attack is still weak and he's a massive loss

injuries to rojo, shaw and valencia also havent helped our playing style

We can afford another season out of the CL with the TV deal coming into place and the club projecting revenue figures of £500m+ this calendar year. The adidas money won't decrease either, but we can't afford to fack up like with Van Gaal and Moyes. Need to get a DOF in and actually plan what we're doing.

You won't attract top players without CL football,whatever you offer in the way of wages others can match or offer more.

I wouldn't mind finishing in the Europa spots either, I really want us to win that trophy. Mourinho has never won it before either I don't think.

Let's be honest, top 4 does affect transfer targets and levels of who we could get.

People might point to ADM but that was a special case as Madrid wanted money and PSG couldn't afford him so we in essence got him on loan for a year. And noone wanted Falcao so we got him as a booby prize

As it is, the players I think we'll get will be Mendes ones who don't need CL as they're all youngish.

Another problem with no CL is how the Europa is a ballache. It would be better to drop to 7th and give José a fresher ride to the title with no distractions

comment by Heisenberg (U9091)
posted 10 seconds ago
good article

id only add that when we arent destroyed by injuries we are a more attacking team as the last few games have shown

if we have no more injuries and get schweinsteigger fit we can do well til the end of the season and win a trophy.

could really have done with Young being fit too, the right side of our attack is still weak and he's a massive loss

injuries to rojo, shaw and valencia also havent helped our playing style
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Good points, but injuries affect everybody.

I'd say that Spurs and Leicester haven't had too many, but Arsenal and City have been decimated by them and they're above us comfortably at the minute.

Shaw was an absolute massive loss when he looked like he was going to have a stormer of a season.

Lingard has had an 'Ash Young effect' on us in the sense that he is not the most talented, is very hard working and adds balance to our attack. I don't get the stick he has received as he has contributed a lot and you can tell he is proud every time he pulls on that shirt.

Heisenberg, the only reason we're playing better is that the players have taken some kind of control and demanded less of a structured LVG style. Lingard kind of said this the other day. The players all know LVG is off at the end of the season and are now doing a 'Chelsea 2012'

we really should go all out for the EL this season, other than Napoli and Dortmund i don't see any sides that are a lot stronger than us, there's a lot that are of a similar level

comment by Stefano Sturaro (U6687)
posted 40 seconds ago
we really should go all out for the EL this season, other than Napoli and Dortmund i don't see any sides that are a lot stronger than us, there's a lot that are of a similar level
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comment by Stefano Sturaro (U6687)
posted 39 seconds ago
we really should go all out for the EL this season, other than Napoli and Dortmund i don't see any sides that are a lot stronger than us, there's a lot that are of a similar level
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BINGO.

Mex, we should give the Europa a real go.

I know its not the pinnacle of European silverware, but a trophy is a trophy and it would serve as a great confidence boost and an experience for some our younger lads who aren't used to seasons upon seasons of regular CL football and two legged ties.

OP

To be frank spending big is hardly going to improve United, they have already been down that route, and it has hardly paid off past couple of seasons. You need to go down the Spurs route, recruit from within, and find some good bargains from the lower leagues.

and its a trophy we've never won, football is about winning trophies, not finishing 4th

comment by sandy, senior citizen, but young at heart (U20567)
posted 0 seconds ago
OP

To be frank spending big is hardly going to improve United, they have already been down that route, and it has hardly paid off past couple of seasons. You need to go down the Spurs route, recruit from within, and find some good bargains from the lower leagues.
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spending big on the right players would work, sadly, by and large we've spent it extremely unwisely

Mex, that's my point exactly.

In the grand scheme of things, what good is the top 4 when you can't show the mettle and consistency to take it on board and progress it into serious contenders for silverware. We've taken steps backwards unfortunately.

comment by Robb Mourinho (U20351)
posted 1 minute ago
Heisenberg, the only reason we're playing better is that the players have taken some kind of control and demanded less of a structured LVG style. Lingard kind of said this the other day. The players all know LVG is off at the end of the season and are now doing a 'Chelsea 2012'
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whats changed in our game is we a fullback who is capable of attacking (CBJ - great find by LVG) and we have carrick back. Carrick being a massive loss to us. Our left side is looking so strong. Also Lingard (fair play to LVG) is excelling despite being a frustrating player at times.

How the hell do you even consider writing off your chances of being top 4

This is football and surely you must've heard the old cliche "It's a funny old game"?

United are still in it for me..What's to say that City players stop trying because they know Pellegrino is leaving and that they crumbled?

I am not ruling United out...Though I defo think Liverpool never were in it for the chase for the top 4

Not with his side

Can't defend and now can't even line up a wall at free kicks

I think the top 4 is done and dusted. Unless Spurs or Leicester bottle it, but none of them are showing any weak mentality so far. Plus you've got to take into account what sort of funny season this is, and 6 points is a big gap.

Lingard has had an 'Ash Young effect' on us in the sense that he is not the most talented, is very hard working and adds balance to our attack. I don't get the stick he has received as he has contributed a lot and you can tell he is proud every time he pulls on that shirt.
________________________

He does add balance and he's starting to find the net as well. I just think he goes missing at times, like at Liverpool. Early days yet, though, and promising signs today.

comment by sandy, senior citizen, but young at heart (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
OP

To be frank spending big is hardly going to improve United, they have already been down that route, and it has hardly paid off past couple of seasons. You need to go down the Spurs route, recruit from within, and find some good bargains from the lower leagues.
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Sandy, the last thing I want is another massive list of ingoings and outgoings this summer. We need some stability and consistency and for the squad to gain some kind of bond.

A maximum of four quality players is a must, one's who can go straight into the first eleven most weeks, and I realise you may have to splurge to get the right players, but in no way am I suggesting the solution is to be frivolous and irresponsible with our transfer funds.

I've admired Spurs' approach and Pocchetino's work, but no offence Sandy, you've done it on necessity rather than choice.

this summer id look at 4/5 players, quality ones too

a CB
2 midfielders (Renato sanches will probably be 1)
a RW
a CF