Finally, folks on here are are fully understanding that Fosun are not prepared (at least for now) to dig deep into their coffers.

I believe Bruno will do well with the players he has now, but what concerned me recently was Traore recruiting Mendes, hoping for a move to Spurs. Quite rightly the club asked for an alleged 50m and that probably put them off and we weren't happy letting him go on loan.
Time will tell whether he leaves in January and I expect all eyes will be on him as to how he performs up until then.

I do see us sticking with a back 3. It's whether we go for 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. I would have no qualms either of seeing Saiss in a defensive midfield role. Our back line have done well against 3 of the top teams and Kilman for me has been the best of the bunch. With Boly and Mosquera to come back into contention, it would allow Saiss to move up if needed, as we are an injury or two away from being light in midfield.

Still don't see any logic at all in allowing MGW to go on loan again when we have so little cover in Midfield. Thought he had done well enough in pre season to get a chance this year.

We are a long way from the team that had back to back seventh place finishes and that is what bothers me the most. Talk about throwing away a fantastic platform to build on. Will be more than happy with mid table obscurity this season now.

Have to wonder what Bruno is thinking this morning, he was pretty open about what he wanted and expected and we haven't even come close to it.

As for MGW, perhaps he just doesn't fit into the system right now if we are sticking with a back three. Not good enough, strong enough in a midfield two and never impressive in a wide attacking role.

Also, what does trying to sign a journeyman striker for what would have been quite a lot of money say about Silva?

comment by Vinnie Garstrokes (U2138)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
Still don't see any logic at all in allowing MGW to go on loan again when we have so little cover in Midfield. Thought he had done well enough in pre season to get a chance this year.

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The MGW decision is mind boggling. I hope I'm wrong, but I think we're really going to struggle with this wafer thin squad. The spine of the team has needed strengthening for 3 years now and we've done nothing.

Weird that there's been no coverage of the transfer window - I would have bet my house on there being a Athletic article up first thing, and nothing really on the e&s either. Wonder if it's taking time to piece together what happened.

I don't see Silva becoming a top class player for a least 3 years (if ever). He is so lightweight and his touch is not the best. He does show little flashes but whoever sanctioned his purchase for £? million needs to get another job.
Hope I'm wrong about him, but that money could have and should have been spent more wisely.

I hope Silva progresses and becomes a top class player and given more chances, I believe he will. He's got a bit more speed and did do well against Forest. But until he's playing on a pretty regular basis, it could be longer than I would have liked. I like Jimenez, but right now it would do both him and Silva some good if they rotated the CF role more often and is why I dared to suggest Jimenez didn't start all the time.

None of our 3 Portugal players start against R of I. All on bench.

Patricio and Jota start

Doherty starting for NI as left wing back

Did read that Spurs were up for selling Doherty but nobody came in for him

NI 1 Portugal 0

Republic not NI

This after Man Utd’s returning hero missed a penalty

comment by Spangles (U17289)
posted 12 minutes ago
Republic not NI

This after Man Utd’s returning hero missed a penalty
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Karma. If that was a penalty my Kok's a kipper

Bruno Fernandes is one of the Grealish, Kane, Sterling diving school. A master of the multiple roll whilst keeping one eye on the ref

Guedes skill and cross on the right leads to the equaliser. He has offered something since coming on.

A goal that makes Ronaldo the highest scorer of international goals of all time

And in the 96th minute, he gets the winner

I hope Trincao takes the opportunity to study Ronaldo in training and learn a few things about timing runs and positioning.

And who came on as a sub? Moutinho, who I hope is offered an extended contract. His positional sense and all-round ability is something we will need this season. The perfect pro, who is still one of our better players.

I watched the whole game and although Ronaldo is past his best, he is still a danger in the box with his heading ability.

Anybody see the the Republic of Ireland game? I was hoping someone could give an honest opinion on the heading ability of the oppositions player that scored two headers? 🤣

Mexico have requested that sanctions are taken against Wolves for refusing to allow Jimenez to join their squad during the international break. That will likely mean he would be ineligible to play for Wolves in their next game away at Watford