What do we still need? Aka The never ending story

[lex talionis]

We know what we need for next season. All stating the obvious:

A proven near-world class or proven world class striker. Names abound, but the one that makes the most sense is Kane. We know about Levy, but if the question is what is the optimal answer, the Kane comes to mind first.

A backup striker. I'm still not convinced by Martial, but if he puts in the effort, stays healthy, and produces the goods over these next two months, we can use him as cover for Kane (although his injury record remains an extreme concern). But we need cover for Kane. As it stands right now, we don't have a striker who can be relied on, but let's see if Martial can prove his doubters wrong.

A central midfielder either as an upgrade on Eriksen or in development right behind Erikson, ideally one who can also step in behind Casemiro should the insane British referees who are allowed to referee British football matches lick their chops when they Casemiro on the squad sheet. I'm sure we have a thread just on the midfielder question alone. I hope we're all done with De Jong, who's a brilliant footballer but who also has a WAG who is not going to leave Barcelona.

There's been a lot of talk about the RB. Yes, there are better RBs out there, but AWB and Dalot have proven enough to remain in the squad. But as with everything else, we'll trust ETH.

 

[DSG]

We know what we need for next season. All stating the obvious:

A proven near-world class or proven world class striker. Names abound, but the one that makes the most sense is Kane. We know about Levy, but if the question is what is the optimal answer, the Kane comes to mind first.

A backup striker. I'm still not convinced by Martial, but if he puts in the effort, stays healthy, and produces the goods over these next two months, we can use him as cover for Kane (although his injury record remains an extreme concern). But we need cover for Kane. As it stands right now, we don't have a striker who can be relied on, but let's see if Martial can prove his doubters wrong.

A central midfielder either as an upgrade on Eriksen or in development right behind Erikson, ideally one who can also step in behind Casemiro should the insane British referees who are allowed to referee British football matches lick their chops when they Casemiro on the squad sheet. I'm sure we have a thread just on the midfielder question alone. I hope we're all done with De Jong, who's a brilliant footballer but who also has a WAG who is not going to leave Barcelona.

There's been a lot of talk about the RB. Yes, there are better RBs out there, but AWB and Dalot have proven enough to remain in the squad. But as with everything else, we'll trust ETH.

Agree with most of this, with the exception of Martial. Look, this guy has had some absolutely sublime goals for us in the past 5-6 seasons. I really feel though, that it is time for him to move on. He’s the very definition of a mercurial no. 9. I don’t even see him as a second choice no. 9 because he is so fragile and the planets have to be in perfect alignment for him to contribute in any meaningful way. Sure, he’s better than Wout, but fitness is a skill and he is rarely fit.

Regarding CMs… could Hannibal be an option here? Last time I checked in on him, he seemed to be the class of that Birmingham squad.

 

[Woziak]

The simple reality is the squad is thread bare and some posts are staying we need a squad of 23-24. Let’s get a 2023 reality check.

Squads are getting bigger, they have to in order to compete in 55-65 games per season.A minimum of Five subs can be made with 9 squad players named on the bench domestically.

Due to the increased calendar internationally as well as club we need a squad of 26-27 next year and kids coming through unless they can contribute are not the answer. Even if we can’t spend fortunes we need to get between 6 and 8 players in and get rid of probably 10.

Realistic Squad for 23-24

GK(3)- D D Gea, T Heaton (HG), M Kovar (HG)

Defenders(9)- AWB(HG), D Dalot, *Frimpong(25M/HG), L Shaw(HG), T Malacia, R Varanne, N’Dicta*, K Min Jae*(40M), L Martinez

Midfielder(7) - Casemeiro, Eriksen, Mctominay (HG), Rabiot*,M Kudas(50M) or Sabitzer (25M)*, J Maddison*(HG/60M), Bruno

Attackers (8)-* R Hojlund(50M)Rashford (HG), J Sancho (HG), A Garnaucho (HG), Antony, Martial, A Diallo or ?( HG), E Ferguson* (HG/50M)

Squad of 27 with 11/12 HG players
We will not get rid of all of the following homegrown players like ; H Maguire, S Mctominay, AWB, J Sancho because we need 8 HG in a squad of 25 and 10 in a squad of 27 if Diallo doesn’t qualify for HG do not be surprised if the Glaziers force ETH to reintegrate MG back into the squad in the summer.

We would probably sell ; D Henderson, V Lindelof, H Maguire , E Bailey, A Teles, B Williams, MG( abroad after a loan),DVB, Fred, Ellanga and loan out Hanibal, Diallo, F Pellistri, Fernandez. The club might receive £120m in sales and the new players will cost between £250M and £275M so £150-160M net. Two free transfers is smart business right now and they are the two best free transfers this summer. Plus we should go for the best two young strikers on the market right now and be set for the next decade plus both support United!

 

[lex talionis]

Agree with most of this, with the exception of Martial. Look, this guy has had some absolutely sublime goals for us in the past 5-6 seasons. I really feel though, that it is time for him to move on. He’s the very definition of a mercurial no. 9. I don’t even see him as a second choice no. 9 because he is so fragile and the planets have to be in perfect alignment for him to contribute in any meaningful way. Sure, he’s better than Wout, but fitness is a skill and he is rarely fit.

Regarding CMs… could Hannibal be an option here? Last time I checked in on him, he seemed to be the class of that Birmingham squad.

If we could find a buyer for Martial I'd definitely let him go, but I don't think we'll find a buyer. So we make do with him until his contract runs out. I don't follow the personal lives of footballers very closely, but from various media reports he's been unsettled as a human being almost from the beginning of his days in Manchester. It probably would be best for him personally if he could move back to France.

But if we do let Martial go, we would need a first and second striker. No small outlay, but I'd go with Kane and Ferguson. Ferguson may not want to leave Brighton just yet, but even if we brought in Kane the prospect of being in the hunt for the PL and CL trophies would be tough to turn down. And by the time Kane is done at OT Ferguson will still only be 21 or 22.

I like our younger options in midfield. Hannibal and Mainoo in particular look the part. If we had to break the bank for Kane and Ferguson but accept as the condition upgrading the roles for Hannibal and Mainoo, I'd do that in a heartbeat.

At the risk of digressing, I still see great things ahead for Sancho and Antony. Rashford is fantastic IMO. Diallo and Pellistri will get their minutes over a 55 game season. Casemiro, Bruno, Eriksen, Sabitzer and Fred for our regular midfielders from which to choose three on any given day. Donny and Scotty should be cut loose. I'm pretty comfortable with our defenders, although we should look to offload Maguire and backfill him with a decent CB squad option. And we're in decent shape with De Gea, although we may have to look for cover for our keeper.

 

[IFC 1905]

Whoa

Feckin sign him up

Real Madrid following him closely, according to Mundo Deporivo. Manchester City & PSG also interested. River Plate trying to rise the release clause up to 50M euro.

 

[Olecurls99]

We need nothing. Let's leave the septic dragonpit that is the transfer market alone for a season and give Erik another year with these players.

Without the Ronaldo bollocks, Sancho's gardening leave, Martial doing his best Darren Anderton impression and Casemiro missing at the start and throughout the season. I'd like to give it a go.

 

[croadyman]

We need nothing. Let's leave the septic dragonpit that is the transfer market alone for a season and give Erik another year with these players.

Without the Ronaldo bollocks, Sancho's gardening leave, Martial doing his best Darren Anderton impression and Casemiro missing at the start and throughout the season. I'd like to give it a go.

Cracking WUM post

 

[Olecurls99]

Cracking WUM post

I fancy our starting 11 against anyone

 

[croadyman]

I fancy our starting 11 against anyone

Yeah in one off games but not across season

 

[Olecurls99]

Yeah in one off games but not across season

If there's an upgrade available for a fair price and we have an exit strategy for the player they're replacing by all means, but I wouldn't be sweating this transfer market.

 

[red woppit]

We need nothing. Let's leave the septic dragonpit that is the transfer market alone for a season and give Erik another year with these players.

Without the Ronaldo bollocks, Sancho's gardening leave, Martial doing his best Darren Anderton impression and Casemiro missing at the start and throughout the season. I'd like to give it a go.

Great post.
I don't think ETH will stay with the same squad next season, and even if his first XI are similar to his strongest team of this season, I'm sure he will want his back ups really pushing his first team players.
I think your post is a bit of a dig at all the posters who have 20+ players in and 20+ players out in their posts, which, to be honest, is ridiculous, so your post is a refreshing change to all that.
It will be interesting to see how many of this season's loanees make an impression in preseason training, Amad, Hannibal, Mainoo, Laird, some of those could change ETH's thinking.

 

[Olecurls99]

Great post.
I don't think ETH will stay with the same squad next season, and even if his first XI are similar to his strongest team of this season, I'm sure he will want his back ups really pushing his first team players.
I think your post is a bit of a dig at all the posters who have 20+ players in and 20+ players out in their posts, which, to be honest, is ridiculous, so your post is a refreshing change to all that.
It will be interesting to see how many of this season's loanees make an impression in preseason training, Amad, Hannibal, Mainoo, Laird, some of those could change ETH's thinking.

Yeah, I'm sure he'll get a few in.

I just think it's been a very peculiar year with, Ronaldo, Martial, Sancho and Casemiro issues altogether.

I did a quick check and our 1st team has missed a collective 73 games this season.
Arsenal's have missed 28. They've been quite lucky but by God we've been so unlucky with all the crap thrown at us this season.

I don't think we'll have as many of that type of issue next year and I think even without additions we'll get at least 10 points more next year.

 

[red woppit]

Yeah, I'm sure he'll get a few in.

I just think it's been a very peculiar year with, Ronaldo, Martial, Sancho and Casemiro issues altogether.

I did a quick check and our 1st team has missed a collective 73 games this season.
Arsenal's have missed 28. They've been quite lucky but by God we've been so unlucky with all the crap thrown at us this season.

I don't think we'll have as many of that type of issue next year and I think even without additions we'll get at least 10 points more next year.

Let's hope not, and you could be right about 10 extra points.
I didn't know about the amount of games missed, that is a staggering fact.
It takes time to get players, not many of them of your own choosing, to gel into a team, and we have done surprisingly well this season so far.
I think over the next two years, ETH will have eased out the players he doesn't rate, and brought in the players he wants, meanwhile, hopefully, some of our current academy lads, loanees, and some on the fringe of the first team will become valued members of the squad.

 

[TheRedHearted]

FDJ alternative

 

[croadyman]

Essential this summer

Striker
Number 8
CB
Backup 6

Ideally needed

RB
GK

Useful

Backup CB
Backup AM
Backup ST

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Kane/Ferguson - 80m
Thuram/Kovacic - 45m
Costa - 65

Kane
Rashford Bruno Antony
Thuram Casemiro
Shaw Martinez Varane Awb
Costa
​

I think this is the team I've settled with. An ST to add more goals which we've been lacking and a CM and GK that will elevate our build up and ability to keep possession

 

[kirk buttercup]

We need nothing. Let's leave the septic dragonpit that is the transfer market alone for a season and give Erik another year with these players.

Without the Ronaldo bollocks, Sancho's gardening leave, Martial doing his best Darren Anderton impression and Casemiro missing at the start and throughout the season. I'd like to give it a go.

Whilst I don't disagree with you we do a top class striker , another Midfielder to fill the gap Casemiro and Eriksen left when they weren't there and a GK .I like your thinking but could you imagine the backlash on here if a) the Glazers didn't sell and spent no money or alternatively b) did sell and the new owners spent no money .

 

[Borys]

I like to think of it like dimensions that different players bring.

Key players who bring another dimension to our game:
- Lisandro as ball playing CB (obviously him and Varane are great at defending as well)
- Casemiro brings shielding of back 4, starting transitions and progressing the ball from defence forward
- Eriksen brings clever passing which helps to progress the game forward; he is also fantastic at set pieces
- Bruno as the main creator and adding a bit of "chaos" to the game and unpredictability
- Rashford as an attacker from the left, he brings threat on the counter, dribbling, ball carrying and finishing

Other players who add another dimension to our play:
- Antony keeping the width and ball carrying on right wing
- Shaw doing two man job in defending and attacking (crucial for Rashford if he is to stay high)
- Sancho with his clever passing around the box
- Fred as the terrier

Players who don't bring anything special to the team and CAN be upgraded upon:
- De Gea
- McTominay/Sabitzer
- Dalot / Wan Bissaka (I am not sure if RB is high priority but still)

What we miss in terms of "dimensions":
- midfielder who can carry the ball from deep
- centre forward who can play with his back to the goal and finish chances (no wonder why Martial usually plays well and is effective in this team)
- speedy winger who will be a threat against high line (really hope it'll be Garnacho)

So at minimum we need a striker, Casemiro backup and another midfielder better than Eriksen and Fred. Would be great if we could add an attacking minded RB and replace De Gea.

 

[Njord]

In:
Starting GK (Diogo Costa)
Back-up GK
Young CB (?)
Young CDM (Romeo Lavia)
Starting CM (Bellingham)
Young ST (Hojlund/Ferguson)

Out:
De Gea
Maguire
McTominay
Martial

Costa
Dalot Varane Martinez Shaw
Casemiro Bellingham
Anthony Bruno Sancho
Rashford

GK
AWB CB Lindelöf Malacia
Lavia Fred
Amad Eriksen Garnacho
Hojlund/Ferguson

 

[Roboc7]

Whilst I don't disagree with you we do a top class striker , another Midfielder to fill the gap Casemiro and Eriksen left when they weren't there and a GK .I like your thinking but could you imagine the backlash on here if a) the Glazers didn't sell and spent no money or alternatively b) did sell and the new owners spent no money .

We’re going to spend a decent amount whoever owns the club.

ETH can’t work miracles, we’re nowhere near winning the league, to compete with City you need to be able to get about 95 points. We’re not getting there without shipping a lot of players out and bringing better ones in who can get the team playing how the manager wants.

Can’t do it all in one window but as much as possible needs to get done this summer or it’s just more to do in the next summer window.

 

[2 man midfield]

I think we’d do well to do most of our summer business directly from the premier league. It’s costly, but weakens the rest of the league while strengthening ourselves obviously, and there’s also a fair few deals to be had if decent teams go down too, or if Chelsea have a fire sale due to having a million players, and other circumstances such as contracts running down.

Raya - last year of deal
Kane - last year of deal
Maddison - Leicester relegated?
Barnes - ditto
Rice - West Ham relegated?
Ward-Prowse - Southampton relegated
Mount - contract situation

Some decent talent to be had. Also could see Mitoma being a target. All PL proven of course!

 

[SinNombre]

2 press-resistant central midfielders and a modern 9 who is not injury-prone are the only things to prioritize this summer.

If it wasn't clear before, this game should have made it evident.

We had 10 injuries including 4 guaranteed starters in Varane, Licha, Shaw and Rashford; and just having Eriksen and Martial gives us control over the game that we normally never do.

 

[croadyman]

2 press-resistant central midfielders and a modern 9 who is not injury-prone are the only things to prioritize this summer.

If it wasn't clear before, this game should have made it evident.

We had 10 injuries including 4 guaranteed starters in Varane, Licha, Shaw and Rashford; and just having Eriksen and Martial gives us control over the game that we normally never do.

Until there is more talk of McTominay and Donny leaving I don't see any links to a Casa backup. I get the impression we are targeting a CM to partner Casa whatever happens with outgoings.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

We wouldn't win today if Casemiro was still suspended, Eriksen hadn't recover his injury, and Bruno is suspended. I would invest in 2 midfield to find midfield that can rotate or cover for Casemiro and Eriksen and striker. Then follow with keeper and may be even right back. Then centre back if we can sell Maguire or Lindelof.

 

[croadyman]

We wouldn't win today if Casemiro was still suspended, Eriksen hadn't recover his injury, and Bruno is suspended. I would invest in 2 midfield to find midfield that can rotate or cover for Casemiro and Eriksen and striker. Then follow with keeper and may be even right back. Then centre back if we can sell Maguire or Lindelof.

Yeah my priority order would be

ST
CM
DM (backup)
RB
GK
CB (backup)
ST (backup)

Some people might switch around RB and GK depending on your views regarding De Gea

 

[Woziak]

Until there is more talk of McTominay and Donny leaving I don't see any links to a Casa backup. I get the impression we are targeting a CM to partner Casa whatever happens with outgoings.

I think we might get rid of two midfielders ; DVB will go for his own career and Fred or Mctominay, it might come down to Mctominay being offered £150k per week by Newcastle and them prepared to pay £40-45m. ETH will want certain players in a priority listing with ;

Number 1. Priority CFW(9) - H Kane(HG), V Osimhen, G Ramos, K Muani
2. Priority BTB MF(10/8) - A Macalister, R Gravenbitch, M Kudas, E Le Fey, J Maddison, Y Tielemans(F)
3. Priority GK (Ball playing) - D Costa, D Raya, I Meslier, G Bazunu(HG)
4. Priority RCB (Quick/Physical) - K Min Jae, J Timbor, Bastoni, E Ndicka
5. Priority RWB/RB - A Frimpong(HG), D Dumfries, T Lamptey(HG),
6. Priority Back up CDM/8- M Caciedo, R Lavia(HG), D Rice(HG), A Rabiot (F)
7. Priority Back up striker/RW - R Laeo, E Ferguson, R Hojlund, L Bailey, W Zaha(F)

The reality is the club will have to sell to buy big but this summer which is a unique opportunity where some very good players are available, some on a free plus we can get rid of some players that don’t fit ETH squad or the clubs ethics.

We should be able to sell the following ;
D Henderson(25m), B Williams (5m), E Bailey (7m), A Telles(8m), H Maguire(30M), A Elanga(10m), Fred £15M, M Greenwood (35M), DVB (15M) 9 players out for £100-130m.

Can’t see Mctominay or Sancho being sold, if we sell the above that’s 5 Homegrown players leaving the club with Jones and Tuanzebe contract running down that’s 7 so no way Mctominay and Sancho will leave as well. If we sell another Midfielder it will be Fred.

My dream Squad 23/24 would be 27 with 12/13 HG players;
GK - (3); D De Gea, G Bazunu(25M/HG), T Heaton(HG), -Spend £25m

Defenders- (10) ; AWB(HG), Frimpong(25M/HG), D Dalot, L Shaw(HG), T Mallacia, R Varane, K Min Jae( 40M), V Libdelof, L Martinez, T Mengdi( HG) spend £65M

Midfield - (7) ; Casemeiro, Eriksen, Bruno, Mctominay (HG), A Rabiot(F), M Kudas or A Macalister(50M), K Mainoo(HG) or Fred
Spend - £50M

Attack - (8) ; M Rashford (HG), A Garnaucho(HG), J Sancho (HG), Antony, Martial, H Kane(HG/90M), A Dialo, E Ferguson (HG/50M) spend £140M

Total Spent £280m Total Received £130m
Net Spend £150m

 

[Olecurls99]

I think we might get rid of two midfielders ; DVB will go for his own career and Fred or Mctominay, it might come down to Mctominay being offered £150k per week by Newcastle and them prepared to pay £40-45m. ETH will want certain players in a priority listing with ;

Number 1. Priority CFW(9) - H Kane(HG), V Osimhen, G Ramos, K Muani
2. Priority BTB MF(10/8) - A Macalister, R Gravenbitch, M Kudas, E Le Fey, J Maddison, Y Tielemans(F)
3. Priority GK (Ball playing) - D Costa, D Raya, I Meslier, G Bazunu(HG)
4. Priority RCB (Quick/Physical) - K Min Jae, J Timbor, Bastoni, E Ndicka
5. Priority RWB/RB - A Frimpong(HG), D Dumfries, T Lamptey(HG),
6. Priority Back up CDM/8- M Caciedo, R Lavia(HG), D Rice(HG), A Rabiot (F)
7. Priority Back up striker/RW - R Laeo, E Ferguson, R Hojlund, L Bailey, W Zaha(F)

The reality is the club will have to sell to buy big but this summer which is a unique opportunity where some very good players are available, some on a free plus we can get rid of some players that don’t fit ETH squad or the clubs ethics.

We should be able to sell the following ;
D Henderson(25m), B Williams (5m), E Bailey (7m), A Telles(8m), H Maguire(30M), A Elanga(10m), Fred £15M, M Greenwood (35M), DVB (15M) 9 players out for £100-130m.

Can’t see Mctominay or Sancho being sold, if we sell the above that’s 5 Homegrown players leaving the club with Jones and Tuanzebe contract running down that’s 7 so no way Mctominay and Sancho will leave as well. If we sell another Midfielder it will be Fred.

My dream Squad 23/24 would be 27 with 12/13 HG players;
GK - (3); D De Gea, G Bazunu(25M/HG), T Heaton(HG), -Spend £25m

Defenders- (10) ; AWB(HG), Frimpong(25M/HG), D Dalot, L Shaw(HG), T Mallacia, R Varane, K Min Jae( 40M), V Libdelof, L Martinez, T Mengdi( HG) spend £65M

Midfield - (7) ; Casemeiro, Eriksen, Bruno, Mctominay (HG), A Rabiot(F), M Kudas or A Macalister(50M), K Mainoo(HG) or Fred
Spend - £50M

Attack - (8) ; M Rashford (HG), A Garnaucho(HG), J Sancho (HG), Antony, Martial, H Kane(HG/90M), A Dialo, E Ferguson (HG/50M) spend £140M

Total Spent £280m Total Received £130m
Net Spend £150m

That's 28 players

No club needs 28 professional players. It'll lead to a disgruntled squad.

Brighton ain't giving 2 of their best players for 50m each, no chance.

 

[Olecurls99]

Our current senior pro squad. 30 players.

De Gea Henderson Butland Heaton

Bissaka Dalot Williams

Shaw Malacia Telles

Martinez Varane Maguire Lindelof Bailly Tuanzebe

Casemiro Mctominay Fred Donny Bruno Eriksen

Antony Amad Pellistri

Sancho Garnacho Elanga

Martial Rashford

Sell or loan the bolded 9, leaving us with 21 players and about 100m. Sign a prospect at CB, promote Mainoo, sign Sabitzer, and sign a prospect at CF.

 

[Woziak]

That's 28 players

No club needs 28 professional players. It'll lead to a disgruntled squad.

Brighton ain't giving 2 of their best players for 50m each, no chance.

Ok Chelsea 33 is way too much but the statistics over last 3 years have meant the club always has 4/5 players injured at any one given time. There is a reason you can now name 12 subs in European competitions and 9 in the Pl active squads are now 23 or 20 players, we would only have 22/23 available from that squad because of injuries, Evan Ferguson is 18 and it’s breakthrough season, Macalister is rumoured to have a £50m release clause

 

[daba]

Our current senior pro squad. 30 players.

De Gea Henderson Butland Heaton

Bissaka Dalot Williams

Shaw Malacia Telles

Martinez Varane Maguire Lindelof Bailly Tuanzebe

Casemiro Mctominay Fred Donny Bruno Eriksen

Antony Amad Pellistri

Sancho Garnacho Elanga

Martial Rashford

Sell or loan the bolded 9, leaving us with 21 players and about 100m. Sign a prospect at CB, promote Mainoo, sign Sabitzer, and sign a prospect at CF.

If we get £100m from sales, we’ll likely have some general budget on top of that (let’s say another £100m).

Rather than a prospect at ST we could then go out and snatch Osimhen.

I do think our midfield would still feel weak though as soon as Casemiro, Eriksen or Bruno are out for a period, so I think we need a slightly larger investment in CM than just Sabitzer and Mainoo steping up.

Will be interesting to see what we do and where we spend whatever our budget we end up with.

 

[NoPace]

The more I watch us and think about it, the more I think it makes sense to sell Sancho and Elanga and use the money (let's say 45M total have because Sancho is English) on a backup striker, and just roll with Rashford and Garnacho at LW and give Pellistri a shot there when we need a 3rd option.

 

[Messier1994]

A GLAZER TOTALLY BUTCHERED THE SUMMER-SCENARIO
I have to say that it is a bit remarkable how well ETH have developed big parts of the squad. In November, I would have said that we desperately need 3-4 players to just give us depth at certain positions since large parts of our squad was totally incapable of playing ETH football.

And it’s of course not that I don’t think we must see improvements in the squad. But for the fun of it — imagine a scenario where the Glazers really butchered the summer transfer window. Where would we stand? I definitely still think ETH could launch a top 4-8 team in Europe. But extending the Sabitzer loan would be a must.

Depth chart:
Striker: Rashford/Martial
LW: Sancho/Garnacho
RW: Antony/Diallo
AMC: Bruno/Sabitzer
MC: Eriksen/Fred
DMC: Case/McT (Bruno plays DMC, McT as the No 8)
LB: Shaw/Malacia
LCB: Martinez/Shaw
RCB: Varane/Lindelof
RB: Dalot/AWB
GK: DDG
Extra: Mejbri, Bailly, Maguire,

The one point we are the thinnest at is DMC and LCB, but:
*Since Bruno has shown that he can do a job there (and with Bruno at DMC, McT actually compliments him fairly well as the No 8, no coincidence that Fred sat and McT played when Bruno was at DMC) — it doesn’t seem like the end of the world anymore if Case is out, and
*Shaw-Lindelof/Varane is a perfectly OK CB pairing (but we need Shaw their for the ball playing ability) we could survive being without Martinez too.

We wouldn’t have a quality “2nd” team, but ‘spreading the wealth’ you could easily create two teams for ETH that have a very good shot at 3 pts against anyone other than City and perhaps a few others, say:
Team A
————————Martial————————
Garnacho————Sabitzer——Antony
—————Eriksen———————————
———————Casemiro———————-
Malacia—Martinez—Varane—AWB
————————DDG—————————
Subs: Bailly, Mejbri, Elanga, Donny, Laird, McNeil
Comment: I mean, this is a strong team, right? Eriksen, Sabitzer and Casemiro is a really strong CM. Garnacho should be lethal with Martial’s linkups. Amazing CB Pair. And I mean, the subs aren’t too bad for the odd game.

Team B
————————Rash————————
Sancho———————————Diallo
—————Fred———McT——————
———————Bruno———————-
Telles—Shaw—Lindelof—Dalot
——————Henderson——————
Subs: Maguire, Iqbal, Mainoo, Pellestri, A Fernandez, Hugil
Comment: This team would perhaps be a little weaker, but I think Sancho is looking more and more promising at LW. Diallo is the least of my concerns. McT would get into the box as much as possible. Telles’ crosses. Bruno running the show. Shaw-Lindelof is definitely a capable pairing. And again, the subs aren’t too bad. Would I fancy this team vs say Everton or Wolves or Brentford or Crystal or Leeds or Southampton or West Ham and the likes? Definitely.

 

[SparkedIntoLife]

My current thinking is that a takeover/investment might not happen in good time and FFP limits us. Hedging our bets with an A and B transfer list (A being top stars like Bellingham/Osimhen etc that Qatari money can buy, B being more frugal options) might cause us too many delays and leave us ambivalent in the market rather than decisive. I'd just go to the more realistic, cheaper options on the B list with a focus on young, potentially world beating talent. Then, any big stars needed to complete the jigsaw, get in 2024 when hopefully the takeover has been bedded in. Go for smart, small improvements this Summer and be prepared to be patient - ready made, top class signings may be beyond us this year.

This being said, here's my squad -

GK: David de Gea, Bart Verbruggen, Tom Heaton
[Verbruggen 20m, recouped by Henderson sold for a similar fee. Kovar sold, Vitek loaned, Butland sent back.]

RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot
[Give Frimpong another year at Leverkusen under Alonso to improve defensively then sign him to replace one of these guys in 2024 when his contract is up the next year, thus cheaper. Sell Williams and Laird for 10m or so combined.]

LB: Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia
[Sell Telles for like 5m.]

CD: Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Kim Min-jae, Bjorn Hardley
[Sell Maguire for 30m odd, Lindelof for 20m odd, Bailly for free or 5m at most, Jones released. Paying Min-jae's rumoured release clause of like £44m looks a no brainer and I'm sure he can expect to get a lot of games with Varane's shaky fitness record and maybe Martinez's metatarsal issues.

DM: Casemiro, Arthur Vermeeren
[We need another specialist DM. This guy is super impressive and his cost is unlikely to exceed 30m. A good Casemiro apprentice.]

CM/AM: Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho, Fred, Kobbie Manoo
[McTominay sold for a similar amount to what we sign Vermeeren for. Mejbri loaned again. Iqbal loaned. Fernandes continues in the deep quarter back type role.]

RW: Antony dos Santos, Amad Diallo
[No changes needed really. Diallo to get decent game time.]

LW: Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho
[Ditto. Elanga can go.]

ST: Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Martial, Wout Weghorst
[Not quite ready yet but will be class and he and £50m will improve us. Having a raw Hojlund is better than the situation we're currently in. I'd keep Weghorst as third choice for £10m.

IN:
Verbruggen (20m), Min-jae (45m), Vermeeren (25m), Hojlund (50m), Weghorst (10m) = 150m

OUT:
Henderson (15m), Butland (Loan Return), Maguire (30m), Lindelof (20m), Williams (5m), Laird (5m), Telles (Free), Fernandez (Loan), Bailly (5m), Jones (Free), Mengi (Free), Tuanzebe (Free), Sabitzer (Loan return), McTominay (30m), Hannibal (Loan), van de Beek (10m), Elanga (20m), Greenwood (Free) = 140m

Then in 2024, sign Frimpong to replace AWB or Dalot, Johnstone to take Heaton's third GK spot, a young English centre back like Ashley Phillips to replace Hardley, bring back Hannibal to replace Fred and sign Evan Ferguson to compete with Hojlund. Martial to leave. That's about it I think.

 

[Woziak]

A GLAZER TOTALLY BUTCHERED THE SUMMER-SCENARIO
I have to say that it is a bit remarkable how well ETH have developed big parts of the squad. In November, I would have said that we desperately need 3-4 players to just give us depth at certain positions since large parts of our squad was totally incapable of playing ETH football.

And it’s of course not that I don’t think we must see improvements in the squad. But for the fun of it — imagine a scenario where the Glazers really butchered the summer transfer window. Where would we stand? I definitely still think ETH could launch a top 4-8 team in Europe. But extending the Sabitzer loan would be a must.

Depth chart:
Striker: Rashford/Martial
LW: Sancho/Garnacho
RW: Antony/Diallo
AMC: Bruno/Sabitzer
MC: Eriksen/Fred
DMC: Case/McT (Bruno plays DMC, McT as the No 8)
LB: Shaw/Malacia
LCB: Martinez/Shaw
RCB: Varane/Lindelof
RB: Dalot/AWB
GK: DDG
Extra: Mejbri, Bailly, Maguire,

The one point we are the thinnest at is DMC and LCB, but:
*Since Bruno has shown that he can do a job there (and with Bruno at DMC, McT actually compliments him fairly well as the No 8, no coincidence that Fred sat and McT played when Bruno was at DMC) — it doesn’t seem like the end of the world anymore if Case is out, and
*Shaw-Lindelof/Varane is a perfectly OK CB pairing (but we need Shaw their for the ball playing ability) we could survive being without Martinez too.

We wouldn’t have a quality “2nd” team, but ‘spreading the wealth’ you could easily create two teams for ETH that have a very good shot at 3 pts against anyone other than City and perhaps a few others, say:
Team A
————————Martial————————
Garnacho————Sabitzer——Antony
—————Eriksen———————————
———————Casemiro———————-
Malacia—Martinez—Varane—AWB
————————DDG—————————
Subs: Bailly, Mejbri, Elanga, Donny, Laird, McNeil
Comment: I mean, this is a strong team, right? Eriksen, Sabitzer and Casemiro is a really strong CM. Garnacho should be lethal with Martial’s linkups. Amazing CB Pair. And I mean, the subs aren’t too bad for the odd game.

Team B
————————Rash————————
Sancho———————————Diallo
—————Fred———McT——————
———————Bruno———————-
Telles—Shaw—Lindelof—Dalot
——————Henderson——————
Subs: Maguire, Iqbal, Mainoo, Pellestri, A Fernandez, Hugil
Comment: This team would perhaps be a little weaker, but I think Sancho is looking more and more promising at LW. Diallo is the least of my concerns. McT would get into the box as much as possible. Telles’ crosses. Bruno running the show. Shaw-Lindelof is definitely a capable pairing. And again, the subs aren’t too bad. Would I fancy this team vs say Everton or Wolves or Brentford or Crystal or Leeds or Southampton or West Ham and the likes? Definitely.

I see what your trying to do here, however there is not enough experience and your mixing a and b sides to much. We need 5 or 6 players ; 4 that go in the first 11 and 2 that add squad Depth

 

[golden_blunder]

I see a lot of posters see us selling Donny VdB

can’t see it myself, season ending injury. No one is gonna want to spend money on him until he proves his fitness. I can only see him leaving on a loan.

 

[Messier1994]

I see what your trying to do here, however there is not enough experience and your mixing a and b sides to much. We need 5 or 6 players ; 4 that go in the first 11 and 2 that add squad Depth

Yeah for sure, and like, we don’t want to be a team that ‘should’ get top 4. And I definitely — as much as anyone else — want to see a lot of changes.

But I do think that it speaks volumes of ETHs work. With a healthy team we can beat anyone, and I honestly only think we get into serious trouble against City. I wouldn’t be overly afraid of facing Real or Bayern with the best we got. Maybe I got hybris — but honestly, I would say that we are way ahead of Milan, Napoli and co. Certainly not afraid of any Spanish team besides Real. Sure, Bayern are always Bayern, but I think that we more or less are on pair with them. In the PL, you got City who got our number. Id like our odds against Arsenal — with a healthy team — any day of the week. That more or less puts us at 5-10 in Europe.

However, we of course want more. We won’t be healthy, we will have a fair amount of injuries. If we do, we could probably forget about contending for a title.

 

[Messier1994]

I see a lot of posters see us selling Donny VdB

can’t see it myself, season ending injury. No one is gonna want to spend money on him until he proves his fitness. I can only see him leaving on a loan.

You are of course right. Maybe something could be arranged with say Ajax, but it would cost us.

 

[UpWithRivers]

I see a lot of posters see us selling Donny VdB

can’t see it myself, season ending injury. No one is gonna want to spend money on him until he proves his fitness. I can only see him leaving on a loan.

I think there will be a lot of disappointments. Maguire staying wont be that big a surprise for instance unless he can find someone willing to pay 200 a week for him.

 

[Woziak]

I think there will be a lot of disappointments. Maguire staying wont be that big a surprise for instance unless he can find someone willing to pay 200 a week for him.

It’s a combination of factors, HG status, England international, ETH worked with a similar slow coach in De Light might actually get a much better Maguire than anyone thinks, all be it even Harry’s total elite best will still be 4th best CB at united?

 

[RedC]

Many players.