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Manchester United 2015-2016
- Thread starter yinyang
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With Champions League qualification now guaranteed, this will make a move to OT rather more attractive for some of LvG transfer targets.
But with a rumoured buy-out clause of around £182m for Neymar, I doubt he will be one of them.
But with a rumoured buy-out clause of around £182m for Neymar, I doubt he will be one of them.
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Don't dream, there will be no one coming. This late in transfer window, clubs won't sell as there is no time to bring in replacements.
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The last day of the Transfer window is usually the busiest day for business to be done. A couple of years ago, Mesut Ozil moved from Real Madrid to Arsenal on the last day of the window.
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On transfers, CL draw and tomorrow's away do with Swansea
Louis van Gaal hopes Man United show progress at Swansea
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34089962
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hopes his side will show how much they have progressed when they face Swansea in his 50th match in charge.
Van Gaal's side lost 2-1 to the Welsh club at Old Trafford in his first competitive game on the opening day of the 2014-15 Premier League season.
United also lost by the same score at the Liberty Stadium in February.
"My first match was against Swansea and we lost. Now I have my 50th and I hope we can show we have improved," he said.
United's defeat at Swansea last season ensured the Welsh club did a league double over the Red Devils for the first time.
The 64-year-old Dutchman says he is determined for his side to make amends for that disappointment.
"We are better prepared this year," he said. "I don't want to lose again.
"It's the only club we could not beat or gain one point against last season. I hope we can improve and that we can show we are better than last year."
Van Gaal cagey on transfers
Victor Valdes
Victor Valdes has made two appearances for Manchester United since he joined on a free transfer in January 2015
Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Van Gaal was reluctant to be drawn on questions concerning possible transfer incomings and outgoings at Old Trafford.
"When we want to do announcements, we shall do it, not when you ask us," he said
When asked specifically about 33-year-old goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, the former Netherlands coach was equally curt with his response.
He added: "When we want to say anything, then we say it, but not at the moment. We shall do announcements when we want to."
Champions League draw
Van Gaal appeared satisfied after United were drawn with PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg in the group stage of Champions League.
"It could be worse, but it could be better also," he said.
He revealed that Marcel Bout, who scouts United's opposition, is already planning to watch matches involving Wolfsburg and PSV.
"PSV have to play Feyenoord, so that's a big match in Holland," said Van Gaal. "We have to analyse now."
Louis van Gaal hopes Man United show progress at Swansea
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34089962
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hopes his side will show how much they have progressed when they face Swansea in his 50th match in charge.
Van Gaal's side lost 2-1 to the Welsh club at Old Trafford in his first competitive game on the opening day of the 2014-15 Premier League season.
United also lost by the same score at the Liberty Stadium in February.
"My first match was against Swansea and we lost. Now I have my 50th and I hope we can show we have improved," he said.
United's defeat at Swansea last season ensured the Welsh club did a league double over the Red Devils for the first time.
The 64-year-old Dutchman says he is determined for his side to make amends for that disappointment.
"We are better prepared this year," he said. "I don't want to lose again.
"It's the only club we could not beat or gain one point against last season. I hope we can improve and that we can show we are better than last year."
Van Gaal cagey on transfers
Victor Valdes
Victor Valdes has made two appearances for Manchester United since he joined on a free transfer in January 2015
Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Van Gaal was reluctant to be drawn on questions concerning possible transfer incomings and outgoings at Old Trafford.
"When we want to do announcements, we shall do it, not when you ask us," he said
When asked specifically about 33-year-old goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, the former Netherlands coach was equally curt with his response.
He added: "When we want to say anything, then we say it, but not at the moment. We shall do announcements when we want to."
Champions League draw
Van Gaal appeared satisfied after United were drawn with PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg in the group stage of Champions League.
"It could be worse, but it could be better also," he said.
He revealed that Marcel Bout, who scouts United's opposition, is already planning to watch matches involving Wolfsburg and PSV.
"PSV have to play Feyenoord, so that's a big match in Holland," said Van Gaal. "We have to analyse now."
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Lightning do strike 3X (for Swansea):o
Didn't quite understand Carrick's coming on as DM, when we chasing the game. Replaced Mata didn't help. Can think of few others more deserving of switch. We lost sight after equaliser, and 2nd goal was a shambles. Which pretty described the last 20-30 mins.
Didn't quite understand Carrick's coming on as DM, when we chasing the game. Replaced Mata didn't help. Can think of few others more deserving of switch. We lost sight after equaliser, and 2nd goal was a shambles. Which pretty described the last 20-30 mins.
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Why is Daley Blind (a midfielder) playing in a central defensive role?
When is LvG going to realise than Mata is best suited as a CM playing behind the striker, in this case Rooney.
What's more concerning is that United have a wealth of midfield talent but yet it seems they're all played out of their favoured positions.
As a neutral, Swansea deserved the win. United need to sort out their midfield.
When is LvG going to realise than Mata is best suited as a CM playing behind the striker, in this case Rooney.
What's more concerning is that United have a wealth of midfield talent but yet it seems they're all played out of their favoured positions.
As a neutral, Swansea deserved the win. United need to sort out their midfield.
Last edited:
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Agreed. Don't understand why LvG subbed him. United are probably grateful for the international break next week.
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This is the time for panic buys before the transfer window closes. 
Anyway the Premier League this season is much more competitive, because the tv money deals last season have generated enough revenue for the smaller clubs to purchase much better quality players. Expect more upsets and giant killings.
Anyway the Premier League this season is much more competitive, because the tv money deals last season have generated enough revenue for the smaller clubs to purchase much better quality players. Expect more upsets and giant killings.
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Post mortem on Roon's kosong last night. And need for a striker 
Wayne Rooney needs help up front at Man Utd - Jason Roberts
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34104468
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Manchester United need to buy a new striker before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.
From watching United in their 2-1 defeat by Swansea on Sunday for MOTD2, and what I had seen of them beforehand this season, they desperately need someone dynamic to lead their line.
To have a chance of finishing in the top four, and qualifying for the Champions League, they need a top-class striker who can run - someone fast and mobile enough to stretch opposition defences.
Wayne Rooney is still a wonderful forward player, but he is not that man. In an ideal world for Rooney and United, when the Premier League restarts after the international break, he will still be an integral part of their attack - but as a number 10, with a new number nine playing in front of him.
Rooney lacking in self-belief
Rooney has gone 10 league games without a goal, equalling his previous longest drought in 2003
Rooney is 30 in October but he is no slouch and he is still a top-level striker.
At the moment he is 75 goals short of Alan Shearer's all-time record of 260 Premier League goals, and I still think he has a very good chance of going on to beat it.
He showed what a good finisher he is with his hat-trick against Club Brugge on Wednesday, and I was expecting him to be full of confidence after that. Instead, against Swansea he played like a man who had not scored in nine league games. When he was in on goal, he wanted to take that extra touch and be sure of the situation. Basically he was over-thinking things.
As a striker when I was on a run without scoring, the chances I wanted were the instinctive ones - like the ones Rooney took against Brugge. When you are out of form, you do not want time in front of goal.
Man Utd's starting XI v Swansea
Manchester United's starting XI v Swansea, with Rooney leading their attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation
Usually, Rooney is a great finisher in both situations, but seeing him miss those chances on Sunday made me think we are watching a man playing without a great deal of self-belief.
He is still one of the best players in the Premier League, though. Just look at that chance he made for himself at the Liberty Stadium where he brought the ball down, nutmegged a defender and got through. If he puts that away, we are all talking about how brilliant he is. Just because he didn't does not mean he is finished.
Rooney's biggest problem is that the team is not set up to play to his strengths. If he is given the correct role, then we are still talking about a world-class striker. What he needs is a partner - someone like Robin van Persie in the 2012-13 season when United last won the league - who allows Rooney to drift in and out of games and cause damage that way.
At the moment, he is the focus of the United attack and I don't think that gets the best out of him.
What do you need from a number nine?
When I had the role that Rooney did against Swansea, and played up front on my own, I always had to cover a lot of different jobs. You might not see much of the ball but the most important thing is to occupy the opposition back four.
You do that by stretching them, and sometimes that means making unselfish runs behind the defence even when you know the pass is not going to come.
Wayne Rooney's touches vs Swansea
Rooney made the fewest touches of any United player to play 90 minutes against Swansea
That is not Rooney's natural game, though. He prefers to come the other way and to drop deep to get on the ball, or at least try to.If you have got wingers or a number 10 running past Rooney then it is not a problem, but United did not have that happening either.
Of the three players just behind Rooney, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera did not look to make forward runs off the ball so that just left Memphis Depay trying to get in behind. It made it easier for Swansea's defence, because most of United's forward players were in front of them and, for long spells of the match, I don't think they really felt under threat.
At the other end of the pitch, Bafetimbi Gomis gave a masterclass in playing as a lone striker, but he had help in making it work.
He had the service to run in behind as well as hold the ball up but, crucially, he had players constantly running off him too.
That is what I always faced when I played against United but, under Louis van Gaal, United have not found a way to do it this season.
Bafetimbi Gomis's touches for Swansea v Man Utd
Gomis touched the ball in similar areas to Rooney but Swansea had more players looking to run beyond him
United have worries in defence too
United's goalkeeping situation is still uncertain but I also have doubts about their defence.
Daley Blind is a brilliant technical player but at centre-half he is lightweight.
I called it early in the game today that, if I were Gomis, I know I am quicker and stronger than him so I am going to target him.
I would be looking around at every opportunity and standing close to him, and saying to the rest of my team to try to put me in a chase with him, or play the ball to my feet so I can over-power him.
On Sunday Chris Smalling tried to cover Blind as much as he could but every time Gomis got one-on-one with him, he caused the Dutchman a problem. Swansea clearly worked on it in training and everyone else will have seen that it worked. It is something a lot more teams are going to try as the season goes on.
Jason Roberts was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
Wayne Rooney needs help up front at Man Utd - Jason Roberts
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34104468
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Manchester United need to buy a new striker before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.
From watching United in their 2-1 defeat by Swansea on Sunday for MOTD2, and what I had seen of them beforehand this season, they desperately need someone dynamic to lead their line.
To have a chance of finishing in the top four, and qualifying for the Champions League, they need a top-class striker who can run - someone fast and mobile enough to stretch opposition defences.
Wayne Rooney is still a wonderful forward player, but he is not that man. In an ideal world for Rooney and United, when the Premier League restarts after the international break, he will still be an integral part of their attack - but as a number 10, with a new number nine playing in front of him.
Rooney lacking in self-belief
Rooney has gone 10 league games without a goal, equalling his previous longest drought in 2003
Rooney is 30 in October but he is no slouch and he is still a top-level striker.
At the moment he is 75 goals short of Alan Shearer's all-time record of 260 Premier League goals, and I still think he has a very good chance of going on to beat it.
He showed what a good finisher he is with his hat-trick against Club Brugge on Wednesday, and I was expecting him to be full of confidence after that. Instead, against Swansea he played like a man who had not scored in nine league games. When he was in on goal, he wanted to take that extra touch and be sure of the situation. Basically he was over-thinking things.
As a striker when I was on a run without scoring, the chances I wanted were the instinctive ones - like the ones Rooney took against Brugge. When you are out of form, you do not want time in front of goal.
Man Utd's starting XI v Swansea
Manchester United's starting XI v Swansea, with Rooney leading their attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation
Usually, Rooney is a great finisher in both situations, but seeing him miss those chances on Sunday made me think we are watching a man playing without a great deal of self-belief.
He is still one of the best players in the Premier League, though. Just look at that chance he made for himself at the Liberty Stadium where he brought the ball down, nutmegged a defender and got through. If he puts that away, we are all talking about how brilliant he is. Just because he didn't does not mean he is finished.
Rooney's biggest problem is that the team is not set up to play to his strengths. If he is given the correct role, then we are still talking about a world-class striker. What he needs is a partner - someone like Robin van Persie in the 2012-13 season when United last won the league - who allows Rooney to drift in and out of games and cause damage that way.
At the moment, he is the focus of the United attack and I don't think that gets the best out of him.
What do you need from a number nine?
When I had the role that Rooney did against Swansea, and played up front on my own, I always had to cover a lot of different jobs. You might not see much of the ball but the most important thing is to occupy the opposition back four.
You do that by stretching them, and sometimes that means making unselfish runs behind the defence even when you know the pass is not going to come.
Wayne Rooney's touches vs Swansea
Rooney made the fewest touches of any United player to play 90 minutes against Swansea
That is not Rooney's natural game, though. He prefers to come the other way and to drop deep to get on the ball, or at least try to.If you have got wingers or a number 10 running past Rooney then it is not a problem, but United did not have that happening either.
Of the three players just behind Rooney, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera did not look to make forward runs off the ball so that just left Memphis Depay trying to get in behind. It made it easier for Swansea's defence, because most of United's forward players were in front of them and, for long spells of the match, I don't think they really felt under threat.
At the other end of the pitch, Bafetimbi Gomis gave a masterclass in playing as a lone striker, but he had help in making it work.
He had the service to run in behind as well as hold the ball up but, crucially, he had players constantly running off him too.
That is what I always faced when I played against United but, under Louis van Gaal, United have not found a way to do it this season.
Bafetimbi Gomis's touches for Swansea v Man Utd
Gomis touched the ball in similar areas to Rooney but Swansea had more players looking to run beyond him
United have worries in defence too
United's goalkeeping situation is still uncertain but I also have doubts about their defence.
Daley Blind is a brilliant technical player but at centre-half he is lightweight.
I called it early in the game today that, if I were Gomis, I know I am quicker and stronger than him so I am going to target him.
I would be looking around at every opportunity and standing close to him, and saying to the rest of my team to try to put me in a chase with him, or play the ball to my feet so I can over-power him.
On Sunday Chris Smalling tried to cover Blind as much as he could but every time Gomis got one-on-one with him, he caused the Dutchman a problem. Swansea clearly worked on it in training and everyone else will have seen that it worked. It is something a lot more teams are going to try as the season goes on.
Jason Roberts was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
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We had 4 midfielders on the bench-Carrick, Young, Fellaini and Valencia. They have no strength in depth to begin with. Carrick was brought in to replace Schneiderlin and considering the Frenchman's talent, his performance so far has been disappointing. If they didn't make a like for like substitution, I am absolutely certain the Swans would have scored a lot more.
IMHO, they should have taken off Basti instead of Mata. Basti may be the anchor playmaker but his way too slow and he simply cannot provide the thrust that was badly needed when you're chasing the game.
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Bring Cillisen or whoever they have in mind for cover. The fast and physical strengths of some teams are going to expose United's weakness at the back. I can't wait to watch games against Man. City, Chelsea, West Ham and Stoke. City, Chelsea and West Ham will give us a good drubbing.
Do we need a CD???.....Lol!!!
Do we need a CD???.....Lol!!!
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Welcome to Manchester United Anthony Martial! :p
This is the time for panic buys before the transfer window closes.
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