Players we've sold...

comment by Colemanballs (U22246)
posted 35 minutes ago
Gerard Pique must be up there
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and Smalling

Probably would have kept Nani.
Depay
Zaha

Tbh the one thing we can say with most of these players is that they really aren't all that. Maybe with the exception of Lukaku, whom I feel was sold for reasons beyond sheer footballing ability. Yes, some would improve the squad, but I don't think they'd improve the first team.

I suppose the real issue is that we probably haven't massively improved the team and squad since they left, it's just like we've moved the furniture around, in spite of a huge outlay. Which is kind of reflected in our league performance since SAF retired. We've finished in or around the 64-66 point mark more often than not.

People need to chill on Zaha. He’s nearly 28 and has had an average career. He has talent but there’s a reason he’s playing for Ivory Coast and not England and still at Palace.

He’s great start to this season stats wise is an exception to the norm.

The Ivory Coast thing could be why he didn't go to Arsenal. AFCON is always at awkward times

comment by Bales (U22081)
posted 5 hours, 49 minutes ago
The Ivory Coast thing could be why he didn't go to Arsenal. AFCON is always at awkward times
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Not really when we decided to sign him his vastly inferior international team mate

Zaha, Di Maria, Herrera.

Jonny Evans
Smalling
Herrera
Di Maria
Depay
Zaha
Lukaku
Ronaldo

As much as he is an improved player, I can't see how getting rid of Depay at the time was a mistake, tbh. He was too emotionally immature to make it at United back then - not too dissimilar to a young Anelka in thinking that his ability meant he was above all the hard work and discipline that goes into making a top player.

That didn't wear off immediately when he signed for Lyon either. They still had to put up with his petulance and it was only after his manager publicly shamed him and froze him out that he seemed to begin to see the error of his ways. And for a player his track record, I'd still be inclined to wait a bit longer to make sure that he has definitely turned that corner.

As much as he might be an interesting player to have right now, United were 100% right to get rid at the time, imo.

I think the issue with Zaha is the big cut of his potential transfer fee that would go to us in any sale. He’s more tusk good enough to play for any top 6 side but probably consigned himself to Palace level clubs for life by having such a large fee and signing new contracts with them which just keeps that fee high,