Just wondered what everyone thought of the LB situation at United, the position which seems to be the most intriguing in my opinion.
Now first of all I would be over the moon if we signed Shaw and it looks likely. 27mill for an 18 year old is a bit ridiculous but he is a 10 year investment for sure and will improve. If he's this good and calm at 18, imagine what he'll be like in 5 years time. Experienced in the Prem ( 2 years), good defensively, can form a strong defence with Smalling & Jones. Will wanna come to solidify his England credentials imo. Used to a family club environment at Southampton, and United are more 'family-friendly' than Chelsea or City. Don't think Liverpool would be able to afford him.
Many will argue for cheaper options such as Coentrao (would make sense in the short-term) and has plenty of top-level experience, Rodriguez of Wolfsburg, or Bolasinic but they are unproven in the Prem. The logical seemingly sensible signings i.e. signing a WC winning midfielder in Kleberson, or signing a previous 'beast' in midfield in Fellaini, haven't worked out. I think United do well when we take a risk on raw exciting young talent - Ronaldo, Rooney, who would develop year on year. Shaw could do that I reckon.
That said, what to do with Evra and Buttner? Evra is one of my heroes and is still a cult hero in my eyes. Extremely experienced and gets this club. Imo he should stay this season as losing Evra, Rio and Vida in one hit, maybe too traumatic. But would he, as a proud player, be willing to rotate/ be 2nd choice to an 18 year old? He could get a payday at Monaco but it would be too soon imo. Still think if rotated properly, he'd have the legs to defend properly and could ease Shaw in slowly.
As for Buttner, do we keep him, loan him or sell him? Many would say sell him, but I must say he is a very decent back up option who would be willing to warm the bench. That cannot be underestimated. Plus with LvG at the helm, maybe his Dutchness may give him an advantage? Although as far as I know, he hasn't featured much in the Holland squad recently. Plus he's bezzie mates with RvP, so him leaving might upset the big man. Who knows? It's an interesting situation.
The LB Situation
posted on 20/5/14
I think Evra will possibly stay but only if he accepts that he could be rotated with Shaw instead of being a certain starter for the team.
If Shaw is signed then I really wouldn't be surprised if Buttner were to go the opposite direction,loan or permanent.
Southampton was a strong destination for Buttner before he came to United and people at Southampton will know just as much about him than we did.
I still think there is good potential in Buttner,his performance at home to Bayern proves that once tied down tactically he can become a valuable member to the squad,but for him to become that he needs to get more first team football.
posted on 20/5/14
Cheers, Arab.
I'd be happy with Shaw and Evra as our left backs. Then Evra can leave next season and we can just sign a back up left back on the cheap.
posted on 20/5/14
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfers-luke-shaw-7146895#.U3tyCgeSoRI.twitter
Not the best source, but the MEN say it's 95% done with Shaw
posted on 20/5/14
comment by RVP's Left Foot - Manchester is my heaven. (U11781)
posted 23 seconds ago
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfers-luke-shaw-7146895#.U3tyCgeSoRI.twitter
Not the best source, but the MEN say it's 95% done with Shaw
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Only 95% done,pffft
Also LVG has neither denied or accepted reports that United have made a bid for,currently injured,Dutch midfielder Strootmam.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out.
posted on 20/5/14
Interesting Arab. Though i wonder how they calculate this exact percentages. Why not 94% or even 96% done? Why 95%?
posted on 20/5/14
"That's for me to know and for you to find out."
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posted on 20/5/14
comment by The_Red_Cognoscente (U9741)
posted 1 minute ago
Interesting Arab. Though i wonder how they calculate this exact percentages. Why not 94% or even 96% done? Why 95%?
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Because it provides them with enough wiggle room if it doesn't go through and if it does go through then they can turn round and say we told you so, exclusive etc.
posted on 20/5/14
as we always have done traditionally.
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No, no, no, no, no.
If the players who are good enough are Irish and English, then buy them, if they're not, lets just forget about tradition. Times are changing.
posted on 20/5/14
No, no, no, no, no.
If the players who are good enough are Irish and English, then buy them, if they're not, lets just forget about tradition. Times are changing.
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This is exactly the point im making. I made it clear, i think, that players of the desired quality in say, CM or the flanks, aren't available or in existence on these shores. But in Shaw, at LB, there is.
United are an english team. It's desirable, surely, to have a good homegrown core to the team where possible (whilst trying to maintain quality standards in playing personnel).
posted on 20/5/14
BK, yep I agree.
Doesn't mean we should sign players like Ashley Young just because they're English but I'd like to hope we'll maintain a strong English core in the team, supplemented with some class foreign players - essentially a similar model to what has served us so well in the premier league.
Van Gaal being involved with the youth teams could bode well for the future in this respect, providing there is somebody good enough to make the step up.