So you're now in charge of transfers for United/Amorim. You're allowed to make four signings - and only four - but with a catch...
You've got to pick players (and only four! Did I mention it's only four?) that have played for us in the PL previously.
Oh, and you're not allowed to pick the 'superstar' names, either. Our financial situation won't allow you to go and get a Rooney, a Ronaldo, a Ruud, a Rio or a Robin. And it's not just the R's you can't get: Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Beckham, Cantona, Cole, Schmeichel, Veron, Zlatan, Stam, Carrick, Bastian, Di Maria... You're going have to be a bit more savvy in the market than picking the obvious names.
Here's what I'd do:
----------------Onana
----De Ligt--Maguire--Martinez
*Valencia--Ugarte--*Herrera--*Evra
---------Amad---------Bruno
------------------*Saha
I wouldn't necessarily choose that back three, but I couldn't really justify using a transfer given the other positions that are more pressing.
*Valencia: rapid, powerful, defensively sound in the latter half of his United career as a RB and a threat in attack in the former as a RM/RW (before he started just blasting the ball at the shins of the opposition FB). Would improve that right flank in both directions as well as the athleticism of the team.
*Herrera: technically very good with an under appreciated knack for a nice through ball, and full of energy, heart, tenacity and fight. Probably the ideal all rounder for an Amorim CM. Was a real toss up between him and a couple of other options (I won't name in order to not influence).
*Evra: borderline should be in the 'superstar' category but options here would be quite limited otherwise. Fast, good ball carrier, up and down all game, big character and good at both ends of the pitch. Pretty much a no brainer.
*Saha: fast and powerful (a theme in my choices!), good with his back to goal, good off the shoulder. Just an excellent all round CF. We're blessed with historical options in this position so could have picked several others, too.
Over to you...
Transfers, but using a time machine!
posted on 17/1/25
Tbf I would consider Yorke a big signing. He was one of the best strikers in the prem and was our record signing at the time. It’s not too dissimilar to signing Cole or RVP.
posted on 17/1/25
comment by Ruben The King Amorim Tim Tagi Dim (U10026)
posted 2 minutes ago
Tbf I would consider Yorke a big signing. He was one of the best strikers in the prem and was our record signing at the time. It’s not too dissimilar to signing Cole or RVP.
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I realise the lines are blurry, but Cole is one of the all time top PL goal scorers and RvP was arguably one of the best strikers in the world for several seasons (mostly at Arsenal). I loved Yorke but I don’t think he ever quite had superstar status globally or is regarded as highly as RvP and Cole (maybe unfairly).
posted on 17/1/25
comment by BerbaKing11 (U6256)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Ruben The King Amorim Tim Tagi Dim (U10026)
posted 2 minutes ago
Tbf I would consider Yorke a big signing. He was one of the best strikers in the prem and was our record signing at the time. It’s not too dissimilar to signing Cole or RVP.
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I realise the lines are blurry, but Cole is one of the all time top PL goal scorers and RvP was arguably one of the best strikers in the world for several seasons (mostly at Arsenal). I loved Yorke but I don’t think he ever quite had superstar status globally or is regarded as highly as RvP and Cole (maybe unfairly).
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Yeah I get there’s a difference in status, but he was still considered one of the best in the prem and we broke our transfer record for him. It’s probably more like signing Berbatov, for a better comparison, I suppose.
It’s your article so you set the terms.
But that’s why I didn’t consider Yorke from reading the OP.
posted on 17/1/25
comment by Ruben The King Amorim Tim Tagi Dim (U10026)
posted 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
2008 Owen Hargreaves.
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Great shout
posted on 17/1/25
Gary Neville on the right hand side of the back 3.
posted on 17/1/25
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 18 minutes ago
Gary Neville on the right hand side of the back 3.
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Three more to go...!
posted on 17/1/25
Carrick for sure but also Irwin
posted on 17/1/25
comment by BerbaKing11 (U6256)
posted 3 hours, 21 minutes ago
Some nice shouts here. Surprised no one has picked Yorke or Ole at CF. I realised I forgot all about Tevez. Probably a “superstar” player in reality but his quality and work rate would surely find a place somewhere.
Had forgotten about Cavani and Sharp, too.
I was very close to opting for peak Fletcher just before the ulcerative colitis robbed him of the form and importance he’d developed.
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Yorke I never liked up top on his own, and I guess Ole would be playing where Bruno is with Bruno in midfield? Or Ole at LWB?!?!
Tevez I reckon would have some of the same problems Garnacho is having fitting in to the system.
Peak Fletcher is one of the most underrated United players of my lifetime though
posted on 18/1/25
comment by RRRU-ben a-moo-REENG (U17054)
posted 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
comment by BerbaKing11 (U6256)
posted 3 hours, 21 minutes ago
Some nice shouts here. Surprised no one has picked Yorke or Ole at CF. I realised I forgot all about Tevez. Probably a “superstar” player in reality but his quality and work rate would surely find a place somewhere.
Had forgotten about Cavani and Sharp, too.
I was very close to opting for peak Fletcher just before the ulcerative colitis robbed him of the form and importance he’d developed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yorke I never liked up top on his own, and I guess Ole would be playing where Bruno is with Bruno in midfield? Or Ole at LWB?!?!
Tevez I reckon would have some of the same problems Garnacho is having fitting in to the system.
Peak Fletcher is one of the most underrated United players of my lifetime though
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I know he was versatile but prime Ole starts at CF for most teams back then and now. Deceptively quick, brilliant off both feet and technical very secure. He was miles better than our current CF options even if not exactly what Amorim would want for the role.
Another option I did consider was Amad RWB and Nani RF.
Fletcher was a colossus in the big games.
posted on 18/1/25
comment by BerbaKing11 (U6256)
posted 7 hours, 28 minutes ago
comment by RRRU-ben a-moo-REENG (U17054)
posted 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
comment by BerbaKing11 (U6256)
posted 3 hours, 21 minutes ago
Some nice shouts here. Surprised no one has picked Yorke or Ole at CF. I realised I forgot all about Tevez. Probably a “superstar” player in reality but his quality and work rate would surely find a place somewhere.
Had forgotten about Cavani and Sharp, too.
I was very close to opting for peak Fletcher just before the ulcerative colitis robbed him of the form and importance he’d developed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yorke I never liked up top on his own, and I guess Ole would be playing where Bruno is with Bruno in midfield? Or Ole at LWB?!?!
Tevez I reckon would have some of the same problems Garnacho is having fitting in to the system.
Peak Fletcher is one of the most underrated United players of my lifetime though
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I know he was versatile but prime Ole starts at CF for most teams back then and now. Deceptively quick, brilliant off both feet and technical very secure. He was miles better than our current CF options even if not exactly what Amorim would want for the role.
Another option I did consider was Amad RWB and Nani RF.
Fletcher was a colossus in the big games.
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