kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Agreed about easier to say it than do it.

I don't see how you think you're in a position to claim whether he's up to the job though.

You've watched what, 2 or 3 United games on the TV this season?

7 league games in.

Far too soon to be making those judgements, particularly when we have such gaping holes in key areas of the pitch.

comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 18 minutes ago
rosso is facking happy(U17054)

Interesting - how do you know all of that?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Reports at the time.

If I remember rightly we were actually negotiating with Bernardo’s agent and discussing a bid (not sure if one was entered?) for Robertson.

Around 2016/7 we had scouts at every Anderlecht game watching Tielemans and Dendoncker.

We had scouts watching Felix before he’d even made his first team debut after he played against our U19s.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

We have scouts at thousands of games each year - I'm not sure that is evidence that they've recommended we sign a specific player.

Not having a pop, but this feels like a very woolly defence of our scouts.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by rosso is facking happy(U17054)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 18 minutes ago
rosso is facking happy(U17054)

Interesting - how do you know all of that?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Reports at the time.

If I remember rightly we were actually negotiating with Bernardo’s agent and discussing a bid (not sure if one was entered?) for Robertson.

Around 2016/7 we had scouts at every Anderlecht game watching Tielemans and Dendoncker.

We had scouts watching Felix before he’d even made his first team debut after he played against our U19s.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

We have scouts at thousands of games each year - I'm not sure that is evidence that they've recommended we sign a specific player.

Not having a pop, but this feels like a very woolly defence of our scouts.
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I expect the sheep to be all over this comment

Widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiZ87Dgi_vkAhXJBWMBHXYzA4kQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2017%2F05%2F21%2Fmanchester-united-in-advanced-negotiations-to-sign-monaco-playmaker-bernardo-silva-6650912%2F&psig=AOvVaw0EpVwA9MSoau4EMNr2rly-&ust=1570020360699116

Again, widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPgoPCjPvkAhWMMBQKHSicBh8QzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2016%2F04%2F23%2Fmanchester-united-scouting-anderlecht-pair-youri-tielemans-and-leander-dendoncker-5835732%2F&psig=AOvVaw1DQi5ls_QbBJ0bQKtsgn11&ust=1570020565469032

Later reports suggested Mourinho had added Dendoncker to his list of targets for that summer.

Irishred (U2539)

I don't think it'll be too baaad to be honest.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 12 seconds ago
Irishred (U2539)

I don't think it'll be too baaad to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have to give it to ewe

comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 19 seconds ago
Widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiZ87Dgi_vkAhXJBWMBHXYzA4kQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2017%2F05%2F21%2Fmanchester-united-in-advanced-negotiations-to-sign-monaco-playmaker-bernardo-silva-6650912%2F&psig=AOvVaw0EpVwA9MSoau4EMNr2rly-&ust=1570020360699116

Again, widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPgoPCjPvkAhWMMBQKHSicBh8QzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2016%2F04%2F23%2Fmanchester-united-scouting-anderlecht-pair-youri-tielemans-and-leander-dendoncker-5835732%2F&psig=AOvVaw1DQi5ls_QbBJ0bQKtsgn11&ust=1570020565469032

Later reports suggested Mourinho had added Dendoncker to his list of targets for that summer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So they were watching Tielemans.

Doesn't mean they recommended we buy him, does it?

Not trying to be difficult but that's quite a leap - that because a scout is at the game, the assumption is they then recommended we sign that player, and the only reason we didn't is Ed?

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi0546BjfvkAhXTBWMBHZcgBZcQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.express.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F660005%2FManchester-United-Transfer-Target-Hull-City-Defender-Andy-Robertson-15m-Bid-Arsenal&psig=AOvVaw2l3cDVxusjlz1OFquVZ8CE&ust=1570020697783817

Steve Bruce confirmed United scouts were watching him at Hull before LVG joined United.

comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 49 seconds ago
https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi0546BjfvkAhXTBWMBHZcgBZcQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.express.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F660005%2FManchester-United-Transfer-Target-Hull-City-Defender-Andy-Robertson-15m-Bid-Arsenal&psig=AOvVaw2l3cDVxusjlz1OFquVZ8CE&ust=1570020697783817

Steve Bruce confirmed United scouts were watching him at Hull before LVG joined United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So the scouts recommended we go for him but someone at the club decided not? That's your take on this?

comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 12 seconds ago
Irishred (U2539)

I don't think it'll be too baaad to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have to give it to ewe
----------------------------------------------------------------------

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Agreed about easier to say it than do it.

I don't see how you think you're in a position to claim whether he's up to the job though.

You've watched what, 2 or 3 United games on the TV this season?

7 league games in.

Far too soon to be making those judgements, particularly when we have such gaping holes in key areas of the pitch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm basing it off since he got the job and how I think he's approached it, I don't see him having the qualities needed however I could be wrong on that but so far I've seen little to suggest he really has a long term strategy or a defined way of playing.

I also don't think he has the strength of character to manage a club the size of united, it's not an easy job to do with such a focus on the club, the level of media scrutiny etc. essentially he looks like a coach to me not a manager.

But I could well be wrong and if he is given time then who knows, I don't see him lasting though and have sid since the summer I think he will be gone by Xmas.

kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well, with respect, you can't possibly be in a position to have a credible opinion on that.

Of course we're all entitled to our opinion, but it's also fair to criticise those opinions.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 7 seconds ago
kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well, with respect, you can't possibly be in a position to have a credible opinion on that.

Of course we're all entitled to our opinion, but it's also fair to criticise those opinions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I also think it's laughable that he would be sacked by Christmas.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 43 seconds ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 12 seconds ago
Irishred (U2539)

I don't think it'll be too baaad to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have to give it to ewe
----------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just bringing a bit of light hearted banter

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 40 seconds ago
comment by rosso is facking happy(U17054)
posted 19 seconds ago
Widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiZ87Dgi_vkAhXJBWMBHXYzA4kQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2017%2F05%2F21%2Fmanchester-united-in-advanced-negotiations-to-sign-monaco-playmaker-bernardo-silva-6650912%2F&psig=AOvVaw0EpVwA9MSoau4EMNr2rly-&ust=tel:1570020360699116

Again, widely reported:

https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPgoPCjPvkAhWMMBQKHSicBh8QzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetro.co.uk%2F2016%2F04%2F23%2Fmanchester-united-scouting-anderlecht-pair-youri-tielemans-and-leander-dendoncker-5835732%2F&psig=AOvVaw1DQi5ls_QbBJ0bQKtsgn11&ust=tel:1570020565469032

Later reports suggested Mourinho had added Dendoncker to his list of targets for that summer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So they were watching Tielemans.

Doesn't mean they recommended we buy him, does it?

Not trying to be difficult but that's quite a leap - that because a scout is at the game, the assumption is they then recommended we sign that player, and the only reason we didn't is Ed?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well we did end up reportedly bidding for him the club having followed him for three seasons.

rosso is facking happy (U17054)

Fair enough - you've certainly given me a different perspective on it.

comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 12 seconds ago
Irishred (U2539)

I don't think it'll be too baaad to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have to give it to ewe
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flockin ell

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well, with respect, you can't possibly be in a position to have a credible opinion on that.

Of course we're all entitled to our opinion, but it's also fair to criticise those opinions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Define credible?

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by rosso is facking happy(U17054)
posted 49 seconds ago
https://www.google.pt/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi0546BjfvkAhXTBWMBHZcgBZcQzPwBegQIARAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.express.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F660005%2FManchester-United-Transfer-Target-Hull-City-Defender-Andy-Robertson-15m-Bid-Arsenal&psig=AOvVaw2l3cDVxusjlz1OFquVZ8CE&ust=tel:1570020697783817

Steve Bruce confirmed United scouts were watching him at Hull before LVG joined United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

So the scouts recommended we go for him but someone at the club decided not? That's your take on this?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My take on the Robertson reports, as with Bernardo, was that the scouts identified him as a potential target and the club eventually ended up preparing a transfer package that didn’t progress to fruition.

They are examples, and there are many, of the scouting unit doing its job and doing it well.

For me, it’s actually a little lazy to blame the scouts, when we only see a tiny part of what they do. They’ll be recommending players all the time, and we’ll never know about it. (Some of the players they recommend will turn out to be of an inferior standard or not suitable for the club, of course.)

Ultimately, they cannot be blamed for our poor showing in the transfer market though.

comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 7 seconds ago
kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well, with respect, you can't possibly be in a position to have a credible opinion on that.

Of course we're all entitled to our opinion, but it's also fair to criticise those opinions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I also think it's laughable that he would be sacked by Christmas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Why? You're currently in the bottom half of the table 12 points off top.

If this form was to continue across the season you'd finish 60 points or so off the top, his results is basically relegation form since PSG away when he got the job.

Laughable really to suggest he couldn't be sacked, take your emotion out of it for a moment.

rosso is facking happy (U17054)

"They are examples, and there are many, of the scouting unit doing its job and doing it well."

This is another leap.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but you're making some assumptions here.

It's not lazy to question the productivity of our scouts given our pathetic record in the transfer market over the past 5-10 years. Not at all.

I appreciate there's no reason that the club have to defend their scouts to the fans and so there's lots that we don't know, but that doesn't mean we can't question their work.

Here's an idea - perhaps you can start a thread that monitors scout activity and we can have it as an ongoing discussion? You seem to keep on top of it and I for one would be interested to read about it.

Up for it?

kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well actually, we're 10th and three points off the top four.

My comment isn't based on emotion.

It's based on the fact that the club are clearly going through a period of change. They've given the job to someone who will work with the youngsters and manage a situation that involves a lot of players in and out.. the summer was just the start.

It's also based on a complete overreaction after 7 games and the fact that the board won't be stupid enough to make a judgement so soon.

I'd bet you anything he won't be sacked. Happy to do a charity bet. £500 suit?

Just on Bernardo Silva, he said publicly that he was aware of some interest from United but the only official interest his agent got was from us.

In terms of the scouting, someone like Silva was known to everyone tbh, it would be interesting to know the conversations behind closed doors about players though.

comment by meltonblue (U10617)
posted 17 seconds ago
Just on Bernardo Silva, he said publicly that he was aware of some interest from United but the only official interest his agent got was from us.

In terms of the scouting, someone like Silva was known to everyone tbh, it would be interesting to know the conversations behind closed doors about players though.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I was thinking that Silva is hardly an example of the scouts unearthing a gem! But to be fair, I'm not sure that was the point he was making.

comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 7 seconds ago
kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)

Well, with respect, you can't possibly be in a position to have a credible opinion on that.

Of course we're all entitled to our opinion, but it's also fair to criticise those opinions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I also think it's laughable that he would be sacked by Christmas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Why? You're currently in the bottom half of the table 12 points off top.

If this form was to continue across the season you'd finish 60 points or so off the top, his results is basically relegation form since PSG away when he got the job.

Laughable really to suggest he couldn't be sacked, take your emotion out of it for a moment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Has Rafa got a new job yet....