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In fairness, Ronaldo was not the only one not pressing last season. You could add Fernandes, Rashford and Pogba (when he played) and it soon becomes apparent why United were so poor last term.That and one of their best young prospects being out of commission for non-footballing reasons, as well as a comically leaky defence. Ronaldo hit a series of late goals to get results for United last year, so I'd be hesitant to dispense with his services. It is very clear though that you can't have himself and Fernandes in the same team, they are just too similar and take up similar positions on the pitch. Hard to see anyone challenging Liverpool and City this season, Chelsea are probably an outside bet. Gleebo (Mayo) - Posts: 2208 - 04/08/2022 11:04:38 2436146 Link 0 |
1. Liverpool GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7345 - 04/08/2022 11:25:52 2436153 Link 3 |
I'd argue that with Fernandes and Rashford you have more scope for improvement in the pressing stakes than you'd have with Ronaldo and Pogba. I agree that Ronaldo is obviously a goal threat and can rescue points. But at what cost to the overall morale of the dressing room? He isn't physically able anymore to be the main man up front for a whole season. So rotating him is the only option. Would he be happy with that? There's also talk that he regularly undermined Rangnick & Maguire in training sessions. I think Ronaldo may feel that he's too big for the club in its current circumstances and Ten Hag is on a hiding to nothing if Ronaldo doesn't depart.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 04/08/2022 11:46:52 2436162 Link 0 |
He needs a goalscorer to replace him though. Martial and Rashford are too inconsistent for that level. Rashford will work hard even if he's not getting goals but I think Martial is overrated at Premier League level. If he doesn't get a goalscorer or two Ten Hag's man-management skills will be tested with Ronaldo. He says he's keen to keep him so should have a system to improve the team with Ronaldo in it.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7345 - 04/08/2022 14:43:27 2436213 Link 2 |
That's true. The two lads are too inconsistent. Out and out top standard goal scorers are a rarity. There's any amount of nippy inside forwards who'll get 10 or 12 goals a season but the traditional number 9 isn't as fashionable. Like if Ronaldo wasn't such a mé féiner it would make perfect sense to keep him. But because of his record and status, he almost demands that the club fit around him. This doesn't always work out though and can lead to rancour and poor morale. A big decision for the club to make.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 04/08/2022 16:09:10 2436225 Link 0 |
Is Mason Greenwood still out of the picture indefinitely or what's the update there? Bon (Kildare) - Posts: 1909 - 04/08/2022 18:39:03 2436248 Link 0 |
There's Harry Kane. There was Harry Kane 2 years ago when united were crying out for a goalscorer. There was Harry Kane last year when united were crying out for a goalscorer. And this year, he's probably just about young enough to be worth the money he'd cost. Apparently Woodward doesn't have as much involvement in transfers these days but whoever takes care of transfers at United is doing a pretty awful job. Looks like they'll miss out on De Jong (not sure he'd have improved the team) after chasing him all summer. cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5012 - 04/08/2022 19:54:51 2436255 Link 2 |
Great result for St. Pat's last night, away to CKSA Sofia, which must have a budget several times higher than any Irish club. Gleebo (Mayo) - Posts: 2208 - 05/08/2022 07:21:12 2436273 Link 1 |
Yeah last summer was a good opportunity to go for Kane who was fairly disillusioned with life at Spurs at the time. I think Kane had his mind set on a move to City though, who were/are a team ready to win trophies whereas Utd are very much work in progress. Would Kane be any closer to winning trophies at Utd than he is at Spurs? I'm not so sure.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 05/08/2022 10:01:03 2436281 Link 0 |
I like your rankings but I would probably put Chelsea above Man United.
Trump2020 (Galway) - Posts: 2120 - 05/08/2022 10:17:52 2436283 Link 0 |
"There was Harry Kane last year when united were crying out for a goalscorer". What makes you think Daniel Levy would have sold Kane to Man Utd last year, when he refused to let him go to Man City? Plus, Kane said he wanted to go to Man City, I doubt he would have been as keen on Man Utd. Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2466 - 05/08/2022 10:47:03 2436287 Link 1 |
Conor Moore press conferences! GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7345 - 05/08/2022 10:57:23 2436289 Link 2 |
Levy would've sold him for the right money (albeit Levy's idea of the right price was probably close to £160m). I do think he'd choose United over Spurs. cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5012 - 05/08/2022 11:27:11 2436296 Link 2 |
Fair point Trump. It'll depend a lot on ten Hag's management. Supposed to be a disciplinarian. Some players need to hear and heed home truths, in football in general in 2022, not just at Manchester United.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7345 - 05/08/2022 11:47:35 2436302 Link 3 |
Levy wouldn't sell him because it would disadvantage Spurs and be a huge boost to one of their rivals for Champions League qualification. Plus Kane wanted to go to a club with a better chance than Spurs to win trophies. United didn't fit the bill before last season but ten Hag should improve them so he might prefer United next summer. Good strikers last longer these days, if they keep their discipline and work ethic, so he'll still be sought after next summer.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7345 - 05/08/2022 12:10:29 2436308 Link 2 |
Some good results for LOI teams in Europe in the last few weeks. oneoff (UK) - Posts: 1380 - 05/08/2022 12:41:07 2436317 Link 2 |
Klopps high octane training style combined with last year's efforts, where Liverpool played every conceivable game bar the charity shield, might take its toll, and they could have a dip towards the end of the season. Galway9801 (Galway) - Posts: 1708 - 05/08/2022 12:57:26 2436324 Link 0 |
Anyone think that the unusual timing of the World Cup this year might impact upon the stronger teams more? I imagine that several weeks plying out in the heat and humidity of Qatar might take its toll. I stopped over there a few years back to catch a connecting flight and the opening of the plane door alone was like the blast of an oven door, LOL. Gleebo (Mayo) - Posts: 2208 - 05/08/2022 13:27:50 2436331 Link 0 |
Not a big soccer fan but I would put loads of teams above UTD if Harry Maguire is on.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2014 - 05/08/2022 13:43:21 2436336 Link 2 |
"I do think he'd choose United over Spurs". Last season, maybe. But not now. Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2466 - 05/08/2022 13:45:57 2436337 Link 0 |