January Transfer Window 2014

Same here hammersmith, the plastic fans drive me crazy! In 2003 i could count the amount of city/chelsea fans i knew on 1 hand, now its like an epidemic!

think its the opposition fans that are panicking if they think mata is a panic buy, perhaps not exactly what we need at the moment but neither was rvp, when these players come available you dont turn them down!

a cm and were looking pretty good, just need to change the mindset of negative moyes, if we cant get rid! dont think were too bad defensively its just that everytime we have had a lead we sit back and defend all game like moyes everton. eventually a opening will come under thiose circumstances. under fergie we had a lot less defending to do because we were forcing the opposition back all the time. most top teams defence get a easier ride, uniteds currently isnt

A front 4 of Mata, RVP, Rooney and Januzaj is tasty

That's a fair point C and R, Smalling and Evans played really well last night, yes it was only Sunderland but they are under more pressure than they should be. Ferdinand and Vidic in their pomp were never under constant bombardment from the smaller teams, against the big teams it's understandable but even then you have to make a concerted effort to get forward and put the game to bed.

When we have the money and opportunity to buy Mata, what do people expect us to do, turn the chance down and see him join someone else instead?

Arsenal didn't really need Ozil but again they saw the opportunity and took it, I don't think he's been that pivotal to their upturn in a playing perspective but it changes the mindset of the whole team and gives them renewed hope and expectation.

Chelsea fans are the worst in my experience LFC because they seem to think they are a big team but you don't get that tag because of money you have to earn it with a sustainable business model. We've splashed the cash in the past as have Liverpool but that is money we've earned from doing things the right way.

Chelsea are a big team/club now no matter how they achieved it.

Not strictly related to the conversation but i found this article shocking! Liverpool spent more than united in the premier league years but no titles to show for it!!

http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/ian.stewart.palmer/598853/the-5-biggest-spending-clubs-in-premier-league-history

Ent is right, they are a big team now, like it or not. The modern game is won by businessmen too.

Di Marzio goin big on West Ham agreeing deals for Nocerino and Borriello. Cant see it, surely. Also rumours of Lescott and another defender possibly.

Wenger proving hes a prize tart today, its been awhile.

My problem with Chelsea buying Salah is they'll probably just loan him if he doesnt get it right quick. They have a ridiculous amount of players on loan, almost unfair amount really.

Mata is too good for United not to buy. We've been saying at West Ham that we need a signing for morale as much as anything else, just something fresh for optimism. Mata has that value for Man United too, on top of his incredible ability. He can operate off the right, drift in and find a gorgeous blend with United's incredible front line. At the very least, United will look good and cause a threat to that top four berth.

Just goes to highlight why I hate Chelsea and City so much, spending that amount in such a short timespan just isn't right.

lfc91 wrote:Not strictly related to the conversation but i found this article shocking! Liverpool spent more than united in the premier league years but no titles to show for it!!

http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/ian.stewart.palmer/598853/the-5-biggest-spending-clubs-in-premier-league-history

not had a look at the article but is it spent and sold or just spent because weve bought big intermittently, but we have also sold big in the ronaldo deal, even flops like veron were shifted on at a good price

king kenny really didnt help with his signings, probably put you lot back about 4 years. imagine if rodgers have been given that money how much better off you would have been

[quote="compelling and rich"]

lfc91 wrote:
imagine if rodgers have been given that money how much better off you would have been

More Joe Allen's!   

Its just spent. We have recouped a reasonable amount on some occasions to be fair. Just find it incredible that our transfer expenditure is the 3rd highest in premierleague history and we have sweet fa to show for it in terms of the league!

[quote="Olly"]

compelling and rich wrote:

lfc91 wrote:
imagine if rodgers have been given that money how much better off you would have been

More Joe Allen's!   

THERES ONLY ONE JOE ALLEN!(well i really REALLY hope, couldnt handle another one!!).

lfc91 wrote:Its just spent. We have recouped a reasonable amount on some occasions to be fair. Just find it incredible that our transfer expenditure is the 3rd highest in premierleague history and we have sweet fa to show for it in terms of the league!

spend all you want, but it does help when you bring through the likes of giggs, scholes, beckham, nevilles and butt for zip! all we have needed is a bit of fine tuning here and there. we bought majority of our forwards and few defenders but even then we've been backed up with o'sheas, flecthers, brown.

with the exception of gerrard and carragher you haven't brought anyone through, the above made us a title winning team for decades. you will have had to brought more players in because you didnt have that luxury

on that side note isnt it strange that the amount of players we have brought through we have never had a decent forward come from the youth team. wellbeck probably being the best we have had

I really don't get the Iove for Welbeck. My mate a United fan despises him. The amount of times we watched United or England and he has a chance , we both go, `over the bar` before he shoots and he duly delivers. His finishing is probably best described `appalling`, his all round game is not too bad to be fair, but its nothing to shout about & really for a United player it really should be better. He`s not a natural finisher, so not a striker & he can't cross a ball either. His engine n willingness to run is all I can fathom is the reason for picking him, hes like United`s gutierrez. I guess with the unwilling to work back Mata joining, players like Welbeck will be more important for United, so he will continue to be picked.

We had a top class forward coming through in the shape of Scholes but he was moved back into midfield C and R, thank god he was as well.

I don't think there is massive love john.

Just that we don't think he is appaling.

That simple mate

I think Mata coming in means Shinji is on his way which is a shame but he was never played in position for a good run of games and therefore never given a chance to shine. I can see him being used as a makeweight for someone, but who? I don't know. Dortmund are struggling - Utd should try to snaffle a couple of their players.

Hernanes and Hernandez isn't at all confusing!!

compelling and rich wrote:

lfc91 wrote:Its just spent. We have recouped a reasonable amount on some occasions to be fair. Just find it incredible that our transfer expenditure is the 3rd highest in premierleague history and we have sweet fa to show for it in terms of the league!

spend all you want, but it does help when you bring through the likes of giggs, scholes, beckham, nevilles and butt for zip! all we have needed is a bit of fine tuning here and there. we bought majority of our forwards and few defenders but even then we've been backed up with o'sheas, flecthers, brown.

with the exception of gerrard and carragher you haven't brought anyone through, the above made us a title winning team for decades. you will have had to brought more players in because you didnt have that luxury

I thought fowler, owen and mcmannaman werent to bad either...

Shinji + £10m for Cabaye........Ashley might just listen   

All gone quiet on the Yohan move. PSG didn't offer anything, however, I actually think we need to sell. A lot of NUFC forums agreeing, sell now & start thinking long term.

John wrote:Shinji + £10m for Cabaye........Ashley might just listen   

All gone quiet on the Yohan move. PSG didn't offer anything, however, I actually think we need to sell. A lot of NUFC forums agreeing, sell now & start thinking long term.

It'd be real swell if you sold him before next Tuesday...  

I doesnt look like palace will sign anyone!

The smallest chance for Ince , but if he goes i think he will go for money over playing regular

I see it slightly differently Juan, if Rooney signs a new contract then Kagawa goes but if he doesn't then he stays, I can't see us letting both of them go, it would then leave us short in an attacking sense. With Mata coming in think we need to go a bit narrower which may suit Kagawa, it's worked for Chelsea with Oscar, Hazard and Willian we could have our own version of that.

John wrote:Shinji + £10m for Cabaye........Ashley might just listen   

All gone quiet on the Yohan move. PSG didn't offer anything, however, I actually think we need to sell. A lot of NUFC forums agreeing, sell now & start thinking long term.

I've not spoken to anyone who thinks this is even remotely a decent idea. Cabeye is 28, doesn't rely on athleticism, and is playing some great football. And you want to sell. Says it all really. Utterly clueless.

Lumbering.

Isnt the problem that he wont sign a new contract?

So either cash in or run the contract down. You dont have money to burn

Hammersmith harrier wrote:I see it slightly differently Juan, if Rooney signs a new contract then Kagawa goes but if he doesn't then he stays, I can't see us letting both of them go, it would then leave us short in an attacking sense. With Mata coming in think we need to go a bit narrower which may suit Kagawa, it's worked for Chelsea with Oscar, Hazard and Willian we could have our own version of that.

I don't know what to think about Rooney - he's leaving then signing another contract every other day. I think he will stay and Kagawa will go. However, if what you say does happen then I think being narrower would help Shinji greatly. The only thing is Utd have been built on variations of 4-4-2 for many, many years and it might take some time before they narrow. I like the idea though - it's something different.

mystiroakey wrote:Lumbering.

Isnt the problem that he wont sign a new contract?

So either cash in or run the contract down. You dont have money to burn

Nothing firm... Just lots of rumours, most of which are a load of rubbish.

Lumbering you are the biggest idiot I've ever seen. Cabaye is 28, has stated he wants to leave in the summer n he won't sign a new deal because he wants champs lge football. He`s worth £20m currently, in six months he`ll be closer to the end of his deal, older & potentially not in demand. What good are we doing holding onto him for six months? We can't get top 4 n can't get relegated. We need to sell n think about long term investment. The majority I've spoken to agree. Yeah, hes a great player but use your brain n think about £20m n what we can do with it in the future.

Let me guess you disagree n call me a kumquat   

The Special Juan wrote:

Hammersmith harrier wrote:I see it slightly differently Juan, if Rooney signs a new contract then Kagawa goes but if he doesn't then he stays, I can't see us letting both of them go, it would then leave us short in an attacking sense. With Mata coming in think we need to go a bit narrower which may suit Kagawa, it's worked for Chelsea with Oscar, Hazard and Willian we could have our own version of that.

I don't know what to think about Rooney - he's leaving then signing another contract every other day.  I think he will stay and Kagawa will go.  However, if what you say does happen then I think being narrower would help Shinji greatly.  The only thing is Utd have been built on variations of 4-4-2 for many, many years and it might take some time before they narrow.  I like the idea though - it's something different.

Taking into account our strengths think it would suit us to be honest, RVP up top with any three of Mata, Rooney, Kagawa or Januzaj behind him, we can still use wingers now and then, think a team needs more than one gameplan nowadays.

lfc91 wrote:

compelling and rich wrote:

lfc91 wrote:Its just spent. We have recouped a reasonable amount on some occasions to be fair. Just find it incredible that our transfer expenditure is the 3rd highest in premierleague history and we have sweet fa to show for it in terms of the league!

spend all you want, but it does help when you bring through the likes of giggs, scholes, beckham, nevilles and butt for zip! all we have needed is a bit of fine tuning here and there. we bought majority of our forwards and few defenders but even then we've been backed up with o'sheas, flecthers, brown.

with the exception of gerrard and carragher you haven't brought anyone through, the above made us a title winning team for decades. you will have had to brought more players in because you didnt have that luxury

I thought fowler, owen and mcmannaman werent to bad either...

i knew i was forgetting someone but not three!!, mcmannaman i would put in the second bracket. decent but no world beater. owen shone very brightly but couldnt match the longevity of most of the united lads. even fowler was done for 26

John wrote:Lumbering you are the biggest idiot I've ever seen. Cabaye is 28, has stated he wants to leave in the summer n he won't sign a new deal because he wants champs lge football. He`s worth £20m currently, in six months he`ll be closer to the end of his deal, older & potentially not in demand. What good are we doing holding onto him for six months? We can't get top 4 n can't get relegated. We need to sell n think about long term investment. The majority I've spoken to agree. Yeah, hes a great player but use your brain n think about £20m n what we can do with it in the future.

Let me guess you disagree n call me a kumquat   

Yep I think you are right on this one, makes great business sense to sell him now for 20 mil whilst he is in demand and has longer contract.

John calls it right, theres a model clubs in the Newcastle spectrum have to follow. Get the rise, sell the peak

If Newcstle were seriously challenging for the champions league or were battling relegation then I would say they shouldn't sell cabaye. But the fact is that they will finish 8th with or without him so why not get 20 million for him now and reinvest that 20 mil in the summer so that they can push for a top 8 position again.

Newcastle should see Cabaye the older he gets as well the less valuable he will be, god forbid he could have a bad injury. That being said 20 million pounds is not that much money in terms of buying great quality in today's football. You may need to buy a couple of really talented youngsters and let them develop. So it may be difficult even with 20 million to immediately replace Cabaye. In many ways he is your best player.

I would go for ince or zaha or both if I was Newcastle

Mysti give up this Zaha obsession, I appreciate he's one of yours but you might be going a tad overboard.

No I am not. Perfect player for a team like Newcastle.

He was bought by Man U for 15m.

He needs to go somewhere he can play. And at a decent club that fits his level.

Not sure how that suggestion is going over board. When you bought him for 15m. If anyone has an obsession with him it was united!!!

You now just think he is rubbish. Lol

You don't realise the player you have if that's the case.

What else should a team like Newcastle invest in if not in cheap young talent.

I agree with John when it comes to Welbeck, he's awful, I don't think he'd be playing for England if he was at any club other than United, I don't even think he'd get into most of the top ten in the Premier League. He relies far too much on his athleticism and not enough on actually being good with the ball. I imagine he probably was an early bloomer and has relied on his physicality all through his development.

He's an awful finisher, he's got a bad first touch, poor passer, doesn't tackle particularly well, can't cross, doesn't seem to know how to beat a man. He's literally a runner and that's it, that shouldn't be enough to get into the Manchester United or England side, players should be capable of that level of work rate, pace and physicality but also know what to do when the ball is kicked towards him.

Calling zaha rubbish and not fit for a team like Newcastle is like saying mata isn't fit for united because he also hasn't played ...

Sorry no obsession. Think about how both players stood during pre season.. Not now when they haven't played any footy

Crimey wrote:I agree with John when it comes to Welbeck, he's awful, I don't think he'd be playing for England if he was at any club other than United, I don't even think he'd get into most of the top ten in the Premier League. He relies far too much on his athleticism and not enough on actually being good with the ball. I imagine he probably was an early bloomer and has relied on his physicality all through his development.

He's an awful finisher, he's got a bad first touch, poor passer, doesn't tackle particularly well, can't cross, doesn't seem to know how to beat a man. He's literally a runner and that's it, that shouldn't be enough to get into the Manchester United or England side, players should be capable of that level of work rate, pace and physicality but also know what to do when the ball is kicked towards him.

Whilst the "not for England if not big club" thing exists, Welbeck is a very smart player. His movement and link play is incredible, his understanding with Rooney has always been sharp and I would suggest he'll have a better World Cup than Sturridge. At 23, he does things that veterans do as "experience play". Sharpness will need improving, but hes good in the air and scores some lovely goals.

Funny though, I'd level all of your arguments at Henderson, where I'm sure you'd see a completely different player. One of us relies on bias though.

You are a bit obsessed Mysti.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/southampton-transfer-list-dani-osvaldo-after-3055504#ixzz2rGa8SWc8

Mirror think Osvaldo is on his way out. I think Southampton knew they were buying a hothead

Mysti, I think everybody is a bit bored of discussing Zaha.

The Salah deal is very frustrating from a Liverpool perspective, I wasn't particularly bothered whether he was signed or not, he's obviously a good player but there is a risk buying a player whose main body of experience is in the Swiss league. Quite happy for the club to show restraint and not allow bigger clubs push the price beyond what we're willing to pay. It's frustrating because this has now happened with Dempsey, Sigurdsson, Willian and now Salah where Liverpool have essentially wrapped up a deal or at least got to an advanced stage before a bigger club and potential rival has beaten us to the deal. I appreciate that Liverpool did the same to Swansea with Sigurdsson.

I'm just hoping it isn't something wrong with the transfer area of the club but rather a matter of big clubs just being more attractive because it's happening at an alarming rate.

Can we add Zaha to the swear filter? 

Salah is a great signing for Chelsea, but do they really need another midfielder.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Crimey wrote:I agree with John when it comes to Welbeck, he's awful, I don't think he'd be playing for England if he was at any club other than United, I don't even think he'd get into most of the top ten in the Premier League. He relies far too much on his athleticism and not enough on actually being good with the ball. I imagine he probably was an early bloomer and has relied on his physicality all through his development.

He's an awful finisher, he's got a bad first touch, poor passer, doesn't tackle particularly well, can't cross, doesn't seem to know how to beat a man. He's literally a runner and that's it, that shouldn't be enough to get into the Manchester United or England side, players should be capable of that level of work rate, pace and physicality but also know what to do when the ball is kicked towards him.

Whilst the "not for England if not big club" thing exists, Welbeck is a very smart player. His movement and link play is incredible, his understanding with Rooney has always been sharp and I would suggest he'll have a better World Cup than Sturridge. At 23, he does things that veterans do as "experience play". Sharpness will need improving, but hes good in the air and scores some lovely goals.

Funny though, I'd level all of your arguments at Henderson, where I'm sure you'd see a completely different player. One of us relies on bias though.

I'm not sure his movement is incredible, I think he's a bit of a ball-chaser, constantly looking for the ball to the extent that he will run halfway across the pitch to get it, leaving an area wide open. I don't think he's a top level player and don't think he's an intelligent footballer. I think he'll naturally play well with Rooney because they train together and play together all year.

I'm not so sure about him having a better World Cup than Sturridge, if Sturridge is fully fit and firing then he will definitely out-perform Welbeck. I think they're two good players to compare, a couple of years ago both were at the same level but Sturridge has developed into a much better all round player than Welbeck, while both at one point were rash finishers, poor passers and relied too much on their athleticism, I am confident that if Sturridge lost a yard of pace he'd still be a good player where as I'm not so sure that is the case for Welbeck who I think will age horribly. When he does score he can score good goals, but the problem is you'd rather he was scoring scrappy goals more regularly.

I don't think Henderson is the complete player, but I do think he's a much better player than Welbeck, but one who has a lot less confidence. I do think in ten years time, when looking back on the two players' careers Henderson will be considered the better player.

I don't mind Welbeck, his finishing needs work, but his movement is good (saw this for myself when he came on against Nodge, found the hole many many times, and made good runs complimenting Hernandez, changed the game).

If I had to pick either him or Sturridge to have a better World Cup, I'd say Welbeck. But that's more to do with me not remembering the last time Sturridge played well for England, never seems to replicate his club form, whereas Welbeck seems to play better for the Three Lions

NickisBHAFC wrote:Can we add Zaha to the swear filter? 

Salah is a great signing for Chelsea, but do they really need another midfielder.

Only when you talk about him.


Just heard Arsenal stepping up for Draxler!

Chelsea fans are a strange bunch.

If it was Rafa selling Mata you would be going mental, but because it's Jose, he doesn't fit the system?

well they trust Jose. And why shouldn't they?

Mata has been there player of the season the last 2 years. Fans favorite. Imagine if Rafa sold him....