Rumor: Because "It" (the rumors/gossip that is) just does not stop... - winter transfer thread

Precisely. Salah has already proved himself to be very adaptable, with his Pool role completely different from what it was with Roma last season. His assist total (where he finished well in double digits in that dept) there is proof of that.
And he's a player who would able us to stretch the pitch vertically and provide a genuine threat on the right, which at the moment is almost non existent.

 

The misunderstanding is yours in the fact that you only see him thru one lens. He does thrive greatly in open space, primarily because of his tremendous pace, there's no denying that. But conversely he can offer more and his game is more deeply layered than you would have us believe. The development and growth in his game since he first was at Chelsea, showed as much.
Have no problems admitting also that his defensive work is not his strong point and probably was a factor in Jose discarding him the way he did. But this does not change the original point of this discussion that Salah allegedly is not a winger/wide player (and a competent one at that), which is simply not true...

 

Already then...

Anyway, the latest on the Rose talk.

www.si.com/soccer/2017/11/25/danny-rose-set-remain-spurs-until-summer-despite-man-utd-preparing-january-swoop

The rumors about him have been all over the place, but United interest pears to be pretty concrete. Not sure I see Tottenham selling md season. Not without getting something in exchange (Shaw): they need the depth.

 

Jose obviously prefers experienced, preferably also league proven players: that's his MO and it's nothing new really. That's why I'm partly still amazed we went for Pogba with him, but he's unique, elite and restively close to the finished article. But in preference in players is not the main issue for me. Would have preferred of course we go after Weigl or Fabinho over Matic. Or would rather see us go for Pulisic over Willian for instance. And Gaya, Grimeldo or even Tierney would be more desirable than Rose.
The issue for me and the common denominator here is the age of guys Jose wants: the guys Jose favor are not long term options we can hope will be around in 5yrs, but very short term options, which means, we'll have to dip back into the market, in fairly short order again. That comes with the territory as far as Jose is concerned and I can accept it for now (provided we win).
Just like the issue about his style of play, I hope that when it comes time to replace Jose, the club will be mindful of those type of issues when selecting the next guy. But for better or for worse, this is what we probably expect from Jose, more often than not for the rest of his time in charge...

 

It seems it was always assumed he would go for Bayern (and they still could be favorites for him). That being said, if he's still weighing his options, he's absolutely worth the effort. Talk about a major coup, if United were to sign him.

 

Goretzka was always ahead of Weigl IMO, as he is more complete a player and midfielder (not to take away anything from the latter all the same). Goretzka's injury record, plus playing for Schalke as opposed to Dortmund, somewhat limited his exposure.
And finally, starring the way he has at the Confed Cup definitely put him in the world conscience, while Weigl(who was supposed to play a big part himself) had to sit home injured.

His comments, as related to his next move, are interesting (especially in terms of his approach and general outlook) and tell a lot about the kind of person he is

www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2747364-manchester-united-transfer-news-leon-goretzka-discusses-exit-rumours

Good of United to finally join the race for his services: better late than never.

 

The optimal way to use him would be in a midfield 3 with Matic and Pogs. Pogs is the more attacking one, while Goretzka will fulfill the B2B role next to him.
I would be curious to see him as a 6 though: pretty confident he could pull it off, if need be.

 

As you were told the last time you asked that question after the Arsenal game, playing in this setup is definitely something that should continue at the right time and against the appropriate opponent.
As we've seen, Jose is a very flexible manager in that dept, one who will not hesitate to change setups/formations according to the circumstances or opposition. And that's the way it ought to be really. We have been effective in other setups as well, so while we've found success with a 3 at the back as of late, we should stick with it when it's appropriate (notably against top teams) but it's important to remain tactically flexible and versatile as well...