It goes both ways evidently, even if I still believe in the case of Lamps and Gerrard, it comes down to the very poor idea of trying to shoehorn them in the same team, again and again. When the choice clearly should have been to go with one of them and partnering that guy with a genuine DLP like Carrick or an holding guy like Hargreaves (when he was still fit).
I'm hoping the Fabinho rumour is true. He makes sense as an aquarium and also as a name that could have been submitted months ago. I wouldn't rule out a mega transfer. Auba would be great but I've the feeling Dembele might be the guy to splurge on. Mbappe is awesome but Dembele is a generational talent on the wing who scores and creates from both flanks with both feet. I think the argument can be made to buy the areas we were always going to buy in: CB, CM, WG and CF. But instead of the big bucks on CF, spend on the wing. Even if we would then have to go say 80M over budget, the argument could be made that we did so for a generational talent who is a bargain now compared to 3 years from now.
FWIW, Fabinho was asked on Brazilian television if he was interested in a move to United, he replied (with a pretty big smile) that it was a tempting invitation from Mourinho and would have to speak to his reps and Monaco about it. He was perhaps being diplomatic, but the idea to join United seemed appealing to him. A cup tied Griez coming to United, especially when Atleti would still be in the thick of it in all likelyhood? Hard to see it happening, just because I think the players and Simeone may try real hard to go for it this season in terms of a major trophy.
well, not to get any aquarium enthusiasts hopes up for nothing but a few of the regional papers had an article saying "United are close to their 2nd signing" and it started rumbling just as these Fabinho stories came out. probably just two hopeful punts at a story lining up but we'll see
Don't know how good is this source BREAKING: Nemanja Matić has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United. (Source: Manchester Evening News) pic.twitter.com/F7JfN2HjNm— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 23, 2017 Manchester United have agreed a €35M + €5M deal with Monaco for Fabinho. (Source: Corriere Dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/fJ0BRoGe6G— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 23, 2017
According to Eurosport France, Dembele has been pretty affected by Tuchel's departure and is considering leaving Dortmund, with both United and Chelsea the favorites to land him at this time. That comes despite Michael Zorc's recent claims he was not for sale. Very interesting and Woodward needs to unload the big guns on this one and go all out after him. The guy's a genuine superstar that could change the course of the team over the coming years.
Manchester United have launched a £62m raid for Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos. (Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/AYCk5PYDsy— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 23, 2017
Hard to understand how the Marquinhos reports even make sense, having Bailly and just landed Lindelof (unless Jose was bound and determined to play 3 at the back). Plus, it's not the first time we appear to be linked to him and his answer is always the same when asked about it. www.espnfc.com/story/3147485/marquinhos-happy-at-psg-despite-reported-manchester-united-interest
The Sun are piggybacking off Globosport in Brazil, which are supposed to be reliable-ish (or as trustworthy as any reports coming from Brazil can be I suppose). Just don't see it though, especially for the amount of money and with all the other needs on the table.
If we buy Marquinhos than we are 100% shifting to a back 3. It would also explain why we're so interested in Perisic. As for Dembele, give Dortmund whatever they want. But I don't see it happening. He's had his head turned by Barca (he must like the bench). If we somehow managed a summer of Lindelof, Fabinho, Morata, and Dembele it would probably be our best ever.
Apparrently we hired Juve's head of scouting. Edit: according to DiMarzio its to be DoF. This is a good sign.
I just don't believe there is anything to those reports. Either that or he needs to coordinate better with his agent. If he was really trying to leverage PSG for a new contract, one would imagine he'd tease more the idea of leaving. Instead, he went completely the other way pouring cold water on those claims.
Expanding on a previous report regarding the hiring of former Juve's Chief Scout, Javier Ribalta, it appears he will be working in the scouting department/network alongside Jim Laylor and Marcel Bout and there isn't mention yet of him being hired as the DoF. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-transfer-news-morata-13229982
They haven't officially called it DoF, but his expected responsibilities and reading between the lines of why he would leave Juve, it sounds like that's essentially the role.