News: The OMT for the 1st Ever MUFC D.O.F

Minor detail of little relevance to this thread, but Canto was well established as a player by the time he came to United, having several years as a senior player both at top clubs in France and England. Not to mention he ad been a full fledged international for France for some time.

Also, I guess I must be missing the obvious, but out of curiosity what does OMT stand for?

 

An Exercise in Futility - The DOF thread

 

Nah save that for the Winter Transfer thread. We’re due a new title for those anyway.

 

To piss off Mizzou. Clearly.

Some may laugh at this. But, what about CQ??

 

What I'm wondering with regards to these rumors is exactly what Woodward's standing is with the Glazers at the moment. Everything we've heard has been that they're on great terms, but his tenure as chief executive continues to bring...mixed results at best on the field, and if he fires Mou he would be axing his third manager already. Usually you can only get away with blaming subordinates for so long before your bosses start to question whether you should continue to be the one picking those people.

I look at the leak about the DoF (clearly originating from Woody) so shortly after a badly failed transfer window and wonder whether he isn't feeling a bit of doubt about his own security. Putting another layer between himself and the on the field results would cede some power but also remove him further from the blame if things don't get turned around. Doesn't seem like a move made from a position of strength to me.

 

He has taken the club from strength to strength financially. I think he's safe for now.

 

As good a place as any for it...

Say you are the DOF... you are appointed sometime after the winter window is closed. Assume the squad is the same as today minus Rojo & Darmian being gone.

You are to build/rebuild United in your image. Funds are not unlimited, but wages must be kept in control and the squad shouldn't balloon.

What direction are you taking the club in?

What areas are you strengthening long term? What formation/style of play do you want to employ? In the current team/style Lukaku and Pogba are the most important players by design - but DDG and Bailly are also important given squad issues and tactical issues. Who will the key players be moving forward?

What is a realistic goal for the team over the first 3 years of your appointment?

Discuss the futures of Sanchez, Martial, Fellaini.

 

Potentially a much better thread than that 7 month circle jerk of a summer transfer thread

 

If the "announcement" of a DoF is not a jerkoff from Woodward in the first place. It's a briefing, so there is actually a chance it's legit news, but until it's made official, there's reason to be pessimistic about this.
Then again, if the reports are legit, the wait should not be too long. So, fingers crossed, by the turn of the year we'll see something happening on that front...

 

Yes, what's the goal for the DoF this season, and the next and the one after that? Or is this season considered a wash?

I think Pogba will walk, by the way, and go somewhere that isn't going to a big rebuilding phase where they're waiting for the U18s to grow up.

No change for Sachez, Martial, Fellaini -- no money to get replacements even if you wanted to.

Redcafe says there's a whole batch of players whose contracts are coming due in the next year. Something to keep the DoF occupied!

 

-I am buying top tier talent at an expensive rate but knowing they could be sold at a higher rate. No signing above 25 years old. Also similar Chelsea loan model of high number of players on loan and whoever makes it here great, then sell for profit the others.

-I am cutting down the squad to 18 players with youngsters to cover Carling Cup/early FA cup/UCL games knowing we already qualified to the next round.

-I get rid of dead weight in Smalling Jones then Young, Valencia, Matic, Juan Mata, Romero, Fellaini.

-Number 1 criteria in every player from back to front is comfortable on the ball. I spend my money on midfielders and back four. Attacking talent in the academy is there.

-I personally like a 4-2-3-1 because it does not burden the wingers as long as the midfielders are capable of covering along with the 10 dropping back a bit.
-Style would be high enough D line and leave no time for the opponent on the ball. Always play out of the back with the midfielders dictating the play not the full backs. So instead of pass to Shaw then to Martial, I would pass to Pogba and let him do whatever he wants.
-Key players are Pogba and Lukaku, period.
-Compete in the league for the title, UCL Quarters/Semis.

Sanchez plays until we sell in 2 years. Martial signs on high wage and starts. Fellaini sold.

 

I just want the ********er to listen to the Pride of All Europe song on repeat so they know what the ******** this club is all about.

 

Guess that unsurprisingly, we can expect to be linked with just about every name under the sun. Luis Lopez, the DoF of Ligue Un's Lilles, is the latest one.
Not as well known as others, but he's apparently well regarded and has a solid resume, notably was a scout for Real, then was DoF at Monaco for 3yrs, prior to moving to Lilles, who made a point to bring him over, following his work at Monaco.
He's worked hand in hand recently with the likes of Ranieri, Jardim and Bielsa, among others.

 

let's not get too hopeful, it all depends on what the power dynamics will be. if woodward decides to remain at the head of football operations, then the dof will only be a glorified middle man (e.g. magic johnson is calling the shots for the lakers with rob pelinka as the gm dealing with the salary cap and getting on the phone with other gm's/agents to make the trades/signings happen).

 

It's definitely crucial, that's why the hope is we go for some of the best/proven guys in the role. Guys who have established their credentials elsewhere, who hopefully Woodward will trust enough to give them the necessary rope to do their jobs.
Guys like Zorc and Berta have those credentials (and personality) to be what we'd be looking for. Thought Berta was free and no longer was with Atleti, but he's still got the job by the looks of it. Zorc's record of success in recent years and how he goes about his business (big/outspoken personality) speak for themselves.
Not sure what motivates him, but with the right pitch (to be a major part in United's return to greatness, from a football point of view), then who knows? We know that financially, Woodward could easily beat what he's making with Dortmund.
Just get the impression he'd be a breath of fresh air to the club, one that is desperately needed.

 

First job should be to get rid of the dead weight. Sorry to say but most Fergie holdovers (bar DDG) should be sold. No more Mata on the right. No more Fellaini to "close a game out."

 

Dan Unsworth and Paul Mitchell have been identified as potential candidates by United.

www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11473469/manchester-united-identify-dan-ashworth-and-paul-mitchell-for-technical-director-role

Looks like Woodward plans on casting a wide net and will look to be thorough in his search...