Bracing for it, then will be hoping for the best if Matic actually happens. Fabinho, on the face of it, is the clear choice, but if we go by Jose's history alone, then it's easy to see why he favors the Dier/Matic types over Fabinho. Pretty much the same way that Auba would be a great, if not ideal fit for most, but Jose just does not see it that way, so that's that. Also, despite the reports we keep on seeing re Fabinho, there are still reports claiming they're all BS and that Jose is not interested in him at all. And that the reports about him are fueled by transfer "specialist/gurus" and because Fabinho is the popular choice among United fans as well. Fingers crossed but not sure we're looking at the desired outcome. Not to mention, dismissing Ogden because he's working with ESPN now, simply does not make sense, as he's as well connected inside United as there is. Has been for years actually...
Wrong. Ogden was connected when Moyes was in charge. He hasn't known shit since Moyes left and ESPN in general are trash.
Like I said, we'll see. Fabinho is clearly my favorite CM target. He has been for a long time but I'm not going to follow exclusively one set of reports because they say what I want to hear, and outright dismiss others, (credible) ones on the other hand claiming exactly the opposite and that Matic looks to be the guy we're going after...
If you say so, then fine I suppose. As far as I can tell, he seems pretty wired still inside United, so whether I'll believe him or not (as previously mentioned, I don't really trust anyone at the end of the day, especially during silly season!), at the very least, I'll pay attention to what he has to say (just as I would some other reporters). You don't, it's your prerogative...
Ogden is the one who broke the SAF retirement story while at the Daily Telegraph, so he must have some people inside the club that talk to him.
It's very possible we're in for both Matic and Fabihno. I've always thought we were 2 CM short since MS and Piggy left given we like to play 3 in the middle quite often.
Ogden was to Moyes what baldy is to Jose. Matic would be a terrible signing at any price but I wouldn't be worried just yet.
I guess nothing is off the table but if somehow we were to go with 2 CMs, I believe we'd go for a 6 and probably Renato Sanches (especially if the rumors about his price are legit, coupled with Jose's infatuation with him). We still have Carrick, another 6, who will be used in a pinch, plus Herrera who Jose seem to trust there, if necessary. I'd still be surprised if we were to end up with 2 new CMs.
What does they think he is, ronaldo or messi? Spurs have laughed off Man United's interest in Harry Kane, with chairman Daniel Levy valuing Kane at close to £200m. (Source: Independent) pic.twitter.com/bvvvAz4LDM— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 26, 2017
Corriero Dello Sport are reporting that Spaletti is going to take Perisic off the market, since he really wants to keep and United are nowhere close to their valuation anyhow... From Telefoot (France), Dortmund are definitely willing to let Dembele go, as long as their price is met (£79mil).
In what appears to be the "Nicolas Gaitan" of this years' window, Beziktas has confirmed there is no deal in place between Talisca and United. They have a 2yr loan deal for him with Benfica and will not be going anywhere. Hopefully, that will put that matter to bed...
Manchester United set to sign Nemanja Matic from Chelsea for around £40m https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...urinho?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard
Not in favour of Matic deal, but there is one positive in it. I think it makes Chelsea far more unbalanced overall in MF.
Matic would be a solid acquisition, though I'd much rather have Fabinho. (Both would be great and if that means Matic effectively covers for Fabinho and replaces Fellaini, that's actually a very nice addition to the squad.) He's played brilliantly for Mourinho before and he's only 28. Between Matic and Carrick, Fosu-Mensah would have two excellent mentors. And Herrera can play at 6 quite nicely, when necessary. The point of Matic is to add stability, not brilliance, and allow Pogba to push forward earlier in transition -- to, well, "facilitate the attack". But if we are bringing in Fabinho soon (rumors are that we're "days away") one could question the need for Matic since, presumably, Fosu-Mensah is ready for extended action in midfield this season. I'm more concerned about closing the deal on Morata soon. The boys are leaving for USA in 13 days and it would be a good thing for our new striker to get into the groove before the season begins. It would be useful to recall that our most glaring deficiency last season was scoring goals. We can't afford to get off to a slow start this season.