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Peter Wilt I think tried to get an MLS team to Milwaukee years ago but eventually moved on to become the president of the newly formed Indy 11 in the NASL.
That would be HUGE, and the best transfer news this window for United.
Many people think the draw is rigged for drama, and Suarez playing LFC would be good.
These aren't contradictory statements. United paid over the odds because Madrid would only sell for a massive offer. ADM is a great, great player. I like James a lot, but he'll have his work cut out for him to be 80% of the player that ADM was for Madrid. PSG would have shelled out if FFP would have allowed them to, but it didn't and they couldn't (and their hands were tied by a far more ridiculous signing in Luiz).Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world
United paid over the odds despite being the only team bidding, he's on huge wages to help make the move.
Literally the only reason he's at United is because nobody else in the CL wanted to pay for him.
That would have to be contingent on Cleverly signing an extension. He's in the final year of his contract and can leave on a free next summer. MUFC is not going to get top dollar for him because of this (and his recent form).
That may be the case, but I don't see how it matters. The money is there to be spent. The only thing that I care about is that United are a much better team with Di Maria.Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world
United paid over the odds despite being the only team bidding, he's on huge wages to help make the move.
Literally the only reason he's at United is because nobody else in the CL wanted to pay for him.
Agree with that, except that he wasn't at a position of need. He's great and all, but when you need an entire new midfield and defense, and you're attempting to play with a back 3, buying a winger and 2 LBs is a trifle inept, IMO.Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world without the promise of CL football. That's got to count for something. Let's see what he can do in the next few days...
Me too. I'd actually watch MLS, in that case. You in Nashville? I'm in Clarksville. :teamliverpool:
We'll see in May. While there are definite areas of need, the squad is generally in need of an infusion of talent. Sometimes the shark move is to go BPA.Agree with that, except that he wasn't at a position of need. He's great and all, but when you need an entire new midfield and defense, and you're attempting to play with a back 3, buying a winger and 2 LBs is a trifle inept, IMO.Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world without the promise of CL football. That's got to count for something. Let's see what he can do in the next few days...
I have no doubt that Di Maria will be a standout CM for United. And Rojo is a CB, not a LB. If United sign Daley Blind, I look forward to people saying they signed a third LB even though he's played as a holding mid virtually his entire career before LVG implemented the 3-5-2 when Strootman got hurt.We'll see in May. While there are definite areas of need, the squad is generally in need of an infusion of talent. Sometimes the shark move is to go BPA.Agree with that, except that he wasn't at a position of need. He's great and all, but when you need an entire new midfield and defense, and you're attempting to play with a back 3, buying a winger and 2 LBs is a trifle inept, IMO.Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world without the promise of CL football. That's got to count for something. Let's see what he can do in the next few days...
The other salient point is that if Rakitic is only 80% of the player Xavi is instead of 90-95% (pick your number), that RM is replacing him next year (same with Barca, City, and Chelsea). United have only started to do that. Fellini was suppose to be that CM, didn't work....so move on to Herrera, etc. In today's marketplace, that's what the money allows you to do. Miss one year, spend the next. Rinse, repeat until you find something that works.
Year Median2013 181312012 181552011 176442010 152282009 154872008 160542007 159602006 147762005 158582004 158442003 155692002 167232001 160212000 132451999 148331998 142331997 143201996 16622
I won't wax too poetic about SAF (although I feel I would be justified) but the man just knew how to win. Remember the one below where he started O'Shea, Gibson and the da Silva twins in the midfield against Arsenal and won comfortably?It's a boring cliche, but the answer has to be in the middle. Yes, he won the league. In part because of performances from Vidic, and Ferdinand in the back (with Evans as a capable third choice CB which appears to be his big club ceiling). SAF bought a next wave of CBs. He picked Jones and Smalling and he has to share some blame for the fact that neither appear to be good enough to start at CB for any other team in the top 4.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
On the other side of the coin, Carrick played great for SAF (of course, Carrick is always going to be an injury risk). Cleverly seemed adequate under Ferguson as well. So even though everyone said that United had a giant hole in CM under Ferguson, maybe we can see why he felt he had cover there.
I won't wax too poetic about SAF (although I feel I would be justified) but the man just knew how to win. Remember the one below where he started O'Shea, Gibson and the da Silva twins in the midfield against Arsenal and won comfortably?It's a boring cliche, but the answer has to be in the middle. Yes, he won the league. In part because of performances from Vidic, and Ferdinand in the back (with Evans as a capable third choice CB which appears to be his big club ceiling). SAF bought a next wave of CBs. He picked Jones and Smalling and he has to share some blame for the fact that neither appear to be good enough to start at CB for any other team in the top 4.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
On the other side of the coin, Carrick played great for SAF (of course, Carrick is always going to be an injury risk). Cleverly seemed adequate under Ferguson as well. So even though everyone said that United had a giant hole in CM under Ferguson, maybe we can see why he felt he had cover there.
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/03/12/man-utd-2-0-arsenal-tactics/
I think it's possible he's under appreciated despite how much he won and all the accolades given.
I'll stop now before Gator and Smoovy vomit.
I already called him arguably the best manager ever, gb. 
Still would be better than Fletcher/Cleverly.
League Country Season Teams Games Attendance AverageBundesliga Germany 11–12 18 306 13,811,075 45,179Premier League England 12–13 20 380 13,643,273 35,903La Liga Spain 12–13 20 380 11,504,567 29,430Liga MX Mexico 11–12 18 334 8,495,000 25,434Serie A Italy 11–12 20 380 8,914,420 23,459Eredivisie Netherlands 11–12 18 306 5,978,689 19,538Ligue 1 France 12–13 20 380 7,299,737 19,261MLS USA/Canada 2012 19 323 6,074,729 18,807Chinese Super China 2012 16 240 4,497,578 18,740Primera Argentina 11–12 20 380 6,902,798 18,165Championship England 12–13 24 552 9,791,690 17,331Bundesliga 2 Germany 12–13 18 306 5,283,396 17,240J. League 1 Japan 2013 18 306 5,271,047 17,226Brasileiro Brazil 2012 20 380 4,941,520 13,004
In terms of need, you are absolutely right - however, as most around here point out - United need players across the entire pitch. They only place they don't is GK (unless DeGea gets tired of the nonsense in front of him). It's impossible to not think that ADM >> Nani, Young, Januajz, etc. The only downside to bringing him in is if LvG doesn't set the team up properly to make use of him, Rooney and RvP.Agree with that, except that he wasn't at a position of need. He's great and all, but when you need an entire new midfield and defense, and you're attempting to play with a back 3, buying a winger and 2 LBs is a trifle inept, IMO.Yeah, the bolded was a huge part of his success imo.I agree with this. I don't think SAF is to blame for the current issues. Maybe you can criticize him for the state of the youth system, but even that is dubious, since it's really hard to predict how youngsters develop. How many of the hundreds of players at La Masia have turned out to be stars? If it was that "easy" Barca wouldn't have had to spend 75m on bringing in Suarez, or RM wouldn't have had to spend hundreds of millions the last 5 years. I think one of SAFs obvious strengths was on the tactical side, and how to make the most out of what was given him. He also had the benefit of many many years of instilling his way of playing in the team. For anyone to come in afterwards and try to change things, it is going to take time.There's a back and forth going on in the United related parts of the interweb about whether or not SAF is to blame for the current dip. Some saying that SAF didn't leave the team prepared. I think it's silly; the guy won the league his last year. He had "his guys" that played well for him, he can't help it if another coach can't get the same out of them. The team we point and giggle at now beat Arsenal 8-2 under him. How could he not think that the team was set?
Bottom line, I just don't see how it was possible to see any of this coming. Either way, it's clear that the traditional way of doing things is out the window and they need an overhaul. Woodward finally seems to be getting the hang of things, so hopefully they're well on their way.
ETA: I do not agree on Woodward though. I think he is a major issue for United, along with the current ownership group.
As far as Woodward goes, he was able to get one of the greatest players in the world without the promise of CL football. That's got to count for something. Let's see what he can do in the next few days...
A really interesting list. Where is Portugal?wdcrob said:
Jesus Christ man, learn how to spell these teams names. Atlético de Madrid and Benfica are in Pot 1.Sammy3469 said:
