2014/15 Barclay's Premier League Thread

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

so he plays beside Herrera?

I still think a DM, CB, and RB are needed badly for United

He's never played in the deeper role, has he?

Great player, but doesn't really seem like he'll solve United's issues.

[devo22]

well it's probably going to be a 4-3-3 with di Maria and Januzaj on the wing ... in that case, one of Rooney, RvP and Mata will have to be on the bench. Not ideal and I agree there are more important holes to fill (CB, CM), but buying di Maria is a no brainer. Brilliant player. Plus I doubt he'll be the last summer buy, United simply can't afford to ignore the CB/CM issues any longer.

[cam_wmh]

Yep, I think it's going back to a 4-3-3..
And I think part of that is why LVG said Welbeck can leave.

My shot in the dark..

------ RVP - Rooney
--------- Mata
Di Maria Herreira Januzaj
Shaw Evans Jones Smalling

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Yep, I think it's going back to a 4-3-3..
And I think part of that is why LVG said Welbeck can leave.

My shot in the dark..

------ RVP - Rooney
--------- Mata
Di Maria Herreira Januzaj
Shaw Evans Jones Smalling

That's a scary attacking lineup, but it leaves a gaping hole in central midfield. I think they'll have trouble controlling games.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

That's a scary attacking lineup, but it leaves a gaping hole in central midfield. I think they'll have trouble controlling games.

You're right, I just don't rate anyone that's healthy in CM.
(fletch/clev/anderson)

[devo22]

----------------------De Gea

Jones----------Evans----------Rojo------------Shaw

-------------Fletcher----------Herrera

Januzaj----------------Mata-----------------di Maria

--------------------van Persie

that's what I'd expect with everyone being fit ... with Rooney rotating in for either Mata or van Persie. Without a doubt, Fletcher needs a huge upgrade ... with closing in for di Maria this might sound cocky, but they really need someone like Vidal in CM. If they splashed out cash for both di Maria and Vidal this summer, they'd be a contender for number 21 for sure.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by devo22

----------------------De Gea

Jones----------Evans----------Rojo------------Shaw

-------------Fletcher----------Herrera

Januzaj----------------Mata-----------------di Maria

--------------------van Persie

that's what I'd expect with everyone being fit ... with Rooney rotating in for either Mata or van Persie. Without a doubt, Fletcher needs a huge upgrade ... with closing in for di Maria this might sound cocky, but they really need someone like Vidal in CM. If they splashed out cash for both di Maria and Vidal this summer, they'd be a contender for number 21 for sure.

Have to start the captain over Mata. God, I hate seeing Fletcher there. Let someone else write him into the 11, and assistant arm band to boot.

/tears and writhing

[gargamel]

Is anyone here playing the fantasy game at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ ? I've only ever really watched international soccer before, but I'm getting into the Premier League this year and have set up my own team. If other people are doing it and haven't already set one up, we should get a CP league going on there.

[savardandjokinen]

Di mariaaaaaa

[Money Baer]

Originally Posted by gargamel

Is anyone here playing the fantasy game at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ ? I've only ever really watched international soccer before, but I'm getting into the Premier League this year and have set up my own team. If other people are doing it and haven't already set one up, we should get a CP league going on there.

I signed up.

I'd be down to join a CP league!

[d_phaneuf]

70m pounds for di Maria is kind of insane though

good job Ed Woodward for talking about how much money United had and that spending was never going to be an issue

[devo22]

I couldn't care less about the money. Let the leeches pay up.

Marca say it's €75m, that's around £57m I believe.

[d_phaneuf]

Sky said €75 + €15 add ons

which is the £71m

[devo22]

ah yes, didn't the see the add-ons part. Still, I have absolutely no problem with that.

[Addick]

Di Maria to United is potentially bad news for Arsenal as there was some surprisingly reliable chatter that if Di Maria went to PSG, it could pave the way for Cavani to move to the Emirates. I wouldn't say a striker is a priority for the Arsenal but I deffo wouldn't say no to Cavani if it was financially feasible.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

good job Ed Woodward for talking about how much money United had and that spending was never going to be an issue

Couldn't believe it when he came out with that.

I don't necessarily see the defence as an immediate problem given their age, that they've never played before and learning a new system. I'd like to see it given time and see how it plays out.

Midfield is an urgent priority. An absolute disaster.

Sky reporting that deal done at €80m (£63.9m) with an initial asking price of €90m

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Bagor

Midfield is an urgent priority. An absolute disaster.

LvG knows:

Rob Dawson ‏@RobDawsonMEN
Van Gaal asked whether he likes Di Mara. "Yes, but I like Messi, also. I like Vidal, also."

Daniel Taylor ‏@DTguardian
Van Gaal mentioned Vidal/Messi in press conference as well as on TV. Messi felt like a joke. Vidal maybe a message to board?

[Bagor]

Messi! We're getting Messi!

[nik-]

As long as they don't ship out Messi before the 13th of Sept

[cam_wmh]

Chaps me some, with that backline so thin from injuries, to see Brown & O'Shea starting.
Missing them about now