I keep making the same mistake with Diarra - it's Boateng who I was referring to. Diarra back would be great though. On Morrison, if £10m is the entire budget then I wouldn't go for it now, but I hope Khan has been sufficiently galvanised by the 4-1 loss to the bottom team at home to see that the squad has to be improved and his spending on transfers needs to be in line with the rest of the league. Jol claimed we had spent the least - that's not quite accurate, but relative to others we've not invested nearly enough. For me Morrison is the kind of player we rarely have the chance to sign - he is 20, very highly rated (Ferguson gave him a great review although did allude to his personal problems), both footed and one of the best, if not the best, of the u21's crop. I think he is still young enough to learn positions and at the moment, although we might have a number of players who can be deployed there, we only have one left winger who can actually play the role as it should be in the system Rene has got some joy from. To me Morrison is younger, faster Taraabt who can offer a similar service to Kaca except with more composure and the ability to use either foot. I'd have him in as the left winger in a 4-3-3 with Dejegah on the right and 3 midfielders behind (with Kasami advanced against weaker teams at home). This would suit Morrison nicely too as that position is one he could fill for England, particularly given the lack of competition. Of the other options on the left- two leave in the summer and one is on the brink of retirement (Duff). I think Duff's days on the left are well passed and his lack of pace means he is probably more effective on the right where he can mask this by cutting in. If, as is expected, Morrison does go on to feature more regularly for the England team following the world cup we can expect his price to rise. The £10m reflects the premium on young English players with potential, with a few caps and widespread recognition that goes to £20m quickly, particularly given the attacking position he plays. I don't think it's unrealistic to say Morrison, if he continues developing, could be worth that in 3 years. It's about getting the top quality in when its available. Regarding his personal issues - that doesn't concern me too much. Many top players are cocks and have idiotic tendencies - it doesn't affect their value terribly. So long as they have talent and desire there is plenty to work with - that's what most affects the value. In terms of priority positions, I would put left back up there, centre back - now we have Burn and Hangeland back - is not so pressing. Central midfield needs to be added to also. If Berba is still at the club I don't think big money on a striker would be wise - if he goes then yes - but otherwise I'd wait until summer. Morrison is the kind of player, like Kaca, who can help us get the best from Berbatov.
Fair points, silky, but I still think a player's character is important. Not only in terms of the effect his presence has on the mood in the squad, but also in his willingness to apply his talent on a regular basis. The words 'a younger, faster Taarabt' aren't entirely comforting! Even if Berbatov stays I think we need one new striker. I don't have any confidence in Rodallega, and it doesn't seem that Rene has much confidence in Bent. I can't make my mind up if Bent is a failed experiment or just someone in need of a run of games (that he isn't likely to get if we don't sell Berba). If we don't sell Berba, I can see that we possibly don't want to spend £10m or more on a bigger name who wouldn't expect to sit on the bench, but we need someone. It's possible that someone like Dembele will stake a claim, but we dont want injuries in the second half of the season to force us into relying on the likes of him or a recalled-from-loan Trotta, do we?
Haha - I'd say he is a better prospect than Taarabt - more dynamic, it's not the most flattering comparison for Morrison but he seems to have the same willingness to take players on. He does need to work on releasing the ball at the right time, as does Kaca, but I think he would be an improvement, although it does slightly betray the academy. I've similar feelings on Roda, he's been a big disappointment, another player who needs better composure - he is too late in his career to change and a step down or a move overseas would seem appropiate for him. I think if Berba goes his wages, along with Bryan's which I assume PSV are paying, can be partially diverted toward a signing whose wages won't be around the £65/70k I'm guessing we are/were paying out to the two per week. Relying on a recalled Del Boy would be a nightmare scenario.
If we can get ourselves into a safety position some weeks before seasons end,i would definitely give Dembele more game time the expierence would be a great confidance booster for the lad, and who knows could save us a fortune in next years transfer market.
My only caveat on Morrison (we're good with words on here, aren't we!) is that Fergie let him go. Morrison has done well and I'd like us to sign him, but Fergie is rarely wrong with these decisions.
Fergie also let Paul Pogba leave, we all make mistakes. I think Fergie wanted to keep Morrisson but the lad wanted to leave. A good signing if we get him, I'm not too bothered if we don't. Like we've all said, we have youngsters that can make the step up.
It's the other way around, Pogba wouldn't sign a new contract because he wanted to play regularly, Fergie wanted to slowly bed him in. Morrison was shipped out because of his repeated disciplinary issues.
He certainly showed in the short time he was on the field on Tuesday that he can put himself about. He strongly challenged and won balls/harassed defenders in the air, contrary to Bent. Also there was a marked contrast in the speed of his movement across the ground compared to Bent. I understand Rene can't simply throw him into games, but as you say rosc, hopefully we'll see more of him.
I think Fergie also thought getting him out of Manchester might help. It's probably got him away from the 'bad lads' but not his ego.
