We are currently down a TOP class right back on last Season. So we are currently weaker. Even if we bring in Aurier I don't think we will get the same standard of consistency - our defence was arguably our best asset last Season. Chelsea were already stronger than us but now they have added one of Europes best midfielders. They are also set to add one of Europe's best strikers which would put them quite a long way ahead of us. So in my estimation we are probably 3 WORLD CLASS players behind Chelsea.
You dont know much about our squad do you. Ageing It was, now that Giggs, Vidic, Rio have left its not what I would call aging now.
And their leaving has left gaps, gaps which the current replacements didn't appear able to cover hence me saying Van Gaal will have to make extensive signings. TBH a number of your younger players are nowhere near what I'd once have classed as "United standard" and I include Welbeck, Smalling, Cleverley in that list. Jury is still out for me with Jones but I think he'll be fine if left as a CB.
Of course we have gaps to fill. I wouldnt write off welbeck just yet. Cleverley should go though. We've just added Herrera ( almost ) who is very highly rated and will almost certainly get strootman. The links with Robben are not going away and lets be honest, the age defying chap is brilliant. Doubt we will get him but with van Gaal? who knows? This depay chap looks a good player too.
Herrera is a decent player, Luke Shaw is better than any of United's current options at LB, but is very young and inexperienced. You still need another CM and CB though imo to even think of competing in the top 4. And Vermaelen isnt going to cut it! Also you have to stop RVP from getting injured.
Very difficult to say what will happen without seeing what players will be joining the top 6 teams. Chelsea still have issues in defence, and in defensive midfield. Yet Mourinho wants to play a defensive game (he always does). I don't think they will do half as well as everyone thinks they will. They could completely implode. Man City still ride on the backs of Vincent and Yaya. Those 2 are another year older, and are going to be difficult to replace. I just can't see them repeating as champions. They will be close, but I think they will come up short. If Suarez leaves Liverpool will sink like a stone. Even if he stays, I'm not sure he can carry them for another year. Right now I cant see how they can stay in the top 4. United have to do so much work, and spend so much money to get back in the race, I just can't see it happening in one year. They may make it back into the top 4, but have to be an outside bet to win it. Spurs are still all over the place. They might improve on last year but right now I don't see why they have any cause for optimism. I think it is set up to be a three horse race between us, City and Chelsea. A lot will depend on additions over the summer, but I don't think Arsenal winning is out of the question.
Apparantly you missed the second half of last season where we finished with the fewest goals conceded in the entire league. And we signed a great Defensive midfielder in Nemanja Matic who bossed Yaya in our game against City. Our defence was great last season so not really sure what you are talking about. Our problem last season was at the complete opposite end of the pitch, scoring goals...where we had Fernando "El Burro" Torres, Samuel "OAP Discount" Eto'o and Demba "When the **** do I get to play?" Ba, who amassed a whopping 19 goals between the 3 of them. This is why when Lukaku was loaned out, Chelsea fans were shocked. Hopefully we get him back, and have signed Costa, who we are hoping will score some goals. Oh yeah and we signed Cesc Fabregas to boot......not quite sure why you think we would implode.
I just get the feel that you might have a problem next year. Personally, I don't like the balance in your team. I think you are too light, too tippy-tappy, without a penetrating attack. Lots of skill, lots of flair, but not a lot of graft, particularly tracking back. You look a lot like Arsenal have at times in the past.
Costa is a more physical player (sometimes a little too physical ) and tracks back and grafts, hence why he should (theoretically) be a good signing for us and our style. Anything can happen though, but if we struggle next season, it will be in the goals department again, not defence.
What's the deal with Costa? I never saw him play last season so can't comment there but he's been beyond sh*te at the World Cup. I was expectign this tenacious bulldog style player and instead saw a fat Eduardo sulking around the pitch!
The merry go round of transfers hasn't taken place yet so it's an impossible question to answer. Didn't Man Utd have £200m to spend ? As it stands I think we need to spend to retain 4th given the improvements that will be made by Chelsea and Utd, Man City are strong everywhere so we need Liverpool to regress if we're to stay in the top 4. That said, 3 world class signings and some luck with injuries and we'll go closer to winning the thing than 4th....
I read that last season was the first time he'd ever scored more than ten goals in season.I don't know how true this is though as I've never followed his career.
No he scored 20 goals in 2012-2013. But yeah he appears to be a late(isn) developer. (still only 25 to be fair on him) Hard to say how well he will do. He certainly looked top class last Season. Like I said in January I would rather sign Mandzukic/Jackson Martinez/Benzema or Cavani.
In fairness I'm well aware he's just come back from injury but based on his reputation I was expecting him to at the very least be harrassing defenders Suarez style (bar the biting naturally). He'll no doubt score a hatful past us next season!
