I'd say we definitely need Strootman, as I don't honestly see Fellaini as a long term option in CM if we are aiming to compete for the title in the future. Might as well get him in January and get him up to speed, and ensure he will have a full pre season with us rather than be fannying around trying to sign him next August. If a good CB is available then I think it would be worth going for. We just need a leader at the back who will take responsibility for commanding the whole back four - against Liverpool almost all the chances they had were down to poor communication rather than poor defending. Vlaar or Ashley Williams would be worth a punt if they are available and not too pricey imo, then go all out for Hummels next summer.
I agree on vlaar or Williams but don't see the rush with Strootman. If anything he might hinder the development of Herrera, who I'd like to see established in the centre of midfield. Fellaini is and always will be a squad player at best for me, regardless of who comes in.
Im with ruff. No rush for strootman. Lets see how he recovers at roma first. Couple of reliable defenders. Thats the focus.
Personally I'd see Strootman and Herrera as a partnership, a la Keane / Carrick and Scholes. Obviously not on the same level, but close enough to be worth putting them together this season and seeing how they shape up for next year. It's not vital that we bring him in this winter, but I reckon it could give him a bit of a boost for next season. Like Vidic and Evra in Jan 06 - gave them both time to find their feet and acted as the foundations of a superb run of seasons for us.
I agree with this.. Strootman and Herrera are the partnership. The sooner they are training together the better. As if we fanny around in the summer he may not join until the season has already started which will just **** us up.. As to defender, I've not seen enough of Williams. Vlaar I like the look of. Plus he occasionally plays at my golf club.
There was praise for the club for not buying Vidal bcos it turns out he may have recurring knee problems. Nobody concerned about Strootman??? With the injuries we've suffered this season, I'm really not sure he is the right midfielder to bring in at all. I do agree though, that we need to plan ahead a replacement for Carrick and blood the new guy in as early as possible.
News of Vlaar at £12m is hotting up. On the one hand, he's a free agent in the summer so the price is a bit of a piss-take. On the flips side, we need a decent CB and he's available. Also think everyone else needs decent CBs and someone must go for him in Jan. And we can afford him.
He`s used to playing in a back 3 with Holland (under LVG when he lost Strootman), however i would hope we revert to a back 4 once thefullbacks are fit. I think we have plenty of centrebacks to get a good partnership from once the team settles, we do need backup fullbacks for both sides though.
Yes to russia. So every chance it will happen as i hear zenit and the russian league is going down the pan.
You don't think we need a CB? He keeps trying 3 at the back Diego. He does play 4 but then always goes back to 3. It's like he's trying slight variations to the midfield to see how he can work a back 3.
When has he had two proper fullbacks fit at the same time? I think with Carrick now back and a fit Blind you will see him prefer a back 4 once the fullbacks are match fit.
I thought he's played a back 3 and a back 4 with Young and Valencia? The only thing that changes between the two formations is the midfield. Hope you're right though.
Young and Valencia ar not defenders (they do a decent job though), which is why he struggles to find a midfield which will both protect them and be creative. With two proper fullbacks you can have a decent screen in front with Carrick or Blind (both of which can also help with the creative side), whilst still having the flair of Di Maria, Mata and Herrera in the team.
Sorry Diego but aren't you actually making an argument for a back 3 there? I see LVG planning exactly what you've said...but to enable 3 CBs. It will likely mean playing a lone striker or dropping Mata.
Mata is toast. Quality player and his passing is at times sublime. BR would love him as he's so technical but he makes Sheringham look like Linford Christie and ultimately that's not going to fit LVG's Phil Off O'Sea.
De Gea Rafael C/B C/B Shaw Carrick or Blind Herrera Di Maria Mata Rooney RVP or Falcao Rooney can also help out in midfield which is why he is a must as one of the strikers. This leaves plenty on the bench for most positions or to change the setup during the game. We have a very strong squad now, the only place we are really light is at fullback.
