Even a lazy, misfiring, below average Mario, is better than no Mario. We just NEED a bold dynamic presence upfront to free both Sturridge and Sterling. Plus there's a lot he does well instinctively. I we just knew how to manage risks of what he doesn't do so well instinctively - we'd be good to go. Mario must be a definite given in our starting 11, fitness issues aside. I thought he was MVP yesterday. Not the best player on the pitch, but the most important.
The Suarez one you had could be justified though, based on his behaviour while playing in the red shirt - your latest one is mind-made-up-waiting-for-it-to-happen. If I were you, I would have waited another couple of weeks to at least give him a chance to justify it
The character is the same no matter what club he plays for. Turning a blind eye to previous "achievements" just because he is at our club is a little bit on the "blind faith" side of things And besides, he will do something at some point. Much like we knew Suarez would when we signed him.
Were did turning a blind eye come from? The lad's a big kid, completely childish / childlike [debateable] but you see what you want to I guess. I think the football world is waiting to see what his next [first for us] achievement will be
Did I mis-read your original comment then - ''We just NEED a bold dynamic presence upfront to free both Sturridge and Sterling.''
The bold part = Mario. So, yes, we NEED Mario to start if fit, regardless of what level of Mario he brings on the day.
A case of lost in translation. I didn't read it the way it sounded in your head when you wrote it - it happens! Now that Falcao has gone on loan to utd, would you have taken that deal instead of the Balotelli deal, both of which nobody saw coming?
Money aside - which player would you rather have? [I think Falcao is probably the best example of a mercenary that we have and chasing the money rather than the football is a quality I don't like to see, turned down city and Arsenal really??? for no CL football for the foreseeable ... ?]
To loan Falcao for a year will end up costing just as much if not more (in terms of up front fee and wages) than Balotelli on a permanent deal. Falcao is a big name, and a world class player -but at 28 and coming back from a serious injury, it's quite risky along with the big price. Balotelli is younger, more scope for development, world class potential, faster and more versatile. For £16m, it's a very smart signing and one that I think will become successful. I do find it funny how Man United fans are getting all cocky and happy over signing these big names. Regardless of the fact none of them solve the underlying issue in the team. As LFC have done over the past 2-3 years, we'll buy top talents and make them into big names.
I prefer Mario. And I love the fact that BR & FSG signed him outright rather than on loan. With a paranoid head like Mario's it's a good idea to simplify matters as much as possible. Falcao is probably too expensive considering his fitness issues. Also, he's totally unproven in the PL environment unlike Mario. And he could be more similar to Sturridge than Mario is, hence Mario provides that extra dimension. On the other hand, when firing in all cylinders like at Atletico, Falcao is a beast of a player. History is littered however with tragic cases of beastly players being sidelined for a year or so and not being able to refind their form, especially when thrown into a fast-paced environment.
The reality of the situation [taking wages, fees into consideration] makes the Balotelli deal absolutely the best one for us. I was interested as to which player, between Falcao and Balotelli people would choose if we disregarded the financials. utd fans can get as cocky as they like, Rojo deal still not completed, di Maria looks good but not what they need atm, similarly Falcao. It means they do still have pulling power but is that more down to wages than where these players really want to be. The very best players should be aspiring to be at the very best level and utd have a climb to get back there.
I would have been happy with that. As fans we shouldn't let money even get into discussions but it's a sign of the times that we do. While I would have loved Falcao, he's not ours so I will back Balotelli, remain excited by his potential and the potential he adds to the team, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Mercenary is right. Went to Monaco for the money to play in front of crowds of a few thousand. I suppose going to united is an upgrade but united fans shouldn't believe that he's going there for anything other than the money. If his reported wages are correct then the likes of Rooney, RVP, Mata and poss Di Maria will be pissed and we know what Rooney is like when he's gazzumped in the wage department.
