Man Utd Thread:

[stew]

Smalling and Jones have been there long enough without delivering.  But Smalling has done more than Jones and had a very good season 2 years ago.  I would get rid of Jones over Smalling.

I would be tempted to do the same, but there is always that hope that Smalling could turn into the CB that his physique, power and pace should deliver. But as has been said he has been there a long time now and probably hasnt developed the way he should have.

Smalling just lacks aggression and intensity.  The other thing that frustrates me is the number of times he is caught out with crosses that go by him/over him (that he could have got to) that end up in goals.

Smallings problem is lack of mental strength, he switches off during games and gets badly caught out of position far too often.

[BennyCake]

The most frustrating thing about Smalling is the penalties hes gave away through rugby tackling and holding players shirts. There's plenty of times he gets away with it too. An absolute liability.

[magpie seanie]

Rojo was useless until half way through this season. I don't see why United need to get rid of Smalling or Jones. It wasn't just last season that injuries and needing to rest guys meant United had to use emergency centre backs. I'd definitely hold on to both unless you can get a replacement. I think Lindelof was needed on top of what's there.

[Boycey]

Rojo was useless until half way through this season. I don't see why United need to get rid of Smalling or Jones. It wasn't just last season that injuries and needing to rest guys meant United had to use emergency centre backs. I'd definitely hold on to both unless you can get a replacement. I think Lindelof was needed on top of what's there.

5 established centre backs plus Tuanzabe coming through is too much..

[mouview]

So, Smalling lacks mental strength, aggression, intensity; has a tendency to rugby tackle and hold opponents shirts; fails to cut out crosses he should reach. How has he lasted so long?   

[NAG1]

So, Smalling lacks mental strength, aggression, intensity; has a tendency to rugby tackle and hold opponents shirts; fails to cut out crosses he should reach. How has he lasted so long?   

All of these being isolated instances over the course of a season or few seasons, but then he also in the middle of that shows his undoubted potential which is the frustrating thing as he does seem to be a decent enough lad.

[nrico2006]

So, Smalling lacks mental strength, aggression, intensity; has a tendency to rugby tackle and hold opponents shirts; fails to cut out crosses he should reach. How has he lasted so long?   

All of these being isolated instances over the course of a season or few seasons, but then he also in the middle of that shows his undoubted potential which is the frustrating thing as he does seem to be a decent enough lad.

Aye, but potential is for young players.  Smalling is near 30.

[magpie seanie]

Smalling has had his confidence undermined at every turn by Mourinho. Similar to Martial and Shaw. Their performances have suffered. They're not bad players, just need a manager with a less confrontational approach.

I see CR7 is leaving Real. Please. God. Please.

[OgraAnDun]

Smalling has had his confidence undermined at every turn by Mourinho. Similar to Martial and Shaw. Their performances have suffered. They're not bad players, just need a manager with a less confrontational approach.

I see CR7 is leaving Real. Please. God. Please.

Thought it was the usual opera of using Utd to get himself an extra few quid at Real - in this case, for them to pay his tax bill. However, when even Marca (also known as Real Madrid Newspapers Ltd) are reporting that he's confirmed he's leaving to his Portuguese teammates, I think there might be something in it.

http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2017/06/16/59441202e5fdeaf80b8b4660.html

[Syferus]

Smalling has had his confidence undermined at every turn by Mourinho. Similar to Martial and Shaw. Their performances have suffered. They're not bad players, just need a manager with a less confrontational approach.

I see CR7 is leaving Real. Please. God. Please.

Thought it was the usual opera of using Utd to get himself an extra few quid at Real - in this case, for them to pay his tax bill. However, when even Marca (also known as Real Madrid Newspapers Ltd) are reporting that he's confirmed he's leaving to his Portuguese teammates, I think there might be something in it.

http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2017/06/16/59441202e5fdeaf80b8b4660.html

Sounds like he might be pissed they didn't give him better taxation advice, and how they reportedly told newspapers to not show him in a Real jersey when covering the tax evasion story. He's always been a love-hate figure for Real fans and it seems to rub him up the wrong way.

Were he serious about leaving Man United would be one of the few clubs with the cash to get him as well as a fan base that still adores him in a way the Real fans never have.

[OgraAnDun]

Smalling has had his confidence undermined at every turn by Mourinho. Similar to Martial and Shaw. Their performances have suffered. They're not bad players, just need a manager with a less confrontational approach.

I see CR7 is leaving Real. Please. God. Please.

Thought it was the usual opera of using Utd to get himself an extra few quid at Real - in this case, for them to pay his tax bill. However, when even Marca (also known as Real Madrid Newspapers Ltd) are reporting that he's confirmed he's leaving to his Portuguese teammates, I think there might be something in it.

http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2017/06/16/59441202e5fdeaf80b8b4660.html

Sounds like he might be pissed they didn't give him better taxation advice, and how they reportedly told newspapers to not show him in a Real jersey when covering the tax evasion story. He's always been a love-hate figure for Real fans and it seems to rub him up the wrong way.

Were he serious about leaving Man United would be one of the few clubs with the cash to get him as well as a fan base that still adores him in a way the Real fans never have.

I also read somewhere that the club never advised/informed him of changes in Spanish law which affected his contract with them and contributed to some of the 15m he has to pay up. Haven't a clue if it's true or not.

If he does leave - and it's a big if - I think United would be one of the only places for him. I can't see him going to PSG, and I hope he wouldn't go to City or Chelsea. Only leaves United or Bayern in my opinion.

[stew]

Smalling has had his confidence undermined at every turn by Mourinho. Similar to Martial and Shaw. Their performances have suffered. They're not bad players, just need a manager with a less confrontational approach.

I see CR7 is leaving Real. Please. God. Please.

Thought it was the usual opera of using Utd to get himself an extra few quid at Real - in this case, for them to pay his tax bill. However, when even Marca (also known as Real Madrid Newspapers Ltd) are reporting that he's confirmed he's leaving to his Portuguese teammates, I think there might be something in it.

http://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2017/06/16/59441202e5fdeaf80b8b4660.html

Sounds like he might be pissed they didn't give him better taxation advice, and how they reportedly told newspapers to not show him in a Real jersey when covering the tax evasion story. He's always been a love-hate figure for Real fans and it seems to rub him up the wrong way.

Were he serious about leaving Man United would be one of the few clubs with the cash to get him as well as a fan base that still adores him in a way the Real fans never have.

I also read somewhere that the club never advised/informed him of changes in Spanish law which affected his contract with them and contributed to some of the 15m he has to pay up. Haven't a clue if it's true or not.

If he does leave - and it's a big if - I think United would be one of the only places for him. I can't see him going to PSG, and I hope he wouldn't go to City or Chelsea. Only leaves United or Bayern in my opinion.

As fragile as he is between the ears he will go to United were the fans revere him like no other, Fergie will be wheeled out to convince him to come home and if he does go I really believe he will go to United.

Ronnie in red, instant title winners without question if he stays healthy, he is that good.

[StGallsGAA]

As much as I'd like to see him banging them in for United again for a season or two I can't see it happening due to the ridiculous fee Real would want for a 32 yr old. Also Madrid are one of the most corrupt clubs in the world so expect they will "make this little problem go away" mafia style.

[BennyCake]

Ronaldo has a massive ego. All he cares about is being centre of attention, banging in more goals than Messi and winning the Ballon dor. He really does seen obsessed with winning that above anything else. The only way he can continue to do such things is at Real. He'll stay in Madrid 100%.

[stew]

Ronaldo has a massive ego. All he cares about is being centre of attention, banging in more goals than Messi and winning the Ballon dor. He really does seen obsessed with winning that above anything else. The only way he can continue to do such things is at Real. He'll stay in Madrid 100%.

He is gone and on his way to OT )