tommybread

Vardy    Dear god. 

Luke Garbutt would be fantastic signing for a minimal compensation fee. If Tim is looking at Spurs players Carroll and Pritchard would be good signings. I've seen both a handful of times for Spurs u21s and England u21s and Carroll is a good little technical player, would be a good rotation option in with Westwood and Cleverley. Could probably get him for 2-3m, Swansea fans have compared him to Leon Britton which is a fair comparison. Will look to get on the ball and move it around quick. He was criticised a bit by QPR fans for keeping it too simple at times but I've seen him be very adventurous in his play and am certain Tim would do a good job at getting him to play freely like Clevs. Pritchard has had a more successful season with Brentford so would likely be more in demand and cost a bit more, Spurs are more likely to want to keep him too or prefer a loan move. He is more attacking and can play anywhere across the midfield really. Can play wide and would do better than N'Zogbia. Would play similar to Grealish, in that he'll drift all over constantly demanding the ball and trying to create, he has great technical ability. If you aren't going to play Gil, Pritchard would be a good replacement. He has got comparisons to Eriksen in the way he plays from wide. 

All 3 are in the provisional squad for England u21s Euro cup squad. 

While Tommy's on here, surely we would have to consider Anderson for any analysis of the most overpaid players in world football?

Oh don't even get me started on him. I'm just glad he is finally gone, absolute joke he is. He played a couple u21 matches this season and was easily the worst player on the pitch each time. He gives hope to everyone that you can play for Manchester United for 8 years by doing nothing. He still can't even speak English.

 

 

 

 

Isn't Falcao on some obscene amount like £350k a week? He surely has to be the most overpaid player in the World, Heskey would need to be on twice as much to be as bad as that.

There's no tax in Monaco so AFAIK Man united have to pay him something like ~£400,000 a week to match the wages he was getting in Monaco as his contract (as with all contracts in France) are negotiated amounts after tax.

One of my United supporting buddies claim that Rooney & RVP have clauses in their contracts to match United's highest earner and this is why Falcao was loaned not bought.

Your mate is a fecking idiot then and pulled that straight out of his arse. Falcao was signed on loan because of his injury issues and we weren't going to throw 50m at a crock and it has turned out to be a good idea.

Falcao also doesn't get 400k. You have to take a large chunk off of all reported wages as they are a load of shite and somehow increase every week. The papers can't get transfer fee right either, the BBC's reporting on the Memphis Depay deal is embarrassing, they don't even know the difference between euros and pounds.

Unfortunatley on VT alot of shite is spouted without any ounce of proof

 

Its not just VT, it is all forums but you can't expect anything else when the papers are the ones telling them this. Marcos Rojo's cleaner found one of his pay-slips and released a picture of it with 200k on it. Papers then started saying he makes 200k a week failing to understand he is paid monthly. When the media can't even get simple things like that right then you can't expect any better when they are supposed to be the source of info. 

Players want to play at the highest level and make the most money. Villa doesn't offer either of these. Being 'tapped up' on international duty plays little if any part other than giving one top club the edge over another top club. If someone is good enough for a Champions League to come in for they are going there and its not because Terry, Wilshere or whoever was whispering sweet nothings in their ear.

 

 

Isn't Falcao on some obscene amount like £350k a week? He surely has to be the most overpaid player in the World, Heskey would need to be on twice as much to be as bad as that.

 

There's no tax in Monaco so AFAIK Man united have to pay him something like ~£400,000 a week to match the wages he was getting in Monaco as his contract (as with all contracts in France) are negotiated amounts after tax.

 

 

One of my United supporting buddies claim that Rooney & RVP have clauses in their contracts to match United's highest earner and this is why Falcao was loaned not bought.

 

Your mate is a fecking idiot then and pulled that straight out of his arse. Falcao was signed on loan because of his injury issues and we weren't going to throw 50m at a crock and it has turned out to be a good idea.

Falcao also doesn't get 400k. You have to take a large chunk off of all reported wages as they are a load of shite and somehow increase every week. The papers can't get transfer fee right either, the BBC's reporting on the Memphis Depay deal is embarrassing, they don't even know the difference between euros and pounds. 

 

 

Isn't Wilson out of contract this summer?

No, his contract is until summer 2017.

 

 

You sure about that? He was on a list of out of contract players and all I can see in terms of news is that he was to be offered a new deal in February but nothing about him signing.

 

Yes, the list was wrong and likely was using transfermarkt as a source which isn't reliable at all. Reliable journalists have said on twitter that he has 2 years remaining and other youth experts have told me the same.

Is he just another Macheda or is he actually the real deal? From what I've seen in his sub games for Man. United including when he came on v us, he looks raw and lacks physical presence.

 

Would be a very difficult task  when Benteke goes but I'd like someone in who at least can score  goals otherwise you see what happens when teams lose 30 odd goals like Liverpool this season, they decline.

 

Charlie Austin all day long for me, he obviously dosen't have Benteke's all round game but he is a goalscorer and I think he's a realistic target. In those circumstances Wilson can come in on loan aswell but not him or Bamford on their own to replace Benteke, that could be relegation right there.

He's much better than Macheda ever was. Sure he looks raw but every young player looks raw. He is unbelievably fast and is amazing at getting in behind defences. He has great finishing from all ranges and has a beautiful snapshot where he generates so much power with the ball at his foot which you can see in his youtube videos. He is also a great dribbler and makes some great darting runs. He is still getting used to the physicality of senior football and has struggled against teams who play really defensive and park the bus as teams don't really do that in the u21s and he is more a player who will thrive with space which he should get at Villa. 

I doubt he'd be brought into replace Benteke, that would be stupid and incredibly risky by Sherwood. I'd imagine you'll bring in someone like Austin with Wilson as back-up. I think he'd link up superbly with Grealish finding him in space. Although I'd probably rather he go to Championship side where he'll play every match.

He's also got an amazing spring in his jump with Nicky Butt saying he has the best standing jump you will ever see. He isn't very good in the air though, often mistiming his jump or misjudging the flight of the ball. If Benteke sticks around he could learn a thing or two from him. An interesting fact too is he beat Rooney's club record in the leg press at the start of the season.

Isn't Wilson out of contract this summer?

No, his contract is until summer 2017.

 

MARTIN O’NEILL ANNOUNCED his Ireland squad for the games against Northern Ireland, Scotland and England today, and Jack Grealish was conspicuous by his absence.

The Aston Villa starlet had been heavily linked with the squad after a series of fine performances at club level.

Below is a transcript of today’s press conference in which O’Neill discussed Grealish and his reasons for declining the offer of a place in the Ireland squad.

Martin, no Jack Grealish in the squad. There was speculation that he would be. Can you enlighten us as to any developments?

I spoke to both Jack and his father. I think Jack just didn’t want to make his mind up at this stage. He wanted to complete the season at Aston Villa. There are some important games for them coming up and he wants to make his decision some time in the future.

Are you disappointed by that response?

Yeah, I suppose I am. He’s been doing very well recently and it would have been nice but that’s Jack’s decision.

You would have included him for these games?

Yes, yes. I spoke to the father and said I would like to have brought him in but of course you don’t want to force someone who might not want to make that decision just at this moment.

What’s your feeling, do you think he will declare for Ireland?

Do you know what, I really don’t know at this stage. I’m sure there’s still a good possiblity.

Did you change your mind since saying you thought the Scotland game might be a bit early for him?

Of course. He has played a lot of games since then. He had not been a regular member of the team and when he did, he was generally a sub, but here under Tim Sherwood he has started quite a number of games. Not that I would start pre-empting Tim’s teams but when he did, he’s made a very good impression from the start. Obviously as these games go along, he’ll get fitter as well too by starting matches. He seems to be lasting longer in the games too and doing a lot of good work. Of course, yes, the last four or five weeks have made a big difference obviously to Jack’s career and obviously to my thinking.

Do you still think that the Scotland game might have been too big for him?

I think that’s hypothetical now so it doesn’t really matter at this stage. At the time that I was dealing with it, with him not playing very much football, I think my answer was pretty obvious. I’m not even sure that Jack would have realised that he would play the number of games that he has done since, and also in quick succession too so he’s getting a really good feel of Premier League football and making an impression as well too. All of those things that maybe five weeks ago might not have been in anyone’s consideration, of course there’s a very natural change… If he had not been involved in these five or six games, then I’m sure that the game against Scotland would have been rather tougher at that time. Now that he’s getting used to it, it’s a different decision.

When he accepted the [FAI U21] award, he said he’d like to come back in a green shirt at U21 level. Do you think that’s still the route?

I don’t know. At the time, again, I think he was just getting into the Villa team. Now he’s not only part of the squad but seemingly part of the team and people’s aspirations change a little bit during the course of weeks, never mind months. That might be something that he might look at differently but he did say that he did not want to make a decision now. From our own point of view we would have brought him in, still wouldn’t have wanted to put a great deal of pressure on him. We wouldn’t have minded him training with us for the week leading up to the England game, being part of that match, but still not having to worry about making a decision for Scotland. Disappointing in that aspect.

Do you think England will want him?

I have no idea. I think you’ll have to ask Roy [Hodgson].

But do you think he’s good enough now?

You’ll have to ask Roy. I do not want to sound as if England are miles better than us but I think it would be difficult for him to get into the England squad at this particular moment.

What can you or the FAI do to attract players of first- or second-generation?

I think we’re doing ok.

At the time there was a bit of concern that Roy [Keane]‘s comments about his dad might have scuppered any chance of him coming to play for Ireland. Did his dad mention that at all?

No, he definitely did not. I wouldn’t have thought that. I think he would have treated that in a jocular fashion. Absolutely not, he never mentioned it at all.

Did his dad have much of an influence in the decision or was it Jack’s decision?

I think it would be unfair of me to give a definitive answer on that one. I really don’t know.

[later]

Martin, just back to the Jack Grealish situation for a moment, do you think by revealing today that you wanted him to join the squad that it will force his hand?

I don’t think it’s an attempt to preempt anything. I think Jack had mentioned before in fairness to him that he didn’t want to make a decision at that time. My point was then, since he wasn’t a regular member of the side, it seemed less important at that stage. I still think, regardless of that, that bringing him into the squad for a week’s training to see how he gets on is obviously an attempt to see that the FAI will look after him. I think they have done at every level but at the end of the day he has done well enough at Aston Villa to be thought of as a promising young player.

Do you feel rebuffed?

I don’t, no. I don’t take it personally.

Was the delay to today’s press conference because you were in negotiations with Jack and his father?

Not necessarily, no. It might have been a few other issues. I’m really sorry I’ve kept you waiting.

I’m not sure if you’re aware of comments made by Eamon Dunphy last night who said the Irish camp have been insulting and disrespectful towards Jack in their handling of the situation. Would you like to respond?

I’ve no idea what he said.

That the way Ireland had conducted their approach and their relationship with Jack was insulting and disrespectful?

And Eamon said that? That’s good enough for me.

http://www.the42.ie/martin-oneill-jack-grealish-transcript-2098583-May2015/

 

He looks like the player Man Utd hoped Januzaj would be.

Different player, januzaj looks an out and out winger, jack looks like he's best in a free role behind the striker or top of a diamond

 

Adnan is anything but an out and out winger. Its why he has struggled this season. He is much better centrally or playing as an inside winger the way the likes of Silva or Ozil play when they are wide.

I thought Jack was great today. 

I'm really looking forward to what he can become but the hype is going stratospheric based on one game!

Johnny Giles saying he should be starting for Ireland, the media calling for him to make a decision on his international future, comparisons to superstars on here.

 

He could become anything but it all needs to slow down. 

Tbh that isn't a bold claim. Our other options aren't very good.

I don't know why he wears his socks so low. He said he wears the infant shinpads so they don't get in the way but then he practically wears them on his boot. Get those little things up under your knee buddy. Someone give him this insight and he'll be dribbling like motherfucking Messi.

Falcao will have to bang them in quick as he'll be lucky to get 10 mins off the bench. Di Maria could be benched again, will depend if van Gaal is willing to sacrifices Young's defensive stability.

He's an Everton fan then? Probably can't compete with that, but if we finish above them you never know

No. He is a Bradford City and United fan. He doesn't love Everton at all, he just has a very good relationship with Martinez.

Makes me wonder if his absense from the squad is Keane's influence...

"Roy Keane has taken a swipe at the father of Jack Grealish as the Villa youngster’s international future still remains up in the air."

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-roy-keane-hits-8119524

There is no context there though. Say that with a smile and he is just joking and taking the piss out of Jack's dad. 

I think the likes of Hazard, Mata, Silva etc. are considered attacking mids. 

But yeah Schneiderlin, Herrera and Ramires are ones most are saying are better than Henderson. The Liverpool fans aren't having it though but they're just biased as I thought.

Ok looking for more of a neutral opinion.

On a Manchester United forum a Liverpool fan is saying only Fabregas, Toure, Ramsey and Matic are better CMs than Henderson. No one is agreeing but the usual bias is involved I suppose so what do Villa supporters think? Where does Jordan Henderson rank among CMs in the Premier League?

 

Ah this is great news. His Dad is a top man, fair play. As much as I love England, football is about sport and I'd never let my son grow up not understanding his heritage. Hope Jack goes on to be a complete hero of mine. 

His Dad's as Brummie as they come. Having grown up with a lot of Birmingham born mates with Irish grandparents I can understand why it's not a simple decision for him; I suspect just about all of them would choose Ireland though, and I suspect he will too. I'm happy with that in all honesty, it'll save him a lot of trouble in the long term.

 

Was his dad born in Birmingham or Ireland? I always thought he was born in Dublin but I've seen that he went to school in Birmingham so wondering if he moved there as a child or was born there.

I bow to your superior knowledge of Yanited youth products. I will say that I feel Rojo was at least as much to blame for the second penalty as Blackett, as he seemed to have totally disappeared from his position (EDIT: and also he's a World Cup finalist so really, he just shouldn't be making prize blunders). 

Aye, Rojo was all over the shop yesterday. Sporting fans say he isn't a LB and he had a similar performance for them at LB a couple years ago and never played there again and is much better at CB. The way he was all over the place yesterday though makes me skeptical if he'll have the awareness, position and discipline to play at CB either or if he'll be a bit of David Luiz and play as a free-role CB.

 

Blackett won't be seen again this season I reckon. Reckon LVG will play Carrick at the back when he's fit and send Blackett out on loan.

I feel sorry for him, he's apparently a 'talented' young 'prospect' but could well be destroyed by his experiences this season already. 

 

He's young and hasn't got an experienced head next to him, instead he has numpties like Smalling, Evans and Jones, who are overrated mid table standard footballers with no leadership qualities.

 

He really isn't that talented of a prospect and most reserve/youth followers don't rate him very much. He is very calm and composed on the ball but he has always lacked concentration and his defensive awareness to pick up runs etc. isn't very good. He also shies away from picking up a man and always seems to want to play as the extra man at the back which he got away with it in a back 3 but in a back 4 he can't do that. He is lucky to have got his chances due to him being left footed and van Gaal preferring to have a left footer at LCB. Michael Keane and Tom Thorpe are much better players. 

 

Stay classy Manure, absolutely no need for this towards Ballotelli!! Sore losers

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2764229/Mario-Balotelli-suffers-racial-abuse-Twitter-post-Man-United-s-defeat-Leicester-City.html

 

 

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was the victim of racial abuse on Twitter on Sunday following his reaction to Manchester United's shock defeat to Leicester.

Balotelli, part of the Reds side which lost 3-1 at West Ham on Saturday, tweeted: 'Man Utd...LOL' in response to United's 5-3 loss at the King Power Stadium.

His tweet was met by a string of racist messages, including one from an account called @CraigSainsbury which read: 'F*** you Mario you f****** n*****. Got eat some bananas and get ebola you dirty monkey.'

The account from which the tweet was sent subsequently appeared to have been closed.

Balotelli has been singled out for racist abuse in the past.

He was heckled by Italy supporters during a pre-World Cup training camp in May and was on the receiving end of numerous instances of racist abuse during his time at Inter Milan and, more recently, AC Milan.

Balotelli spoke about the abuse directed at him in an interview with GQ magazine in July.

'They aren't used to seeing people who are different, not white, who act not as rebels but normally,' he said.

'I think what the ignorant people don't like is that people who are different are allowed to act that way.

'These stupid people, they get angry with me, they say horrible things, but I haven't done anything different from other people.

'I have made mistakes, like everyone does, and I have always paid for my mistakes. I think that if I was white maybe some people would still find me irritating or annoying but it wouldn't be the same. Absolutely not.

'Jealousy is a horrible thing, but when this jealousy is towards people who are different from the majority, and who maybe also have more than you, then it becomes anger, it becomes rage, and that's the overt racism.'

 

Says stay classy, then calls a club manure. Stay class Aston Villa. 

There are bellends who supposedly support all clubs on twitter and football forums just as you can pick out a handful of words removed on this very forum. 

Man Utd now without Johnny Evans and Phil Jones for some time due to injury.

 

What's happened to Luke Shaw? It's about time he was played.

He just returned from injury last week so wasn't fit to start against QPR. Played 45 mins in the reserve match on Monday and played great. After the performance against QPR though van Gaal understandably chose to stay with the same back line. Shaw will more than likely start next week.

 

If that were a Man utd, Chelsea or Barca/Madrid youngster in that video they would be selling more shirts with his name on the back than we do with pies and program's!

Absolutely baffling and an insult to him and the coaches at the academy for letting his contract run down this low.

 

You would be lucky if 90% of the fans of those clubs even know one player from their youth team. Not really sure what your point is

 

Aye, as a United fan myself I am lucky enough to have great access to the reserve/youth teams through MUTV and I frankly I find it embarrassing when our top young players make their debut like Adnan, James Wilson and Andreas Pereira recently and so many people are asking who these guys are. 

Didnt see the game but from highlights of few Everton games I've seen looks like McGeady has had a reasonable start to the season

Yep, has had quite a good start. I've always believed if he could get a bit of consistency to his final ball he'd be a really good player. Great pace and dribbles past defenders with ease. 

Woosh! 

 

 

Though the people spreading caution are probably right, the game is littered with examples of players who look amazing against other 15 year olds but disappear completely when they reach the first team.  Sonny Pike anybody?  I would say ask your dad, but it would probably quicker to google him. 

The thing about Martin though is he is doing it against full grown senior professionals and there is no reaching the first team as he is already there.

He was on trial at Manchester United last year and I've followed his progress a bit. He's been on trial at most top clubs around Europe and I think it was his agent who said he isn't trying out for clubs anymore but rather clubs are trying out to get him. I believe his preferred move is to a mid-table Bundesliga club like a Monchengladbach or Stuttgart where he will get regular first team football. Didn't get to watch the U21 Portugal match but mates of mine who are Portuguese were blown away at his talent and impact on the Norway side. Even got praised by the Portugal U21 manager. No chance of him coming to England any time soon imo as I don't see clubs guaranteeing first team football to a 15/16 year old and no chance of him playing u21/reserves. Unbelievable really what he is doing now as a 15 year old in senior football.  

Not sure how Whelan played the whole game, he offers absolutely nothing.

Aye and it is even worse when you got two way better players in Gibo and Meyler sitting on the bench. You can throw Ward and Walters onto the pile of absolute trash as well. Robbie Keane has been a fantastic player for us as well but he offers nothing other then waving his arms around which in the end is of no benefit at all.