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Manchester United 2015-2016
- Thread starter yinyang
- Start date
What a bloody shambles! The David De Gea transfer to Real Madrid is off. Paperwork not submitted before the Spanish transfer window shut!
I doubt Keylor Navas will be coming to OT as he was suppose to be on the other side of the swap.
Unless United are having real cash flow problems, Anthony Martial is still set to join as the English window is still open but £36m is a lot for an unproven 19 year old kid.
Looks like Januzaj will be staying at an English club probably on loan.
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Januzaj is Dortmund bound(loan). Hernandez to Leverkusen, Lindegaard and Evans(thank God) to West Brom, Blackett on loan. That's 5 out and 1 in (Martial). DG's deal is anybody's guess but likely to go thru.
Farking hope LVG has plan B. We will either have 11 players or end up fielding toddlers before the next window opens in January. Keep in mind that the following players are injury prone-Jones, Smalling and Basti.
Farking hope LVG has plan B. We will either have 11 players or end up fielding toddlers before the next window opens in January. Keep in mind that the following players are injury prone-Jones, Smalling and Basti.
This is the time for panic buys before the transfer window closes.
Anyway the Premier League this season is much more competitive, because the tv money deals last season have generated enough revenue for the smaller clubs to purchase much better quality players. Expect more upsets and giant killings.
Chelsea: Senegal defender Papy Djilobodji set to join from Nantes
Chelsea are set to sign Senegal international Papy Djilobodji from Nantes in a £4m deal.
The defender is due for a medical after agreement was reached between the clubs for the transfer of the 26-year-old.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has turned his attention to the 6ft 4in centre-back after failing to sign England's John Stones from Everton.
.................................
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34108669
Panic buy? No?
Monday was mostly about exits...
• Mexico striker Javier Hernandez joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for £7.3m
• Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj also moved to Germany, agreeing a season-long loan with Borussia Dortmund
• Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard joined West Bromwich Albion on a two-year deal
• And centre-half Tyler Blackett agreed a season-long loan deal with Scottish giants Celtic
But the move that caught a lot of people by surprise involved a French teenager by the name of Anthony Martial.
It appears United are willing to pay as much as £36m to get him.
Real Madrid will APPEAL this morning to get De Gea deal done
Real Madrid refuse to give up on their deal for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. A total agreement between both clubs had been reached at 23:30 hours CEST. But sources at the LFP confirmed that the relevant documents did not arrive before the midnight deadline. However, tribalfootball.com has learned Real will attempt to show this morning that all contracts were submitted by 23:59. LFP, we understand, insist the documents did not arrive until 00:28 Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the collapse of the deal is being blamed on United. The Premier League club took their time translating the changed demands of Keylor Navas, who was to move to Old Trafford as part of the transfer. Real officials were left hanging as United attempted to translate the change of terms Navas had requested late in the evening.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/revealed-real-madrid-will-appeal-this-morning-to-get-de-gea-deal-done-4093677
Real Madrid refuse to give up on their deal for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. A total agreement between both clubs had been reached at 23:30 hours CEST. But sources at the LFP confirmed that the relevant documents did not arrive before the midnight deadline. However, tribalfootball.com has learned Real will attempt to show this morning that all contracts were submitted by 23:59. LFP, we understand, insist the documents did not arrive until 00:28 Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the collapse of the deal is being blamed on United. The Premier League club took their time translating the changed demands of Keylor Navas, who was to move to Old Trafford as part of the transfer. Real officials were left hanging as United attempted to translate the change of terms Navas had requested late in the evening.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/revealed-real-madrid-will-appeal-this-morning-to-get-de-gea-deal-done-4093677
When you have a player plus cash exchange, better to err on the side of caution. It got to the point where it became so complicated where both keepers involved in the exchange must agree to the terms and condition set out by the respective clubs. In this instance, Navas was probably informed at the eleventh hour, that he would be the makeweight for the DG trade. That led to a scramble by his camp to negotiate the terms.
Both REAL and Utd are responsible for this fiasco. In the first place, I don't think Navas wants to move to United. Just goes on to show how high handed Perez is where players are concerned. REAL could easily turn their back on players when a better player comes along. IMHO, the two keepers were made pawns by their respective clubs. If only DG had signed the extension, the angst of transfer day could have been avoided.
Both REAL and Utd are responsible for this fiasco. In the first place, I don't think Navas wants to move to United. Just goes on to show how high handed Perez is where players are concerned. REAL could easily turn their back on players when a better player comes along. IMHO, the two keepers were made pawns by their respective clubs. If only DG had signed the extension, the angst of transfer day could have been avoided.
Real Madrid official statement:
1) Manchester United didn't open negotiations for the registration rights to David De Gea until yesterday morning.
2) Despite the difficulties associated with completing a deal of this type on the final day of registration, Real Madrid agreed to enter into these talks.
3) When Manchester United entered into these negotiations yesterday morning they did so subject to being able to reach an agreement with Real Madrid player Keylor Navas, in order that he would join the British club from this season, and informed us that they were in contact with the representatives of said player.
4) Real Madrid and Manchester United arrived quickly at an agreement for the transfers of both players. After the editing of the relevant contractual documents and with the intention of proceeding with enough time to get everything sent to the Transfer Matching System of FIFA (TMS) as well as his registration with the Spanish Football League (LFP), Real Madrid re-sent the contracts to Manchester United at 13:39 Spanish time.
5) Manchester United sent back their comments on said contracts eight hours later, at 21:43 Spanish time, including small modifications. Due to not being relevant, all of the modifications were accepted immediately by Real Madrid with the intention of being able to register the player on time in the TMS and with the LFP.
6) Real Madrid, having obtained the signatures of David De Gea and Keylor Navas, sent back to the English club the signed contracts at 23:32 Spanish time, waiting to receive the final documents signed by Manchester United.
7) Manchester United reached a final agreement with the representatives of Keylor Navas at 23:53 Spanish time and it was at this time that the contracts were sent to the player to be signed.
8) Manchester United entered into the TMS all the information for the De Gea deal, but not those for Keylor Navas, at 00:00 Spanish time, sending back to Real Madrid at the same time the signed transfer contracts. Real Madrid received the completed documentation at 00:02 and tried to access the TMS, but found it to already be closed.
9) At 00:26 Spanish time the FIFA computer system, TMS, invited Real Madrid to fill in the details for David De Gea, given that the registration period in England continues to be open until today. Real Madrid, with the prospect of some contention over the transfer of the player had they not submitted their paperwork, decided to send the contracts to the LFP - even knowing that the period had expired.
10) Definitively, Real Madrid had done everything necessary, at all times, to ensure that these two transfers happened.
1) Manchester United didn't open negotiations for the registration rights to David De Gea until yesterday morning.
2) Despite the difficulties associated with completing a deal of this type on the final day of registration, Real Madrid agreed to enter into these talks.
3) When Manchester United entered into these negotiations yesterday morning they did so subject to being able to reach an agreement with Real Madrid player Keylor Navas, in order that he would join the British club from this season, and informed us that they were in contact with the representatives of said player.
4) Real Madrid and Manchester United arrived quickly at an agreement for the transfers of both players. After the editing of the relevant contractual documents and with the intention of proceeding with enough time to get everything sent to the Transfer Matching System of FIFA (TMS) as well as his registration with the Spanish Football League (LFP), Real Madrid re-sent the contracts to Manchester United at 13:39 Spanish time.
5) Manchester United sent back their comments on said contracts eight hours later, at 21:43 Spanish time, including small modifications. Due to not being relevant, all of the modifications were accepted immediately by Real Madrid with the intention of being able to register the player on time in the TMS and with the LFP.
6) Real Madrid, having obtained the signatures of David De Gea and Keylor Navas, sent back to the English club the signed contracts at 23:32 Spanish time, waiting to receive the final documents signed by Manchester United.
7) Manchester United reached a final agreement with the representatives of Keylor Navas at 23:53 Spanish time and it was at this time that the contracts were sent to the player to be signed.
8) Manchester United entered into the TMS all the information for the De Gea deal, but not those for Keylor Navas, at 00:00 Spanish time, sending back to Real Madrid at the same time the signed transfer contracts. Real Madrid received the completed documentation at 00:02 and tried to access the TMS, but found it to already be closed.
9) At 00:26 Spanish time the FIFA computer system, TMS, invited Real Madrid to fill in the details for David De Gea, given that the registration period in England continues to be open until today. Real Madrid, with the prospect of some contention over the transfer of the player had they not submitted their paperwork, decided to send the contracts to the LFP - even knowing that the period had expired.
10) Definitively, Real Madrid had done everything necessary, at all times, to ensure that these two transfers happened.
Manchester United hit back at Real Madrid's criticism over collapse of David De Gea transfer
"The Club feels compelled to provide some clarification with the following facts"
•Manchester United did not seek contact from Real Madrid for the sale of David. David is a key member of our squad and the club’s preference was not to sell. • No offer was received for David until yesterday.
•At lunchtime yesterday, Real Madrid made its first offer to buy David. A deal was agreed between the clubs, which included Navas being transferred to Old Trafford. The deals were dependent on each other.
•In the last several hours of the process, with Navas at the Real Madrid training ground, Real Madrid were controlling the documentation processes of David, Navas and Real Madrid. Manchester United was in control only of the documentation of Manchester United.
•Manchester United sent transfer documents for both players to Real Madrid at 2042 BST. David’s documentation was returned by Real Madrid to Manchester United without the signatory page at 2232 BST.
•At 22:40 BST, minutes before the deadline, major changes to the documentation came through to Manchester United which immediately put the deals at risk. • Only at 2255 BST were the documents that are needed to cancel David’s contract received by Manchester United from Real Madrid.
•At this point Navas’ documentation was still not returned by Real Madrid.
•At 2258 BST, the transfer agreement was sent back by Manchester United, uploaded onto TMS and accepted – all before the deadline.
"It is our understanding that the deals couldn’t happen because:
•Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents onto TMS in time (Manchester United did)
•Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents to the Spanish league in time, per reports it seems some 28 minutes after the deadline. The fact that Manchester United filed the papers on time was acknowledged by the Football Association, who offered to support that claim in any discussions with FIFA. The Club offered this assistance, as well as its own timestamped documents to Real Madrid but they have chosen not to go down this route.
"Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings," it concluded.
"The Club is delighted that its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-hit-back-real-6364143
"The Club feels compelled to provide some clarification with the following facts"
•Manchester United did not seek contact from Real Madrid for the sale of David. David is a key member of our squad and the club’s preference was not to sell. • No offer was received for David until yesterday.
•At lunchtime yesterday, Real Madrid made its first offer to buy David. A deal was agreed between the clubs, which included Navas being transferred to Old Trafford. The deals were dependent on each other.
•In the last several hours of the process, with Navas at the Real Madrid training ground, Real Madrid were controlling the documentation processes of David, Navas and Real Madrid. Manchester United was in control only of the documentation of Manchester United.
•Manchester United sent transfer documents for both players to Real Madrid at 2042 BST. David’s documentation was returned by Real Madrid to Manchester United without the signatory page at 2232 BST.
•At 22:40 BST, minutes before the deadline, major changes to the documentation came through to Manchester United which immediately put the deals at risk. • Only at 2255 BST were the documents that are needed to cancel David’s contract received by Manchester United from Real Madrid.
•At this point Navas’ documentation was still not returned by Real Madrid.
•At 2258 BST, the transfer agreement was sent back by Manchester United, uploaded onto TMS and accepted – all before the deadline.
"It is our understanding that the deals couldn’t happen because:
•Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents onto TMS in time (Manchester United did)
•Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents to the Spanish league in time, per reports it seems some 28 minutes after the deadline. The fact that Manchester United filed the papers on time was acknowledged by the Football Association, who offered to support that claim in any discussions with FIFA. The Club offered this assistance, as well as its own timestamped documents to Real Madrid but they have chosen not to go down this route.
"Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings," it concluded.
"The Club is delighted that its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-hit-back-real-6364143
Both clubs are equally to blame for this fiasco but I think Man Utd will be happier than RM.
Agree but I don't think Man U should be happy with the outcome. Both Navas and DG were pawns in this game of chess. The lingering doubt and distrust will always be in the manager, players and fans' mind if DG starts to concede goals ala Romero. This farce simply benefits no one.
DG is not the aggrieved party that some make him out to be. There's no doubt he was ill advised by the people around him-his agent Mendez,gf and reps of Real Madrid. A pot of gold awaits him if he chooses not to sign an extension with Man U.
If Navas starts to concede goals between now and the next transfer window, you'll probably hear the fickle fans of REAL chanting DG's name and you can be sure that Perez will be back at the bargaining table once again. Version 2.0 is just 4 months away.
What's next for MU?
De Gea stays & £36m Martial signs: Man Utd's hectic 48 hours
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34118635
A goalkeeper going but then staying and the signing of the world's most expensive teenager. It has been a hectic 48 hours at Manchester United.
A late hitch saw David De Gea's move to Real Madrid fall through while largely unknown teenager Anthony Martial has made a £36m move from Monaco.
BBC Sport's Simon Stone, along with Steve Harper, Phil Neville, Danny Murphy and Martin Keown, assess a whirlwind transfer window at Old Trafford.
Is De Gea still Louis van Gaal's number one?
Simon Stone: "Interesting one. "De Gea was not happy at Van Gaal saying he did not want to play, something the keeper's camp rejected. That potential relationship breaker has been compounded by events of the past couple of days.
"Yet, in trying to sign Keylor Navas, Van Gaal was effectively telling Sergio Romero he was the number two pick. That leaves De Gea as first choice, unless there is a remarkable change in attitude towards former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes."
Manchester United squad
Goalkeepers:
David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Victor Valdes, Sam Johnstone
Defenders:
Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling.
Midfielders:
Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young.
Strikers:
Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney, James Wilson.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper: "De Gea's head will be scrambled.
"I had talks with a couple of clubs in July, meeting with a Premier League manager and then a Championship manager after that, had a couple of deals which looked likely and then fell through. That was hard enough for me to deal with, never mind someone of David De Gea's stature in terms of money involved and the level he's playing at.
"I coped by going on holiday with the family - whether De Gea gets that dispensation or not I don't know! But it will be very tough for him."
Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville:
"From the Manchester United fans' point of view I am sure they are delighted it did not go through.
"That was the one position I thought looked a little shaky and De Gea has been the best player for Manchester United in the last two seasons. He will want to play because he has Euro 2016 coming up and he will want to be Spain's number one.
"It could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United."
Will he leave next summer instead?
Stone: "Yes.
"With his contract due to expire in 2016 and his heart set on a return to Spain, United had already given up any hope of trying to persuade the 24-year-old to remain at Old Trafford beyond next summer.
"Prior to the past month, it wasn't that much of an issue then. De Gea is a world-class performer and is still on the contract he signed when he joined from Atletico in 2011. Two massive TV deals have been agreed by the Premier League since then, so United are effectively getting him on the cheap."
Where does Martial fit in?
With nine goals, Martial is the top teenage scorer in Europe's top five leagues since the start of 2014-15.
Stone: "A flying forward similar to Thierry Henry, France coach Didier Deschamps says Martial starts in the middle and drifts out wide, mostly to the left but also on the right.
"Crucially, he also has electric pace, something Van Gaal felt was badly missing from his squad as he assessed their merits ahead of the new campaign. That would make him an ideal fit into one of the three spots Van Gaal likes to fill behind his main striker.
"However, even Cristiano Ronaldo was a frustrating performer for United at the age of 19, so consistency cannot be guaranteed."
Neville is assistant coach of Valencia and saw Martial first hand when the Spanish side beat them in the Champions League earlier this season.
De Gea, Navas 'two messed-up keepers'
He told Football Focus: "Of the two games against us, and video footage I witnessed of him, he is a top, top striker. He is quick, he is strong and likes to drift out to the left. Every time he got the ball I thought, no, get the ball away from him. He looks so dangerous and so direct.
"He is perfectly suited to the Premier League. I think it is a very good signing. It is a lot of money. Everybody in Spain can't believe the amount spent in England, they can't stop laughing at the fees we pay."
What happens if Rooney gets injured?
Stone: "Few took Van Gaal too literally when he described Marouane Fellaini as a potential number nine ahead of the Champions League qualifier in Brugge last month. Now it may be worth revisiting those words as they might be the reality.
"Even if he stays fit, it is unrealistic to expect the captain Wayne Rooney to play in every game across four competitions.
"Brazilian Andreas Pereira is an outstanding talent and scored in the Under-20 World Cup final this summer, but he is no battering ram. James Wilson is bigger, yet there has been talk of the England Under-21 international going out on loan, albeit with an instant escape clause.
"Memphis Depay could be an option, but playing as an out and out striker is not something he has previously had to do."
Manchester United
Could this be how Manchester United line up if Wayne Rooney is injured?
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy: "Fellaini as a striker. He can play that role well, he did it for Everton. That is one option. Martial might be able to play through the middle, stretch people with his pace a bit like Theo Walcott.
"I was surprised Javier Hernandez was sold, he is a proper number nine for me and it was an option. Wilson is another possibility and Manchester United might think he is ready to play more games.
"If you keep signing players you don't give the young players chance to develop. You need to give confidence to the young players and maybe the Wilson situation is the one that we will be surprised by and he might be involved more.
"However, with Van Gaal it is very hard to predict."
Former Arsenal defender Keown: "There is a lot of money coming into the game and you have to use it in the right way and you have to question Manchester United now - without another striker and Rooney not scoring goals.
"There is a lot of pressure on Manchester United. The days of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill have gone - the way Manchester United conducted themselves and did all their business really early. They always had power players, four strikers and now they only really have one striker. It is really surprising."
How has Louis Van Gaal's reputation been affected?
Sir Alex Ferguson was never afraid to let popular players like David Beckham (left), Mark Hughes (centre) and Jaap Stam (right) leave Manchester United
Stone: "Van Gaal has made being blunt an art form. His inability to grasp the nuances of the English language mean he often speaks in more brutal terms than is always wise.
"The strategy doesn't matter when he deals with the media but within a dressing room it can be destabilising. Did his treatment of Victor Valdes have an impact on former Barcelona team-mate Pedro's decision to join Chelsea for instance?"
Murphy: "The goalkeeper situation won't reflect badly on him. Deals like this do drag out for lots of reasons.
"What will reflect badly on him is if Rooney does get injured, Wilson goes on loan and Fellaini plays as a striker and they don't get results. That will reflect badly on him.
"I still think United will have a decent season, but I don't think they will win the title. A manager is ultimately judged on how they do over the season. Sir Alex Ferguson sold fans' favourites but when you are winning it gets forgotten."
Why didn't they sign anyone else?
Gareth Bale
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer
Stone: "Had United been able to lure a marquee signing, they surely would have done, but Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Thomas Muller were unobtainable.
"Louis van Gaal spent three weeks pondering whether to trigger Pedro's £24m buy-out clause at Barcelona. Ultimately though, he decided not to bother. The main reason? Doubts about Pedro's pace, the area Van Gaal felt his attack was most deficient in.
"Ultimately, United signed six players, it would have been seven if Keylor Navas had come in, which is quite a lot."
Keown: "It looks from afar that their transfer strategy is not very scientific. It is almost like there is a poker game being played. They are gambling on players they paid a fortune for. Angel Di Maria came in last summer and it didn't work, they lost something like £20m on that deal.
"If you look across at their noisy neighbours, Manchester City, they seem to have done all their business calmly and quietly. OK they have spent a fortune, and they can afford to do so, but they look in really good shape for the start of the season."
What does it say about Ed Woodward?
The United of old seemed to get the players they wanted, says Danny Murphy
Stone: "Compared to predecessor David Gill, Woodward is still relatively new in the job. This was the 43-year-old's third summer transfer window and he has previously said he would be crazy to say he enjoyed them.
"Yet prior to the last couple of weeks, he did well.
"But the bullish stance on De Gea - United made it known they only wanted Keylor Navas in exchange or a world record fee - was undermined by Van Gaal's treatment of the player.
"And, whether real or perceived, there was an element of desperation about United's activity in the final week, when they were linked with both Neymar and Charlie Austin."
Murphy: "He has taken a lot of the blame, but it is very difficult to judge from the outside. Deals can fall through for various reasons. Is it his fault that Pedro did not go to United? Was it a call from Jose Mourinho? We don't know the answer.
"If you compare United now with the United of old they seemed to get the players they wanted, but that could be based on other clubs now having caught up with facilities and stadiums and money.
"It is hard to say it his fault because transfers are so complicated now. There are agents involved, chief executives, managers - so many different people and factors."
Keown: "Van Gaal came in with ultimate experience. He is the experienced man of that pair. Did he want to keep De Gea? Who else will play now? It is a real mess they have created."
Man Utd's summer business (permanent moves)
IN: Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Sergio Romero, Anthony Martial, Regan Poole
OUT: Tom Cleverley, Ben Amos, Tom Thorpe, Saidy Janko, Nani, Rafael, Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Jonny Evans, Javier Hernandez, Anders Lindegaard, Callum Evans, Angelo Henriquez, Reece James, Ryan McConnell
How's the defence shaping up?
Stone: "Despite widespread reservations among the wider media, Van Gaal made an early call on his defensive options.
"Had Navas arrived from Real Madrid as part of a deal that included De Gea, he would have been welcomed. Other than that, United were not interested.
"Eyebrows were raised when it was suggested 5ft 11in Daley Blind would feature in central defence. But he has. Chris Smalling's early-season performances have been excellent. Matteo Darmian has impressed, as has Luke Shaw.
"What problems do exists for Van Gaal on 2 September, they do not appear to be at the back."
What do the fans say?
Stone: "One thing guaranteed to irritate Van Gaal is to put a question to him on behalf of 'the fans' as he hates such generic terms. Nevertheless, there is unease - even amongst more reasoned observers - at a crazy couple of days."
Sean Bones, vice-chairman of Shareholders United: "It has been quite bizarre. I have never seen anything like it. We are all scratching our heads wondering what is going on.
"The business at the start of the window was very good but we have not kicked on.
"We have three problems. Goalkeeper, centre-half and centre-forward. That is the spine of the team. We are stronger than we were at this point last year but we wanted to compete for the title and I think we are a little bit short of that."
Dale O'Donnell, editor and founder of StrettyNews.com: "Considering the big-name arrivals this summer, a quick look at the current Manchester United squad will show an improvement in one, if not two departments.
"The main area for concern is the lack of depth up front with a lot expected of new signing Anthony Martial, 19, given the astronomical fee paid to Monaco.
"David De Gea will return to Manchester needing to repair his relationship with Louis van Gaal and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek. For the club's sake this is essential as none of the goalkeepers available for selection are in the same league."
What's next?
Aldershot. It was meant to be Madrid, but could Aldershot be the scene of David De Gea's return to action?
Stone: "Most United players - including De Gea - are now on one sort of international duty or other.
"When they come back, they immediately face a Premier League encounter with old rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on 12 September. After that it is a trip to PSV Eindhoven, top seeds in their Champions League group, followed by a visit to Southampton.
"Interestingly, on 13 September, United have an Under-21 game against Chelsea. Given he is unlikely to play for Spain in their forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers, what are the odds on De Gea's return to actio
De Gea stays & £36m Martial signs: Man Utd's hectic 48 hours
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34118635
A goalkeeper going but then staying and the signing of the world's most expensive teenager. It has been a hectic 48 hours at Manchester United.
A late hitch saw David De Gea's move to Real Madrid fall through while largely unknown teenager Anthony Martial has made a £36m move from Monaco.
BBC Sport's Simon Stone, along with Steve Harper, Phil Neville, Danny Murphy and Martin Keown, assess a whirlwind transfer window at Old Trafford.
Is De Gea still Louis van Gaal's number one?
Simon Stone: "Interesting one. "De Gea was not happy at Van Gaal saying he did not want to play, something the keeper's camp rejected. That potential relationship breaker has been compounded by events of the past couple of days.
"Yet, in trying to sign Keylor Navas, Van Gaal was effectively telling Sergio Romero he was the number two pick. That leaves De Gea as first choice, unless there is a remarkable change in attitude towards former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes."
Manchester United squad
Goalkeepers:
David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Victor Valdes, Sam Johnstone
Defenders:
Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling.
Midfielders:
Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young.
Strikers:
Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney, James Wilson.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper: "De Gea's head will be scrambled.
"I had talks with a couple of clubs in July, meeting with a Premier League manager and then a Championship manager after that, had a couple of deals which looked likely and then fell through. That was hard enough for me to deal with, never mind someone of David De Gea's stature in terms of money involved and the level he's playing at.
"I coped by going on holiday with the family - whether De Gea gets that dispensation or not I don't know! But it will be very tough for him."
Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville:
"From the Manchester United fans' point of view I am sure they are delighted it did not go through.
"That was the one position I thought looked a little shaky and De Gea has been the best player for Manchester United in the last two seasons. He will want to play because he has Euro 2016 coming up and he will want to be Spain's number one.
"It could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United."
Will he leave next summer instead?
Stone: "Yes.
"With his contract due to expire in 2016 and his heart set on a return to Spain, United had already given up any hope of trying to persuade the 24-year-old to remain at Old Trafford beyond next summer.
"Prior to the past month, it wasn't that much of an issue then. De Gea is a world-class performer and is still on the contract he signed when he joined from Atletico in 2011. Two massive TV deals have been agreed by the Premier League since then, so United are effectively getting him on the cheap."
Where does Martial fit in?
With nine goals, Martial is the top teenage scorer in Europe's top five leagues since the start of 2014-15.
Stone: "A flying forward similar to Thierry Henry, France coach Didier Deschamps says Martial starts in the middle and drifts out wide, mostly to the left but also on the right.
"Crucially, he also has electric pace, something Van Gaal felt was badly missing from his squad as he assessed their merits ahead of the new campaign. That would make him an ideal fit into one of the three spots Van Gaal likes to fill behind his main striker.
"However, even Cristiano Ronaldo was a frustrating performer for United at the age of 19, so consistency cannot be guaranteed."
Neville is assistant coach of Valencia and saw Martial first hand when the Spanish side beat them in the Champions League earlier this season.
De Gea, Navas 'two messed-up keepers'
He told Football Focus: "Of the two games against us, and video footage I witnessed of him, he is a top, top striker. He is quick, he is strong and likes to drift out to the left. Every time he got the ball I thought, no, get the ball away from him. He looks so dangerous and so direct.
"He is perfectly suited to the Premier League. I think it is a very good signing. It is a lot of money. Everybody in Spain can't believe the amount spent in England, they can't stop laughing at the fees we pay."
What happens if Rooney gets injured?
Stone: "Few took Van Gaal too literally when he described Marouane Fellaini as a potential number nine ahead of the Champions League qualifier in Brugge last month. Now it may be worth revisiting those words as they might be the reality.
"Even if he stays fit, it is unrealistic to expect the captain Wayne Rooney to play in every game across four competitions.
"Brazilian Andreas Pereira is an outstanding talent and scored in the Under-20 World Cup final this summer, but he is no battering ram. James Wilson is bigger, yet there has been talk of the England Under-21 international going out on loan, albeit with an instant escape clause.
"Memphis Depay could be an option, but playing as an out and out striker is not something he has previously had to do."
Manchester United
Could this be how Manchester United line up if Wayne Rooney is injured?
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy: "Fellaini as a striker. He can play that role well, he did it for Everton. That is one option. Martial might be able to play through the middle, stretch people with his pace a bit like Theo Walcott.
"I was surprised Javier Hernandez was sold, he is a proper number nine for me and it was an option. Wilson is another possibility and Manchester United might think he is ready to play more games.
"If you keep signing players you don't give the young players chance to develop. You need to give confidence to the young players and maybe the Wilson situation is the one that we will be surprised by and he might be involved more.
"However, with Van Gaal it is very hard to predict."
Former Arsenal defender Keown: "There is a lot of money coming into the game and you have to use it in the right way and you have to question Manchester United now - without another striker and Rooney not scoring goals.
"There is a lot of pressure on Manchester United. The days of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill have gone - the way Manchester United conducted themselves and did all their business really early. They always had power players, four strikers and now they only really have one striker. It is really surprising."
How has Louis Van Gaal's reputation been affected?
Sir Alex Ferguson was never afraid to let popular players like David Beckham (left), Mark Hughes (centre) and Jaap Stam (right) leave Manchester United
Stone: "Van Gaal has made being blunt an art form. His inability to grasp the nuances of the English language mean he often speaks in more brutal terms than is always wise.
"The strategy doesn't matter when he deals with the media but within a dressing room it can be destabilising. Did his treatment of Victor Valdes have an impact on former Barcelona team-mate Pedro's decision to join Chelsea for instance?"
Murphy: "The goalkeeper situation won't reflect badly on him. Deals like this do drag out for lots of reasons.
"What will reflect badly on him is if Rooney does get injured, Wilson goes on loan and Fellaini plays as a striker and they don't get results. That will reflect badly on him.
"I still think United will have a decent season, but I don't think they will win the title. A manager is ultimately judged on how they do over the season. Sir Alex Ferguson sold fans' favourites but when you are winning it gets forgotten."
Why didn't they sign anyone else?
Gareth Bale
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer
Stone: "Had United been able to lure a marquee signing, they surely would have done, but Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Thomas Muller were unobtainable.
"Louis van Gaal spent three weeks pondering whether to trigger Pedro's £24m buy-out clause at Barcelona. Ultimately though, he decided not to bother. The main reason? Doubts about Pedro's pace, the area Van Gaal felt his attack was most deficient in.
"Ultimately, United signed six players, it would have been seven if Keylor Navas had come in, which is quite a lot."
Keown: "It looks from afar that their transfer strategy is not very scientific. It is almost like there is a poker game being played. They are gambling on players they paid a fortune for. Angel Di Maria came in last summer and it didn't work, they lost something like £20m on that deal.
"If you look across at their noisy neighbours, Manchester City, they seem to have done all their business calmly and quietly. OK they have spent a fortune, and they can afford to do so, but they look in really good shape for the start of the season."
What does it say about Ed Woodward?
The United of old seemed to get the players they wanted, says Danny Murphy
Stone: "Compared to predecessor David Gill, Woodward is still relatively new in the job. This was the 43-year-old's third summer transfer window and he has previously said he would be crazy to say he enjoyed them.
"Yet prior to the last couple of weeks, he did well.
"But the bullish stance on De Gea - United made it known they only wanted Keylor Navas in exchange or a world record fee - was undermined by Van Gaal's treatment of the player.
"And, whether real or perceived, there was an element of desperation about United's activity in the final week, when they were linked with both Neymar and Charlie Austin."
Murphy: "He has taken a lot of the blame, but it is very difficult to judge from the outside. Deals can fall through for various reasons. Is it his fault that Pedro did not go to United? Was it a call from Jose Mourinho? We don't know the answer.
"If you compare United now with the United of old they seemed to get the players they wanted, but that could be based on other clubs now having caught up with facilities and stadiums and money.
"It is hard to say it his fault because transfers are so complicated now. There are agents involved, chief executives, managers - so many different people and factors."
Keown: "Van Gaal came in with ultimate experience. He is the experienced man of that pair. Did he want to keep De Gea? Who else will play now? It is a real mess they have created."
Man Utd's summer business (permanent moves)
IN: Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Sergio Romero, Anthony Martial, Regan Poole
OUT: Tom Cleverley, Ben Amos, Tom Thorpe, Saidy Janko, Nani, Rafael, Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Jonny Evans, Javier Hernandez, Anders Lindegaard, Callum Evans, Angelo Henriquez, Reece James, Ryan McConnell
How's the defence shaping up?
Stone: "Despite widespread reservations among the wider media, Van Gaal made an early call on his defensive options.
"Had Navas arrived from Real Madrid as part of a deal that included De Gea, he would have been welcomed. Other than that, United were not interested.
"Eyebrows were raised when it was suggested 5ft 11in Daley Blind would feature in central defence. But he has. Chris Smalling's early-season performances have been excellent. Matteo Darmian has impressed, as has Luke Shaw.
"What problems do exists for Van Gaal on 2 September, they do not appear to be at the back."
What do the fans say?
Stone: "One thing guaranteed to irritate Van Gaal is to put a question to him on behalf of 'the fans' as he hates such generic terms. Nevertheless, there is unease - even amongst more reasoned observers - at a crazy couple of days."
Sean Bones, vice-chairman of Shareholders United: "It has been quite bizarre. I have never seen anything like it. We are all scratching our heads wondering what is going on.
"The business at the start of the window was very good but we have not kicked on.
"We have three problems. Goalkeeper, centre-half and centre-forward. That is the spine of the team. We are stronger than we were at this point last year but we wanted to compete for the title and I think we are a little bit short of that."
Dale O'Donnell, editor and founder of StrettyNews.com: "Considering the big-name arrivals this summer, a quick look at the current Manchester United squad will show an improvement in one, if not two departments.
"The main area for concern is the lack of depth up front with a lot expected of new signing Anthony Martial, 19, given the astronomical fee paid to Monaco.
"David De Gea will return to Manchester needing to repair his relationship with Louis van Gaal and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek. For the club's sake this is essential as none of the goalkeepers available for selection are in the same league."
What's next?
Aldershot. It was meant to be Madrid, but could Aldershot be the scene of David De Gea's return to action?
Stone: "Most United players - including De Gea - are now on one sort of international duty or other.
"When they come back, they immediately face a Premier League encounter with old rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on 12 September. After that it is a trip to PSV Eindhoven, top seeds in their Champions League group, followed by a visit to Southampton.
"Interestingly, on 13 September, United have an Under-21 game against Chelsea. Given he is unlikely to play for Spain in their forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers, what are the odds on De Gea's return to actio
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Funny how these commentators got it all twisted. It was a player for a keeper exchange with possibly a cash component somewhere depending on the respective valuation by the clubs. That player was Ramos and Navas was never in the frame.
It started off with a token offer by REAL for DG at 10-12 million pounds. United's valuation of the player was 'unjustifiably' higher with one year to expiry.. LVG and Woodward knew they had made a massive mistake by not offering DG a contract extension earlier. On hindsight, you cant blame them as LVG was given the task only last season and he had to evaluate all the players including DG.
They were poles apart where the fee is concerned and something has to give. It was then that the Ramos camp played their joker. That forced Perez to acquiesced and avoid the brunt of the Madridistas so soon after Perez chose to discard another of their favorite sons Casillas. It dawned upon United then that they needed a keeper backup and dig in their heels and that was how Romero became a United player. By then Valdez was on his way out, Lindegaard was told he could leave for free and Johnstone was itching for a move away from OT.
Ajax was unhappy when LVG turned to his preferred choice -Cillisen and the keeper would have been United's first choice. Mind you LVG sounded the Ajax camp again approaching the end of the transfer window and by that time Ajax had failed to qualify for the CL proper.
My guess was REAL would have thrown in Isco to sweeten the deal as United already lost DM to PSG. Perez chose Navas and float that idea to the media hoping for a positive response from the United camp. The rest they say is history. That poor bloke Navas probably did not see it coming.
It started off with a token offer by REAL for DG at 10-12 million pounds. United's valuation of the player was 'unjustifiably' higher with one year to expiry.. LVG and Woodward knew they had made a massive mistake by not offering DG a contract extension earlier. On hindsight, you cant blame them as LVG was given the task only last season and he had to evaluate all the players including DG.
They were poles apart where the fee is concerned and something has to give. It was then that the Ramos camp played their joker. That forced Perez to acquiesced and avoid the brunt of the Madridistas so soon after Perez chose to discard another of their favorite sons Casillas. It dawned upon United then that they needed a keeper backup and dig in their heels and that was how Romero became a United player. By then Valdez was on his way out, Lindegaard was told he could leave for free and Johnstone was itching for a move away from OT.
Ajax was unhappy when LVG turned to his preferred choice -Cillisen and the keeper would have been United's first choice. Mind you LVG sounded the Ajax camp again approaching the end of the transfer window and by that time Ajax had failed to qualify for the CL proper.
My guess was REAL would have thrown in Isco to sweeten the deal as United already lost DM to PSG. Perez chose Navas and float that idea to the media hoping for a positive response from the United camp. The rest they say is history. That poor bloke Navas probably did not see it coming.
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From the financial standpoint, Man U did very well and it will be reflected in the next financial year results and it will be a record of sorts. They've cleaned up the senior squad and the various age groups except for the under 15. Going forward, the emphasis will be on quality recruitments which bodes well for the club.
It's easy to comment that we've panicked buy some 'unknown' kid from Monaco, etc,etc.The way I see it, it was a master stroke only a club like Man U could pull off. The focal point has shifted to this kid and the club. Just about everyone - Man U supporters, haters and 'fence sitters' are curious to know how Martial performs. Brilliant!!!
It's easy to comment that we've panicked buy some 'unknown' kid from Monaco, etc,etc.The way I see it, it was a master stroke only a club like Man U could pull off. The focal point has shifted to this kid and the club. Just about everyone - Man U supporters, haters and 'fence sitters' are curious to know how Martial performs. Brilliant!!!
Snidey comments are par for the course. Can't wait for Pool tango next sat, with all post frenzy of our 9-11 :pFrom the financial standpoint, Man U did very well and it will be reflected in the next financial year results and it will be a record of sorts. They've cleaned up the senior squad... emphasis will be on quality recruitments which bodes well for the club.
It's easy to comment that we've panicked buy some 'unknown' kid from Monaco, etc,etc.... master stroke only a club like Man U could pull off. The focal point has shifted to this kid and the club. Just about everyone - Man U supporters, haters and 'fence sitters' are curious to know how Martial performs. Brilliant!!!
Imho, let's move on now with DG to work for his wages ...to Jan window
Manchester United tipped to offer David De Gea new contract after Real Madrid transfer collapses
2 SEPTEMBER 2015 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-tipped-offer-david-6370144
BY JOHN CROSS , DAVID MCDONNELL
Sources close to the star expect extension to deal that runs out next summer to be tabled soon PLUS: Mata and Herrera back "very professional" keeper
John PetersDeal or no deal: Will United offer De Gea a new contract as free agency looms?
Manchester United will make one last attempt to persuade David De Gea to stay at Old Trafford.
Spain keeper De Gea has been left in limbo after his dream move to Real Madrid broke down on deadline day amid war between the two clubs.
But sources close to the 24-year-old believe he will be offered a new deal in October - and that the Old Trafford giants will offer him more than Real were.
United don’t expect him to sign a new deal but feel they have nothing to lose now that he is with them until at least January, when he can sign a pre-contract with Real if he chooses as he is in the final year of his current deal.
De Gea was offered around £200,000-a-week last season but he did not sign and is on course to be a free agent next summer.
That means the Bernabeu side will offer him a huge signing-on fee of around £10m next summer, though they are unlikely to be able to match United’s contract offer.
Team-mates of De Gea, who is in Madrid with the Spain squad preparing for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers, said he has the strength of character to move on from the episode.
Juan Mata is also in the Spanish camp and claimed his colleague will not sulk over what happened but will give his all for United for the rest of this season.
"He seems the same as ever to me," said Mata. "He's calm, relaxed. He has a naturally calm personality. These have been difficult days, but he is okay.
"It's good for him to be here with the national team, too. I think his personality will help. He is always calm.
"Even in moments of maximum pressure or stress, he still plays well. His personality will help him on and off the pitch.
"David is professional and he always will be. His desire and professionalism will remain intact. Any team in the world would be better off with him in it. The fans always support the team, all of us, and they will support him.
"He is a friend and he is very professional. I wish him the best and I am sure he will be fine. He will manage the situation."
Another of De Gea's United team-mates, fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera, was at Old Trafford for a commercial launch and gave his backing to the 24-year-old.
"This is not my issue, but of course David is my friend and I want the best for him," said Herrera.
"He's had a very, very good four years for United and he will do it again. He's a very good professional — you can see that every day. He never missed one training session, he never missed one game.
"So I think he is going to do it again. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in the world and I think for many people the same. We are happy, as a team, to have him with us, and as a friend I am happy also."
De Gea has been left out of every match-day squad this season by United boss Louis van Gaal while his future was in doubt, and it remains to be seen if he will be reinstated as No 1 for the next game — against arch-rivals Liverpool on September 12 - ahead of summer signing Sergio Romero, who has filled in for him so far.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, meanwhile, admitted it will be difficult for him to pick De Gea in his squad for Euro 2016 next summer if the player remains on the sidelines at club level.
Del Bosque said: "He needs to be professional and move on from this episode.
"I hope that he starts playing again and is happy. If he plays well, we can bring him along; otherwise, if he doesn't play, it will be very difficult for him to come to the Euros."
* Herrera was speaking at the launch of Manchester United's digital transformation partner, HCL Technologies.
Manchester United tipped to offer David De Gea new contract after Real Madrid transfer collapses
2 SEPTEMBER 2015 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-tipped-offer-david-6370144
BY JOHN CROSS , DAVID MCDONNELL
Sources close to the star expect extension to deal that runs out next summer to be tabled soon PLUS: Mata and Herrera back "very professional" keeper
John PetersDeal or no deal: Will United offer De Gea a new contract as free agency looms?
Manchester United will make one last attempt to persuade David De Gea to stay at Old Trafford.
Spain keeper De Gea has been left in limbo after his dream move to Real Madrid broke down on deadline day amid war between the two clubs.
But sources close to the 24-year-old believe he will be offered a new deal in October - and that the Old Trafford giants will offer him more than Real were.
United don’t expect him to sign a new deal but feel they have nothing to lose now that he is with them until at least January, when he can sign a pre-contract with Real if he chooses as he is in the final year of his current deal.
De Gea was offered around £200,000-a-week last season but he did not sign and is on course to be a free agent next summer.
That means the Bernabeu side will offer him a huge signing-on fee of around £10m next summer, though they are unlikely to be able to match United’s contract offer.
Team-mates of De Gea, who is in Madrid with the Spain squad preparing for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers, said he has the strength of character to move on from the episode.
Juan Mata is also in the Spanish camp and claimed his colleague will not sulk over what happened but will give his all for United for the rest of this season.
"He seems the same as ever to me," said Mata. "He's calm, relaxed. He has a naturally calm personality. These have been difficult days, but he is okay.
"It's good for him to be here with the national team, too. I think his personality will help. He is always calm.
"Even in moments of maximum pressure or stress, he still plays well. His personality will help him on and off the pitch.
"David is professional and he always will be. His desire and professionalism will remain intact. Any team in the world would be better off with him in it. The fans always support the team, all of us, and they will support him.
"He is a friend and he is very professional. I wish him the best and I am sure he will be fine. He will manage the situation."
Another of De Gea's United team-mates, fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera, was at Old Trafford for a commercial launch and gave his backing to the 24-year-old.
"This is not my issue, but of course David is my friend and I want the best for him," said Herrera.
"He's had a very, very good four years for United and he will do it again. He's a very good professional — you can see that every day. He never missed one training session, he never missed one game.
"So I think he is going to do it again. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in the world and I think for many people the same. We are happy, as a team, to have him with us, and as a friend I am happy also."
De Gea has been left out of every match-day squad this season by United boss Louis van Gaal while his future was in doubt, and it remains to be seen if he will be reinstated as No 1 for the next game — against arch-rivals Liverpool on September 12 - ahead of summer signing Sergio Romero, who has filled in for him so far.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, meanwhile, admitted it will be difficult for him to pick De Gea in his squad for Euro 2016 next summer if the player remains on the sidelines at club level.
Del Bosque said: "He needs to be professional and move on from this episode.
"I hope that he starts playing again and is happy. If he plays well, we can bring him along; otherwise, if he doesn't play, it will be very difficult for him to come to the Euros."
* Herrera was speaking at the launch of Manchester United's digital transformation partner, HCL Technologies.
Sept and Oct fixtures. Next sat's Pool and Oct's with Gunners and derby do are good o look forward to
Manchester United Fixtures
September 2015
Premier League
Man Utd v Liverpool Sat 12 Sep 17:30
Champions League - Group B
PSV v Man Utd Tue 15 Sep 19:45
Premier League
Southampton v Man Utd Sun 20 Sep 16:00
League Cup - Third Round
Man Utd v Ipswich Wed 23 Sep 20:00
Premier League
Man Utd v Sunderland Sat 26 Sep 15:00
Champions League - Group B
Man Utd v VfL Wolfsburg Wed 30 Sep 19:45
October 2015
Fixture Date Kick-off Status
Premier League
Arsenal v Man Utd Sun 4 Oct 16:00
Premier League
Everton v Man Utd Sat 17 Oct 15:00
Champions League - Group B
CSKA v Man Utd Wed 21 Oct 19:45
Premier League
Man Utd v Man City Sun 25 Oct 14:05
Premier League
Cry Palace v Man Utd Sat 31 Oct 15:00
Manchester United Fixtures
September 2015
Premier League
Man Utd v Liverpool Sat 12 Sep 17:30
Champions League - Group B
PSV v Man Utd Tue 15 Sep 19:45
Premier League
Southampton v Man Utd Sun 20 Sep 16:00
League Cup - Third Round
Man Utd v Ipswich Wed 23 Sep 20:00
Premier League
Man Utd v Sunderland Sat 26 Sep 15:00
Champions League - Group B
Man Utd v VfL Wolfsburg Wed 30 Sep 19:45
October 2015
Fixture Date Kick-off Status
Premier League
Arsenal v Man Utd Sun 4 Oct 16:00
Premier League
Everton v Man Utd Sat 17 Oct 15:00
Champions League - Group B
CSKA v Man Utd Wed 21 Oct 19:45
Premier League
Man Utd v Man City Sun 25 Oct 14:05
Premier League
Cry Palace v Man Utd Sat 31 Oct 15:00
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