The top 4

[SC49]

I'd be disappointed if we conceded.

Prepare to be disappointed.

 

[G-Dragon]

Game against United this weekend will be tougher than Arsenal.

 

[JimJams]

Arsenal or Man Utd, JJ.

Goddamnmyeyes!

 

[Jamie_SFC]

At the time they were, and given the goals dried up for Pelle, Lambert could be seen as a key man that they could still use now. Lovren looks shit at Liverpool but looked far from it at Southampton. He's just been replaced by a better defender in Alderweireld which I still can't get my head round them managing to snag him, even on loan.

He's said in the media last week that he would like to stay as well...

I don't think he will though, Athletico have an option to pay us a fee to cancel the agreed fee. I can't see them sticking with the £6m agreed fee.

 

[SALTIRE]

You're not beating us at the Emirates. I'd be disappointed with anything less than 3 points.

Yeah I can't see Liverpool winning there either, so I'll go for a draw.

 

[Nilsson]

 

[Stevencc]

Jesus that's poor from City.

 

[Pagnell]

The opposite of last season for us, I believe we topped that table if I recall rightly. That really is shit from us and part of the reason we're sitting outside the CL spots and likely to remain there.

 

[allouso]

The opposite of last season for us, I believe we topped that table if I recall rightly. That really is shit from us and part of the reason we're sitting outside the CL spots and likely to remain there.

Away form was equally as bad though. Something Rodgers is failing to fix.

From the start of last season we got 3 points from Chelsea away x2, City away x2, Arsenal away, United away x2. And it came against Moyes so...

 

[SALTIRE]

Still all to play for.

 

[mistermagic]

Thing this is a foregone conclusion now. Liverpool have tough trips to Arsenal and Chelsea and United have an easy enough run-in on paper. I think the big question will be who will finish 2nd, 3rd and 4th between City, Arsenal and United. Would be incredible if United finished in front of City given the circumstances both clubs have been under this season.

 

[Pagnell]

Would be incredible if United finished in front of City given the circumstances both clubs have been under this season.

What, one being in Europe and the other not? It matters according to United fans last season.

 

[allouso]

Thing this is a foregone conclusion now. Liverpool have tough trips to Arsenal and Chelsea and United have an easy enough run-in on paper. I think the big question will be who will finish 2nd, 3rd and 4th between City, Arsenal and United. Would be incredible if United finished in front of City given the circumstances both clubs have been under this season.

United's run is is hardly easy though.

City at home, Chelsea away, Everton away. They also play Palace away and Arsenal at home.

 

[mistermagic]

United's run is is hardly easy though.

City at home, Chelsea away, Everton away. They also play Palace away and Arsenal at home.

Apart from Chelsea I can a draw/win in each of those games.

 

[Stocky]

Liverpool are a good young side to be fair, I rate Rodgers very highly as a manager and coach. The one area he's come up short in is in the transfer market but how much is down to him when buying the players? Isn't there some kind of transfer committee there?

United will get better and better, anyone who denies that is deluding themselves. Van Gaal knows what he's doing there, he's implemented a possession game that goes completely against what they've done in the past. At times it's been tedious, boring and slow but that is the process to implementing it. They've got money to burn in the summer and Van Gaal now knows what he wants and needs. I'd be surprised if they're not in the title race next year.

However, I think not getting top four would effect United more than Liverpool and I fancy United to edge it.

 

[SALTIRE]

However, I think not getting top four would effect United more than Liverpool

True that, its not enormously bad if Liverpool don't get back into the CL this year, but it would be for throw-money-at-it-and-see-if-it-works Utd.

 

[Stevencc]

True that, its not enormously bad if Liverpool don't get back into the CL this year, but it would be for throw-money-at-it-and-see-if-it-works Utd.

You're no Livercool mate, don't try to impersonate a master of his craft.

 

[SALTIRE]

You're no Livercool mate, don't try to impersonate a master of his craft.

Don't pretend to be mate, I just see the truth behind all the bluster thats spouted, thats all

 

[SC49]

True that, its not enormously bad if Liverpool don't get back into the CL this year, but it would be for throw-money-at-it-and-see-if-it-works Utd.

I feel bad for you.

 

[SALTIRE]

I feel bad for you.

Er... thanks...

 

[Stevencc]

Don't pretend to be mate, I just see the truth behind all the bluster thats spouted, thats all

I think that's a direct quote of Jim Jones, I'm worried now!

 

[SALTIRE]

I think that's a direct quote of Jim Jones, I'm worried now!

I'm not thinking of going to South America to top myself mate, not yet anyway!

 

[Stevencc]

I'm not thinking of going to South America to top myself mate, not yet anyway!

Glad to hear it! It's very much a last resort.

 

[Stocky]

True that, its not enormously bad if Liverpool don't get back into the CL this year, but it would be for throw-money-at-it-and-see-if-it-works Utd.

That won't be the case this summer for United. Last summer after that disastrous season under Moyes they obviously wanted to throw their weight around and try and secure quality, proven players. a) to prove to everybody they intend to be back and have the significant clout and b) to get back in the top four. Van Gaal hadn't had time to asses the squad after the pure mess Moyes made and things were extremely rushed.

This summer, Van Gaal knows his squad, he knows the style of football he's building up, he knows what he lacks and will know what he needs. There will be plenty of money spent but it won't be chucking and hoping it sticks signings. Word from a guy who knows his onions round here on United matters reckons 3 deals already done rumoured to be Clyne, Ings and Memphis Depay with deals for Hummels and a Roma midfielder that isn't Kevin Strootman not far away.

 

[SALTIRE]

Word from a guy who knows his onions round here on United matters reckons 3 deals already done rumoured to be Clyne, Ings and Memphis Depay with deals for Hummels and a Roma midfielder that isn't Kevin Strootman not far away.

Those three are guaranteed to push Utd on for the title eh Spear?

 

[Stevencc]

Clyne and Depay would be fantastic signings. Ings I can't say much about because I haven't seen him play much.

 

[Stocky]

Those three are guaranteed to push Utd on for the title eh Spear?

Young, upcoming players mixed with an established CB and a CM would be a brilliant summer for United. Also if Bale is on his way back to these shores, there's only one place he's going. Falcao will leave and I reckon Di Maria would make way should Bale come in. PSG still have a hard on for him and would have got him ahead of United last summer were it not for FFP.

 

[mistermagic]

That won't be the case this summer for United. Last summer after that disastrous season under Moyes they obviously wanted to throw their weight around and try and secure quality, proven players. a) to prove to everybody they intend to be back and have the significant clout and b) to get back in the top four. Van Gaal hadn't had time to asses the squad after the pure mess Moyes made and things were extremely rushed.

This summer, Van Gaal knows his squad, he knows the style of football he's building up, he knows what he lacks and will know what he needs. There will be plenty of money spent but it won't be chucking and hoping it sticks signings. Word from a guy who knows his onions round here on United matters reckons 3 deals already done rumoured to be Clyne, Ings and Memphis Depay with deals for Hummels and a Roma midfielder that isn't Kevin Strootman not far away.

Clyne is needed as van Gaal refuses to play Rafael but other two are a bit meh. Wouldn't bet on either of them being a success at United.

 

[Nath]

Not sure on Ings. He's done well, but we already have a bright talent in James Wilson, unless he's off on loan next season. Van Gaal doesn't play Rafael, so Clyne would be a great buy if rumours are true Rafael will be leaving in the summer. I rate Depay. Has always impressed when I've seen him play. 17 goals in 24 starts this season is fantastic.

 

[Stocky]

Clyne is needed as van Gaal refuses to play Rafael but other two are a bit meh. Wouldn't bet on either of them being a success at United.

Depay is a major talent and Van Gaal adores him after working with him in the WC apparently. They reckon he's the most talented Dutch player for decades. Still only 20 years of age, he's not going to be the finished article yet.

Ings I imagine would simply be a cheap back up option to Rooney and Van Persie. Wilson as Nathan says is a big talent but there have been concerns over his fitness and the thought is he needs to build that up by playing consistent, competitive football week in week out. He doesn't get that in the U21's and the odd appearance for the first team. Ings would be a decent back up striker from what I've seen, he looks a bit of jack of all trades striker without being a master of any. Good pace and movement, decent in the air, two feet, works hard and is a competent finisher.