It’s the end of the season, but transfer speculation is rife, especially on the Manchester United subreddit. It doesn’t matter how ludicrous the rumour is, people will still talk about it. But it is not all about transfers in, there are a few players who could be on the way out. How are the fans on Reddit reacting to that?
I don’t know how I feel about Alves. On one hand, he is the best RB available right now. On the other hand, there is the problem of his latest hair cut. (from kmp214246)
Dani Alves has been one of the best right-backs for a number of years now, despite having a poor World Cup. But in his defence, arguably every Brazilian player had a bad World Cup barring Neymar of course.
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Alves has been in a state of speculation for the entire season, with contract troubles seemingly indicating he will leave Barcelona in the summer. Manchester United have been linked to Alves for some time and he indeed would be a fantastic addition to the squad. He’s fast, strong and has a lot of tricks in his locker as well as much needed European experience, so signing him would be a good move all around.
In terms of current full-backs, Rafael hasn’t got the quality, and although he is a likeable guy he isn’t first team material. He has struggled with injuries and spent most of the season, when not injured, playing in the reserves. Antonio Valencia has been converted into a full-back but is still most comfortable as a winger. Luke Shaw is still maturing and has struggled with injures in his first campaign at United. Therefore Alves makes a lot of sense right now.
In terms of the haircut, it is best described as the ‘poo emoji’ without the smile.
“Personally would love to see us get Sneijder, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger just so we can call our midfield Schweinsneijderlin” (from threedowg)
What a name that would be for the commentators! While a quality midfield, it would be incredibly expensive and could see certain players frozen out – such as everyone’s favourite double act Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.
Putting this behind, it of course is a world class midfield lineup and is actually very balanced, something that not many teams can ever really achieve. Sneijder and Schweinsteiger are experienced internationals, and Schneiderlin is still only 25 so can combine talent and youth together. Not to mention Schweinsteiger is a World Cup winner.
Schneiderlin is a big target in this transfer window, with Arsenal current favourites to beat Tottenham and Manchester United to the punch. Sneijder and Schweinsteiger don’t seem as likely to be moving but if there was a chance to sign them, I’m sure most clubs are looking into it.
Getting all three on one team, realistically is only possible on Football Manager, FIFA or fantasy football. Getting just one is more realistic, but not a bad thing by any means. The question is, if you could only take one, who would it be?
“Robin van Persie should be offered a new deal on a lower pay bracket. His injuries and inconsistency this season do not justify his wages. Take a cut and stay. Still one of the best when fit.” (from RedDevilNumber1)
A nice idea, the thing is that Robin van Persie won’t be too inclined to take a pay-cut to be second choice behind Memphis Depay – and depending on who else is signed, possibly even further back than that. If he impresses in preseason and keeps on top of his fitness then who knows, maybe his fortunes will have changed and the old Robin will be back.
He still has plenty of options, and there was speculation he could head to Italy and sign for Juventus.
But, his injury troubles are well-documented and could prevent him from ever getting a big contract anywhere else, in Europe at least. He is still a fan favourite and is unfair to portray him as driven by money alone, especially because he cannot be judged on one season alone. He did help lift the club to the record 20th league title and his contribution cannot be forgotten.
He came to United to win silverware and with the club back in the Champions League and challenging in the Premier League, there isn’t much reason to leave. He does have a good relationship with manager Louis van Gaal so it would be unlikely to see him forced out – at least not for another season.
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