[Clegg]

I guess we could play with this game with everyone in last years team besides Rooney and Fabio. Carrick wasn't completely awful either I suppose.

I think Giggs was the worst player for us in the final. He played in CM and couldn't pick out a pass or beat a defender.

He was also shattered after 60 mins.

[Ushojax]

Spurs move for Asamoah

WTF? It seems like Levy is plowing full steam ahead with the summer transfers even though we missed the CL.

I think Giggs was the worst player for us in the final. He played in CM and couldn't pick out a pass or beat a defender. He was also shattered after 60 mins.

I thought Valencia was the worst. Giggs might have been invisible but all Valencia did was commit foul after foul. He should have been sent off before half-time.

[dc89]

Spurs move for Asamoah WTF? It seems like Levy is plowing full steam ahead with the summer transfers even though we missed the CL.

And why not?! Any other season you'd be in there now. It was just real bad luck.

[Clegg]

I feel sorry for Spurs up to a point but I don't think they were unlucky in missing CL qualification.

They had automatic qualification in their hands in February and blew it.

Similar to United pissing the league away.

[The_Hitcher89]

With Gomez though, its like every quality he has just completely deserted him. Its not like he was out of the game, especially in the first half. He was either hoofing good chances over the bar, letting his first touch get away from him, or taking unnecessary touches allowing the defenders to block his path to goal. On any normal day, he scores at least 2 goals from the positions he got himself into.

And then when you factor in the complete lack of effect he had in Bayern's buildup, and the way that he didn't do a single thing in the second half aside from falling over and booting the ball over from about 12 yards when he had an entire side of the goal to aim at, I think it goes down as a game-losing non-performance.

Is he the perfect example of a striker who does nothing but score? While that's an admirable thing to be, it also leaves the manager in a but of a fix in situations such as Saturday's. Us Liverpool fans saw it a few times with Torres, where you have to keep him on for the entire match, as he's always likely to score the one chance that comes his way, even if he's been shit up to that point. But sometimes a manager has to accept that the striker is simply not on his game, and is harming the team with his lack of presence in the individual performance.

For instance, against Birmingham in 09/10 (I think) Benitez took Torres off for David N'Gog. We still drew the game 0-0, but N'Gog outperformed Torres easily, yet he still missed 3 chances, one gilt-edged in the last minute. Would Torres have scored the chance? Perhaps. Would he have been in that position to potentially score, considering the hour he spent looking like a pub-defender forced to play up front? Probably not.

So the question is, looking back, should Heynckes have taken Gomez off at some point?

[Wilbury]

But he was epic this season :p

He was epic in every game but the final last year, that's what made it so disappointing. You're right though, been fantastic this year.

[HixxSAFC]

Spurs move for Asamoah WTF? It seems like Levy is plowing full steam ahead with the summer transfers even though we missed the CL.

Graeme Bailey is a glorified news aggregator. He doesn't actually know owt.

[dc89]

Sources are telling us that Manchester United have just been informed that Eden Hazards first choice would be a move to #mufc more to follow

BBC

[Salazar]

BBC

MY ZIPPER REMAINS ZIPPED.

Hazard is the muppet hero, but Shinji is the one that I want, the one that I want woo woo woo.

[Carbonox_Ratchet]

How would Hazard fit in to the United midfield? Throw him on the wing where he's strong, at the expense of someone else?

Valencia, Nani and Hazard....hmmm....

[Clegg]

BBC are probably using sky as their source.

And Sky appear to be using twitter as their source.

So its bollocks.

[pappe]

How would Hazard fit in to the United midfield? Throw him on the wing where he's strong, at the expense of someone else? Valencia, Nani and Hazard....hmmm....

Isnt he best in the hole behind the striker where Rooney prefers to play?

[dc89]

We would like to state that Manchester United have yet to confirm any of these rumours from our sources.

@BBCSPORTgossip

[Carbonox_Ratchet]

Isnt he best in the hole behind the striker where Rooney prefers to play?

Is that where he plays now? Shows how up to date I am with him. That could be quite a pairing...

[Vivalaraza]

BBC are probably using sky as their source. And Sky appear to be using twitter as their source. So its bollocks.

Pretty much this.

[Tim the Wiz]

BBC are probably using sky as their source. And Sky appear to be using twitter as their source. So its bollocks.

Bingo. I think games 'journalism' might actually be more rigorous.

[WoodenLung]

Just re watched some of the CL finale. Didn't notice how Mikel was holding the ball and nearly teasing Robben before his penalty kick, brilliant stuff to try and get him out of his focus.

[WJD]

The BBC have been sliding more and more into Twitter bollocks muppet mode for a few years now.

It's a shame really because I always used to get excited when they put rumours about us up because I could usually trust them. Alas...

Just re watched some of the CL finale. Didn't notice how Mikel was holding the ball and nearly teasing Robben before his penalty kick, brilliant stuff to try and get him out of his focus.

He was boss all game. Really really impressed with him.

[Spanish Wrath]

LOL Terry singing "Campeones, Campeooooooones, Oé, Oé, Oeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeé"

Fucking Mata, he's the man.

[Arnie]

Except there's no proof that BBC's sources are Sky. You've all just coalesced around Clegg's ballpoint assumption. For all we know BBC have an actual source. You're all just being negative Nancy's because the idea of actually getting Hazard would consume you with excitement, and rightly so, the guy's fucking class.

Even if he does come across as an absolute tool. Perfect fit.

[Salazar]

Is that where he plays now? Shows how up to date I am with him. That could be quite a pairing...

What with how Rooney looks so fucking angry a lot of the time, I'm not sure that discussion of his preferences or the passage of happiness through his brain is all that tenable, or even coherent.

Edit: OOoooOoooOOooohh Arnie.

[scently]

Just re watched some of the CL finale. Didn't notice how Mikel was holding the ball and nearly teasing Robben before his penalty kick, brilliant stuff to try and get him out of his focus.

Yeah, Mikel was really awesome on that night. Rarely made a mistake at all. Maybe he is finally living up to his potential.

[Awesome Animals]

If only... :(

Are those real? Look sexy.

How would Hazard fit in to the United midfield? Throw him on the wing where he's strong, at the expense of someone else? Valencia, Nani and Hazard....hmmm....

Honestly, you could probably move Young into a midfield role if you needed too. Plus, still have him as a squad guy. His final season with us saw him more as a Central Midfielder than Winger.

[BrentonRodgers]

:lol shots fired.

[WJD]

He would be the perfect number 7 however...

[Vivalaraza]

Except there's no proof that BBC's sources are Sky. You've all just coalesced around Clegg's ballpoint assumption. For all we know BBC have an actual source. You're all just being negative Nancy's because the idea of actually getting Hazard would consume you with excitement, and rightly so, the guy's fucking class. Even if he does come across as an absolute tool. Perfect fit.

I don't even think that @BBCSportGossip is an official BBC account.

I think the only thing of any real importance is that Hazard has said he wants it all done by June 2nd, when he goes away on holiday. Even so it might not be done by then but it's what he prefers so hopefully he has made his choice by then.

[Gambit]

So the question is, looking back, should Heynckes have taken Gomez off at some point?

No, he shouldn't have. Not because what you said is wrong (on the contrary), but simply because the Bayern bench is complete rubbish.

If they had someone decent to bring on, yes, he should have replaced him.

As it is, nobody was able to, even though Gomez had an off-game.

Petersen might have been the best option, but Heynckes never gave him a chance all year, instead prefering Olic, who was certain to leave at the end of the season.

Still think Müller's substitution cost us the game.

[Clegg]

Except there's no proof that BBC's sources are Sky. You've all just coalesced around Clegg's ballpoint assumption. For all we know BBC have an actual source. You're all just being negative Nancy's because the idea of actually getting Hazard would consume you with excitement, and rightly so, the guy's fucking class. Even if he does come across as an absolute tool. Perfect fit.

Last night Hazard gave an interview and said that he didn't know who he was going to sign for.

He may well have been lying but I'll take his word over that of some anonymous source.

[The_Hitcher89]

No, he shouldn't have. Not because what you said is wrong (on the contrary), but simply because the Bayern bench is complete rubbish. If they had someone decent to bring on, yes, he should have replaced him. As it is, nobody was able to, even though Gomez had an off-game. Petersen might have been the best option, but Heynckes never gave him a chance all year, instead prefering Olic, who was certain to leave at the end of the season. Still think Müller's substitution cost us the game.

Good point, never thought about who would come one for him. Would a 4-3-3 be viable with Muller at the head?

[scently]

Except there's no proof that BBC's sources are Sky. You've all just coalesced around Clegg's ballpoint assumption. For all we know BBC have an actual source. You're all just being negative Nancy's because the idea of actually getting Hazard would consume you with excitement, and rightly so, the guy's fucking class. Even if he does come across as an absolute tool. Perfect fit.

Took the words out of my mouth. I am a united fan but the way some of the united fans here are just too negative. Stop pretending that everything is a lie and that you are not excited. Admit it, we all want these players and I am happy that we are linked with them.

[Dan27]

Welcome Dan27! Newcastle United is best United!

You, and everyone else here is awesome :)

Fuck did Sky and the BBC get caught out by Hazard-twitter gossip too? Dont know if that's good company! :/

[Salazar]

Last night Hazard gave an interview and said that he didn't know who he was going to sign for.

There's so much garbage to negotiate anyway. It's no good him saying he wants to go somewhere and then asking for fuck-off absurd conditions.

[Willkiller]

ITV just showed the whole Cl final again on ITV4. I just watched it all again.

I'm not sure why I did that to myself :/

[odd_morsel]

Keeping the focus on ugly, I hope.

You will swoon.

[dc89]

I don't even think that @BBCSportGossip is an official BBC account. I think the only thing of any real importance is that Hazard has said he wants it all done by June 2nd, when he goes away on holiday. Even so it might not be done by then but it's what he prefers so hopefully he has made his choice by then.

Well now they've put this:

SSN have just reported of the story we reported on 30 minutes ago. Eden Hazard wants Manchester United move.

It says it is in the bio but it's not verified so who knows.

[Salazar]

You will swoon.

Hmmmm.

Took the words out of my mouth. I am a united fan but the way some of the united fans here are just too negative.

NAME NAMES.

[The_Hitcher89]

There's so much garbage to negotiate anyway. It's no good him saying he wants to go somewhere and then asking for fuck-off absurd conditions.

He'll probably demand that you change to a blue home kit :P

[elsk]

With Gomez though, its like every quality he has just completely deserted him. Its not like he was out of the game, especially in the first half. He was either hoofing good chances over the bar, letting his first touch get away from him, or taking unnecessary touches allowing the defenders to block his path to goal. On any normal day, he scores at least 2 goals from the positions he got himself into. And then when you factor in the complete lack of effect he had in Bayern's buildup, and the way that he didn't do a single thing in the second half aside from falling over and booting the ball over from about 12 yards when he had an entire side of the goal to aim at, I think it goes down as a game-losing non-performance. Is he the perfect example of a striker who does nothing but score? While that's an admirable thing to be, it also leaves the manager in a but of a fix in situations such as Saturday's. Us Liverpool fans saw it a few times with Torres, where you have to keep him on for the entire match, as he's always likely to score the one chance that comes his way, even if he's been shit up to that point. But sometimes a manager has to accept that the striker is simply not on his game, and is harming the team with his lack of presence in the individual performance. For instance, against Birmingham in 09/10 (I think) Benitez took Torres off for David N'Gog. We still drew the game 0-0, but N'Gog outperformed Torres easily, yet he still missed 3 chances, one gilt-edged in the last minute. Would Torres have scored the chance? Perhaps. Would he have been in that position to potentially score, considering the hour he spent looking like a pub-defender forced to play up front? Probably not. So the question is, looking back, should Heynckes have taken Gomez off at some point?

If we had a decent striker on the bench, yes. But that wasn't the case... Olic came as LW, and he has sucked since his injury, but still I think he could have done better if he has started as ST in this match. Gómez is my most hated Bayern player, letting Rafinha aside, and I surely hope the board buys a better striker to fight for the starting spot.

On any normal day, he scores at least 2 goals from the positions he got himself into.

Nope, he missess like 5 chances to score 1.

[WJD]

Took the words out of my mouth. I am a united fan but the way some of the united fans here are just too negative. Stop pretending that everything is a lie and that you are not excited. Admit it, we all want these players and I am happy that we are linked with them.

I'm excited about realistic targets such as Kagawa and... Nick Powell.

[The_Hitcher89]

I thought you guys liked Gomez? We'll have him if he's going spare :P

[Arnie]

Last night Hazard gave an interview and said that he didn't know who he was going to sign for. He may well have been lying but I'll take his word over that of some anonymous source.

Yes, because Hazard's 'word' means a lot. The guy's a troll, nothing more. I refuse to believe he's actually in limbo, I think he's just trying to wangle the best deal at the club he's decided on a good while ago.

The only reason people here are agreeing with your assumption that journalists from the BBC are sat around reproducing Sky Sports News is because they're all mentally crippled by the idea of Hazard coming to United. Which is looking most likely as things stand.

At this point I'd rather here you guys in 'Kagawa' mode.

[Salazar]

I'm excited about realistic targets such as Kagawa and... Nick Powell.

And Lucas while Liverpool are on the back foot.

[Gambit]

Good point, never thought about who would come one for him? Would a 4-3-3 be viable with Muller at the head?

Possibly. It's not really been tried before, but Löw has been toying with the idea as well. (for Müller or Reus)

Personally, I think Müller works best if he can look for space between the lines and doesn't have to keep the central defenders busy. At least at this stage in his career. He might well morph into his own unique kind of modern striker.

It is certainly an option for the future.

I am convinced he will one day be Bayern's captain anyway.

[odd_morsel]

Interesting stats here

5 - Top 5 PL chance conversion open play min 8 goals 1. Cisse 37% 2. Jarvis 30% 3. Jelavic 28% 4. Pilkington 26% 5. Yakubu 25%.

5 - Top 5 PL mins/assist from open play 1. Valencia 163, 2. Nani 211, 3. Giggs 244, 4. Pienaar 251, 5. Song 273.

The fact that the top three players in the second category are all United players isn't really surprising. It goes along with how they've played this season - largely messy passing around the midfield, but once in possession makes it into the final third, extremely deadly and efficient.

And Lucas while Liverpool are on the back foot.

If Lucas left us for anyone, I'd be gutted. If he left us for United, I'd just stop watching football (only mildly sarcastic)

[scently]

Hmmmm. NAME NAMES.

SALAZAR
SALAZAR
SALAZAAAAAAAR ;)

Oh and clegg, vivalaza etc. Stop being so careful guys, GET HYPE.... And if it doesn't work out so be it, that is the fun of the transfer window.

[Vivalaraza]

Meh...we'll see what happens but I just struggle to believe we can sign Hazard. He is going to cost at least £30m in a transfer fee and at a guess £7m in wages per year (that's about 150k/week). I don't see how we can afford that.

Not on one player. If it comes down to spending our entire budget on Hazard I don't want us to do that. Of course it would be an exciting signing but it would be foolish to splurge it all on one player when there are so many more pressing needs in the squad.

And I want Kagawa, badly.

Well now they've put this: It says it is in the bio but it's not verified so who knows.

That just confirms it isn't an official BBC account. Since when have the BBC boasted/complained about other news sources nicking their stories :lol And they're wrong anyway, SSN were running their story an hour ago. Smh.

[Clegg]

I'm sorry if the negativity is annoying some posters but United have been nailed on favourites to sign players in the past and in the end we didn't get them.

Sneijder, Benzema, Robben, Ronaldinho etc. I don't believe most transfer stories because in the end they 90% of them turn out to be rubbish.

[Salazar]

SALAZAR SALAZAR GET HYPE.....

You've got me all wrong. I am a volcano of transfer froth.

It's just that it's 1:17 am here.

[WJD]

Interesting stats here The fact that the top three players in the second category are all United players isn't really surprising. It goes along with how they've played this season - largely messy passing around the midfield, but once in possession makes it into the final third, extremely deadly.

I think I'm most impressed by Song out of those. Especially considering he's meant to be their defensive midfielder.

[Arnie]

And Lucas while Liverpool are on the back foot.

I wondered what form your retort would take.

At least it's a step above K-Pop gifs.