The only big fat fly in the ointment is that big fat git Tube of Rolos - Pogba's agent, is also De Ligt's agent. I can see some shenanigans involving De Ligt arriving being conditional on Pogba leaving. I'm more than happy with that.
Apart from the fact that Lukaku signed with Roc Nation Sports and ditched Mino Raiola, you’re spot on.
Ok going to throw this out there, will probably get dog's abuse for it but... 33 year old Gary Cahill
Looks like this one could actually be a goer. Won't cost much, is young and determined (way more effort than we'll ever get out of Martial) and a very definite prospect. I see this lad live every other week, he's raw but has loads of potential and is absolutely rapid. Also gave City nightmares in the FA cup so can do it against premier league opposition. Doesn't dance either, as far as I'm aware.
Ok, bit of a picture being built of a side that is both realistic and would be competitive. On the basis we ****ed up CL qualification, our sights should be set a bit lower and we should steer clear of expensive foreign imports and let the dust settle. This side would challenge to get us back in the CL _____________________________________De Gea Wan Bissanka__________Maguire___________Tuanzebe__________Shaw ____________________ Herrera_______________Rice ___________________________________Pogba ________ Dalot ___________________________________________________ James _________________________ Rashford So, purchases would be Wan Bissaka, Declan Rice, Harry Maguire and Dan James. If we also got Alderweireld as well (improbable now), then he'd go in ahead of Tuanzebe.
Assuming that Pogba and Herrera are leaving... -----------------------------------------------De Gea Wan Bissanka__________Maguire___________Lindelof__________Shaw Dalot_______________??????_________Rice_______________James __________________Lingard ______________________________ Rashford
Ok, then McTominay replaces Herrera. Or Fred!! If Pogba leaves got to push for Kroos in the deal. Fantasy football stuff admittedly but why the **** not?
I think it may be too much inexperience across the midfield if McT is in there as well? You'd need a playmaker of some sorts, a bit of vision and creativity so Kroos brings that. Btw I accept I went 4-4-1-1 to get both Dalot and Lingard in
I don't think Lingard warrants a 1st team place. He's another who needs to wind his neck right in and get on with his job. There is still some hope, as with Rashford and Pogba, but all this blingy dancing about is absolutely ****ing cringeworthy. And without any justification whatsoever, they haven't earned the right to be getting their bollocks out in public all the time. At all.
It goes to show the lack of leadership in that team that they are being influenced by a "marky mark" like Pogba. Imagine them behaving like that with the team performing this badly had the likes of Keane, Scholes, Giggs were there. I bet the pair of them wouldn't be saying boo to a goose for 90 mins. Keane slated players for thinking they'd "arrived" after winning the treble I want to believe these two are just young and naive and being influenced badly. In terms of ability are they good enough - I really think so, both of them.
I hope this summer window ban for Pogba's agent Raiola (and de Ligt) doesn't mean we can't sell one and get the other
Herrera is confirmed as leaving so we definitely have to recruit in midfield. Really should go for Declan Rice. Keep Pogba, encourage Fred to grasp Herrera's role and use McTominay. Make Pogba the clear focus in midfield. Of the team in fact.
I can't see Fred being anything more than a defensive midfielder. He's not a passer of the ball like Herrera. I really think we need more creativity and ideally pace in there. Don't think Fred offers either. Hearing news we are in for the argentine Dybala at Juve... right wing or forward position? Not sure we'll get him but apparently he's unhappy there.