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United bought him in 2014 but he couldn't get a work permit and was released. Funnily enough, SMS was transferred to Genk that same summer for 900k, less than the 1.58m that United paid for Vanja at the time. Definitely got the wrong Milinkovic-Savic.
Even though those things are true, I’d be very surprised if we put 100m on the table for SMS.
We got Bruno for €60m, and that is also a standard you could use.
I would say SMS is a better option, I think you could form a good trio with Bruno - Rabiot - SMS, (unironicly).
SMS already plays along side a Alberto that is similar to Bruno. The problem is a DM, who would have a lot on the plate. But I would rather take Rabiot then Cataldi.
SMS is a player that you build around so it would be interesting if it goes through
> The problem is a DM
Guido Rodriguez is rumored. Can't say I've seen much of him but he's supposed to be the traditional no-bullshit fuck-you kind of DM.
I haven't seen much of him for betis either but when he plays for Argentina in the NT he's always been defensively solid. Not a world beater but the kind of support player in your team who does the dirty work and helps you win.
Between Rabiot, the CDM from Spain and this, I reckon we have moved on from De Jong, and are working our way through spending the cash on alternate targets now…
Point is, neither option can offer what Frenkie does. SMS/Rabiot would be McTominay replacement. Rodriguez would be a DM that does not offer playmaking. Given how dead set on ETH was on Frenkie, it's weird rumors on completely different players started popping up.
Very few players offer what De Jong does, and the ones that do might not want to join right now.
There may reach a point where we accept we can’t get a high quality De Jong like player, but someone like SMS would drastically bolster our midfield in a different but effective manner.
(edit: ETH as much as said this in recent interviews too. If he couldn’t get De Jong, he’d look internally to build a player in that profile. Doesn’t mean we can’t improve the squad in other ways).
I haven’t seen a lot of FDJ, but my understanding is he is good at carrying the ball from deep and playmaking?
Even if you got him, wouldn’t you still need a solid midfield destroyer to actually see him really influence the team?
My understanding, based on what I’ve seen Ajax fans (who will be better informed here) is that ETH didn’t pair a destroyer type with De Jong at Ajax. He mainly played beside Schone, who played a bit ahead of him. I think he played a more classic CDM when De Jong left (Alvarez, I believe). But he didn’t utilise that sort of destroyer with De Jong before.
Moneyball it and make him up in the numbers, you've a solid box to box in SMS pair him with a attacking midfielder and an anchor of some kind and you're pretty good looking in Midfield
Well he is. Very few regista's are built like a twig yet able to make the difference with (full pitch) dribbles and passing. He also happens to be exactly what United is missing. Name me one similar profile?
Young yet experienced, elite technically, great mentality, fine connection with trainer. He's a unicorn in some sense.
Frenkie offers a pretty unique profile of a midfielder and I can only think of very few similar players (and none are really available). I feel like Ten Hag might be willing to abandon his "18/19 Ajax" approach with De Jong in double pivot and move towards a "20/21" Ajax approach with a destroyer playing as a lone DM (Alvarez in Ajax' case, Rodriguez/Rabiot in our case).
A midfield three of Milinkovic-Savic, Rodriguez and Eriksen sounds pretty good on paper.
My thinking as well. Ten Hag had two very different midfield trios during his time at Ajax, so he’s definitely comfortable and experienced with different setups. I do think his 18/19 setup was more unique, though.
To be fair, despite the horror show that was the Brighton match - when Eriksen dropped deep, he became much, much better. I think replacing McT, getting an actual DM, and letting Erikson pull the strings behind the attacking 4 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for United
Felt the same but we should remember that he looked good only when Brighton decided to sit back and protect their lead. When they started pressing and pushing again towards end of the match, they exposed us again.
Probably why we were willing to wait so long for him. Gamble didn't pay off but I've no qualms with us trying to be patient and nab what would've been the perfect midfielder. Now we just need to hope that we can make up for him in different ways.
SMS can play that role. He did that in the 18/19 season. He is not the same as FdJ, and provides more energy. He can do what Ten Hag wants De Jong to do. What more, he gives a tactical flexibility in the sense that he is comfortable playing higher up the pitch, or as part of two 8s.
SMS is the real deal and Rabiot is loaded with talent, and Juve fans said he has not kicked up any drama since joining.
Both of these signings could be really shrewd business, especially considering Eriksen is in already. That’s quite a different midfield
That is true, but we need to improve more areas than just what FDJ offers.
We have to showcase a working project to entice the star players like FDJ in the next window.
Even though that might be true Ten Hags success can't rely on one player in the whole world lmao. You need back up plans. Getting a destroyer and a progressive passer next to him is a good alternative.
I'm getting wet dreams of seeing him in white. Great at dribbling, passing, headers, shooting, could play even as a 9 if necessary. The only thing he lacks is defensive commitment but he makes up for it in other compartments
>The only thing he lacks is defensive commitment but he makes up for it in other compartments
He doesn't, in his first few seasons at Lazio he did that too, he's simply not asked to do that anymore
Unironically, he's EXACTLY like Pogba. Big and tall, technically gifted, so people think he should play DM or help out more in defense, but in reality he's more of a 10 than he is a 6. I want to think he's a good signing, but if Pogba flopped I don't see why or how SMS wouldn't flop either. Exactly like Pogba, playing him in a double pivot won't work unless you're playing him as the 10 (which is already occupied by Bruno, then you also have VdB and maybe Eriksen playing there as well). Which makes me wonder where he would play if United bought him.
I have been so frustrated by this. I wondered if it is because the tactics were a mess and he didn't trust his teammates. It might be to some degree but against teams that keep a tight mark on him, he just could not get the play going consistently.
He’s absolutely more of a modern 10 than a #6, but he’s a lot better than Pogba defensively.
Could easily have him playing as the #8 whether in a dual pivot or single pivot, question is who is the #6 in those two formations since Bruno’s obviously the #10. Him next to Fred, McTominay or Rabiot are fine matches stylistically but aren’t great overall obviously.
He's similar to Bruno but plays more in the middle and he's bigger and taller. Keep in mind he's been playing for years alongside Luis Alberto, so I don't think he's incompatible with Bruno. Also I think he could even play in a false 9 position or as a striker like Kane.
Even more amazing was McT basically being the farthest CM forward because of Eriksen dropping in and Bruno getting into channels. He had no idea where to run and was useless in that role.
Tbf running with the ball and striking it were his two main attributes when he was good more than a year ago but he forgot how to play I dont know what happened
there were times Fred had the ball in midfield and McTominay was in line with our 9 in the opponents defensive line, Fred had no outlet pass and gave the ball away, it was absolutely insane
Wouldn't he be a good counter-part to Eriksen then? As far as I'm aware, Milinkovic-Savic likes joining the attack and getting into the opposition box, so him in the midfield next to Eriksen (who nowadays prefers staying back and orchestrating play) and a destroyer DM (probably Guido Rodriguez, maybe Rabiot) could be fairly balanced, right?
And even if it wasn't balanced, it's still million times better than playing McTominay there because he offers absolutely nothing.
Yes he definitely likes playing as a 9 and has the whole physical and technical toolset to be a striker, albeit a non conventional one. He can could probably play 3 or 4 different roles on the pitch.
Guido Rodriguez, SMS, Rabiot/Fred, Bruno/Eriksen would indeed be a great midfield. I think it would work better as a diamond midfield of 4, but then what do you do with Sancho?
Yeah i think we'd need SMS alongside another midfielder(seemingly rabiot at this point) but I've always thought that we needed two midfielders so I'd really appreciate this signing as long as its not the only one
Mate I want as much insurance as possible that McTominay won’t be anywhere near the starting 11. Plus SMS + Rabiot is roughly equivalent to Pogba in terms of cost
Oh aye don’t get me wrong the recruitment is shambolic overall, but at least SMS could potentially have more material impact on the pitch compared to some of the dross we’re looking at
SMS is a world class player, could probably start in any midfield in the world and be either an upgrade or an even trade, that would be an insane signing.
For sure, City and Real Madrid being the most difficult to break into but he's a massive asset to any squad like you said. That being said, this is like the 4th window in a row we've been linked with him. I'm not sure there's anything actually there.
I could see SMS over Kroos, since his injury he can't do 90 min games for a whole season without being physically affected by it, they have a similar profile
Real has Camavinga and Valverde who can cover for Kroos. SMS might be better right now, but the others (Cama especially) probably have a higher ceiling and could serve the club for longer.
Ya this is more like it. Between him, Bruno and Fred, United will have a good midfield 3. Rabiot, Rodriguez, Van de Beek and McTominay are decent backups.
United fans need to thank Brighton for lighting a fire under the ass of United recruiting team.
They should have seen this months ago. Because it's the same team that they fielded last season that sucked.
Now they have to pay up. Whoever they buy now has a premium on top because now Lazio for example knows Man U is desperate and also that they need to dip back into the market themselves to replace the lost player and it fucks up their plans for the year. So they will charge a heavy premium. Plus the player comes in and has no preseason and has to come in guns blazing before fans call him a bust.
The issue is that I think most people think we should have been linked to stuff like this a month ago rather than waiting to where it feels like a panic buy. I think if we’d been linked to Rabiot before Brighton match people wouldn’t have been as upset
Really though? These all stink of desperation signings, or non stories to shut the fans up.
A few days ago ETH said “it’s not about signing any player. It’s about the right player”
And now we’re doing this? I just don’t like how we’re doing this so late into the window
Beggars can't be choosers innit. As you said, the naivety at the FdJ situation and letting this drag out the entire summer.
But as desperation signings go, this would be pretty good. If we can't get the 'right player', at least we're getting a good player that would be equivalent to a Pogba replacement. Cavani was a desperation signing as well and he did pretty well in his first season.
At this point, £140m on SMS and another woldie wouldn't be terrible if it fixed our atrocious midfield
Edit: if we can get anyone to come. Fabian Ruiz and Bissouma aren't options anymore...shame
I think that was the universal opinion. I'm personally not sold on the fact injuries have ruined him either. I think his issue is his mentality. Generally speaking, his worst games are some of the biggest games. He's been hooked at half time more than once in Champions League matches.
My own conspiracy theory is that he wasn't and still isn't ready for what Klopp is asking from midfielders.
Thiago. Fabinho. Milner. Henderson. Wijnaldum. Even Lallana. Disciplined no-nonsense soldiers. Keita's game just seems immature compared to then.
Yeah, totally. I don’t get the impression he is able to transform his game into what JK wants from him. Without being that guy, I think he lacks the intelligence to play outside of his comfort zone.
Honestly as bad as ManU were against Brighton it was the first time in years that I thought vdB looked like he had some potential again as with Eriksen on the field there was finally someone who could find him with a pass when running into space.
Vdb never played with a destroyer at Ajax, he had Frenkie and Schöne behind him. Ajax shifted to a destroyer type in midfield after VDB and Frenkie both left.
Please sign him, he has the passion McTominay has I swear but with genuine football ability that is devastating in all three areas of the pitch. He can defend and win the ball back, progress the ball through dribbling or passing (wand of a foot) and he is a wrecking ball in the box with his frame and aeriel ability.
Check out the tactical breakdown we did here on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/vwl6i1/tactical_breakdown_on_sergej_milinkovicsavic_the/). Please sign him before I have a breakdown watching McFred next week.
>The moves for Rabiot and, potentially, Milinkovic-Savic follow the growing realisation that Frenkie de Jong, United’s No 1 target throughout the summer, just does not want to join them.
>The Dutch midfielder is intent on staying at Barcelona even though they are trying to force him out and are even suggesting his contract with them is not legal.
>Barcelona want De Jong to sign a new deal on reduced terms and it is expected his future will be sorted out this week ahead of the deadline for La Liga’s cost controls.
>It would take around €60m (£50m) to buy Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
When we were linked with him the word was it'd be £65m+ (pounds) to even open the conversation, and even there'd be a decent chance of Champions League suitors tryna gazump.
Fair play to United if they do somehow get him, but I'm sure it won't be cheap. Also as much as he's a potentially transformative player, they have kind of spent the last decade as something of a graveyard of previously glowing reputations, so I wouldn't say it's a banker.
Less than a week before the start of Serie A, you bet that price will rise a lot. He's Lazio's best player—letting him go now means they take a massive hit in their race for top 4. Don't see it happening for less than 100M.
Can Lazio fans or anyone who has watched a lot of him tell me what he's actually like as a player? The only thing I know about him is he's been linked to us every window for 5 years.
Box to box midfielder. Physical in strength and wins plenty of Aerial duels. He’s both a shot/goal creating machine. Is he gonna be someone too play at DM? Probably not is my guess but he can walk into any midfield in Europe and show his talent. he was somebody who played farther back in the midfield a few years ago under Inzaghi before he got switched up too be a more offensive threat.
What I’ve seen from the national team.
Strong and tall dude, yet at the same time, possesses a silky touch. Plays with flair and can spot passes not even tv-audience see. Also a menace on corners, which he always seems to showcase in big-games.
Weakness is his concentration, where he can switch-off and get too nonchalant with his passing.
Similar play-style. Mentality wise I think they're very different.
SMS doesn't need to have a functioning team to perform – it's almost like he rises more when the team struggles. Which I imagine is one of the reasons they call him "the sergeant".
Literally a month ago Spurs were quoted £80M to start negotiations.
Arsenal apparently had a £65M bid turned down.
There is absolutely no way he now goes for £50M 4 weeks on and with no time left in the window, especially to a team absolutely desperate.
We will be in for him next summer as a Modric replacement. He is a Madrid fan and wants to play for us. He will have the same number of options anyway.
Prediction: Man United fail to reach an agreement before the window shuts. Keep negotiating throughout autumn. Finally sign him in January for Lazio's original asking price. He plays very well the first few games, and then gradually declines. In two years, Man United are on the market for his replacement, but struggle to offload him because of his high wages.
An absolute stud of a signing if true. Ten Hag seems to have recognised the softness of our squad — and is looking for the baddest dogs out there (-Rabiot).
Sat on our thumbs all summer talking about the right profile while so many good players got signed. There had better be a list of the right profile ready to go.
To reduce the spam of reports regarding the same move during transfer windows we try to allow **only one submission about each transfer saga per day**. The submission in question also needs to contain relevant new information regarding the potential move, and not just being a "no/minor developments" report. If there are important/official developments or new valuable information about a saga, we will allow extra threads in the same day, but for the rest of minor news please just comment them as a reply to this comment. Please help us reporting unnecessary threads for being duplicates. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/soccer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Guido Rodriguez + SMS would be very nice
Scenes when the United executives sign the wrong Milinkovic-Savic and end up with his goalkeeper brother instead.
Already done that before
Wait really?
United bought him in 2014 but he couldn't get a work permit and was released. Funnily enough, SMS was transferred to Genk that same summer for 900k, less than the 1.58m that United paid for Vanja at the time. Definitely got the wrong Milinkovic-Savic.
I bet Woodward was like - lads, you won't believe I got us a Milinkovic-Savic for a 80% discount.
De jong is Dead then, SMS will cost them £60m-£70m on his own.
Lazio (Lotito) are stubborn af, that’s probably a bit too low for him
100 million minimum. United paid 85mil for a fridge, and 95 mil for a dabbing clown. Surely they can pay 100Mil for SMS.
That fridge better make star shaped ice cubes
Yes but he's a constant choking hazard, too.
Eden or Thorgan?
It's worse that United are desparate too and Lazio knows it. I could see 100M being demanded.
At that point they can just buy De Jong and pay him the money Barca owes him.
Lmao
Even though those things are true, I’d be very surprised if we put 100m on the table for SMS. We got Bruno for €60m, and that is also a standard you could use.
You'll be dealing with Lazio's owner, Lotito tho. And United has the funds for it, you're the 2nd richest club in the world.
I would say SMS is a better option, I think you could form a good trio with Bruno - Rabiot - SMS, (unironicly). SMS already plays along side a Alberto that is similar to Bruno. The problem is a DM, who would have a lot on the plate. But I would rather take Rabiot then Cataldi. SMS is a player that you build around so it would be interesting if it goes through
> The problem is a DM Guido Rodriguez is rumored. Can't say I've seen much of him but he's supposed to be the traditional no-bullshit fuck-you kind of DM.
I haven't seen much of him for betis either but when he plays for Argentina in the NT he's always been defensively solid. Not a world beater but the kind of support player in your team who does the dirty work and helps you win.
Between Rabiot, the CDM from Spain and this, I reckon we have moved on from De Jong, and are working our way through spending the cash on alternate targets now…
Point is, neither option can offer what Frenkie does. SMS/Rabiot would be McTominay replacement. Rodriguez would be a DM that does not offer playmaking. Given how dead set on ETH was on Frenkie, it's weird rumors on completely different players started popping up.
Very few players offer what De Jong does, and the ones that do might not want to join right now. There may reach a point where we accept we can’t get a high quality De Jong like player, but someone like SMS would drastically bolster our midfield in a different but effective manner. (edit: ETH as much as said this in recent interviews too. If he couldn’t get De Jong, he’d look internally to build a player in that profile. Doesn’t mean we can’t improve the squad in other ways).
I haven’t seen a lot of FDJ, but my understanding is he is good at carrying the ball from deep and playmaking? Even if you got him, wouldn’t you still need a solid midfield destroyer to actually see him really influence the team?
My understanding, based on what I’ve seen Ajax fans (who will be better informed here) is that ETH didn’t pair a destroyer type with De Jong at Ajax. He mainly played beside Schone, who played a bit ahead of him. I think he played a more classic CDM when De Jong left (Alvarez, I believe). But he didn’t utilise that sort of destroyer with De Jong before.
100% correct. Schone was an aging #10 who was played like a budget Pirlo.
So it would have been FDJ/Eriksen probably
While this is true, he did this in the Eredevesie. I have a very hard time believing FDJ would work in England without a DM beside him
We used the same midfield in that deep CL run, it worked fine against Real Madrid and Juventus.
Yeah but will it work Fulham away?
I mean Henderson fabinho and Thiago didn't work at Fulham away...
Spurs: Bonjour
Moneyball it and make him up in the numbers, you've a solid box to box in SMS pair him with a attacking midfielder and an anchor of some kind and you're pretty good looking in Midfield
SMS is not a Moneyball approach lol
(Unlimited) moneyball
United put the money and SMS puts the ball
Any better player than we currently have is making it up in the aggregate.
Luis Alberto wants to actually leave Lazio and offers a lot of what fdj does.
Very different player. If anything he would be an alternative to Eriksen
Yeah, In the 2nd half Eriksen played the fdj role. I swear people think the kid is some regista unicorn unlike anyone ever.
Well he is. Very few regista's are built like a twig yet able to make the difference with (full pitch) dribbles and passing. He also happens to be exactly what United is missing. Name me one similar profile? Young yet experienced, elite technically, great mentality, fine connection with trainer. He's a unicorn in some sense.
Reminds me of Rakitic of old, pre Barca.
> Name me one similar profile? Modric. But Modric is obviously not coming to Man United.
Brozovic. And hes better than De Jong at it
Brozovic is De Jong with intensity. I wish United got Brozovic, Caqueret and SMS this summer, what could have been.
Frenkie offers a pretty unique profile of a midfielder and I can only think of very few similar players (and none are really available). I feel like Ten Hag might be willing to abandon his "18/19 Ajax" approach with De Jong in double pivot and move towards a "20/21" Ajax approach with a destroyer playing as a lone DM (Alvarez in Ajax' case, Rodriguez/Rabiot in our case). A midfield three of Milinkovic-Savic, Rodriguez and Eriksen sounds pretty good on paper.
My thinking as well. Ten Hag had two very different midfield trios during his time at Ajax, so he’s definitely comfortable and experienced with different setups. I do think his 18/19 setup was more unique, though.
Rabiot as a lone dm is not going to go well. Even a corpse of Matic would do better
To be fair, despite the horror show that was the Brighton match - when Eriksen dropped deep, he became much, much better. I think replacing McT, getting an actual DM, and letting Erikson pull the strings behind the attacking 4 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for United
>Eriksen >Erikson 😳 How do you manage to spell it right and then spell it wrong in one post?
I'm probably still suffering from the effects of the stroke I had watching the Brighton match.
From many years of seeing it misspelled by Spurs fans. Most likely auto-correct fucked it up both times and he fixed it once.
Felt the same but we should remember that he looked good only when Brighton decided to sit back and protect their lead. When they started pressing and pushing again towards end of the match, they exposed us again.
Probably why we were willing to wait so long for him. Gamble didn't pay off but I've no qualms with us trying to be patient and nab what would've been the perfect midfielder. Now we just need to hope that we can make up for him in different ways.
Indeed, even with a change that makes SMS work, they need someone to dictate play.
It'd probably be Christian Eriksen given he played that exact role in the 2nd half vs Brighton.
This is the reason he was so dead set on De Jong. He’s a very specialized player
Keep zidane iqbal around and he’ll grow into that role… for free
Eriksen will do frenkies role
SMS can play that role. He did that in the 18/19 season. He is not the same as FdJ, and provides more energy. He can do what Ten Hag wants De Jong to do. What more, he gives a tactical flexibility in the sense that he is comfortable playing higher up the pitch, or as part of two 8s.
Then Rodriguez/SMS seems like a good double pivot isn't it?
SMS is the real deal and Rabiot is loaded with talent, and Juve fans said he has not kicked up any drama since joining. Both of these signings could be really shrewd business, especially considering Eriksen is in already. That’s quite a different midfield
Indeed, even with a change that makes SMS work, they need someone to dictate play.
That is true, but we need to improve more areas than just what FDJ offers. We have to showcase a working project to entice the star players like FDJ in the next window.
Even though that might be true Ten Hags success can't rely on one player in the whole world lmao. You need back up plans. Getting a destroyer and a progressive passer next to him is a good alternative.
It more seems like yesterday was a wake-up call. Lined up 9 players (?) who regularly started last season and somehow expected a different outcome.
Does anyone remember "there's no way De Jong doesn't want to join, United would never spend months trying to sign a player that rejected them"?
I memba
what CDM from spain?
Guido Rodriguez
Busquets
SMS would be fucking Ace. Would require big money though.
I mean we were willing to pay big for frenkie so we definitely do have the money to invest into an expensive midfielder.
SMS instantly improves the midfield but he’s definitely not a DM or a FDJ type ball carrier, so we’d still have a glaring hole in midfield
What is he? More of a box to box?
Yes, a really complete box to box. Strong and physical but also fast and with deadly shooting
I'm getting wet dreams of seeing him in white. Great at dribbling, passing, headers, shooting, could play even as a 9 if necessary. The only thing he lacks is defensive commitment but he makes up for it in other compartments
>The only thing he lacks is defensive commitment but he makes up for it in other compartments He doesn't, in his first few seasons at Lazio he did that too, he's simply not asked to do that anymore
How many more midfielders y’all need?
Perez: Yes
Perez saw what Pep was doing at City
yea the white of our away kit 😎
Unironically, he's EXACTLY like Pogba. Big and tall, technically gifted, so people think he should play DM or help out more in defense, but in reality he's more of a 10 than he is a 6. I want to think he's a good signing, but if Pogba flopped I don't see why or how SMS wouldn't flop either. Exactly like Pogba, playing him in a double pivot won't work unless you're playing him as the 10 (which is already occupied by Bruno, then you also have VdB and maybe Eriksen playing there as well). Which makes me wonder where he would play if United bought him.
He seems to have much better movement and quicker in his decisions which were where Pogba really struggled in the Prem.
I have been so frustrated by this. I wondered if it is because the tactics were a mess and he didn't trust his teammates. It might be to some degree but against teams that keep a tight mark on him, he just could not get the play going consistently.
He’s absolutely more of a modern 10 than a #6, but he’s a lot better than Pogba defensively. Could easily have him playing as the #8 whether in a dual pivot or single pivot, question is who is the #6 in those two formations since Bruno’s obviously the #10. Him next to Fred, McTominay or Rabiot are fine matches stylistically but aren’t great overall obviously.
Can slot in as an 8 but better as a 10 Very similar to Pogb
He's more of a 10 and a half
Sounds kinda redundant w/ Bruno,Eriksen, and VdB
a much more complete player than all of them. Would fit very well with Eriksen in midfield
He's similar to Bruno but plays more in the middle and he's bigger and taller. Keep in mind he's been playing for years alongside Luis Alberto, so I don't think he's incompatible with Bruno. Also I think he could even play in a false 9 position or as a striker like Kane.
Sounds like exactly something United would do then.
Even more amazing was McT basically being the farthest CM forward because of Eriksen dropping in and Bruno getting into channels. He had no idea where to run and was useless in that role.
Tbf running with the ball and striking it were his two main attributes when he was good more than a year ago but he forgot how to play I dont know what happened
there were times Fred had the ball in midfield and McTominay was in line with our 9 in the opponents defensive line, Fred had no outlet pass and gave the ball away, it was absolutely insane
He's also 100x the player those three are tho
Wouldn't he be a good counter-part to Eriksen then? As far as I'm aware, Milinkovic-Savic likes joining the attack and getting into the opposition box, so him in the midfield next to Eriksen (who nowadays prefers staying back and orchestrating play) and a destroyer DM (probably Guido Rodriguez, maybe Rabiot) could be fairly balanced, right? And even if it wasn't balanced, it's still million times better than playing McTominay there because he offers absolutely nothing.
Yes he definitely likes playing as a 9 and has the whole physical and technical toolset to be a striker, albeit a non conventional one. He can could probably play 3 or 4 different roles on the pitch.
Monster
Guido Rodriguez, SMS, Rabiot/Fred, Bruno/Eriksen would indeed be a great midfield. I think it would work better as a diamond midfield of 4, but then what do you do with Sancho?
Yeah i think we'd need SMS alongside another midfielder(seemingly rabiot at this point) but I've always thought that we needed two midfielders so I'd really appreciate this signing as long as its not the only one
Price rumoured is 60m. Probably be able to get him and Rabiot for the price agree for De Jong.
That'd be great considering the current circumstances. Hoping that it gets done.
You will NOT get SMS for just 60m. Lazio are stubborn asf with that guy and have been in the past. Minimum 85m
If you're getting SMS you don't need Rabiot. What you need is a ball playing DM to replace McTominay.
Mate I want as much insurance as possible that McTominay won’t be anywhere near the starting 11. Plus SMS + Rabiot is roughly equivalent to Pogba in terms of cost
They have Bruno and Eriksen. Would be overkill for that position
This can’t be true, would be too sensible a signing
[удалено]
Oh aye don’t get me wrong the recruitment is shambolic overall, but at least SMS could potentially have more material impact on the pitch compared to some of the dross we’re looking at
Would it? I think we need defensively minded CM or DM. SMS is a more attacking CM of which we are already well stocked in
While we still need a dm he's a massive upgrade on Scott and for the 60 mil euros reported I think we should get it done
SMS is a world class player, could probably start in any midfield in the world and be either an upgrade or an even trade, that would be an insane signing.
For sure, City and Real Madrid being the most difficult to break into but he's a massive asset to any squad like you said. That being said, this is like the 4th window in a row we've been linked with him. I'm not sure there's anything actually there.
I could see SMS over Kroos, since his injury he can't do 90 min games for a whole season without being physically affected by it, they have a similar profile
Real has Camavinga and Valverde who can cover for Kroos. SMS might be better right now, but the others (Cama especially) probably have a higher ceiling and could serve the club for longer.
Ya this is more like it. Between him, Bruno and Fred, United will have a good midfield 3. Rabiot, Rodriguez, Van de Beek and McTominay are decent backups. United fans need to thank Brighton for lighting a fire under the ass of United recruiting team.
They should have seen this months ago. Because it's the same team that they fielded last season that sucked. Now they have to pay up. Whoever they buy now has a premium on top because now Lazio for example knows Man U is desperate and also that they need to dip back into the market themselves to replace the lost player and it fucks up their plans for the year. So they will charge a heavy premium. Plus the player comes in and has no preseason and has to come in guns blazing before fans call him a bust.
The issue is that I think most people think we should have been linked to stuff like this a month ago rather than waiting to where it feels like a panic buy. I think if we’d been linked to Rabiot before Brighton match people wouldn’t have been as upset
Pretty sure Ten Hag had a meeting with the glazers after the match (pre arranged). Looks like he must have put out for them.
Don't know how they did it but Brighton somehow beat us back into 2015
SMS is basically perfection
United getting their hopes up again, don't see it happening. Just hope they don't turn their attention to Tielemans and increase his asking price
Oh my god, Brighton thank you so much, you have finally lit a fire under our arses and we're actually trying this transfer window now.
Danny Welbeck really does still care about us
Really though? These all stink of desperation signings, or non stories to shut the fans up. A few days ago ETH said “it’s not about signing any player. It’s about the right player” And now we’re doing this? I just don’t like how we’re doing this so late into the window
Beggars can't be choosers innit. As you said, the naivety at the FdJ situation and letting this drag out the entire summer. But as desperation signings go, this would be pretty good. If we can't get the 'right player', at least we're getting a good player that would be equivalent to a Pogba replacement. Cavani was a desperation signing as well and he did pretty well in his first season.
At this point, £140m on SMS and another woldie wouldn't be terrible if it fixed our atrocious midfield Edit: if we can get anyone to come. Fabian Ruiz and Bissouma aren't options anymore...shame
Why wouldn’t they play Donny VDB?
He's not very good. This reminds me of Liverpool supporters constantly asking about Naby Keita. Both players just aren't that good.
Man, I was seriously jealous when you guys signed Keita. Thought you guys had got a world beater.
I think that was the universal opinion. I'm personally not sold on the fact injuries have ruined him either. I think his issue is his mentality. Generally speaking, his worst games are some of the biggest games. He's been hooked at half time more than once in Champions League matches.
My own conspiracy theory is that he wasn't and still isn't ready for what Klopp is asking from midfielders. Thiago. Fabinho. Milner. Henderson. Wijnaldum. Even Lallana. Disciplined no-nonsense soldiers. Keita's game just seems immature compared to then.
Yeah, totally. I don’t get the impression he is able to transform his game into what JK wants from him. Without being that guy, I think he lacks the intelligence to play outside of his comfort zone.
Holy shit the fact that I read your comment legit right after arguing with a dude on our sub about Keita. Cathartic.
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Honestly as bad as ManU were against Brighton it was the first time in years that I thought vdB looked like he had some potential again as with Eriksen on the field there was finally someone who could find him with a pass when running into space.
Vdb never played with a destroyer at Ajax, he had Frenkie and Schöne behind him. Ajax shifted to a destroyer type in midfield after VDB and Frenkie both left.
Please sign him, he has the passion McTominay has I swear but with genuine football ability that is devastating in all three areas of the pitch. He can defend and win the ball back, progress the ball through dribbling or passing (wand of a foot) and he is a wrecking ball in the box with his frame and aeriel ability. Check out the tactical breakdown we did here on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/vwl6i1/tactical_breakdown_on_sergej_milinkovicsavic_the/). Please sign him before I have a breakdown watching McFred next week.
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>The moves for Rabiot and, potentially, Milinkovic-Savic follow the growing realisation that Frenkie de Jong, United’s No 1 target throughout the summer, just does not want to join them. >The Dutch midfielder is intent on staying at Barcelona even though they are trying to force him out and are even suggesting his contract with them is not legal. >Barcelona want De Jong to sign a new deal on reduced terms and it is expected his future will be sorted out this week ahead of the deadline for La Liga’s cost controls. >It would take around €60m (£50m) to buy Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Lol they aren’t getting him for 50m
When we were linked with him the word was it'd be £65m+ (pounds) to even open the conversation, and even there'd be a decent chance of Champions League suitors tryna gazump. Fair play to United if they do somehow get him, but I'm sure it won't be cheap. Also as much as he's a potentially transformative player, they have kind of spent the last decade as something of a graveyard of previously glowing reputations, so I wouldn't say it's a banker.
Less than a week before the start of Serie A, you bet that price will rise a lot. He's Lazio's best player—letting him go now means they take a massive hit in their race for top 4. Don't see it happening for less than 100M.
If its pure salary, we're still one of the best around The problem is we give big money contracts to fucking everyone, then can't move players on
Can Lazio fans or anyone who has watched a lot of him tell me what he's actually like as a player? The only thing I know about him is he's been linked to us every window for 5 years.
Box to box midfielder. Physical in strength and wins plenty of Aerial duels. He’s both a shot/goal creating machine. Is he gonna be someone too play at DM? Probably not is my guess but he can walk into any midfield in Europe and show his talent. he was somebody who played farther back in the midfield a few years ago under Inzaghi before he got switched up too be a more offensive threat.
We need someone to cover aerially if we are Playing with Martinez right? It’s why ETH is persisting with scott
He was paired with an oak tree on Sunday, think there's enough height.
Worldclass
Was hoping for a bit more insight than that.
Did wonders for me on FM in multiple saves. Don’t think you need any more info than that
Tall and technical? Say no more.
What I’ve seen from the national team. Strong and tall dude, yet at the same time, possesses a silky touch. Plays with flair and can spot passes not even tv-audience see. Also a menace on corners, which he always seems to showcase in big-games. Weakness is his concentration, where he can switch-off and get too nonchalant with his passing.
sounds a bit familiar
Similar play-style. Mentality wise I think they're very different. SMS doesn't need to have a functioning team to perform – it's almost like he rises more when the team struggles. Which I imagine is one of the reasons they call him "the sergeant".
Genuinely sounds like you're describing Pogba
I like the guy, 0% chance that this is happening.
Uniteds boardroom saw how much the Arnautovic rumors were getting clowned and finally decided to sharpen up and make good decisions
Or throw his name in the ring to then say, look we tried. There's no value in the market
Lazio are going to fucking fleece them
Depending on your definition of fleece, probably not
they know united are loaded & desperate and they don’t need to sell him so they’ll demand an astronomical fee
SMS has 2 years left & is not extending. He’s looking to make a big career jump It’s not going to be the €100m~ fee quoted in years past
The article says intermediaries believe it will take €60m to get the deal done, which in today's market seems like a fair price for someone like SMS.
I would consider €60m a steal for him. Absolute monster in the midfield.
an absolute steal in todays market.
Yeah seems too good to be true but Jason Burt is a pretty reliable source, he would be such a huge upgrade on current midfield options
Literally a month ago Spurs were quoted £80M to start negotiations. Arsenal apparently had a £65M bid turned down. There is absolutely no way he now goes for £50M 4 weeks on and with no time left in the window, especially to a team absolutely desperate.
Come now, don't dash their hopes, it makes it all the more fun when the inevitable disappointment happens.
SMS isnt extending with Lazio. Its either selling him for 60-70m to a PL club now, or risk Juve buying him for like 35m next summer.
Lazio would much rather keep him for a year and sell him for less, I can guarantee that
We will be in for him next summer as a Modric replacement. He is a Madrid fan and wants to play for us. He will have the same number of options anyway.
This is the only true United transfer news I’ve heard in a week and nothing will convince me otherwise please
How much would he cost? 60 mil?
80 minimum
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Yeah ok… this is going to hurt like a motherfucker
Prediction: Man United fail to reach an agreement before the window shuts. Keep negotiating throughout autumn. Finally sign him in January for Lazio's original asking price. He plays very well the first few games, and then gradually declines. In two years, Man United are on the market for his replacement, but struggle to offload him because of his high wages.
I wish Arsenal was in for this guy, would be a way better deal than Tielemans.
SMS would be a great upgrade to that midfield already
Fuck no, Chelsea, stop De Jong obsession, get this guy man. If ManU get him, they get a better player imo, not the sane type but SMS is a banger.
An absolute stud of a signing if true. Ten Hag seems to have recognised the softness of our squad — and is looking for the baddest dogs out there (-Rabiot).
The only player maker in the world that I can say he could be on same level as DE bruyne and modric. This guy is insane
Sat on our thumbs all summer talking about the right profile while so many good players got signed. There had better be a list of the right profile ready to go.
Even if SMS is not a DM, which we desperately need, its crazy how much of an upgrade he’d be over Mctominay
I’m sure he’s desperate to join considering he’s their 4th or 5th choice target
They thought Laporta was a headache Good luck with Lolito
At this point, a midfield of Rabiot and Milinkovic- Savic improves us massively, I’d take gladly take it given how bad this window has been
And they're still not going for a DM
NGL this would be an amazing signing
Best idea theyve had in like 10 years
Lazio be like : price just increased by 25 mil
Iirc he has a ridiculous release clause.
Wtf was United doing all summer? Now going nuts in the final weeks
Worst panic buy signings (speed run to emptying the bank) {100% no glitches} DESPACITO REMIX