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14 Jul 18 20:07
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Date Joined: 12 Mar 02
| Topic/replies: 55,133 | Blogger: peter the butcher's blog
How it used to be Love


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Report brentford August 22, 2026 1:25 PM BST
Just haven't matched the intensity and energy of Hull...a bit of an old cliché but you have to earn the right to play in these kind of games...and defensively just poor.

reluctantly probably need Rashford on sooner rather than later - Dorgu been poor.
Report duffy August 22, 2026 1:26 PM BST
They need to take Tielemans off and drop Bruno deeper
Report SirNorbertClarke August 22, 2026 1:29 PM BST
And it's not even 3 o'clock on the opening Saturday of the season Sad
Report brentford August 22, 2026 1:31 PM BST
on the plus side, the chance of another signing has gone up by about 60% Mischief
Report brentford August 22, 2026 1:31 PM BST
on the plus side, the chance of another signing has gone up by about 60% Mischief
Report 1st time poster August 22, 2026 1:31 PM BST
earnt the right LaughLaugh
to how u what ?
what cunha,tillermans,doku,bruno,tunk the world cup out with or what maguire,shaw,etc have or havnt been howing us for 5 eaon,utd havnt got anything to show anybody outside of old trafford,that we havnt een a 1000 time,s before,boring slow pace football
Report brentford August 22, 2026 1:32 PM BST
in English ?
Report 1st time poster August 22, 2026 1:34 PM BST
no one, not even HULL are losing any sleep at the thought of playing man utd at home
Report brentford August 22, 2026 1:35 PM BST
well that's certainly true..
Report mesmerised August 22, 2026 1:35 PM BST
United back in the Champions League should have seen them sign some real ballers, how have you not attracted anyone of note with the wages you can offer along with European football, recruitment has been poor.
Report Jinxy1 August 22, 2026 2:12 PM BST
LaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh
Report 1st time poster August 22, 2026 2:15 PM BST
for anyone returning from the moon witching on to see, maguire,haw,mainoo,rash, do not adjut your tv et ,thi i life not a recording from 4 seasons ago LaughLaugh
Report SirNorbertClarke August 22, 2026 2:25 PM BST
What a load of old rubbish.
Report 1st time poster August 22, 2026 2:26 PM BST
man u should have started with maguire up front ,might still not have scored but give themelves a better chance of nicking a nil  v  nil LaughLaugh
Report SirNorbertClarke August 22, 2026 3:00 PM BST
Dishonest post-match interview from Carrick.
Report 11kv August 22, 2026 3:14 PM BST
PMSL££££$££
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- August 22, 2026 5:28 PM BST
Balde to Man Utd soon.

No not that manager coming back
Balde from Barce..
Report Angela Rebecchi August 22, 2026 5:37 PM BST

Aug 18, 2026 -- 12:56AM, Angela Rebecchi wrote:


Got some lays outright on us at 8.0 (truly bizarre) and backed Liverpool at similar prices.


Lol

Report Racingqueen August 22, 2026 10:16 PM BST
Isn't it about this time Luke "Fatty" Shaw gets a contract extension?

LaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh
Report the_don August 24, 2026 3:36 PM BST
Thoughts on Saturday's game - forget tactics and personnel for a moment, if you don't win tackles, aerial battles, get amongst the opposition or pass or control the ball properly then you won't get anywhere.

Some players want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible while others want to keep possession - this balance needs to be addressed.

Thoughts on the weekend - there's never been a better chance for a Brighton, Brentford, Forest, even Leeds to get top 4. Arsenal should have this league won with 5 games to spare looking at the likes of City, Villa, us and Liverpool in the 1st game.
Report SirNorbertClarke August 24, 2026 4:19 PM BST
Hull packed the midfield.

The only way through was over the top.

We don't have a single target man.
Report 11kv August 30, 2026 5:02 PM BST
Theres been another fa ck up
Report Racingqueen August 30, 2026 5:03 PM BST
Luke Shaw LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh
Report Racingqueen August 30, 2026 5:03 PM BST
I genuinely haven't seen a fatter footballer ffs. An absolute disgrace of a player.
Report 11kv August 30, 2026 5:07 PM BST
Big boned.
Report 11kv August 30, 2026 5:09 PM BST
Harry out of position for the goal,followed the player on the fake run.

Stood and watched last week mind.
Report 11kv August 30, 2026 5:11 PM BST
Decent goal there 1-1
Report 11kv August 30, 2026 5:57 PM BST
Boo
Report GLASGOWCALLING August 30, 2026 11:00 PM BST
LaughGrin Maguires shot was heading for the corner flag Grin Thems the breaks.
Report olddesperado September 2, 2026 10:55 AM BST
Well well,
How long before Shaw gets a slight knock and is taken off as a precaution, and is out until after Christmas,
Never mind he's been responsible for 5 goals conceded in our last pre season game and two league games but he's still our only left back at the club.

The two right backs who neither are good enough in the own positions are going to be used as cover apparently with Dorgu and Baleba also in consideration if needed.

And all the while 115 charges are buying as if money is going out of fashion.

The premier league are a joke on that front and destroying their credibility.

I've cancelled sky and watch in other ways now in protest.
Report olddesperado September 2, 2026 11:57 AM BST
And back to the team,

Don't really know about the midfield but they all look like good signings for the money.
Time will tell whether they elevate us but with Carrick determined to only play two in front of that defence is going to make it hard for them to prosper.

Looked fine once we went ahead Sunday but very few teams will allow us the space Ipswich did.

A defence of Dalot Maguire Martinez and bloody Shaw will not cut it in the PL.

Low block hoping to counter is our only hope again and any chance of trying to play more progressively will have to be put on the back burner.
Report olddesperado September 2, 2026 12:06 PM BST
And with that issue above and the fact we now fave 4 genuine midfielders and 5 or 6 if you count Dorgu and Amad I think he should explore a 3 man midfield.
Over half of Bruno's assists came from dead ball situations last year and I'd presume another few came from a right forward position so actually playing him there might not be such a bad idea.
Whipping balls into Sesko and coming inside himself with less running to do might just make him even more productive.

It would also lessen his biggest flaw , namely losing possession in crucial positions leaving us wide open.

Worth a shot imo.
Report duffy September 2, 2026 4:33 PM BST
I like Bruno deeper myself, against Hull when we were up against a low block, Tielemans was deeper doing nothing and Bruno was further forward, he was almost a centre forward at times, with no space and he was completely ineffective, I like him in the deeper QB position where he can dictate play although I take the point of him losing the ball and putting us in trouble.

I think we can ignore the result from a perspective of an accurate assessment of where we are offensively as Ipswich simply fell apart and we were flattered.

The most pertinent point of the game was the first half when they waltzed through our midfield at will, Baleba will be sleeping well at night playing in our midfield that is for sure.
Report duffy September 2, 2026 4:35 PM BST
UH, when he's fit of courseCrazy
Report duffy September 6, 2026 4:04 PM BST
Everton away should be an absolutely horrible game to play in, that would have been one of the easiest games United have had against them, space everywhere to attack and just some simple composure needed to be able to pick them off and we can't see it out.

We're starting to look like we did in those games with ETH where when defending a lead we would be desperately clinging on for dear life at the end of games.
Report brentford September 6, 2026 7:25 PM BST
Not many games UTD have controlled like that especially away from home in last few seasons...deserved to win...didn't.. but we got a few breaks last season winning games we didn't merit so just have to take it, some encouraging signs in terms of link up passing, relationships etc  but already behind any basic point target through 3 games so needs to kick on if not to be a tough season..

very surprised no LB deal was done...but Dalot has done it both for UTD and Portugal..and  seems they'll wait on Hall or another who would cost proper money, Hall deal was never going to happen at anything near sensible price after all the N'castle outgoings this summer.

Rashford's return which seemingly was mainly on Carrick, as INEOS very keen to find an out for him is.. if you get an effort from him a 60-70m player in this era...him and Shaw clearly link better than others have..
Report Angela Rebecchi September 6, 2026 7:29 PM BST
Thought we were impressive today. Rashford and Mainoo keeping that standard would be awesome. Can't do much about that equaliser, crazy goal.
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 6, 2026 7:31 PM BST
Hall wants to go elsewhere hence not pushing for man utd transfer, they couldn't take him this window.

Dunno how it plays out, he's being offered new deal, and doubtless agents will have escape clause inserted, maybe he includes man utd, maybe not...
Report brentford September 6, 2026 7:32 PM BST
yep, was a bit of a sickener to play like that and not get the win but as I say ...got the rub a few times last season under Carrick..
Report brentford September 6, 2026 7:35 PM BST
where does he want out of interest yhtl ?

quite an easy fit at Utd if he has even a solid season...accept if N'castle have a great season he might well stay there with better contract..
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 6, 2026 7:45 PM BST
Newcastle cannot pay the wages he might get at man utd or if he learnt Spanish.
Report brentford September 6, 2026 7:48 PM BST
I say not out of bias but he'd be better off at Utd than Spain....could do 8-10 years easy if he keeps his level and develops a bit (only 21)
Report duffy September 6, 2026 8:20 PM BST
Everton were impotent for much of the game but the two times we were ahead they suddenly found space and chances in our penalty area, I don't think it was any particular clever link up play through the middle that created space it was more that Everton were simply non existent in those areas and it was naturally there and as said this was as easy an Everton side that I've seen us play against in many years and we let them off.

By the way, where is Tielemans, I've barely seen or heard his name mentioned in three games, he is going through the motions....slowly!!!

Carrick has a problem now because the time has come for Sesko to start, Cunha playing in that role has hurt his form and confidence and he deserves a chance to resume playing in his normal position but Carrick's love affair with Rashford could leave Cunha as the odd man out.
Report brentford September 6, 2026 8:38 PM BST
I'm not sure Tielemans gets a strongest XI start if (quite a big IF btw) Baleba is the real deal..in terms of today I think with due respect he played some nice link up stuff but he and Mainoo can't long term be the CMF 2 with Bruno as a 10 (ish)...Utd play half decent so Everton are s*** is certainly possible though gives a team few opportunities for credit...both Cunha (especially) and prior to his high end finish Mbuemo need to be far more consistent to justify themselves..
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 6, 2026 8:47 PM BST
I think he will do great in a team that plays a more defensive right back.

Going to, say, Barcelona, he's set up nicely in not having too much defensive work.

He's struggled twice now with Rayan breezing
past him on the outside, but stuck at it.

Take would be Rayan is a good player!
Report olddesperado September 6, 2026 8:56 PM BST
I'm not sure if it was you or me looking at a different game Brentford.

I thought we looked dreadful against the worst Everton side I can remember.

It wasn't just two worldies as Carrick said,

Everton had higher xg, more shots, more shots on target, more touches in opposition box, more tackles,more interceptions, more sprints and out ran us again.

Its a recurring theme.

20 times last season we were out run by the opposition,
Arsenal meanwhile were outrun 3 times.

They've  settled into cosy now with Carrick and have figured out he doesn't drop people once they're established.
Report brentford September 6, 2026 9:04 PM BST
I'll be honest if you thought we were dreadful I'd say it was you, respectfully..

Utd ran the game, twice lead and would have deserved the win tbh ...both XG's were low..surprised we only registered 0.69 tbh...

I'm not prone to talking up Utd performances and god knows there's been little reason to but thought they played pretty well today..each to their own I guess.
Report duffy September 6, 2026 9:24 PM BST
We were dreadful in as much as we had numerous times when the space was aplenty and after exposing them we didn't put them away, but this wasn't unpicking a lock, the door was wide open.

I expected that game to be United facing a low block with no space in behind and us having to find a way through a stubborn gnarly defence, that's what an Everton game for us should look like.

The way it panned out should have suited us, there was space to exploit everywhere and the opportunity to get through them on multiple times was there for us, we just didn't capitalize and then let them get at us instead.
Report brentford September 6, 2026 9:39 PM BST
apologies yhtl, only just caught your comment...fair shout.
Report the_don September 6, 2026 11:28 PM BST
Same thoughts as others - neither keeper with much to do but felt like we had numerous promising situations only to be let down by poor decision making, passes behind the man instead of infront of etc etc. Have always said Cunha is a player you want on the ball facing forward, not starting at centre forward and coming back.

When defending the lead, particularly at 2-1, there was way too much space around our defence. Rashford looked a threat but all other attackers were poor today, not only going forward but also defensively. The game was there in the 2nd half and we let it slip.

Unsure whether it's down to Carrick or the players but we don't look like a unit when trying to win the ball back - players still seem unsure who and how to press. Lots of arm waving and pointing going on and not as much tracking back.

It's not all negative, think Carrick is trying to implement a game plan with more control and less end to end games - see the type of signings in midfield - but he hasn't found the right balance or personnel yet. And it's an easy game up next in the league......
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 6, 2026 11:36 PM BST
No probs Brentford, forum doesn't require swift replies.
Report olddesperado September 7, 2026 1:47 PM BST
You are probably right Brentford,  with the realisation we are again going nowhere and wasting more time on a model that won't work I'm probably approaching every game with a glass half empty attitude.

When Carrick took over I looked up what the Boro fans thought of him, always gives a better view than lazy pundits who might only have seen them occasionally.
Anyway the general consensus was they were glad to be shot of him ,  slow build ups,  no plan B , a hierarchy of players that always played irrespective of form, late like for like subs , little reaction to what's happening in front of him etc.

All seems so familiar to where we are now.
Report olddesperado September 7, 2026 1:57 PM BST
On a completely different note does anyone know if goalkeepers have their own personal coach or is it a club goalkeeping coach ?.

Dr Gea never left his line to intercept or claim a cross but we accepted that was who he was,

Onana was meant to be very proactive off his line but never showed it at united.

Now Lammens who got massive cheers when he claimed two crosses on his debut doesn't come out any more either.

Twice yesterday he had an easy claim a few yards in front of him but stood rooted to his line forcing the defence to panic clear it.
Another cross straight at him he mysteriously punched away for some reason.

It's a worrying sign to me.
Report brentford September 7, 2026 5:36 PM BST
I think Craig Mawson is still the club Goal keeping coach so I guess he does most if not all of the work with Lammens, yep he was a bit iffy at times yesterday though I think one of them he should have had a free kick... overall he's been very decent especially for the price paid but that part of his game probably not his best.
Report duffy September 7, 2026 5:38 PM BST
He's probably suffering a hangover from spilling one that knocked them out of the WC.
Report SirNorbertClarke September 11, 2026 7:40 AM BST
I've no idea why the Press are praising United's performance against Sabah. I expect City to win on Sunday.

No Rashford last night. Fear of being cup-tied?
Report lurka September 11, 2026 12:38 PM BST
you can't be cup-tied in the C, that ended years ago
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 11, 2026 1:46 PM BST
Rashford came off in league v Everton with a niggle in leg. Probably not risked.
Report duffy September 11, 2026 5:57 PM BST
Sabah did miss two sitters...you know, in the interest of context.Grin
Report brentford September 11, 2026 6:04 PM BST
They started a bit iffy, after that did the job ok and played with the handbrake and full bench quota for last part of the game...seeing as Citeh have 2 extra days, felt about right in the context..

I heard Hargreaves rather talking some of it up which felt a little inaccurate but we know everyone and their dog would have been on their case if any less convincing..
Report SirNorbertClarke September 13, 2026 9:09 PM BST
Losing to a dubious goal shouldn't hide the fact United were poor today.

Carrick and his backroom staff don't have a record of winning stuff and that doesn't look like changing anytime soon. 

Assistant head coach, Steve Holland, was sacked by his last club, Yokohama F. Marinos, after 4 months!

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Carrick will be gone before the end of the season and he'll be replaced by Kieran McKenna. That may explain the quiet transfer window.
Report olddesperado September 13, 2026 10:34 PM BST
United don't really do proactive sackings preferring to burn seasons completely before acting.

Once Carrick has us within about 6 points of CL places I think they won't have the stomach to sack him.

The fact he's a yes man and won't rock the boat about recruitment is also in his favour.

If it were down to me he wouldn't be manager before today but certainly not after it.

I keep saying it but the Boro fans told us,

Slow build up, no plan B, sticking by favourites irrespective of form,

All what were seeing now still hinting that he won't or can't adapt so will never evolve.

Sack now and try save the season.

McKenna won't be the answer either and he's tainted by being Part of the ole Carrick threesome so no thanks.
Report duffy September 13, 2026 10:57 PM BST
When I saw Mckenna's name mentioned I couldn't believe my eyes.

Let's appoint a manager that is a proven successful manager in a top league in European football, you know, someone experienced at doing what they are going to be asked to do, if that fails at least you can fail whilst trying to do it the right way and giving yourself the best chance.

I do not understand the comments from some fans, "we tried that" well try it again, sometimes doing it the right way doesn't work, it doesn't mean you have to give up and start giving the job to novices.Crazy
Report SirNorbertClarke September 13, 2026 11:33 PM BST
McKenna has had great success with mediocre squads.
Report duffy September 14, 2026 5:47 AM BST
I see your pointGrin
Report olddesperado September 14, 2026 9:04 AM BST
I see the var referee was head of sports provisions at a school for eight years that was funded by man city while he was there.

Probably just coincidence like his mate Oliver funded by city for "education" purposes out there.

Howard Webb needs binning and United should be demanding that this morning,

It's not excusing the performance but two wrongs etc...
Report SirNorbertClarke September 14, 2026 10:14 AM BST

Howard Webb needs binning and United should be demanding that this morning,


Agreed.

This is just the latest in a long line of ****-ups.

Report SirNorbertClarke September 14, 2026 10:16 AM BST
The very least we should expect is that Howard Webb ensures that all referees know the laws of the game.
Report olddesperado September 14, 2026 10:49 AM BST
It's just standard procedure Norbert.

If your head of a government dept that's underperforming you have to go or the pressure goes higher,  same in industry ,  underperforming heads are out or the CEO goes, 
Howard Webb has presided over one scandal after another for years.

Time to give someone else a go.

United should absolutely be at least asking the question will he go if he can't get his team in order.
Report olddesperado September 14, 2026 11:03 AM BST
We know with the 115 charges and city's efforts to block and delay the hearings that they don't care for rules or fairness.
Apparently journalists have also been warned to leave it although plenty wouldn't have the appetite anyway after availing of city's hospitality.

It's widely known Russia befriend and help out loads of up and coming politicians and business leaders in the chance they get into real positions of power.

What's not as widely known is Israel and the more influential middle East countries also follow this procedure.

Every PL referee should have to disclose any potential conflict of interest issue at the start of every season.

Something that crops up afterwards should be immediate sacking.

Even if there's nothing untoward with Oliver and Donough the optics are shocking imo.
Report olddesperado September 14, 2026 2:44 PM BST
Donohue is also the linesman who lied in his report to get Mcguire suspended last season when he said he heard him say your all a fooking joke.

He later admitted he "misheard".

City even still have a photo of him on their website explaining how they funded his sports project at the school.
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 14, 2026 2:55 PM BST
It was worse before Webb took over, I know, I know...


Some of the rugby var guys are excellent, but borderline decisions will always be borderline, and nobody can be perfect... See
maguire handball goal, but this offside yesterday is clear error to me.

Getting good video replay operators working alongside rules folk who act quickly and thoroughly is key,.. and not just appointing referees and assistants who are so used to seeing 3d stuff that they fail to view film accordingly.

Some of the stuff refs don't see is routine to linos and vice versa.

Fans staying tribal when these errors occur just ensure it happens again... There should be a consensus to get var working as well as
possible and if it's still carp then bin it.
Report SirNorbertClarke September 14, 2026 4:14 PM BST
Pro Ref is owned by the Premier League, the FA & EFL and there's just no accountability.

Everyone there, including the tea lady, should know the rules of the game and be able to operate the VAR position.

It's a cluster *****
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 14, 2026 5:43 PM BST
Emmm, yes, they should, but if they can't, then get somebody who can. Tealadies are not ex refs patched into a job, and do a great job.
Report 11kv September 14, 2026 7:17 PM BST
VAR is just another Refs opinion its not working .Im glad its not yet used in the Championship.
Report olddesperado September 15, 2026 3:13 PM BST
15 yo jj Gabriel refusing to train and looking to have his contract terminated over lack of playing time in first team.

Ironically was pencilled in to make his debut tomorrow night,

Reports his dad is a nightmare and impossible to deal with.

United hoping to resolve the issue,

Personally id kick him out this minute and remove their security passes,

Set some standards.
Report SirNorbertClarke September 15, 2026 3:37 PM BST
Money and ambition.

Probably been tapped-up by Hull.
Report olddesperado September 15, 2026 4:52 PM BST
Nah,  hes the best young talent weve produced in quiet a while,

More likely Barcelona tapped him up.

Ive seen a bit of him and hes quiet slight so a less physcical league like spain getting a few minutes at the end of 4-0 leads would be ok.

Couldnt be putting him in the PL ,  theyd break him up.
Report SirNorbertClarke September 15, 2026 5:14 PM BST
I was trying to be funny.

Can't blame the lad. United are a shambles.
Report duffy September 16, 2026 4:21 PM BST
I thought that was quite witty Nobby, Ineos and the Glazers are probably wandering what all the fuss is about, let the bidding war begin as he's all profit!!!
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 16, 2026 5:34 PM BST
Not much profit for club if he walks away.

Seems to be happening quite a lot with these young lads
as clubs look to future profits.

Agents will be well rewarded for engineering free transfer.
Report Racingqueen September 16, 2026 6:01 PM BST
15 yo jj Gabriel refusing to train and looking to have his contract terminated over lack of playing time in first team.

LOL lets be honest the game is f**ked if you even now have 15 year olds chucking it and refusing to play.

IMHO there needs to be rules brought in around this type of behaviour.
Report ImSoLuckyLucky! September 16, 2026 6:06 PM BST
He can go per regulation for less than
£500k

Not exactly earth shattering MUNIE
Ratcliffe will be appaled
Laugh
Report duffy September 16, 2026 6:09 PM BST
Especially if he realizes the potential he has been showing, there will be plenty laughing at us in years to come, it rivals Pogba going for free before buying him back for gazillions.
Report lurka September 16, 2026 9:48 PM BST
They should try to tie him down just so they can get a fee for him at a later stage. Worth throwing a few quid at it even if he doesn't deserve it. But the father is a big red flag and will only cause more problems in the future. He's acting like he's already Messi level at 15.

Dowman at Arsenal is 6 ft and 161 lbs, quite big for a 15/16yo, Gabriel is 5'9 and 131 lbs (estimated), that's too light for the first team and he prob still has a bit of growing to do.
Report ImSoLuckyLucky! September 16, 2026 10:12 PM BST
When you buy SH I T
You get Manure
Laugh
Report olddesperado September 16, 2026 11:14 PM BST
A lot of our players have little mannerisms or tells,  like Maguire pulling up one leg of his shorts at corners tricky situations or doing his little skip as he's running back into position after we've conceded or Dalot following through with his foot after the simplest of little passes etc but with Carrick it's the eyes.
A blank cold stare after we've conceded or lost all control,  stare , no emotion, no tweak no instruction just blank stare.

So so depressing.
Report olddesperado September 16, 2026 11:23 PM BST
We were schooled for 80 mins there, 
Out moved ,  out passed , Out fought, Out thought even.

Brighton played out effortlessly and the few occasions they  were in trouble they went long and won every second ball off our clearance.


Standards really need to be set and Darlow won't feature much anyway , Heaven is young and needs a while out but Dalot needs to be made an example of.
Show what can happen if standards drop continually.

He should be finished here really and a line put in the sand for going forward.

Shorter more relaxed training sessions my arse.
Report duffy September 17, 2026 3:40 AM BST
Dalot's last game should have been the one where a player jogged past him last season and he put his hand up to say yeah my bad!!

As someone said recently, if you've got him making 250 appearances for United it tells you all you need to know about the state of the club.
Report duffy September 17, 2026 3:41 AM BST
Agree with the Carrick thing, he looks scared to death....who knew!!
Report SirNorbertClarke September 17, 2026 12:10 PM BST
Our defence is a shambles whatever combination we play.

We need to sign a 'Steve Bruce' type player. Someone who'd put his face where others would fear to put their boot.

How much did Yoro cost?
Report brentford September 19, 2026 4:59 PM BST
I'd have thought Maguire was about as close to a modern day Bruce as anyone..

re JJ Gabriel, not a thing the club can do if he doesn't want to stay, he has about a year left on contract...

Utd have done everything right by the kid according to all available credible sources.

He's 15 and not that physically developed so he was never going to get much game time yet ( as referenced above by others he was due to play against Brighton). If Barca or Madrid are interested it's only ending one way these days (and though less clear cut, may well be the case even if Utd were stronger than they are)..

Utd have been poaching players to the academy the same way...
Report the old nanny ;-) September 19, 2026 5:25 PM BST
Ratcliffe 'must go' says Man Utd Muslim fan group
Report SirNorbertClarke September 19, 2026 5:49 PM BST
Why bother with an academy?

Why not just poach players when they are old enough to sign a proffesional contract and put them in the under 21s?
Report brentford September 19, 2026 5:52 PM BST
If your academy recruitment is good it generates money for the club, City have produced plenty of talent and therefore revenue from theirs, Chelsea certainly used to...Utd's was neglected for the best part of 2 decades but is now probably back somewhere close to what it used to be if still behind City..
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- September 19, 2026 8:04 PM BST
The class of 92 was the academy working.

OK, unlikely anybody cops for an output like that again, but it sells a dream.

Problem....

Premier league is ultra physical,... Spain
offers a nice life and sanitised football.
Report SirNorbertClarke September 19, 2026 9:36 PM BST
I don't blame this kid for wanting to join Barca or Real Madrid.

United are a complete shambles.
Report brentford September 19, 2026 9:50 PM BST
a couple of slightly outdated articles but show the worth for big (rich) teams to get the academy working well..

https://onefootball.com/fr/news/the-442million-man-city-have-made-from-selling-academy-graduates-under-pep-guardiola-38136475



https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40029184/chelsea-300-million-cobham-academy-sales-trevoh-chalobah/
Report SirNorbertClarke September 19, 2026 10:27 PM BST
brentford, that's all well and good but don't forget the owners can't even stop the roof from leaking.
Report brentford September 19, 2026 10:30 PM BST
Indeed, the majority owners that you've often defended..whilst criticising the minority owners who've actually tried to rectify a few things such as the academy (though I'd concede that small steps were happening on that front already - certainly with little input from the Glazers)..
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