James

Gary Megson

I thought with exception of Elliott every player showed they had some quality for at least part of the game and that bodes well for the remainder of the season. We would have 10 points more this season if Rafa got backed with the goalkeeper for the transfer market. Regardless we would have at least drawn this if we hadn't had the bad luck of this being Pogba's return match.

Shelvey and Hayden have played well today

We outperformed them in the first half, but they had more quality and delivered the sucker punch in first half injury time. Any team in that position is at risk of getting routed second half. At least we tried to equalise rather than trying to minimise defeat.

Rafa: She will not spend £100m in the next transfer window

Breaking news, helicopter crash https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-42024712 Doesn't Ashley have his helicopter here?

Very poorly drawn up - Curtis Good ffs. We've done alright with injuries last two seasons.

It's not just Mourinho singling him out though. He is currently physically in an absolute state and performing appallingly for the U23s according to local accounts in the Manchester press. There are also several accounts of his inability to learn and improve. He is a pure waster. Two very good managers and he hasn't listened to them. Why would he follow Rafa? It won't happen because Rafa knows all this and would prefer to manage Dummett and use the money elsewhere if it came to a straight choice. I'm sure Rafa will look at left backs if he has funds but it won't be Shaw for sure.

If we sign Shaw he thinks he has made it, he can't follow managers instructions and he hasn't been looking after himself physically. Dummett will displace him from the team within 6 months

Shaw should be avoided like the plague. Imagine a cross between the worst parts of Michael Owen and Celestine Babayaro. That is Shaw

Celebrating a great Newcastle victory when I was a kid would only feel complete and real to me once Tim Gudgin had read out the score on Final Score. RIP

Nah Rafa knows the importance of not rushing players back from an injury that could men to player missing even more time from another injury!

Based on some of the player sales Ashley has supposedly managed I fully expect that once everything is practically agreed and about to be signed off, Ashley will then request an extra £25m

Tomorrow is definitely happening people (in precisely 51 minutes)

Robson over Rafa for me however much I love Rafa

Jihordi John

If you look at the teams that have lost to Burnley over the past few years, yesterday is no major crime. Rafa would have wanted to win and perhaps we may have done if we played the game again under the same conditions. We have been competitive on every single game this season and have one of the best defences in the land. Days like yesterday will happen again this season - what else do you expect from a newly promoted club? But in the end if we keep doing what we have done so far this season, our losses will be far outweighed by our results.

Whereas defeat or a goalless draw may have felt inevitable under old management, I feel a growing sense of confidence that we could well grab the points tonight.

We won't be signing Shaw. He is one of those rare players who has peaked at 18. Rafa will be well aware of his bad attitude reported almost daily in the local Manchester press where he struggles to perform for the U23s

They will want something though. It could just be an ego-football manager thing. Or they could just want a successful football club to raise their profile. That is all promising for as long as PCP don't get bored. They may want to use the club as a corporate vehicle e.g. give away x% of seats to VIPs. That may cause some problems for fans It is not impossible to churn out a profit with the TV deal. It could also be argued that more money could be generated via sponsorship and significantly increased ticket prices. This could still be run less frugal than Ashley but still as a business. I don't think any owner will buy a club thinking they won't compete, but reality may eventually sink in. We don't really know how things will turn out let's just enjoy the ride.

Ketsbaia

I'm sure there has been interest when we have been in the PL, but Ashley hasn't wanted to sell e.g. Not turning up at that meeting set up with Middle East investors

Man City will win 2-1 with all goals in the second half

Barry Moat

27 year old Drinkwater for £35m compared to 21 year old Merino for £6.5m is a perfect case in point. Proven vs unproven, low-risk vs high risk. Won't work nearly as often as it doesn't. Not quite as clear cut as that though. Pay £35m and a player may have already peaked or may lose hunger now they have secured that big move. We could instead buy 3 players for £7m. A lot less money but with potential and hunger to improve and a manager who can help them do so. Yes one or even two may be duds (happens with Rafa fairly often) but statistically the risk is actually less than the single high cost option.