KaKa

We spent all summer chasing a centre-back for the first team, at a huge cost. We already had Burn and Schar holding down the fort very well. Kelly was signed and could cover Burn until Botman returned, and so we just needed a younger CB to cover Schar, especially as we also had Krafth that could do a job there. Why do you think we need a first team ready CB? And not a younger talent that could be backup initially?

You didn't read what I posted properly. It didn't have to be a Guehi level of player and price. A youngster in the £25 million range would have been great.

We really should just get a talented, younger, reasonably priced RCB and put most of the money towards a right winger. Not sure why we were looking for a centre back to come in straight away and impact the first team.

I like the relentlessness. Good start for Kompany there, after all the cheeky comments about him getting the gig.

Tielemans looks like he's in great shape physically. Think that was the key for him.

Szoboszlai scores. AC Milan fans were blaming Thiaw early doors this season but they are so wide open on the counter. Don't think the Fonz does defending!

Tomori, Lotus-Cheek, Pulisic and now Tammy and Morata too. Chelsea old boys club this AC Milan side.

That was so bad ...

Really nice first time ball from Tchouameni.

Gyokeres is absolute quality.

I agree completely. I'm just glad more people are seeing this, because it wasn't long ago there was a fair bit of disagreement on it. Having Gordon or Barnes on the bench at this point is really harsh on either of them. They are both too good, and the alternatives really hold us back a fair bit.

From a month ago ... Barnes must first force his way into the starting XI, which will not be straightforward. Anthony Gordon scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in the Premier League last season and he, like Barnes, prefers to play on the left wing. The pair did start together towards the end of last season, with Gordon switching over to the right, and they formed a devastating front three with Isak. But Howe is hoping to recruit a right-winger this summer, meaning Barnes and Gordon may be competing for a solitary starting spot on the left. “It drives me on,” Barnes says of watching Gordon excel in his position. “Ant came in and did really well, then it’s tough to get back in. That is how football goes. “We both prefer the left but we can play in different positions and be fluid within the formation we play. There’ll be a lot of games this year in which you see players moving and playing in different positions. That can all work naturally.” https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5660140/2024/08/05/harvey-barnes-newcastle-interview/

Even the game knows Man Utd are shite.

Simeone at Atletico would sign him in a heartbeat, and many others I suspect. He just needs to concentrate during games and stop getting so wound up. He is still plenty good enough. Just a reminder of what he gives the team, and what other teams would gladly get, regardless of how clumsy it might look every now and then ...

Just having a bit of fun Don't take it personal @Tross

The fact you compared wingers switching sides to Pope playing upfront makes me pity you immensely. Your football intellect disgusts me. Be gone simpleton!

Yeah, because we've never seen wingers rotate sides during games. How old are you 6?

He's playing so well now that the manager has to figure out how to accommodate both of them even when Isak is fit. It's a headache. We don't know what Gordon's attitude is towards playing on the right. Maybe he doesn't care and still feels he will produce results just as well. If he's not keen though I wouldn't blame him either, as he's coming off a ten goal and ten assist season on the left. Best bet if neither is up for playing on the right side full time is to have them rotate sides each half of each game perhaps.

I was trying to explain recently that he is so good because he has the curled finish but he also has the laces thumper like this Sheffield United one. Seen him hit it like that with his left too. That one is for all the people who think he won't score goals from the right side. Anywhere on the pitch this guy is a goal threat, with his ball striking ability with either foot.

I see Gallagher got his first yesterday for Atletico and apparently looked really good. Alvarez off the mark now too. Think they're going to have a strong season.

I think when Hall plays, he should be given freedom to get forward to support Gordon more, and Joelinton should be tasked with being a bit more conservative position wise to cover for him. Hall was sitting deeper most of the time yesterday, which is pretty pointless. He is excellent going forward, that is his strength. Let Joe cover and keep things simpler, and have Gordon and Hall combine further forward.

Here's where I am with this now. We are failing Sean Longstaff. Just as we are failing Murphy/Almiron. Just as we are failing Tino Livramento. I'm finding it increasingly more difficult to be too down on anyone on that right side, because the combination is all wrong. As soon as I saw these three in the team together I knew it was going to be a mess, as they just do not mesh well and it leads to a multitude of problems. Longstaff just wants to play it simple to the man nearest him and make runs forward in and around the box to get shots away. He needs a full back that is really good with the ball and can take more on as a passer, as well as a decent right winger that can carry the ball forward and create more space for him. In the fourth place season this guy was starting games, and he was far more useful and not as much of a hindrance to the team. During that period Miggy was playing out of his skin on the right wing and Trippier was incredible facilitating a lot of play from right back. These things allowed Longstaff to be a very functional and useful contributor. With the current options we should not be playing him if Trippier is not playing as well. Equally Tonali's quick passing, ball carrying and vision, will benefit Tino massively, as he wants to play the ball inside and then bomb forward on the overlap. Longstaff and Trippier / Tonali and Tino, would save us so much grief!

Carragher is desperate for things to get unsettled at Newcastle because he's bought into the Gordon rumours and wants Liverpool to get him. Was going on and on about Gordon being one of the best left wingers in the Prem today. He's a snide scumbag.

Really really glad we never got Maddison. He's so often such a big let down.