The Prophet

The whole defence looked exposed at the start of the 24/25 season, before Howe sussed the flat midfield issue.

On a more random note, do we see his future at left back? He'll never be the best defender and he's such a fantastic footballer, it almost feels like he's wasted there.

...and during that spell he looked equally as exposed as CBs tend to. It sounds like I hate him or something when I love him to bits, but an extended run out the team has really done wonders for fan's perception of Schar.

I doubt it'll matter.

Do we think? Have a sneaky feeling they'll win their case.

There's usually one absolute hiding and one game that goes off on the final day. Fancy City v Villa to be the hiding. Think our game and Forest v Bournemouth have the potential for plenty of goals.

https://m.gianlucadimarzio.com/caffe-di-marzio/da-tonali-united-a-ruben-dias-il-mercato-all-estero-gia-si-muove-492559 The international transfer market is heating up: Tonali could become the most expensive Italian transfer ever, with Manchester United ready to bet heavily on him. ... There was a gentleman's agreement with Newcastle that included the possibility of a transfer to a top club should they fail to qualify for the Champions League , obviously with a very high valuation, around €100 million as a base. Manchester United has decided to focus on Tonali , regardless of Ederson . Tonali is the first player Carrick specifically wants at Manchester. There's a good chance the deal will go through: it's not yet known whether it will be €100 million, or €75-80 million plus bonuses, but it will be a significant transfer nonetheless. Maresca 's Manchester City had also considered Tonali. Here, another source of Italian pride emerges: the presence of managers like Maresca and De Zerbi in the Premier League . However, City would face greater competition, given that Rodri is expected to stay at least another year. At Manchester United , however, Tonali believes he can play more consistently, a crucial aspect for his career, his fitness, and his national team, especially considering his past successes. So, Tonali - and perhaps also Ederson - to Manchester United : these would be the two reinforcements identified by Carrick for the midfield, which will lose Casemiro.

Oh aye, just thought it was of debate. Whether it's down to Thiaw or otherwise the collective defense seems to lack leadership.

I'd say there's more overrated players in the side. How specifically do we think Thiaw has contributed to the defence getting worse? I'd argue it's got worse, but if anything I feel a bit sorry for Thiaw in terms of the minutes he's had to play and that he's had to cover two positions at once at times. Individually he's probably been the pick of the bunch

What would you be looking to buy, thinking more RCB or LCB? I do think there's a strong case to buy a CB, largely as Botman hasn't proved his fitness and our back ups are 34+.

Completely agree, but beyond the keeper, it felt largely systemic rather than personnel issues.

Athletes over footballers. It'll be like the PL has never been away.

The market is reactive innit.

Chelsea sniffing around Kroupi.

The lengths some folk will go to criticise the club is mad.

Why?

Lewis-Skelly you'd imagine.

The only thing I can think and I'm grasping at straws here, is that he fancies someone a bit more defensively sound.

He had a minor dip in form, but not taking him is a bit mental.

A decade ago I'd have probably agreed. In modern history though, the likes of Man City have gone a long way in strengthening the prestige of the League Cup, taking it more seriously as the first bit of silverware to put in the cabinet for the season. At the same time the FA Cup has lost some of its previous prestige, with replays being scrapped and bigger clubs prioritising the latter stages of the European competitions over domestic cup ties. The FA Cup has history behind it, but now I say they're both viewed as one of two domestic trophies on offer.

Does Glasner have a club yet?

I'd say Major trophies: League and Champions League Regular trophies: FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League Minor trophies: Conference League

Think the FA Cup and League Cup are about on par these days.

Eckert getting shit-canned will come as a surprise to no one.

Im just glad to be part of it. The more clubs that win trophies, the better. If we keeping putting ourselves in a position where we're qualifying for quarterfinals and semifinals, it hopefully won't be too long before the next one too.