Froggy

I wish he was right.

I know you're not posting this with a straight face when your club is funded by Saudi Arabia.

£27m for Greenwood and a 40% sell on clause. Think that's as good as we could have gotten for him, as he'll certainly go for a large sum in the future.

De Jong?

It's called negotiating. The same thing happened with Gordon. Correct.

It's £45m+5m in add ons. It's what you paid for Gordon a year ago when he was still 21 and IMO more established than what Branthwaite is now. People trying to act like it's a derisory offer need their heads checked, and they wouldn't be saying it if it wasn't us that was putting in the bid.

I'm with KaKa. Zirkzee clearly going to be world class.

He's so, so good. A competent DM plus Mainoo and Fernandes and our midfield doesn't look so bad.

Generally dislike The Daily Mail and The Sunday World.

Next.

I know you didn't just use Sunday World as a source. Just read The Athletic article man.

He's had the same amount of jobs as Mitchell since 17/18. Mitchell has had more jobs in a much shorter period of time over both their careers. Does that concern you about Mitchell?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5274684/2024/02/14/dan-ashworth-manchester-united-who-is?source=user-shared-article He is elite. Mitchell may well be too.

Why wouldn't I admit that? I'm very realistic about where we are. I've done nothing but give you credit about how good of a side you've been under Howe.

It's embarrassing. Ashworth is a great hire for Man United. Mitchell is a great replacement for Ashworth. It's very simple.

Why does he get the blame for manager friction? Maybe Eddie's too big for his boots? You were able to sell players to get out of that hole that Ashworth had a huge part in bringing to the club. And players signed under him are some of your most expensive assets. Isak, Botman, Gordon etc. But nah, Ashworth did nothing. And aye, Brighton are doing fine because of the structure he put in place. That's exactly what we want. not a short term fix.

Brighton and Newcastle fans raved about Ashworth until he left, then said he was overrated and never gave him credit for anything. It's quite petty to be honest. The Athletic has done some great articles about what he has achieved at both clubs.

Nah. Ashworth's track record speaks for itself, and you wouldn't be going anywhere near Mitchell only we poached wee Dan. We have your first choice sporting director. I'm completely confident in the executive structure we have in place now. Would have been nice to have Mitchell on board for recruitment, as he's found some gems. Nothing even close to Caicedo for £4m, Mitoma for £2.6m etc. but he's still very good.

I don't think email expertise is essential criteria to be a successful sporting director.

Would have. Cup saved it. Worst defensive injury crisis in PL history means he gets another go.

And they weren't wrong.

Correct. But the reports were wrong. Since been debunked by The Athletic. We just couldn't find an agreement. He probably wanted too much money. Correct. If things aren't going well by October he'll be gone. You only have to look at the difference in results when Martinez and Varane were fit though. Think we might win the league this year tbh.

Incorrect. BBC ran an article saying Tuchel ruled himself out of the running for the job, conveniently the day after we decided to keep Ten Hag. We progressed to the final stages with Tuchel and De Zerbi before making that decision. It was likely financial reason's that saved Ten Hag, but it was our decision nonetheless, and boy am I glad we don't have Tommy Toucher at the helm. Anyway, I'm happy to give a manager who has a third place finish and two trophies a bit more time to prove he's the guy. He'll be more harshly judged this season.