ExiledGeordie

They need to find a way to keep Isak fitter for longer or hopefully he’s just been unlucky. It’s bad enough Wilson being out for such long periods.

I highly doubt he’s done “fuck all” ? howay man, I’m sure he’s done plenty to help put a framework in for the academy grade and stuff like that. Is he replaceable, ofcourse he is, it’s just about finding the right person and getting the right compensation for him.

If he plays Burn against Saka in the current team and how we’re playing and we get done with Burn or that side being culpable then he should rightly be pulled up on it and serious questions will have to be asked.

Yeah Brighton seem to manage pretty well signing quality for minimal outlay. The LB situation needs sorting though. If he doesn’t rate Hall or something is going on, go out and sign a proper LB in the summer. Miggy is a good squad player and I love his effort but if he’s starting next season, Christ. Im intrigued to see what happens with Tonali, I think he can do very well but it depends what system they play. Defence needs more protection whether that’s from a more 6 type player. The Joelinton situation is interesting too, I hope he stays. I also hope they can improve Isak’s durability whether that’s strength training/conditioning or whatever because he’s no good sat on the sidelines and you can’t have a situation where you have two strikers and the back up has even more fitness concerns than the starter ?

William Galas was one of my favoured defenders in his prime, pace to burn against the very best. Tino is pretty nippy to be fair when he plays.

Spot on, the midfield is all over the place at the minute, we must be an absolute dream to place against, players literally licking their lips. One ball through or a bit of pace and a team is steaming through on the defence.

I think the problem is he’s finding his feet and lacks that yard of pace post injury in a side with absolute zero pace across the entire midfield and defence unless Tino is at left back. We are so exposed due to a lack of speed at the moment that teams are exploring that.

That’s the frustration with Wilson, his ability just isn’t matched by his fitness. He is that bit older now though too. I’d be happy if he stayed as a 3rd striker option as if we get some form of Europe there’ll still be plenty games. Whether he’d be happy with that or whether the club might just look to offload him instead, who knows. Either way we need a sturdy 2nd option to Isak whose own lack of durability is a concern

The LB situation needs sorting, Miggy needs upgrading, we need a reliable 2nd striker and we probably need a pacey centre half. That’s even before there’s a discussion on what Tonali offers and whether we need a 6 type player because Longstaff isn’t the option in terms of starting moving forwards. Good squad player yes. Edit: Will add there’s the basis of a very good squad here already but major changes needed in the summer.

He’ll get next season definitely and rightly so really. However my only concern with Howe is what he’s able to do when injuries pile up or he needs a plan B when things aren’t working where the question marks lies for me. I hope he continues to grow in the job and is here for a long time but I have an underlying feeling that for us to go to the next level we might need someone else. The injuries this season have been absolutely ridiculous though and I’m keen to see what he does next season after the transfer window.

Well summed up. If he have (and toys bloody hope so) a solid summer to improve the squad, sort the striker situation out so we have more depth, sort LB situation out, upgrade RW as well as bolstering midfield then he’s got to deliver really and the pressure will be on. Like it’s been said above he’s going to have to adapt and learn how to cope with situations and develop a better plan B. If he doesn’t do that and we struggle next season he’ll eventually be replaced considering where the board and PIF want to go.

Just a hunch but maybe now they see lumping 35m on him as not worth it and given FFP they’d rather spend 40-45 on a guaranteed bonafide left back

I think there’s been so many injuries this season that he’ll rightly be given more time. He’ll definitely get the summer transfer window and next season but the pressure is definitely on next season for sure.

The Hall situation is odd, he never comes on even with injuries. Doesn’t add up at all and I wonder if there is something in the appearance thing and the deal not going ahead.

It also doesn’t help that we can’t keep a striker on the pitch. That’s when we’re replying on the likes of Murphy and Almiron to bury chances.

Lack of strikers is a farce

Half-arsing it? What like he doesn’t really care that much?, howay man. He was out for a lengthy period due to injury. Clearly been feeling his way back with fitness and sharpness. Have a word ffs

Im pretty sure he’ll be moved on in the summer unless he and the club are happy with a 3rd striker role - cup games, 20-30 mins here and there. We need a reliable beast of a striker as a second option to Isak who has also shown he’s injury prone

Surely it comes down to if he wants to go. If he says no then great, if he he wants to leave, fine but then drive a really hard bargain. No point in keeping him if his head is turned.

If Man U can get Berrada from City they’ll be confident of getting Ashworth. Sounds like we’ll know one way or another fairly soon which is probably best for everyone really. Mental that he could be on another full paid gardening leave soonish.

Well summed up

I think it would be a real dent to the nufc board if he goes.

This has a feeling of inevitability about it, seems to he too much noise. It also seems like the contract wranglings/gardening leave could get messy if/when it happens. If he doesn’t want to stay though, so be it not that he’s confirmed or denied anything yet. I’m sure we’ll find a suitable replacement but it’d be a shame if he goes.

I enjoyed reading all that. I agree Howe’s been hamstrung by injuries and the disaster that’s been the Tonali’s situation. I’m interested to see what he does with a full squad again and with some summer signings. But I agree I’d like to see him become more adaptable with his play because of some of the reasons you’ve mentioned (such as burn out and squad utilisation). Next season will be very interesting to see how he does. I’m happy for him to stay for a few seasons yet to see him grow in the role but part of me does also feel like we might have to upgrade eventually to take the team to the next level.

We are so easy to play through in midfield. Yes there’s issues wiht Burn but protection of back four is woeful. Attack looks impotent today too tho.