Eveready

So the main accuser is clearly already strongly disliked by these 2 so you can probably discount anything they say about her. I only skim read but one of them is basically saying she punched herself in her prosthetic tit? Also no source, could very easily be made up, and very odd to have the conversation recorded in the first place. Presumably the conversation was in Portuguese and translated, which it very confusing how an 'ot' for 'not' typo could occur. If this was a court - pretty much everything in their conversation is hearsay regarding the initial accusations by Gabi and medical records backing up her account would significantly outweigh this conversation even if it were true.

There’s zero evidence in the the public domain, but that’s what you would expect if she went to the police. In all the articles I’ve read they state that the accuser claims that had to have medical treatment after the headbutt and corrective surgery to repair a damaged cosmetic implant. If her medical records back this up - which I’d imagine is very likely considering it’s mentioned in the articles - then I personally would consider that strong evidence.

I think it means they're going to do absolutely fuck all until he's charged.

Semantics on the charges being dropped. The language makes it look like they had to drop the charges because she refused to co-operate. The 'This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain' makes me think they would've gone down the 'consensual/non-consensual' role play in court, which would've made conviction impossible. Don't think Man Utd will think we're all stupid enough to believe that in their final statement though.

In all fairness I think that was his first ever Premier League start and it was the away game at the end of last season where he looked quality.

This is the entire reason I back a stop-clock. We need to limit the influence referees have on the game as much as possible. If they want people to stop claiming conspiracy then they're going completely the wrong way about it.

It appears that the higher ups at Fifa believe that it isn't perfectly fine if they're having to change the rules on stoppage time. If the choices are the officials being able to have even more of a say to influence games, or having a more structured game that enforces time and leaves less allowance for favouritism would you really take the former?

Stopping the clock is the only way to stop referee's being influenced by things like a certain classless, unhinged German manager shouting in the faces of officials, and for that reason I'm sure the PL will be 100% against it. They can't favour certain teams without being able to have a level of subjection. I don't see any issues with a stop clock.

I wonder Dutch clubs speak English internally as the natives all speak fluent English and makes it easier for international players to settle in. Could be a reason we're sending players there.

I’d say the people accepting of €25m for him are pretty desperate. There are fair reasons for wanting to move players on but some of the reasons being spouted on here about him wanting to leave himself, our players not liking him etc. are pure speculation and not based on fact. You wouldn’t say people inventing reasons for wanting him out of the door are desperate to leave? At least you managed to make this post without personal insults over the internet though, tough guy.

Absolute nonsense. Just read this thread, plenty of people want him gone.

Simple point is that I wouldn't want Antony in our team. Adding goals but downgrading link up play doesn't guarantee an upgrade.

I'm starting to think that his cryptic posts about 'the haters' during this off season were directed at a section of our fanbase who desperate to get him out of the club.

Also with far better defensive statistics than Barnes.

Antony scored 8 for Man Utd last season and the general consensus is that he's been absolutely shite.

In that scenario it would be saying his true colours were that he wanted to stay at the clubs for the fans and Champions League football after his contribution to the club, almost single-handedly keeping us in league for a couple of year, but eventually accepted that he would move to a league where he can't compete for major honours so we can have a boost to our FFP position. All to his own detriment and to benefit the club. What an absolutely awful person that would make him seem.

Bruno's definitely mentioned he was a good friend at the club. Pretty sure he said he invited him to his wedding too.

Not sure if I’ve missed something but where has the line that he ‘clearly’ wants to leave come from?

Can understand it to some extent due to things like Carroll leaving but I also can't understand how someone can really enjoy football without having any affection or loyalty towards the players you watch week in week out. xA is based on the xG of the shot taker, which is absolutely a statistically solid metric.

Would absolutely hate to sell him. The only glimmer of hope through the steaming pile of shite served up under Bruce and never seemed to openly want away even during that awful period. New manager comes in with a different philosophy, and instead of kicking up a fuss like a lot of flair players would, he clearly is trying his hardest to adapt to a new style, even to the extent that the longest period of him he was out last season was when he was busting his ass to get back to stop a counter. Despite being a player that takes a few games to reach match fitness and having a very disrupted season due to injuries he still had one of the best xA90 in league. Misses 3 league games the season before, 1 disjointed season and now he 'must' be sold. For all the talk of keeping players like Murphy around for loyalty, the lack of respect and loyalty our fans are showing to ASM - to put it politely - frustrates me a little.

Doesn't Murphy get a fair amount of abuse? It just never really gets talked about because he's clearly an idiot and no one defends him. I have no doubt a lot of the abuse Aluko gets is sexism & racism, but some people (not an equal amount) will defend her for the same reasons resulting in visible internet arguments.

His stock is low as it's ever been due to injuries and despite being a player who needs a few games to regain match fitness, his G/A contribution per 90 was still one of the best in the team last year. Even with the short term impact on FFP, I cannot understand how people would be happy to accept £30-35m for him when it would cost easily double that to replace him.

No differences as a percentage of our budget assuming all deal are 5 years+ though. For the record I think this is a good move and I'm all for signing young prospects.

Were Qatar hoping the migrant workers would stay? What for if they've built the infrastructure which is no longer required? The vast natural resource wealth means that unlike countries with developed, diversified economies, which require an increasing population to grow their GDP, I thought the reason migrant workers were brought over was simply to fill a labour shortage that the native population refuse to fill as they basically get free handouts from the government. After these huge infrastructure projects have been completed why would they want the migrant workers to stay and wouldn't they offer them a pathway to citizenship if so? Not doubting you, just genuine curiosity as I'm not well versed on the subject.

Is it only me that also thinks that Rakitic was fouled in the lead up to the Roma goal? Would have to rewatch it but it looked the Roma player shielded the ball from Rakitic by completely turning his back on the ball and using his hands to stop Rakitic from getting it while his teammate picked it up. Like an American football defensive linesman blocking. Edit: watching it back the Roma player makes zero attempt to even touch or control the ball and even falls over because Rakitic steps back so he can’t lean into him.