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...Varane will almost certainly leave this summer. He was talking of leaving 18 months ago, but things went quiet last summer. To lose both him and our captain in the same window would be a problem, which might strengthen Sergio’s hand.
He used United to secure a monster contract last time he extended, and wants to extend for 2 years on the same terms. Real, as you might know, are willing to give him one year on the same money, 2 years for around 10% less.
Not sure how this will end.
I’m inclined to give him what he wants. He has been fabulous, my favourite player, and he is still a force on and off the pitch.
If l were United, l would go after Varane. He wants a fresh challenge and would be a good signing for anyone. You would have competition. He has been a little low on confidence since his mistakes against City last season, a few mistakes creeping into his game, but worth going after.
With one year left on his contract, Real might not get much more than 30 million. Competition for his signature would push the price up.
Mbappe joining Madrid, this summer was only ever 50/50. Now it looks like he is leaning toward PSG. I’m not too bothered about that. If he is going to extend with them, then let it happen quickly. That way, Perez, can stop obsessing (like he always does) and the club can rebuild in a more coherent way. I’d be more than happy with Haaland, a centre back, Odegaard back and the return of Reguilon.
As for Zidane, this is his final season. Things can’t continue like this.
His coaching, by his own admission, is not up there with the best. His handling of many of our players is unacceptable. Too many get pushed out and ignored. But he constantly says, “l love all my players.” Yeah, just some more than others. He will never discard Hazard, but has no patience with Vinicius (who, worryingly, isn’t improving). He doesn’t improve and develop players, sadly. He doesn’t seem to give the younger players the support they need. The confidence they need.
But we cannot sack him. Just can’t. He means too much to the club for that. He has won so much, we owe him so much.
He has to choose to walk away, and l think he will. But there will be no trophy winning ending.
Pochettino would have been my choice. Plays good football, improves players, l think it would have worked out well. But again, not to be, so l’m not sure. I always thought Gutierrez, had a shot but Perez, seems fixated with Raúl. Way too soon imo.
If Brendan Rodgers speaks Spanish (essential), l would consider him. Same with Nuno Espírito Santo and Hasenhuttl. But the danger is the job might overwhelm them. Poch, wouldn’t have had that problem.
I’m also entrigued with Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso.
So, as you can see, l’m lost.