[FM15] Manchester United - The Next Dynasty

http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_es/56/ae/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-schalke-04-uefa-champions-league-03102015_u11lpkw1osiy1375m3d88ki94.jpg

---

UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United apparently have a vested interest in their prodigal son Cristiano Ronaldo, with sources from within the club indicating that the 31 year old superstar is at the top of the Red Devils' transfer agenda. The Portuguese winger was adjudged the second best player in the world in 2015, and having played for United from 2003 to 2009, knows the facilities at Old Trafford well. Whether or not he could be persuaded for a return to the Premier League is another matter entirely.

United manager Ryan Giggs is an ex-teammate of Ronaldo, which could be a temptation for the 31 year old, and he would be losing nothing in silverware considering the fact that the Red Devils won 4 trophies last year to Real Madrid's 1, and included the Champions League trophy amongst the Premier League. And, arguably, his teammates aren't at a lower level either. Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay are arguably the best three midfielders in the world at the moment, rivalling Ronaldo's ex-teammates at Real, whilst Rooney and van Persie formed the best goals-per-game striker partnership in the world when they made it onto the pitch. Looking towards the future, Martin Odegaard and Adnan Januzaj will be looking to emulate Ronaldo, and having him at the club should aid their development greatly. These are the pros of joining United.

---

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00512/Cristiano_Ronaldo_512589a.jpg

---

But the major, looming con is the fact that it is unlikely that United will be able to afford Ronaldo's mammoth £575,000-a-week contract, the equal-highest in the world, especially considering the fact that the current highest earner at Old Trafford is Wayne Rooney, on £235,000 a week. The pull of familiarity may be strong for Ronaldo, but the pull of money is stronger and the transfer team at United will have a job cut out for them dealing with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, one of the shrewdest operators in football.

United fans can only dream that their icon can return, but in the end it depends on the preference of the man himself - the best in the world can pick and choose. The predicted price varies, from as low as £55,000,000 to as high as £80,000,000. But one thing is for sure. If Ronaldo joins the reigning Champions League winners, watch out Europe.

Cristiano would certainly be welcomed back with open arms, but only if he is affordable!

http://www.squawka.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/reu_2112136.jpg

---

Out of favour midfielder Ander Herrera is claiming he is being "forced out of the club", after the 26 year old Spaniard was reportedly offered out to clubs around Europe for a prospective fee of £15 million. Herrera has played almost 100 games for United in the past two seasons but it appears Ryan Giggs is set to play Gaston Gil Romero and Angel Di Maria in the two central midfield spots, with ageing Michael Carrick deputising for Romero. Martin Odegaard will be back-up for Di Maria, as confirmed by Giggs, as he looks to include youth and as such it appears that Ander Herrera is left out of his plans.

Sporting CP in Portugal are reportedly the biggest interest in his services, despite the player's insistence that he will see out his contract. The main concern, according to sources within the club, is his creative ability as well as dribbling, with Di Maria offering a dynamic role across the centre, moving up and creating a fifth attacker, whilst Herrera lacks the mobility. He assisted just 6 goals last season, in 56 games, and although his passing rate was an acceptable 86%, it appears that Giggs is looking for someone more adventurous and Herrera will miss out.

---

http://cdn2.footballmanagerstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/fm-2014-player-profile-of-gaston-gil-romero.jpg

---

Attempts to play him as the holding midfielder were unsuccessful, eventually leading to the purchase of Gaston Gil Romero in January, and he seemed to lack the defensive work rate needed to play in such a position. Sporting CP, or other suitors Everton and Roma, could give him a more creative role in the middle but as mentioned earlier, Herrera is intent on staying.

Now, it's just a stand-off between player and manager. Will Giggs sell Herrera, or subject him to sitting on the bench or in the stands each week? It will be interesting to see nonetheless.

Ronaldo would be some signing and make your team almost unstoppable. Do like Herrera but, can see why he has to go

http://cdn-teamtalk.365.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/11091337/Ashley-Young-Michael-Carrick-Jesse-Lingard-Manchester-United.jpg

---

Three players have left Old Trafford today after the expiry of their contracts, including 5 year player Ashley Young who played over 150 times in the famous red jersey. Back-up keeper Anders Lindegaard also leaves, after making just one appearance in 2015/16, and Jesse Lingard unfortunately has not secured a contract renewal despite making his debut for United this season and playing 13 games.

---

http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5275642.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Newcastle-v-Manchester-United.jpg

---

Ashley Young is the most high profile player leaving, having never quite secured a first team role behind players such as Nani, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay. A consistent 20-game-a-season player, Young had determination and commitment to the team and Giggs will be sad to see the experienced face go.

---

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/01439/lindegaard_1439810a.jpg

---

Anders Lindegaard, meanwhile, will probably dismantle his part of the bench at Old Trafford having occupied it all season. The 32 year old Dane watched on as David De Gea continued his stellar form, and in the end, Giggs didn't see enough of him to give him a new deal. Jason Steele and David Marshall have been touted as replacements for the Old Trafford bench.

---

http://e1.365dm.com/15/11/16-9/20/jesse-lingard-manchester-united-goal-celebration_3373912.jpg

---

The final departee is the youngest. 23 year old Jesse Lingard would have had dreams of a stable career at United, having finally made his debut for the club, but ultimately the winger was pushed out by younger talent such as Patrick Roberts and David Pickwell. Now, he will likely find himself a key player in the Championship and could reinvent his career.

It is sad to see that Herrera cannot break in to the side, he is a personal favourite of mine for his role. However, your squad is more than capable of winning trophies, as proven, without him.... All the best to him in his future endeavors!

---

Manchester United have spent a reported £8,000,000 redeveloping Old Trafford, adding over 9000 seats in the process. An extra tier has been added to the Stretford End, making it the highest stand in the stadium, whilst around 1500 seats were added to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. The additions will see United's maximum attendance jump to just over 85,000, with Chairman Ed Woodward predicting it will be vital due to Champions League successes.

Ed Woodward:

---

We had such a successful season last season, so it makes sense to increase the capacity. Now, even more people can come witness the action. We anticipated needing about 5,000 more seats and so the extra 9,000 should keep us covered for a while yet.

Old Trafford's new capacity cements it's position as the largest club ground in England, now over 25,000 seats larger than 2nd best Emirates Stadium, and is just 5,000 seats smaller than Wembley. The extension has also put the stadium in the frontrunning for the 2019 Champions League final, which is being chosen later this year. Considering the success of the United team in recent memory, a Champions League final at the new 85,000-capacity Old Trafford could be a home final - and the extra 9,000 in the stands could make the difference.

http://www.just-keepers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jason-steele-1.jpg

---

Manchester United have today confirmed the signing of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele, with the 25 year old signing a 3 year deal at the club to replace the outgoing Anders Lindegaard on the United bench. £2.5 million is the reported fee as Steele finally makes a move to a Premier League club after 198 games at Championship level.

Steele's relatively low price, coupled with his home-grown availability, are thought to have been the main contributors in the decision behind his purchase. He had a solid, if not spectacular season for Middlesbrough in 2015/16 but certainly has a lot of experience for a 25 year old goalkeeper. He made his debut back in 2010, at the age of 20, and has been the Boro's first choice keeper ever since, except for a year-long loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2014/15. The elated Steele spoke to the press today.

Jason Steele:

---

I'm just over the moon, you know. I can say I've played for Manchester United to my grandkids. I understand I'm not going to be starting every game, but David De Gea is such a fantastic player. I'm going to take so much out of this.

Steele is the first signing for United this window, with the Red Devils also being linked with Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan and Norwich's Nathan Redmond. We'll keep you updated with all the transfer news.

http://fifawallpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/France-3.jpg

---

France have been crowned champions of Europe, lifting the 2016 European Championship trophy after a 2-0 win over England in the final at Stade de France. The host nation has now won 3 competitions, including 1984 also on home soil, and will be celebrating long into the night after comfortably dispatching the threat of the Three Lions.

---

http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article7142598.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Wayne-Rooney-of-England.jpg

---

England were thoroughly outplayed by the ruthless French, managing just 6 shots to their 20, and having just 44% of possession. Karim Benzema had a goal called offside in the 17th minute but 15 minutes later was miles onside and celebrating at the corner flag, having put his side 1-0 up. Florian Thauvin scored the second, just after half time, having tapped in an Evra cross, and in the end there was only going to be one winner - Les Bleus.

---

http://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/648x415_paul-pogba-lors-france-portugal-11-octobre-2014.jpg

---

Paul Pogba, despite tragically missing the final with injury, was named Player of the Tournament whilst Olivier Giroud topped the scoring chart with an impressive 8 in 7 appearances. Hugo Lloris, Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane, Pogba and Giroud all made the dream team, with Benzema, Payet and Evra on the bench. It was a truly marvellous achievement for France, despite having a relatively easy run to the final (Russia, Italy, Bosnia) but can now look forward to future success. World Cup 2018, here they come.

---

Ryan Giggs has called for some "common sense" from Schalke 04 after revealing to journalists that the German club had made a bid for United's right back Gino Peruzzi, around the £8 million mark. In a scathing remark, the Welsh manager lambasted the current transfer culture in world football and used the fee for Peruzzi as an example.

Ryan Giggs:

---

"The amount of double standards these days is a joke. If I went and offered £8 million for the starting right back in a Champions League final, the club would be mighty offended but god help us if we reject such an offer. Peruzzi is worth at least £20 million, use some common sense Schalke."

---

---

Giggs has largely remained relatively inactive in the transfer market compared to most big clubs, only dipping in for the big signings of David Alaba, John Stones and Memphis Depay whilst mostly concentrating on youth. His biggest sale has been of Tom Cleverley, for £15 million, and doesn't seem to have been sucked into the transfer system. How long he can last signing a couple of players a season remains to be seen. Giggs will be hoping that players such as Odegaard and Zivkovic can develop quickly, and he has no need to delve into the "double standards."

http://images.en.yibada.com/data/images/full/41964/manchester-uniteds-nani.jpg

---

Manchester United winger Nani (yes, he was still playing for them) has finally left the club, starting a new phase in his career in Italy at Fiorentina after the two clubs agreed a £7.5 million fee. The unfortunate 29 year old found himself completely alienated in 2015/16, coming back from loan at Sporting CP to find himself without a spot in the senior squad and was instead relegated to playing Under-21 football.

After a full season of no elite football, United have finally found him a new home in Fiorentina and the Portuguese winger will be looking to kickstart a career that has been riddled with injury, inconsistency and constant comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo. Fiorentina will look to employ him as their main creative asset, assisting Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez, and hopefully for all parties involved he can put his year of solitude behind him.

---

---

In other news, a number of United players are reportedly on the radar of opposition clubs, with the most high profile being teenage wonderkid Richairo Zivkovic. Chelsea and Everton are reportedly lining up bids for him, with a move to Stamford Bridge being the most ironic after the 19 year old almost singlehandedly won the Champions League against them with two late goals. Gino Peruzzi is also being chased, by Internazionale, and Real Madrid could be adding a more obscure Galactico with the rapidly improving Daley Blind.

Well, at least Schalke tried

http://i4.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article10952304.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/JS83539795.jpg

---

Manchester United have been made favourites to win the Premier League, with odds of 4 to 5, and deservedly so, having lifted the last two titles as well as being reigning Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup champions. Ryan Giggs' team will be hard to beat this season, but the bookies have given Chelsea the biggest chance at 5-4. Manchester City (2-1), Arsenal (5-2), Liverpool (6-1) and Tottenham (10-1) round out the top 6, and here's the full list.

---

---

---

Sky Sports: With the season fast approaching the squad must have started preparing. How well is the squad doing in preparation and how do you think you'll fair in the season ahead?

Memphis Depay: Yeah definitely, erm, we've been focusing a lot on the fitness side of the game as usual and the squad is lining up well. I think one of the best things is that we haven't had many players join or leave; it's the same team that we won the Champions League with last season. And I definitely think we can win the Premier League again, for sure.

Sky Sports: You joined Manchester United for a significant fee and now have the reputation of being one of the best players in the world. How hard is it to deal with the expectations of your manager, the press and the fans?

MD: Well obviously it was a huge honour to be named runner-up to Lionel Messi in the European Best Player award but I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. The boss helps with that, he certainly keeps me planted on the ground [laughs] and so do the team but it sometimes weights on my mind and I have to tell myself, in the end it's just about playing football.

Sky Sports: Ryan Giggs was linked with the Manchester United job before he'd even retired as a player. What's it like working with someone considered to be one of the best in the modern game?

MD: Ryan Giggs is a great manager to work under, he knows the club better than anyone. It creates something of a dynasty because he's been there so long, and you've seen what he's done. Best club in the world. [smiles]

Sky Sports: Your natural position is on the left wing but you have previously been utilized as a left midfielder or a striker. Which position do you prefer to play in and do you think that expectations that you should be versatile weigh heavy on your game?

MD: Left midfielder really doesn't worry me to be honest. It's helped me become a more rounded player because when worse comes to worse I have to go back and help defend. I can push forward of course, and I got to do that last season, but to play a bit further back has helped my game a lot.

Sky Sports: Joining such a multicultural squad must have been difficult at first. Who are you closest to on the team and how have they helped you adjust to the Premier League?

MD: I think one of the best things about joining Manchester United has been the Dutch connection. There's a couple of Dutch coaches there and then there's Richairo [Zivkovic], Robin [van Persie] and Daley [Blind]. I think my closest friend so far has been Richairo because we're both young Dutch players all of a sudden playing in the Premier League! It was great to see him playing so well last season, and it was fun to play alongside him.

Sky Sports: Well thankyou for your time Memphis.

---

Cheers to Foy for helping me with this update, make sure to catch his Celtic tale: Celtic FC || Welcome to Paradise

Great update