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Sporting Director : A Different Approach to FM
Taking on the role as Sporting Director in FM
- POSTS39
- VIEWS21475
- FOLLOWERS7
Philosophy Summary
So to summarize our philosophy at Manchester United
-Play a 4-3-3-0 strikerless system
-Technical coaching approach
-Heavy investment and resources on youth, including a youth pathways program
-A scouting network that is refined and in depth in impact countries
-Heavy data and analytical approach to both squad development and squad recruitment
I will be playing monthly. These will be our task checklist for every month
-Results and areas that may need refining
-Performances
-Reserve and Youth squad updates
-Squad analysis
-Scout network check up and shortlisting/preparing for next transfer window
-Future fixtures
First month coming soon
Till next time.
So to summarize our philosophy at Manchester United
-Play a 4-3-3-0 strikerless system
-Technical coaching approach
-Heavy investment and resources on youth, including a youth pathways program
-A scouting network that is refined and in depth in impact countries
-Heavy data and analytical approach to both squad development and squad recruitment
I will be playing monthly. These will be our task checklist for every month
-Results and areas that may need refining
-Performances
-Reserve and Youth squad updates
-Squad analysis
-Scout network check up and shortlisting/preparing for next transfer window
-Future fixtures
First month coming soon
Till next time.
Preseason
We will tackle the entire preseason in one post, instead of the usual monthly update
Our scouting network has been setup, our backroom is in place, our tactic is ready roll. Let's do this.
First roll call is getting rid of the 3 players we identified early. I offered out all 3. Lingard has been sold to AC Milan for 15m and Phil Jones to Shangai for 8m.
Secondly, since I have only 2 months to strengthen the squad, I need to make judgement calls on a lot of players. The smart option would be no big spending, but if we come across a option, I may take it.
I also have decided to sign a player for my CF position. I believe having Taith Chong and Mason Greenwood as our backups isn't sufficient.
Fred has been moved to the CM position. I think his physicality is wasted as a playmaker from deep.
So our targets this transfer window are
-CB
-Deep playmaker
-CF
Using a minor part of scouting and the transfer list, we have come up with some targets for our CB position
Dier
Savic
Sanchez
S.Gomez
Rugani
Let's see what our model spits at us
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Prices and wages for each
Dier - 30m-80kw
Savic - 17m-80kw
Sanchez- 75m-100kw
Rugani - 12m-110kw
Gomez - 13m-55kw
Davinson Sanchez is the best performing in our model, but he is also by far the most expensive. The second best is Stefan Savic. I believe he will be the perfect candidate for a backup CB and will move toward signing him.
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Deep Playmaker
Targets we have come up with
Thiago - 70m-230kw
Kroos - 95m-350kw
Neves - 95m-110kw
Fabian - 80m-110kw
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We thought about Thiago and Neves but we decided to move in on Fabian. He is still young, so potential to grow and doesn't have the injury problems like Thiago does. Neves performed extremely well in our model but my coaches believe Fabian's potential is higher, while also coming in 15m cheaper. Fabian also has more flexibility, less injury problems and would cost way more in our contract negotiations. Kroos we loved, but the wage was just way too much.
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Forward
Targets
Palque - 16m-80kw
Beradi - 19m-95kw
Mertens - 15m-110kw
![]()
Mertens does the best and is available. He also is at the age where he is a perfect bridge player for Greenwood. Perfect piece of business
![]()
We had a decent offer come in for Matic. Being 110k wage isn't the best,so we decided to move him on and start the hunt for a bridge/value player before the window shuts.
Targets
Banega - 18m-110kw
Vrancic - 7m-25kw
Unfort, we could only find a couple of targets on such short notice, so these will have to do.
![]()
Vrancic was the easy decision here, almost 3 times as less and 5 times has less wage. Even though Banega is clearly better, he hardly will be playing so great piece of business imo
End of preseason looks like this
![]()
How we should line up
![]()
Start of the season is around the corner
till next time
We will tackle the entire preseason in one post, instead of the usual monthly update
Our scouting network has been setup, our backroom is in place, our tactic is ready roll. Let's do this.
First roll call is getting rid of the 3 players we identified early. I offered out all 3. Lingard has been sold to AC Milan for 15m and Phil Jones to Shangai for 8m.
Secondly, since I have only 2 months to strengthen the squad, I need to make judgement calls on a lot of players. The smart option would be no big spending, but if we come across a option, I may take it.
I also have decided to sign a player for my CF position. I believe having Taith Chong and Mason Greenwood as our backups isn't sufficient.
Fred has been moved to the CM position. I think his physicality is wasted as a playmaker from deep.
So our targets this transfer window are
-CB
-Deep playmaker
-CF
Using a minor part of scouting and the transfer list, we have come up with some targets for our CB position
Dier
Savic
Sanchez
S.Gomez
Rugani
Let's see what our model spits at us
Prices and wages for each
Dier - 30m-80kw
Savic - 17m-80kw
Sanchez- 75m-100kw
Rugani - 12m-110kw
Gomez - 13m-55kw
Davinson Sanchez is the best performing in our model, but he is also by far the most expensive. The second best is Stefan Savic. I believe he will be the perfect candidate for a backup CB and will move toward signing him.
Deep Playmaker
Targets we have come up with
Thiago - 70m-230kw
Kroos - 95m-350kw
Neves - 95m-110kw
Fabian - 80m-110kw
We thought about Thiago and Neves but we decided to move in on Fabian. He is still young, so potential to grow and doesn't have the injury problems like Thiago does. Neves performed extremely well in our model but my coaches believe Fabian's potential is higher, while also coming in 15m cheaper. Fabian also has more flexibility, less injury problems and would cost way more in our contract negotiations. Kroos we loved, but the wage was just way too much.
Forward
Targets
Palque - 16m-80kw
Beradi - 19m-95kw
Mertens - 15m-110kw
Mertens does the best and is available. He also is at the age where he is a perfect bridge player for Greenwood. Perfect piece of business
We had a decent offer come in for Matic. Being 110k wage isn't the best,so we decided to move him on and start the hunt for a bridge/value player before the window shuts.
Targets
Banega - 18m-110kw
Vrancic - 7m-25kw
Unfort, we could only find a couple of targets on such short notice, so these will have to do.
Vrancic was the easy decision here, almost 3 times as less and 5 times has less wage. Even though Banega is clearly better, he hardly will be playing so great piece of business imo
End of preseason looks like this
How we should line up
Start of the season is around the corner
till next time
Some very good signings there that will significantly improve the team for the upcoming season. I think Vrancic will be in dreamland with this move, though!
AUGUST
Results and Squad Report
Fantastic month so far
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4 wins with 16 goals scored. Albeit against some of the leagues weaker teams, I think its a huge step in the right direction.Next month will be a bit more challenging, like going to Arsenal and a Europa League clash, but will be a great month to see where we are as a club.
Some stand out performers
![]()
Pogba, Fabian and Wan-Bissaka have adapted extremely well.
Couple of things to note
-I've trialed Wan-Bissaka as a IWB and a CWB. IWB performs 100% better. He is almost unplayable when he comes inside that channel and is extremely hard to deal with. CWB seems to just isolate himself a lot and puts himself in positions where he cannot defend counter attacks.
-Rui prefers Mertens over Martial. He puts Rashford out wide and Mertens central. Something to keep an eye out on throughout the season. We don't want someone as gifted and valuable as Martial warming the bench, will need to sell for top value
-We are unplayable on the counter. How this works is we give the defence 2-3 options where they can never be correct in making a decision. Every counter attack ends up in some sort of chance, it just depends on the decision the opposition makes to the severity of the damage. Will go into more detail in a later update
Squad analysis
We have had a few injuries in the positions where we couldn't really afford. Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams both injured, which caused Dalot to play LB. This is an area that needs to be strengthened in January.
Still not happy with our second string. I feel this is a huge weak point. However I don't think we can do much, considering our younger players need experience and we have 1 or 2 top level youth players coming through. Maybe we can find a good bridge/value type of player in January, but that's about it.
Reserves and Youth squad
Reserves
![]()
Decent month. Couple of players have stood out. Ethan Laird and Alou Traore. Laird has 1 goal and 3 assists from a wing back position.
Alou Traore has no goals or assists, but has a 7.89 average rating.
I currently have Gomes, Levitt and Garner playing 45 mins with reserves while they train with the first team.
Youth
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Again, decent results. Two players stand out. Obviously everyone knows about Hannibal Mejbri. 4 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. Hoogewerf has 2 goals in 3 games as well. Unfortunately, this crop in the Youth team aren't standouts apart from Hannibal, so we will see who we can find in the coming months.
Scouting
Only been 2-3 weeks since we setup the network, so will give an update next month.
Future fixtures
![]()
Big game at Arsenal, as well as our first Europa League clash. Also have a Carabao Cup game. Should be a great opportunity for Rui to play some young blood. Looking forward to the next step.
Till next time
Results and Squad Report
Fantastic month so far
4 wins with 16 goals scored. Albeit against some of the leagues weaker teams, I think its a huge step in the right direction.Next month will be a bit more challenging, like going to Arsenal and a Europa League clash, but will be a great month to see where we are as a club.
Some stand out performers
Pogba, Fabian and Wan-Bissaka have adapted extremely well.
Couple of things to note
-I've trialed Wan-Bissaka as a IWB and a CWB. IWB performs 100% better. He is almost unplayable when he comes inside that channel and is extremely hard to deal with. CWB seems to just isolate himself a lot and puts himself in positions where he cannot defend counter attacks.
-Rui prefers Mertens over Martial. He puts Rashford out wide and Mertens central. Something to keep an eye out on throughout the season. We don't want someone as gifted and valuable as Martial warming the bench, will need to sell for top value
-We are unplayable on the counter. How this works is we give the defence 2-3 options where they can never be correct in making a decision. Every counter attack ends up in some sort of chance, it just depends on the decision the opposition makes to the severity of the damage. Will go into more detail in a later update
Squad analysis
We have had a few injuries in the positions where we couldn't really afford. Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams both injured, which caused Dalot to play LB. This is an area that needs to be strengthened in January.
Still not happy with our second string. I feel this is a huge weak point. However I don't think we can do much, considering our younger players need experience and we have 1 or 2 top level youth players coming through. Maybe we can find a good bridge/value type of player in January, but that's about it.
Reserves and Youth squad
Reserves
Decent month. Couple of players have stood out. Ethan Laird and Alou Traore. Laird has 1 goal and 3 assists from a wing back position.
Alou Traore has no goals or assists, but has a 7.89 average rating.
I currently have Gomes, Levitt and Garner playing 45 mins with reserves while they train with the first team.
Youth
Again, decent results. Two players stand out. Obviously everyone knows about Hannibal Mejbri. 4 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. Hoogewerf has 2 goals in 3 games as well. Unfortunately, this crop in the Youth team aren't standouts apart from Hannibal, so we will see who we can find in the coming months.
Scouting
Only been 2-3 weeks since we setup the network, so will give an update next month.
Future fixtures
Big game at Arsenal, as well as our first Europa League clash. Also have a Carabao Cup game. Should be a great opportunity for Rui to play some young blood. Looking forward to the next step.
Till next time
Great start. The opposition may not have been the strongest but you still have to perform to ensure you get the job done and the team certainly did that.
I've also edited your post to ensure your images were visible. Make sure they have the .png link, you can get this by right-clicking on the imgur post and then copy image address. Otherwise they don't show.
I've also edited your post to ensure your images were visible. Make sure they have the .png link, you can get this by right-clicking on the imgur post and then copy image address. Otherwise they don't show.
Good luck with Mejbri, ruined his cruciate in my save and didn't do so well afterwards.
SEPTEMBER
Results and Squad Report
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Good month overall. Disappointing performance at Arsenal. Played poorly, created hardly any chances before Lacazette volleyed a 90 minute stunner to take all 3 points. They deserved it.
Was great to see Rui rotate in the Europa League and Carabao Cup. We saw McTominay come in and have a whopping 6 Chances created for 2 assists vs Prague. We also saw Andreas, Chong, Savic, Williams, Mata, Tuanzebe, James, Garner and Dalot all make appearances. Strangely enough, Anthony Martial still made zero starts and only cameos. Definitely a worrying sign.
Fantastic we aren't conceding either.
![]()
Wan-Bissaka still putting in some outstanding performances. He missed the Arsenal game which was a huge blow. Really impressed with Fabian and Pogba. Something to note as well, Maguire is 2nd in clearances, 2nd in interceptions and 1st in key headers won. Clearly a rock at the back and has become integral to our defensive run here.
Reserves and Youth Squad
Reserves
![]()
Big drop in form here. 19 year old Aidan Barlow put in some great performances from midfield though. Aliou Traore continues to impress without hitting the score sheet, however he was disciplined for missing training. Laird still on the same path, continuing his development.
Youth
![]()
Still potting along here. Hannibal performing great, along with Bjorn Hardley and Hoogewerf.
Scouting
We have around 50 youth players added to our shortlist, who will be screened again. Couple that stand out are Talles Magno (him again) and Bruno Amione. Looking forward to see how we go with the next screening process.
On the value side, we have seen James Rodriguez transfer listed for 31m. World class player available for that price is fantastic. We will see what happens over the next couple of months and he may be contacted.
Viktor Fischer available for 3m seems like a really good piece of business too. Midfielder Ozdoev available for 4m seems good too.
Future fixtures
![]()
Another challenging month with Spurs away, Linz away in the Europa League and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. Hopefully we can keep our best players on the field with Pogba and Wan-Bissaka both having niggles.
Till next time
Results and Squad Report
Good month overall. Disappointing performance at Arsenal. Played poorly, created hardly any chances before Lacazette volleyed a 90 minute stunner to take all 3 points. They deserved it.
Was great to see Rui rotate in the Europa League and Carabao Cup. We saw McTominay come in and have a whopping 6 Chances created for 2 assists vs Prague. We also saw Andreas, Chong, Savic, Williams, Mata, Tuanzebe, James, Garner and Dalot all make appearances. Strangely enough, Anthony Martial still made zero starts and only cameos. Definitely a worrying sign.
Fantastic we aren't conceding either.
Wan-Bissaka still putting in some outstanding performances. He missed the Arsenal game which was a huge blow. Really impressed with Fabian and Pogba. Something to note as well, Maguire is 2nd in clearances, 2nd in interceptions and 1st in key headers won. Clearly a rock at the back and has become integral to our defensive run here.
Reserves and Youth Squad
Reserves
Big drop in form here. 19 year old Aidan Barlow put in some great performances from midfield though. Aliou Traore continues to impress without hitting the score sheet, however he was disciplined for missing training. Laird still on the same path, continuing his development.
Youth
Still potting along here. Hannibal performing great, along with Bjorn Hardley and Hoogewerf.
Scouting
We have around 50 youth players added to our shortlist, who will be screened again. Couple that stand out are Talles Magno (him again) and Bruno Amione. Looking forward to see how we go with the next screening process.
On the value side, we have seen James Rodriguez transfer listed for 31m. World class player available for that price is fantastic. We will see what happens over the next couple of months and he may be contacted.
Viktor Fischer available for 3m seems like a really good piece of business too. Midfielder Ozdoev available for 4m seems good too.
Future fixtures
Another challenging month with Spurs away, Linz away in the Europa League and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. Hopefully we can keep our best players on the field with Pogba and Wan-Bissaka both having niggles.
Till next time
As a United fan, I am loving this different approach to management at the club. A very interesting save, I love your spreadsheet! Will be following this save further for sure 
Man, some familiar names there. Someone I can't recommend enough (Talles Magno) and someone who gave me a major headache at Borussia Dortmund with FM19 (Viktor Fischer).
Just caught up on the full story. This is honestly pure genius, it's remarkable. The detail you have put into this story is something very unique and you clearly have the most advanced football knowledge there is, in almost every department. I love the idea of the director of football approach and I might try it myself someday! Also as a United fan, it's great to see. Can't wait to see the upcoming updates and I hope you keep it up! Great job mate 
2020-04-21 05:43#268901 OohAhCantona : Man, some familiar names there. Someone I can't recommend enough (Talles Magno) and someone who gave me a major headache at Borussia Dortmund with FM19 (Viktor Fischer).
2020-04-20 22:41#268894 FMBlake : As a United fan, I am loving this different approach to management at the club. A very interesting save, I love your spreadsheet! Will be following this save further for sure
2020-04-21 08:26#268910 Eoin97 : Just caught up on the full story. This is honestly pure genius, it's remarkable. The detail you have put into this story is something very unique and you clearly have the most advanced football knowledge there is, in almost every department. I love the idea of the director of football approach and I might try it myself someday! Also as a United fan, it's great to see. Can't wait to see the upcoming updates and I hope you keep it up! Great job mate
Thank you all for your kind words. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it as much as I am. I assure you, the best and most challenging times are yet to come.
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