


Manchester United transfer talk focused on whether Amad/“Baleba” (spelled Belayba/Baleba in transcript) will be signed from Brighton, what it means for remaining budget, and the club’s biggest squad gaps—especially left-back/fullback and striker depth. The hosts also debate fan expectations and Rio Ferdinand’s criticism of United supporters demanding big signings.
No named guests appear in the transcript. The episode is hosted by Mark Goldbridge, with references to commentary from Simon Stone, Fabrizio Romano, Andy Mitton, Roy Keane (quoted), and Wayne Rooney (from a separate Disney+/members segment).
Romano says United are confident a Baleba deal will be done; predicted fee around £65m + add-ons, with Brighton seeking closer to ~£80m. After Baleba, a left-back is “almost guaranteed” and another striker may arrive if Xerxes leaves. The host argues midfield is “solved” (three midfielders signed) but fullbacks remain a major problem; fans calling for big signings are criticized, including via Rio Ferdinand calling them “idiots.”
Comparisons to Tottenham’s spending; references to Lewis Hall (Newcastle) as a potential left-back; mentions possible striker backup as Rashford; debates Bruno Fernandes being “washed”; cites past targets like Mateus Fernandes, Elliot Anderson, Tonali, and Chumini.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes.
Discussion on the latest transfer news and upcoming signings for Manchester United.
“There's something about fall that makes you want to slow everything down.”
Discussion on the latest transfer news and upcoming signings for Manchester United.
“Basically, he says, if you want big signings, you're an idiot.”
Exploring differing opinions on transfers and financial limitations for United.
“We'll bring that in a little bit later as well.”
Analyzing the effectiveness of United's transfer strategy and player signings.
“And this is one of the big problems in our fan base.”
Discussing Roy Keane's analysis of United's defensive issues and midfield strengths.
“then ultimately it might not please people.”
Identifying fullback weaknesses in the United lineup and potential solutions.
“Do you think we'll spend any more money?”
Speculating on future transfers and the need for a comprehensive strategy.
“But if you're on about winning the league, they're still short.”
Final thoughts on the Belayba transfer and its implications for the team.
“We are still, in my opinion, I'm content with the midfield.”
Discussion on the need for Manchester United to invest in fullbacks.
“But is there not a theme with this ownership, that last summer they solved the attack?”
Analysis of the Balaba transfer situation and Manchester United's strategy.
“fullback is a problem for United absolutely of course it is and we definitely do need to look at it do you think Balabra will happen today?”
Exploration of the negotiation dynamics between Manchester United and Brighton.
“There was talk last night that Balaba could happen in the next few hours And that probably made me feel that maybe we were going to get here we go today or maybe last night.”
Speculation about Lewis Hall's status and potential transfer from Newcastle.
“They probably do need to reinvest that money.”
Examination of the midfield signings and the importance of a final signing.
“That deal can only happen if Lewis Hall pushes for it.”
Critical view of Manchester United's recent transfer decisions and adaptations.
“Look, on Lewis Skelly, I said what I said last night.”
Discussion on perceptions of Newcastle as competition and the overall transfer situation.
“We've had to adapt because we've refused to overpay.”
Discussion on Belaba's transfer and competition with Newcastle.
“when you look at the ingredients of Belaber, no real competition.”
Exploring the implications of signing Lewis Hall for Manchester United.
“Lewis Hall, for me, completes this window.”
Concerns regarding the midfield lineup and performance expectations for the season.
“there was a real opportunity a few days ago that we weren't going to buy a second midfielder, a third midfielder.”
Discussing Bruno Fernandes' role and criticisms during the transfer window.
“You know what is better than a pitch announcement?”
A discussion on the necessity and strategy behind big signings for Manchester United.
“So all these people that are shouting for those big signings are idiots who don't understand the business of football.”
Exploration of Rio Ferdinand's statements and their contradictions regarding player signings.
“they choose not to and you've consistently said you're not bothered about the price pay what it takes to get good players And you said Elliot Anderson was the player you wanted this summer.”
A conversation about how ownership affects Manchester United's spending decisions and fan frustrations.
“I don't think you've listened to the last five minutes, mate.”
Assessment of Manchester United's transfer window performance and prospects.
“I'll change my opinions based on evidence.”

Get the gist, explore an idea or ask about something said.
On The United Stand, what are the key points of this episode?
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.
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1:36Hello everybody, welcome to the United Stands. I'm Mark Goldbridge. This is your latest Manchester United transfer news. And welcome to what will hopefully be another big day for Manchester United in the last couple of weeks of this transfer window. We've got big updates around the belabor fee. We've also got, well, contrasting stories coming in. You've got people like Simon Stone and Fabrizio Romano saying there will be more signings. Get excited. And then you've got people like Andy Mitton saying there might not be any money left after Belayba. Who's telling the truth? Or, as many people think this summer, are most people clueless when it comes to Manchester United transfer summer?
2:13We'll also talk about the striker situation and who that could be. Remember, we've got Ben Jacobs on at one o 'clock live as well. So we'll be talking to him about all the latest with that. Rio Ferdinand's come out calling certain United fans idiots, which is quite ironic. We'll delve into that. Basically, he says, if you want big signings, you're an idiot. Despite himself saying only two months ago he wanted big signings. But we'll solve that problem very, very quickly. And also, people saying that Bruno's washed. I got sent something today. I want to talk about that a little bit later on as well.
2:47And a few other bits around transfers, as always, on The Morning Show. topical as ever. Apparently, Willy Kambala could be leaving Villarreal to go to Como and we might get a little bit extra money there. So the Glazers are going to hold a party. But lots to get into. Not long until the start of the Premier League season as well. As always, get your comments in. By the way, thank you everybody who is a member of this channel. You are being spoiled nowadays. You had your fancy Premier League launch yesterday. Thank you to everybody who's signed up for that league. Very excited about that. Weekly video goes out on a Wednesday.
3:17We'll be telling the story throughout, prizes, etc. And on Thursday, you get extra Rooney content. It's gone out this morning. Wayne Rooney answering your questions in the member sections with me. He said he told the truth about who who approached him in 2010, where he would like to have gone. what aftershave he wears, spoke about Mourinho, spoke about Liverpool. Quite a lot of stuff in there. So check that out as always. Let's get into the show. Right. So let's go. We're going to start off talking about what's going on with Belaba and what Man United need to do and are going to do next. Also, Roy Keane responding to the Belaba signing.
3:58We'll bring that in a little bit later as well. So in relation to Belaba, just very quickly at the start of the show, This is coming in from Romano. Man United are set to continue talks today with Brighton for Belayba. There is full confidence that a deal gets done for the midfielder. And I think that is absolutely what we would expect to see happen. Obviously, we've got to be a little bit wary because of us being in for Belayba last year and it not happening. But it will happen. The price difference last year was probably 20 million. The price difference this year is probably five. I think it's going to be, my prediction is 65 million plus 10.
4:35I think 60 plus 5 got rejected. So I can see 65 plus 10. And I imagine Brighton are saying, look at Mateus Fernandes for 85. Look at Elliot Anderson for 115. Look at Tonali for 90. Yes, Belaber's had a bad season. But ultimately, I still think they'll push for a package close to 80, I think. So 65 plus 10 is, I think, what will happen with that. But what Romano also said is after the Belaber deal gets done, Man United won't be done in the market. A left back is almost guaranteed. And if Xerxes leaves, another striker will come in. That sounds very exciting. That sounds like we're going to be very busy in the market.
5:16But then Andy Mitton has come out and said, if the Belaber transfer goes through as expected, it's hard to see United spending big on anyone else unless sales change the picture. so what's the truth there's a lot of optimism I mean we haven't got Belaber holding up the shirt yet I think we will have or you can never say never but the I'm not excited by Belaber, Tillemans and Santos like that to me is still a below average transfer window this has to you know one of the things I've really noticed and Rio Ferdinand's a bloody cheerleader of it is we've signed another midfielder Ineos are doing a good job and I'm sorry I disagree with that.
5:57And this is one of the big problems in our fan base. There are certain accounts out there and individuals who when Ineos do their job, people champion it like we're Real Madrid. If we get Beléber, we still haven't got a left back and we've bought three players. We need to buy six, seven. So don't get lost in we bought a player, they're doing a good job. I still don't think they're doing a good job. I still think there's a hell of a lot that needs to be done. I'm looking at Tottenham, who are going to buy Savinho and Mamouche, as well as Van Heek, Robertson, Sanessi, Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
6:34And they still want a striker. And Man United are out there telling us we can't spend any money. How are Tottenham doing it? They're not even in the bloody Champions League. So, yes, as I said to you last night, the midfield, we've solved the problem. Whether it does solve the problem or not, we've solved the problem. We've got three midfielders. We had to get three midfielders. There's still a hell of a lot more work to do. So if Andy Mitton's correct and Man United don't have any more money to spend after we've signed Belaber, then ultimately it might not please people. But I would say that that ends up not being a brilliant transfer window because three midfielders at a hundred and something million isn't actually enough.
7:19I'm still labouring under this feeling that we were going to spend 250 I still believe that we now go for a top class left back but I think that you've got to be you've got to be you know we've still got to monitor what's going to happen I mean what Andy Mitten said is that there is interest in Xerxes and you know that could still happen and that the mood in the dressing room is better than at any time, but they, you know, they might not have any money afterwards. So I think that that's, you know, absolutely, you know, let's wait and see what happens. Do you think we'll spend any more money? Look, I think ultimately, and this is no criticism of Romano or Andy Mitton or any other journalists that I actually respect.
8:15I think that everybody's clueless. I mean, I think this is the summer of opinion. So if Fabrizio says we're going to buy two more players and Andy Mitton says there might not be a lot of money left after the Labour, I don't think Jason Wilcox or, more importantly, Omar Barada is on the phone to either of those two people talking about what money we've got left because that would be stupid. And that's not disrespectful to those two people. That would be stupid. Why would Omar Barada ring up a journalist and say, after Belayba, we haven't really got any money left. I just think that we don't know what's going to happen in this summer transfer window.
8:55And very few people have been accurate. I was very lucky to know about Tillemans 24 hours before I did. And I've never sat down with a transfer journalist and said, how much is it about luck? Because I presume a lot of it is. If you've got good sources, they tell you stuff. I'm quite comfortable to sit through this last two weeks of the window and see what happens. Because ultimately we can judge it at the end. But if United think Belaber, Tillemans and Santos is enough, we're going to find out. Excuse me. We're going to find out. I'm not allergic to Santos, Tillemans and Belaber, by the way. They're going to find out very, very quickly that we are very, very short at left back.
9:39I mean, I'll bring in what Roy Keane said on the overlap today. He said, look, in relation to Belaber and the chances the United have got if they sign Belaber, he says he's a good midfielder. But if you're on about winning the league, they're still short. United's big problems are going to be defensively. Midfield and forwards, there's a goal threat, but the issue is at the back. The fullbacks and the two centre-halves are still a big issue. And look, I know some people don't like X players opinion, but I think I think sometimes it's valid. And I think in relation to we spoke about it in May. I think there is a big, big movement in our fan base of which I'm part of to be optimistic and challenge and hope.
10:25but you also have to be true to yourself. You can't say something in April and then ignore it in August. We had a conversation the back end of April that we have to buy three midfielders. It's almost obvious we've got to sign three midfielders and we have. But there's almost an argument to say that our fullbacks are as big an issue as our midfield. In fact, the midfield issue isn't really because Casemiro and Mainu are shit. It's because Casemiro's going and there's nobody else but Mainu. So the midfield wasn't actually diabolical under Carrick. It just needed reinforcements. At fullback, it's diabolical.
11:06We have got fullbacks, they're just not good enough. And let's get list clear. Luke Shaw gets a lot of criticism. the only reason we don't criticise the right backs is because we know we're not getting one the only reason we're getting a left back is because Luke Shaw can't play twice a week and he's 31 and there's not really another left back Deleuze and Masraoui deserve exactly the same criticism as Luke Shaw it's full backs for me the right-hand side doesn't do anything more than the left they don't get forward they don't put crosses in the box and they don't defend the back post very well in fact if you look at the AC Milan game the right back was almost as bad as the left back.
11:44So I agree with Roy Keane. We've been talking about it here for months. Fullback is a massive issue. We have solved the midfield in the sense that we've got three in. You can't ask for anything else in the midfield now. If Alex Scott goes to Chelsea, we can't compete. If Kone does end up going to Man City, we can't moan about it. We've bought our three midfielders. We've got three midfielders. With Maynou, that's enough. But fullback is a massive, massive problem. Now, some of you think centre-back's an issue. I disagree. I think you've got Harry Maguire for a year. We've made that commitment.
12:17Martinez is actually fit at the moment. De Litt won't be too far along. Heben looks very good. And Jaro is still there. So we have got five centre-backs. But some people feel that the centre-back situation is not as good as it could be either. So look, the labour will happen. The price will be revealed. but that can't be it. That can't be it. You're always going to get the toxic positivity after the signing. When we signed Santos and Tillemans, if you moaned then, you were toxic because the toxic positivity tried to drown you. We didn't sign anybody else for five weeks. In fact, we still haven't signed anybody else technically.
13:03And then, so you've always got to be aware that when Man United make a signing, you will get drowned out by, you know, the Glazerites. That's what happens. But there isn't that long in the window for them to drown us out. We do need to get this Belaber deal done and make sure that we do something at fullback and hopefully up front as well. We are still, in my opinion, I'm content with the midfield. We'll judge it as it goes. But we have... Look, would I have picked Tilleman Santos and Belaber? You know I wouldn't. But I'm a firm believer that you've got to back what you've got. and I also think Michael Carrick's happy with what he's got and I back Michael Carrick and I can't buy another midfielder we've got three midfielders so it is what it is with the midfield we have solved that issue would I have done it that way?
13:49probably not but we have there's no point arguing about it but there are other areas in the pitch that we need to sort out and I think a top club I think an Arsenal or a Manchester City do buy a right back and a left back but what we need at full back is And if you saw Stick to United on Disney +, with the extra 20 minutes at the end, Wayne was doing the tactical stuff for Hull, and literally, he's talking about fullbacks getting forward. And that's something we just don't do. So we do need to invest at fullback. But is there not a theme with this ownership, that last summer they solved the attack?
14:29This summer, look, last summer they solved the attack and neglected the midfield. this summer they solve the midfield will they neglect the defence and then next summer you solve the defence but you need something else look I hope that's not going to happen because fullback is a problem for United absolutely of course it is and we definitely do need to look at it do you think Balabra will happen today? look this is what Romano said Man United have submitted an official bid of around£65 million which is not enough to convince Brighton. The expectation is that United will return today in an effort to close the deal with the agreement already fully completed with the player.
15:14With Balaba now expected as the next arrival, a left-back is almost guaranteed and another striker if Xerxes departs. So I think that's probably a fair assessment of where we are. There was talk last night that Balaba could happen in the next few hours And that probably made me feel that maybe we were going to get here we go today or maybe last night. But there is a part of me and respect to you that thinks we do like to have a new signing on the pitch and Balaba can't play against Ipswich. So if you're Man United and you like an on the pitch reveal, Balaba can't play against Ipswich. So it's in our interests to drift the announcement until Ipswich, isn't it?
16:08So I think that that probably happens. If that's going to happen, what's the rush with Man United? Now, I don't know. He could be announced an official before the game against Hull. But there is also the train of thought that there's a bit of negotiation to do with Brighton. And look, Brighton aren't stupid. They probably do need to reinvest that money. But, you know, it's not like they've sort of got United over a barrel in the sense that, you know, people say United have done well to keep it quiet. we're still negotiating with Brighton publicly we haven't agreed a fee with Brighton so we are in a position where Brighton might go look this is all public now you're going to look bloody stupid if you don't do this deal we want an extra five million so you know we'll have to that's why for me the fee is sort of like we'll have to wait and see what the fee is I'm sure it'll happen but But we are still negotiating at the moment.
17:10And I'm sure it will get done. But who's in control there, really? I'd say everybody's going to have to come to a conclusion that suits them, aren't they? I think that's sort of where we are. I firmly believe Rashford would be our backup striker, says Chris. Could be. Could be. I mean, I certainly think in relation to the left back answers on a postcard, I've got no idea. and I don't know anybody that does. I mean, I'm looking forward to Ben Jacobs coming on at one o 'clock because he was the person that sort of led on the Lewis Hall story way back at the start of the transfer window. So I mean, I really want to know what Ben Jacobs is hearing about Lewis Hall because it was Ben who said about Lewis Hall looking to leave.
17:54If we can get a headline today that Lewis Hall still wants to leave Newcastle, we need to run with that headline. I mean, question for Beth, if she's watching, question to Ben at one o 'clock, does Lewis Hall still want to leave Newcastle? Because if we can get that headline today, there's something to work with. If Lewis Hall is settled at Newcastle now, we know it's off because it's a difficult deal. That deal can only happen if Lewis Hall pushes for it. I can't see it happening any other way. Look, we've got Rahm of Leipzig on the thumbnail. He is being mentioned, but my personal feeling is I don't think that's being mentioned with any authority.
18:36I just don't. And it doesn't fit in with, you know, ignoring Kone to go for Balaba. It doesn't fit in with the prospect angle that we seem to be going with. So, yeah, I don't know. For me, what I find exciting is that I feel that we've got the numbers in the midfield and there's time left in the window to do something really significant. I just hope in that boardroom they know the deal is Lewis Hall. I just hope in that boardroom they're sat there going, that's the deal to complete this window. So if they're sat in that boardroom going, let's get some cheap prospecting from Santander, I'm sort of like, yeah, they still don't understand, do they?
19:28Like, we haven't actually bought a signing. We haven't bought one player this summer that's made me go, whoa, okay. And I think that's how to finish the window. Finish it off with Lewis Hall. That's what I would say. Because look, the Labour could be brilliant. I didn't want him, but he could be brilliant. Santos could be brilliant. I didn't want him, but he could be brilliant. Tillemans, look, I like Tillemans. I mean, Tillemans is 30 in May though. So we need Tillemans to deliver straight away. But we filled those holes in the midfield. I would love us to finish the window with a signing where you just go, everyone in the country is going to go, that's a good signing for Manchester United.
20:14And hopefully that's what we're looking to do.
20:20because the fear is we dawdle on the Belaba deal until the end of next week. And then you've got, look, if Belaba doesn't get announced until next Saturday, we've got only Sunday and Monday, Tuesday to buy two players. So if we work on Belaba for another week, because we can't work on anything else, you've only got three days to do other business. So am I right with that? Is it two and a half weeks we've got left or one and a half? I think it's one and a half, isn't it? So yeah, yeah. Look, on Lewis Skelly, I said what I said last night. I don't think he's going to want to play as a left back and we bought our three midfielders now.
21:06So I don't see that happening. Elvin says, respectfully, Hall is average. Respectfully, Elvin, you're entitled to your opinion. Absolutely. What do you think about Belaber being a panic buy? Mate, I think there are these Glazerites out there that whenever United do anything, they have to add their own lies on top. Like when Ineos got into bed with the Glazers and some of us wanted Qatar because we wanted a complete sale and the debt gone, to make Ineos sound better, they said that Ineos would be the best thing for Manchester United. They'll take us back to the top and the Glazers will be gone by 2026.
21:50It's nearly 2027. So I don't mind people saying Lewis Hall is average or Belaba's not a panic buy or whatever. That's an opinion, but it's the way they have their opinion and then call people idiots who go, well, I don't agree with that. The reason I said I thought Belaba was a bit of a panic buy is because it's the last two weeks of the window. And I think in the last two weeks of the window, naturally, it's a panic buy. I think Lewis Hall's a panic buy. But I think people get, and this is where I would agree with them. I think if you say panic buy, they hold it against the player and sort of make out that you're saying the player's shit.
22:28Lewis Hall would be our signing of the summer. Still be a panic buy at the end of the window. Of course it would. I think that that's just I think when you're in the last two weeks of the window I thought Casemiro was a panic buy he still ended up being good it's more a reflection of the board and I think we I mean look honestly I think we have panicked I think we have like we came into the window with Ciumini the dream deal Elliot Anderson the priority for the last nine months Mateus Fernandes a player we negotiated with for six weeks Tenali, a player we wanted but we couldn't afford. Edison, a player that we were buying but then we pulled out of.
23:09So that's, how many is that? That's five factual targets in the midfield that we didn't sign. So we've gone through a lot of options to get with where we've got in the last two weeks of the window. So look, I think that, as I said, I'm reasonably happy with the midfield. We needed three midfielders and we've bought three midfielders. It's on the club now. It's on Carrick now. If it goes wrong, they'll get the blame. But we have got three midfielders. If we bought two midfielders, I think Carrick would have got the blame and it wouldn't have been his fault because he would have been short. But I disagree with people who think that, you know, in the last two weeks of the window, signing Belaba was part of the plan because we could have done it in May.
23:58We could have done it in June. We could have done it in July. So if Belaba was always part of the plan, why did we spend four weeks negotiating with Mateus Fernandes? Why did we prioritise Elliot Anderson for nine months? Why did we have Chumini as a dream deal? Why did we have talks with Bruno Gameres? I think Belaba's on the list. Obviously, he's on the list. But unfortunately or fortunately, depending how you look at it, look I would actually praise it I think I think that you have to adapt if I'm Jason Wilcox and I'm going for Mateus Fernandes and Sir Jim Radcliffe says we're not paying that and then I go for Chumini and he says I'm staying at Real Madrid and then I want Tonali and Sir Jim Radcliffe says we're not paying that and then I go for Elliot Anderson and Sir Jim Radcliffe says I'm not paying that and I end up signing for labor, I've adapted.
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27:07I don't have a problem with that. But what I do have a problem with is people pretending that Tillemans, Santos and Belaber were the plan. Because they weren't. We've had to adapt because we've refused to overpay. Because players have gone to other clubs. Because players have decided to stay at the club they're at. You do have to adapt and we have adapted. But I think there are some people out there who are pretending in the last two weeks of the window that this is not, you know, this was the plan. and it's not the plan. We've had to adapt and hopefully it's going to work because as I say, I'm reasonably happy that we've signed three midfielders.
27:46I've just been sent something that Man United believe that Lewis Hall wants to join them despite Newcastle not wanting to sell. So look, that's the sort of thing we want to develop. That's, when you look at the ingredients of Belaber, no real competition. I mean, I don't count Newcastle I mean, come on. Come on. In 2026, if you count Newcastle as competition in a transfer, you need your head testing. It would be like standing at a bar with Margot Robbie. You're on your third drink. She's lapping at all your jokes. She's giving you eye contact. And then Ian Beal, stinking a BO, comes along and says, do you fancy a drink in a Newcastle shirt?
28:34you'd go, I'm just going to the toilet. You can handle this, can't you? You wouldn't have any concerns at all. So I don't count Newcastle as competition. Can I just actually say, despite what I've just said, I do respect Newcastle. And I think that let's be friends with Newcastle. And, you know, they're a big club. I've always said that. They've got a great fan base. I've always said that. and I think they are the sort of club that is mature enough to go, we're going through a massive rebuild and if any of our decent players want to move and play somewhere else, we should let them go. So yeah, I've just realised that one.
29:20But look, I think with Belaba, desperate to join Manchester United, no competition for his signature. We like those sort of deals. It doesn't mean we'll get him cheap, but Mbermo, desperate to come to Man United, no competition for him really. And we like those sort of deals. So if we can manoeuvre a situation with Lewis Hall, whereby he wants to join Manchester United and only wants to join Manchester United, Newcastle can dig their feet in. But surely there's an opportunity there. Lewis Hall, for me, completes this window. Like, you will get no complaints from me at all if we sign Lewis Hall.
30:09and in many ways it will shove it right up the arse of these fans who are saying, well, you know, all these people who want us to spend big, you know, we've got to operate accordingly. If we sign Lewis Hall after Belayba, we've gone north of£200 million. That's not cheap. That's not saving money. That's spending big. So I would bloody love it. I would absolutely love it. And also, like many of you, Lewis Hall's my dream left-back signing. If Chiumini was my dream midfield signing, as he was United's, if they deliver Lewis Hall, they're delivering my number one dream left back signing. So there is no moaning about that.
30:55But my big concern is you could have Lewis Hall desperate to join Man United. You could have Newcastle willing to do a deal and we still wouldn't pay what it takes. That's my concern because I actually believe Mateus Fernandes would have signed for us. I think if we'd offered the wage and the price, I think he would have signed for us. So the, yeah, it's, let's wait and see. Matthew says, how are you happy with this midfield and who we've signed? I mean, fundamentally, it's not the midfield I would have picked. And there is a hell of a lot of judgment to come. Like, are Balaba, Santos and Tillemans going to prove themselves worthy?
31:37We'll have to wait and see. I certainly would have preferred a midfield three of Chumini, Mateus Fernandes and Kone. You know, I would have preferred that as a three. I think it's a better three. And I think we can all construct a better three out of Tonali's and everybody else. But the season starts on Saturday, mate. And what standards and expectations you have in May. look, if I'm at work and it's a Thursday morning and I message the wife and I say, I'm going to be in meetings all day. I can't get anything for dinner. Should we have a takeaway? And she says, no, don't worry. I'll rustle something up later.
32:26In the morning, I'm thinking, oh my God. She doesn't want a takeaway. so when I get home, she's going to rustle something up later. I've got visions of stepping into the kitchen. She's got something nice on and she's cooking a lasagna with a bottle of red wine on the table and some garlic bread and a Viennetta in the freezer. And as the day goes on, I'm going, give us a clue, give us a clue. And then as the day goes on, it gets to about four o 'clock and you realise she's not in a big, she's not in very good mood. There's nothing in the freezer. There's not much in the fridge. And you're probably coming home to beans on toast, but you'll take it because it's food.
33:09I feel a little bit like that about Amage Field. I'm satisfied with it because it's ultimately going to fill a problem. Is it what my expectations were in May? No, but I'm a realist. there was a real opportunity a few days ago that we weren't going to buy a second midfielder, a third midfielder. So look, I'm not running around the streets with my top off, but also we have spent that£150 million on the midfield and we have bought three midfielders in. Lewis Hall though, that is an expectation from May. That is an exciting signing. That does get me off my seat and that's the opportunity that we still have definitely to do.
33:55So look, I am interested in that one. Patrick Lynch says, reminder, what we have after this window is it for the season. We don't get a left back, even a prospect. We won't be getting one. We won't get one till January, says Patrick. I think that is a warning. We all know the PR that happens on September the 1st. United are looking to buy Vitina next summer and they're looking to buy players in January. It won't happen. So yeah. Just join the United Stan family. Enjoy the streams. Greeting from Chicago, says Jame. I can see you're a member as well, Jame. Do not forget to check out our two members videos that have gone out in the last two days.
34:33Our new Fantasy Premier League that you can get involved in. And also this morning, another bonus video with Rooney on the members section, answering your members questions. We've got some brilliant stuff coming up on the members sections with Rooney as well. So check it. Margot Robbie could have a crush on Ian Beal, says Rob. That's like saying a player prefers Newcastle over Man United. I mean, come on. I feel sorry for Newcastle, actually. I think they have the ambition. They just don't have the pull. I wonder if we'll go for Page from Leicester. Connie, can I just shock you, right? I hope we do sign Page from Leicester because that's exactly what that signing should be.
35:11Youth players coming in from 18-year-olds who are untested like Thompson and Page, they should be coming in as bonus balls. They shouldn't be coming in as the third midfielder. So I hope we do get him. Marlow says, you and Rooney are a charming couple. Unbelievably good chemistry. Makes me happy. Congratulations on the journey. Thanks for your support, pal. If Hall starts for Newcastle next week, Saturday, can we get him? I don't read too much into that, Amit. If he starts or not, I still think United need to push. We cannot, I mean, I remember James Milner going to Man City years ago and he played for Villa a few days before.
35:49Keel says, we cannot build the future around Bruno. He's potentially gone in a year. If we're being honest, his tenure has not been prosperous. Keel, I got sent something the other day about Bruno Fernandes is washed and he can't play possession-based football.
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38:05I will never understand the disrespect Bruno Fernandes still gets on this app and in our fan base. It's wild to me. I mean, I actually said to Wayne in the tactical bit on Disney about possession and can you play possession football when you've got Bruno Fernandes dropping deep looking to play the Hollywood pass? And Wayne said, you can't stop that. You mustn't stop that. that's your best player. That's your player that's just won Premier League Player of the Year. You've got to accommodate Bruno Fernandes in your team. So to say he's washed or finished or anything is just wild to me. Without Bruno Fernandes last season or the season before that or the season before that how many more...
38:51I mean, we'd probably get relegated the year we finished 15th. Last season we don't get Champions League football. So the disrespect that some people give to Bruno Fernandes is incredible. But look, can Bruno Fernandes play possession-based football? Of course he bloody can. Of course he can. Does he do it as much as I would like him to? Probably not. Probably not. You know, he does look to play that ball all the time. But you do have a manager. And if a coach doesn't want him to do it, they'll stop him doing it. So look, Bruno Fernandes isn't just Manchester United's most important player. he's arguably one of the three most important players in the Premier League.
39:33To think that we're a better team without him because we knocked the ball about a little bit against Rosenberg or whoever it was, is laughable. Tillerman's injury in midfield is full of kids, says Andron. We are United. Welcome to Members Club. You know what is better than a pitch announcement? Two pitch announcements. I hate it when United drift football business for PR reasons, says Emily Derry. Well, maybe we could do two pitch. And the trouble with waiting to do a pitch announcement for Belaba is it leaves you two days to do business before the windows closed, which is, you know, it could be an exciting end to the window, but it's a lot to do.
40:07I firmly believe Rashford's going to be our backup striker, says Chris. Daniel says, hope United stand and everyone's doing well. With Belaba set to join, does that rule out Kone signing? Yeah, 100%. We won't be buying four midfielders. I still think it'd be a great signing. So much still to do. look I have heard that Kone and Man City could happen which would be very very surprising to those people who thought Kone was shit I think he's a good signing but I'd be stunned if he went to Man City but I have heard those rumours too why didn't they overpay for Belaber a year ago instead of now could have saved Amrim's job and sacking package they won't overpay for Hall now they'll sack Carrick and overpay for him next season fullback is a problem why not play a back three can't go back to that Anthony Nuno Mendes is United standards, but get Hall at least, says Stretford Signal.
40:53Bruno is good, but he unbalances the rebuild. If we rotated him, then fine, but Kunja should be our 10. Kiel's still at it. And after this atrocious window, we end up with belabor. What a joke, says Chris. Welcome to the members club, McCaffrey. Thank you very much for that. Don't forget to join the members club, by the way. Brand new video with Wayne Rooney. Members questions is there. We've got loads of extra stuff on the members club now. It is the place to be. Surely going to go mad the next two weeks, says Robert McCormack. Yes, I think the general transfer window is going to go mad in the next two weeks.
41:25Absolutely. Oh, apologies. Bloody hell. Just remember, I should have brought this in ages ago. So this is really good. So basically, Rio Ferdinand, ex-Manchester United player, legend, very good centre-back, basically tells Man United fans demanding big signings, shut up, you idiots. You know what? it's been a sensible transfer window again from Manchester United. All these people saying we should have blown the money on Anderson or whatever, whether Anderson's good enough or not, if that's going to blow all our budget and get more depth into the squad, you can't do it. You can't do that. So all these people that are shouting for those big signings are idiots who don't understand the business of football.
42:06And you can take that, you can repurpose that and shove it into them, what they're saying about spending big money. Shut up, you idiots. You've got to build a squad that's going to be able to go and play and perform over multiple competitions. So if you're a Man United fan who thinks that Man United should not spend big money on signings, shut up. You're an idiot, according to Rio. I mean, look, as somebody who's called United fans morons in the past, it's quite interesting. But look, I just want to say, before we delve into this, because I would love to have a conversation. In fact, I would invite Rio to come and sit with me and Wayne on Stick to United, because I think give the people what they want.
42:50He won't do it because there's too many things I've mentioned to him that I don't think he'd be comfortable about. But he can do it back to me. But the point is, let's just work our way through this. Because the Glazerites and the Glinius lovers are going to be chanting Rio's name. Oh, you told them, Rio. You told them. We can't overpay. If the budget's£150 million, you wouldn't sign Elliot Anderson. You're better off signing three midfielders. Absolute idiots. They are. He's right. Rio's the champion. I agree, by the way. I agree with Rio. If the budget's£150 million, signing Elliot Anderson would leave you with one midfielder.
43:27But if the budget's£150 million, why is the budget£150 million? We all know United could have spent 300 this summer. Spurs are probably going to spend half a billion. How are Spurs spending half a billion when they're not in the Champions League and they don't have the revenue we've got? So he says we're idiots and we don't understand the business of football. But why is the budget for Man United 150 million pounds, Rio? I don't understand why we're idiots when we understand the football business and we know that Man United could spend a lot more than 150 million pounds. And what really caught me was that sometimes you can just do very, very quick research and find quotes like this.
44:09When in 2023, Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Enzo Fernandes from Benfica. Not Tonali from Newcastle or Alex Scott from Bournemouth for 80 million or Tonali or Declan Rice from West Ham. This was when Chelsea spent£105 million three years ago on a player from Benfica. Bad player. Wicked player. He's got it. The money is irrelevant if you look at it and you think he could be there for years. Rio Ferdinand. Bad player. Wicked player. He's got it. The money is irrelevant. Miles Lewis Skelly in August 2026. If he's on the market and he's a good price, you've got to take him. I'm saying 60 to 70 million.
44:54If that's the case, get the checkbook out, slap it down and sign him. No questions asked. In 2016, when John Stones and Rafael Varane were linked to Man United, pay whatever it takes to land the pair. So all I'm saying is Rio's calling us idiots for wanting United to make big signings. At what point did you stop being an idiot then, Rio? Because you've literally said pay what it takes for players. very recently in fact. But what really caught me is we're idiots for saying Man United should try and sign Elliot Anderson. This was from a couple of months ago from Rio Ferdinand speaking on his own YouTube channel.
45:36Bruno Gomérez and Tonali wouldn't be my first choice midfield signing this summer. It's Elliot Anderson. His age is 23, Gomérez is 28 and Tonali is 25. So that counts a lot for me. I want young, hungry players in my squad. He compliments Maynou. I think Maynou is going to be one of the main players in the team. They're going to build around him. And I think Elliot Anderson absolutely compliments him. They're different. Anderson's got that ability, that energy to get around the park, is aggressive. We need those legs and he wins the ball. He's more competitive than the other two. Elliot Anderson is the only player to win over 150 duels, win possession more than 150 times and win at least 50 ,000 in the Premier League, the whole Premier League, I must add, this season.
46:18They're my reasons why Elliot Anderson is my guy. So my question is, we're idiots for wanting big signings. But in the last few months, Rio Ferdinand has literally said Elliot Anderson's the guy to go and get and pay whatever it takes to get the players that you need. So I'm sort of confused. Is he self-reflecting that he is also an idiot? Or is he just accusing people of being idiots for saying the things that he's already said himself? And I'd love to have this conversation with him because he says that us idiots don't understand football business. But there are accounts out there like Swedish Rumble and Kieran Maguire and people who actually understand football finance who have said Man United could spend hundreds of millions of pounds this summer.
47:06It's because of their owners that they won't. And so are we idiots because we don't conform to the glinius tactics? Well, I wanted Qatar. I want a debt gone and money in. I want big signings. I want Manchester United to, funnily enough, sign more Wayne Roonies, more Rio Ferdinands. So if I'm an idiot, Rio, I would never have wanted to sign you. But I did. And you're saying I'm an idiot. We broke the British transfer record to sign you. so I'm sort of confused so you're an idiot if you grew up in a time when Man United used to buy and spend big on players I'm just a little bit confused so maybe come on stick to United and we can talk through some of this stuff because I don't understand who the idiot is United can spend loads of money they choose not to and you've consistently said you're not bothered about the price pay what it takes to get good players And you said Elliot Anderson was the player you wanted this summer.
48:12So I'm a little bit confused about what you're saying. Or is it because you're tied into the club now and you need to do their PR for what they give you? I don't know. Maybe you can explain that because I think you make a point that, yeah, I agree, actually. You know what? Buying Tillemans, Santos and Balaba three for one makes sense. but our budget wasn't£150 million. We could spend a lot more and we were also trying to sign Mateus Fernandes for 80. I'm just a bit confused about what it is you're trying to say other than PR-ing for the club and making yourself look an idiot yourself because you're contradicting yourself.
48:58So we probably need another response from Rio because I think he's trying to... It's almost like he's working through his own brain without remembering what he said in the past. So we probably need a little bit more. Come on to stick to United and have a chat. That would be a great idea. G-Man says Rio is right. I don't think you've listened to the last five minutes, mate. How can he be right when he's completely contradicting everything that he's saying? Jiang, also, also on a more serious note, because I'm being a bit sarcastic, on a more serious note, instead of cheerleading the Glazers and calling United fans idiots who don't agree with the Glazers, It would be great if you actually used your platform to talk about the many season ticket holders that would have been season ticket holders for years and probably watched you at the club.
49:48You've had their season tickets taken away from them because of the owners of this football club and their draconian price increases and messing around with season tickets. Because that's factual. It'd be great if you backed that sort of thing. Or are you not allowed to do that with your little deal that you've got with the Glazers now? because there's a lot of stuff that's actually going on with the football club that somebody like you and the respect that you have could really platform. Jordan, welcome to the Members Club. Kelvin, welcome to the Members Club as well. And Duck, Commander, welcome to the Members Club.
50:21Rob Always United says, I didn't want Belaber, but if he comes, I'll back him. Same with Rashford, I'll fully back him. Yeah, I completely agree with that, Rob. look some people want to see the world burn don't they I mentioned this about Romano last night oh Romano's great Romano's great Romano's great Romano's shit he's horrible you know people just change their opinion like the weather this transfer window has been pathetic up until yesterday where I think we solved the midfield I wouldn't call this transfer window pathetic anymore You know, I'm a man of... I'll change my opinions based on evidence.
50:59I think up until we sign the third midfielder, it's a pathetic window. I would describe it after Belaber as average. I think it needed to be great. I think it's average. If you get Lewis Hall in, I think it's good. If you get Lewis Hall and a decent striker in, I think it's heading towards very good. I think great would have been Chumini, Mateus Fernandes, maybe Santos or Tillemans as the third midfielder, Lewis Hall, and maybe a right back and a backhook striker. So look, you know, there's levels to this game, but I think they've taken a pathetic window into an average window at the moment. And I agree with Rob.
51:39Like, ultimately, we're going to be sat there for 38 games doing watch-alongs, wanting Man United to win. We've got a chance. We've got a chance if we sort this window out. and we've still got time. And the great thing about signing Belaber is we're not trying to sign a midfielder, a left-back and a striker now. We're trying to sign a left-back and a striker. Yeah. Alan Casey says, Rio equals correct. Spurs aren't in debt. Mate, I'm really grateful for that one, Alan, because I forgot to mention that one. Also, when Rio says United fans are idiots for wanting big signings, we signed him for the equivalent of£120 million.
52:21We signed Rooney for the equivalent of£120 million. We signed Roy Keane for the equivalent of£120 million. We consistently spent Elliot Anderson type money at Man United. So why are we idiots? We used to win the Premier League with those types of signings. So why are we idiots for thinking that's the way to win titles? There is no history of any top six club winning the Premier League consistently by being cheap. So why are we idiots? And also, if you're going to sit there like Alan is and say Rio's right because of the debt, why are we idiots for saying Man United should be making big signings like Arsenal and Man City and Liverpool?
53:04We didn't ask for the debt. We didn't want the debt and we didn't want Ineos to save the Glazers. We wanted a different ownership. So why are we idiots? And was he not the guy on his phone doing a video saying, I'm hearing it's guitar, getting really excited? So I'm confused why we're idiots for wanting Man United to buy the best players when we literally built a dynasty buying the best players. Of course, you can sit there and say, I agree with us not buying big players because I agree with the Glynios approach. But many of us don't like the debt. Many of us don't like who owns the football club.
53:43Why are we idiots for that? We just have a different opinion. I'm confused. I'm confused. It's almost like saying to somebody, you're having porridge every day because this person is force-feeding you porridge. You're an idiot if you don't like it. Well, I don't like it. I don't like this system. It's not right. It's not good. Why are we idiots? I don't get it. But I'm more than happy to have the conversation. More than happy to have the conversation. Thank you so much. Brilliant show this morning. We have got... God, I'm trying to figure this out now. So there is no eight o 'clock show tomorrow night because we are live for Arsenal against Coventry on Nats football.
54:28But a preview is coming at some point. There is an eight o 'clock show tonight. There is Ben Jacobs at one o 'clock. We'll get into that Lewis Hall story. There is probably a belabor here we go at some point as well. We still have business that we can do. Exciting times in these last two weeks of this transfer window. Very excited.
54:49Do you think Rio would come on stick to United? No. No, not without seeing the questions first in a big fee. I don't think he'd fancy that. He probably would come out with stuff like, I'm not sitting with Brent the Forest fan just to try and win likes on Twitter. But ultimately, I think it would be a very good conversation. I don't know whether it can happen, but I'd certainly be up for it. But talking about stick to United, don't forget, get involved in the Fantasy Premier League if you are a member. There is a video out on the member section for that. We want as many people in that as possible because I want to beat you.
55:23And don't forget to check our new video that's dropped this morning, which is me and Wayne, or predominantly Wayne, answering your questions about did he nearly go to Man City? And about another 12, 15 questions. really good stuff in there. Check it out. Take care. Speak to you in a bit.
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56:21Thankfully, Arm & Hammer Cat Litter helps take that worry off your plate. Because not all litters are the same. Arm & Hammer Hardball Cat Litter gives you long-lasting odor control, plus strong clumps that make scooping quick and easy with low dust too. It's a five-in-one litter made for busy people, helping your home stay fresher every day so you can feel confident opening the door for family and friends. Candles? Air fresheners? Not needed here. Odor control is Arm & Hammer Cat Litter's job, not yours. Be guest ready with Arm & Hammer Hardball Cat Litter. Find it now at Walmart or Amazon. Hello, I'm Monica Reinagle, host of the Nutrition Diva podcast.
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Mark Goldbridge has the latest Man Utd Transfer News. Manchester United are closing in on a massive deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba! With personal terms agreed on a five-year deal and a £60m + £5m proposal submitted, talks are in advanced stages. Could an official announcement happen before the Premier League opener? Plus, with the midfield overhaul complete alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, United are turning their focus to the left-back position and Newcastle's Lewis Hall remains a key target.
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