⚽ English Premier League Season: 2024/2025

[tokeweed]

I assumed 'easily' to determine something I now understand had different meanings. For me, I would have thought Manchester United had the funds to buy the players they wanted to fit them in to the slots occupied by the players mentioned in the earlier post. I did not factor the issue they had to sell them because in some cases they need a backup player or one to challenge for their place in the match day squad.

You are right of course, replacing seven players is not an easy task in one transfer window especially when most of them went with the team abroad on their pre-season tour.

^  I don't think Man United could 'easily' find replacements for that many players and at this time of the transfer window when transfer fees get higher.  Not without UCL football they won't.  The most promising players always want to have UCL football on the table or an assurance that they could play in the UCL next year.  :-/  But they prolly could change most of those players but maybe with players that they mostly don't really like or thought they liked but then later not really.

But dunno...  replacing 7 players in one transfer window is hard for any manager.

Yup and even if they could change 7 players in one transfer window because let's say it was 'easy', the club still couldn't be sure how those new players could play well together or if they could actually gel as a team.  So all in all, it's never really 'easy'.

And to emphasize a point, UCL football is so important if a club with Man United's financial resources wants to acquire the best players they can.

[JollyGood]

I think Kompany did something similar at Burnley when he manager. He got them promoted to the Premier League but then before the season started he had an influx of a massive number of players. Asking them to adjust was always going to be difficult and even though he had an excellent playing career at Manchester City he was not the best manager or coach, he was unable to get the players to gel as a team. Any manager would struggle to get seven players in one transfer window integrated in to his squad.

Not long now, the season is starting after 10 days  

Yup and even if they could change 7 players in one transfer window because let's say it was 'easy', the club still couldn't be sure how those new players could play well together or if they could actually gel as a team.  So all in all, it's never really 'easy'.

And to emphasize a point, UCL football is so important if a club with Man United's financial resources wants to acquire the best players they can.

[Swordsoffreedom]

I think Kompany did something similar at Burnley when he manager. He got them promoted to the Premier League but then before the season started he had an influx of a massive number of players. Asking them to adjust was always going to be difficult and even though he had an excellent playing career at Manchester City he was not the best manager or coach, he was unable to get the players to gel as a team. Any manager would struggle to get seven players in one transfer window integrated in to his squad.

Kompany was a great player no doubt. He was one of my favorite players. But Kompany has failed so far as a coach. Kompany was the coach of Burnley last season. And this team did not qualify for the Premier League. This is definitely Kompany's failing. Burnley team managed to win only 5 matches out of 38 matches. Burnley performed very poorly. This is why I would say Vincent Kompany is a complete failure as a coach so far.

I think Bayern Munich have given the job to someone as inexperienced as Kompany because Kompany has been with Guardiola for a long time. And perhaps next season we will see the impact of Guardiola's strategy on Bayern Munich's overall gameplay. I am not saying it will happen, but it is likely to happen. Not long until the season starts. Let's see how Munich performs next season with the help of KOmpany.

[Luzin]

I think Bayern Munich have given the job to someone as inexperienced as Kompany because Kompany has been with Guardiola for a long time. And perhaps next season we will see the impact of Guardiola's strategy on Bayern Munich's overall gameplay. I am not saying it will happen, but it is likely to happen. Not long until the season starts. Let's see how Munich performs next season with the help of KOmpany.

New coaches or players need to adapt to a new team. They only differ with time constraints. Some are adapting fast, medium, and slow so he has to leave. So I believe that nothing is instant to get achievements. Even Pep Guardiola needs time to become the most successful coach legend at Man City.
I think Pep has also been a new coach, just like Kompany. So let Kompany provide evidence and continue to learn because coaches also need experience and management support to get good achievements.

[Igebotz]

I think Bayern Munich have given the job to someone as inexperienced as Kompany because Kompany has been with Guardiola for a long time. And perhaps next season we will see the impact of Guardiola's strategy on Bayern Munich's overall gameplay. I am not saying it will happen, but it is likely to happen. Not long until the season starts. Let's see how Munich performs next season with the help of KOmpany.

Full season and a promotion with Burnley, full season at the top level in the EPL and a relegation with Burnley again, I guess he's has seeing enough and have gotten both promotion and relegation experience, what experience does he needs again? 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming community shield final ? Who's your money on?

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I think Bayern Munich have given the job to someone as inexperienced as Kompany because Kompany has been with Guardiola for a long time. And perhaps next season we will see the impact of Guardiola's strategy on Bayern Munich's overall gameplay.

Don't blame them, everybody is doing it. Arsenal did it with Mikel Arteta and look at how that turned out (runner ups twice in a roll after being a disaster prior to his employment). Chelsea has decided to do the same with Enzo Maresca. Erik ten Hag is doing alright at Manchester United, Xabi Alonso is killing it at Leverkusen (all coaches has an association with Pep Guardiola). The strategy now is to just follow the train and do what is working for others instead of being different. When you think about it, I doubt Kompany flops at Bayern Munich

What are your thoughts on the upcoming community shield final ? Who's your money on?

My bet would had been on Manchester city but after the last match that they had all the possession (in the FA cup) but still couldn't win, I think I might be reconsidering my bet on them to win. We can't write off Manchester United out of the picture because one thing Erik ten Hag does well is to win them sometime and I'll not be shocked to see him defeat Pep Guardiola again.

[Swordsoffreedom]

~

~
What are your thoughts on the upcoming community shield final ? Who's your money on?

I'll close my eyes and bet on Manchester City. I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I know Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win the title. But I don't think the same thing will happen again.

We have never seen better performances from Manchester United in friendly matches or pre-season matches. Although I know these matches were not that important. In addition, opportunities were also given to young players in Manchester United's squad. But I don't see any improvement in Manchester United's overall performance. We do not see any change in Manchester United's match strategy. This is why I think Manchester United cannot win against City. Also, one of the main strikers in Manchester United's squad will be absent in this match due to injury. For these reasons, I don't think Manchester United have any chance of winning against Manchester City.

[JollyGood]

Kompany was a great player no doubt. He was one of my favorite players. But Kompany has failed so far as a coach. Kompany was the coach of Burnley last season. And this team did not qualify for the Premier League. This is definitely Kompany's failing. Burnley team managed to win only 5 matches out of 38 matches. Burnley performed very poorly. This is why I would say Vincent Kompany is a complete failure as a coach so far.

Though he did well to bring them to the Premier League with attacking and exciting football, he was disastrous with Burnley in the Premier League and his win/loss draw record shows he is out of his depth at Bayern Munich.

I think Bayern Munich have given the job to someone as inexperienced as Kompany because Kompany has been with Guardiola for a long time. And perhaps next season we will see the impact of Guardiola's strategy on Bayern Munich's overall gameplay. I am not saying it will happen, but it is likely to happen. Not long until the season starts. Let's see how Munich performs next season with the help of KOmpany.

There were many managers that came from being ex-players at Manchester United under Ferguson but how many went on to be great or even good managers? Over the years many players have played under brilliant managers in various leagues but how many are recognised as being among the best managers themselves?

I think Kompany is not a good fit for Bayern Munich and he will not last long as their manager. Maybe the excellent squad he has might bring him some success in order to keep him at the club for a second season otherwise he will probably be sacked when (or before) the season ends.

[tokeweed]

I'll close my eyes and bet on Manchester City. I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I know Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win the title. But I don't think the same thing will happen again.

We have never seen better performances from Manchester United in friendly matches or pre-season matches. Although I know these matches were not that important. In addition, opportunities were also given to young players in Manchester United's squad. But I don't see any improvement in Manchester United's overall performance. We do not see any change in Manchester United's match strategy. This is why I think Manchester United cannot win against City. Also, one of the main strikers in Manchester United's squad will be absent in this match due to injury. For these reasons, I don't think Manchester United have any chance of winning against Manchester City.

Yup...  I'm looking at Man City to win and under 4.5 goals combo at 2.06 for a little extra bump in odds.  Decent improvement from rather than taking Man City straight up at 1.61. 

I don't think the match is gonna go crazy and be like 3 - 2 , 4 - 1 or something.  I think since it's just the start of the season and it's just the Community Shield, these guys will take it easy and City will win with something like 2 - 0 or 2 - 1.

[Swordsoffreedom]

I'll close my eyes and bet on Manchester City. I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I know Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win the title. But I don't think the same thing will happen again.

We have never seen better performances from Manchester United in friendly matches or pre-season matches. Although I know these matches were not that important. In addition, opportunities were also given to young players in Manchester United's squad. But I don't see any improvement in Manchester United's overall performance. We do not see any change in Manchester United's match strategy. This is why I think Manchester United cannot win against City. Also, one of the main strikers in Manchester United's squad will be absent in this match due to injury. For these reasons, I don't think Manchester United have any chance of winning against Manchester City.

Yup...  I'm looking at Man City to win and under 4.5 goals combo at 2.06 for a little extra bump in odds.  Decent improvement from rather than taking Man City straight up at 1.61.  

I don't think the match is gonna go crazy and be like 3 - 2 , 4 - 1 or something.  I think since it's just the start of the season and it's just the Community Shield, these guys will take it easy and City will win with something like 2 - 0 or 2 - 1.

Bookies consider Manchester City as natural favorites in this match. Because City's overall performance was very stable last season. And Manchester City didn't make too many changes to the squad either. On the other hand, the performance of Manchester United's players was not good even in the last season. Manchester United performed very erratically. Even in friendly matches we don't see better performance than Manchester United. Manchester United management also took necessary steps to strengthen the squad.

However, I wouldn't take the risk of betting on Manchester United in this match. But if I bet for Manchester United, and if Manchester United wins the match, I can easily win a big amount of money. But I will not take this risk. Because I think Guardiola will not make any mistakes in this match. And City will win the match very easily..

[Igebotz]

My bet would had been on Manchester city but after the last match that they had all the possession (in the FA cup) but still couldn't win, I think I might be reconsidering my bet on them to win. We can't write off Manchester United out of the picture because one thing Erik ten Hag does well is to win them sometime and I'll not be shocked to see him defeat Pep Guardiola again.

I'll close my eyes and bet on Manchester City. I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I know Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win the title. But I don't think the same thing will happen again.

I hope you're aware that Manchester City have lost the last three Community Shield finals? It does not appear to be their favourite trophy, and Manchester United are really good at Wembley, and this could be the only trophy they win this season, so I would expect them to push harder than City.

I'm going Handicap (0:1) Manutd @ 2.40 Odd

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I hope you're aware that Manchester City have lost the last three Community Shield finals? It does not appear to be their favourite trophy, and Manchester United are really good at Wembley, and this could be the only trophy they win this season, so I would expect them to push harder than City.

Guess you didn't see my BUT in my post although still not fully supporting Manchester United despite having the feeling that they can pull out another shocker.  We have to consider the fact that Manchester United needs the trophy more than City does so yeah, Manchester United for the win but I hate the sound of that statement coming out from my mouth as I would rather City wins it a 100 times than Manchester United winning. No hard feelings here just a rival fan hating on what I'll consider to be our worst enemies.

something.  I think since it's just the start of the season and it's just the Community Shield, these guys will take it easy and City will win with something like 2 - 0 or 2 - 1.

I have to agree with you on this because Manchester city only on the goal engine when it's a regular match day and not when there's a trophy on the line. Excluding the last two games before the FA cup finals, recent encounters haven't been far off a one goal difference but still favouring Manchester United over city with the scoreline 2-1.

[JollyGood]

I think since it's just the start of the season and it's just the Community Shield, these guys will take it easy and City will win with something like 2 - 0 or 2 - 1.

I would not remove a Manchester United win from the list of possible outcomes. They scored a comprehensive win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final and stopped them winning the domestic double after they won the treble (Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League) the previous season.

I am not expecting this to be a display of force and intent by either team, they will probably not field their best selection for the sake giving experience to the younger players but would still want to win the first trophy of the season. I think either team could win the game 1-0 at full time without extra-time and penalties and maybe Manchester United will edge it.

I hope you're aware that Manchester City have lost the last three Community Shield finals? It does not appear to be their favourite trophy, and Manchester United are really good at Wembley, and this could be the only trophy they win this season, so I would expect them to push harder than City.

I'm going Handicap (0:1) Manutd @ 2.40 Odd

I did not know Manchester City lost their last three Community Shield finals therefore that adds to my expectation that Manchester United will probably win.

Without a doubt most people will put Manchester City as favourites to win the game but in the end it is a final at Wembley and just as what happened in the FA Cup finals of 2023 (Manchester City beat Manchester United) and 2024 (Manchester United beat Manchester City), anything can happen.

[Igebotz]

I did not know Manchester City lost their last three Community Shield finals therefore that adds to my expectation that Manchester United will probably win.

Without a doubt most people will put Manchester City as favourites to win the game but in the end it is a final at Wembley and just as what happened in the FA Cup finals of 2023 (Manchester City beat Manchester United) and 2024 (Manchester United beat Manchester City), anything can happen.

Many will always pick bookies' favourites, but only those who look past H2H and current form will pick underdogs- Manchester City and Manchester United have been a cat and dog game in finals, both fighting for Manchester bragging rights; if any club knows how to play finals, it's Manchester United, who have been extremely successful at Wembley.

Manchester City were also favourites against Arsenal last season, but we all know how it went. Sometimes you have to look beyond the bookies' odds.

[JollyGood]

When it mattered most for Manchester United to stop them in the 2023 FA Cup final, Manchester City won the game and it formed part of their treble. Until then, Manchester United were the only team that had the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble and could still be today had they won that final. Instead, the same teams met in the FA Cup final again in 2024 and this time Manchester United won (denying their neighbours a domestic double) and at the same time outplaying them. Maybe the mindset at Manchester United is changing.


TRANSFER NEWS

Chelsea
Conor Gallagher will sign a five year contract with Atletico Madrid today after he passed his medical yesterday after the clubs agreed the sale at £36m.

At the same time as the Gallager deal,  Atletico Madrid agreed to sell their striker Samu Omorodion to Chelsea for £34.5m.

Fulham
It has been reported Fulham are in talks to sign Diego Carlos from Aston Villa.

Arsenal
The club rejected two bids from Marseille for Nketiah. They are about to make another bid as they and the player want the deal to happen but Arsenal will need to drop their asking price.

Tottenham
It seems Tottenham are on the verge of signing Solanke from Bournemouth.

West Ham
Nice and West Ham United have agreed loan terms for Todibo on the basis a €40m buy clause is added to the deal.

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma will have a medical at UAE club Shabab Al-Ahli as the deal looks finalised.

Nottingham Forest
The club might increase their offer to try to buy Galeno from Porto because their previous attempts were rejected.

Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha is considering a return to Crystal Palace after he played last season with Galatasaray.

Elsewhere, rumours are circulating Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist to manage the USA national team.

Many will always pick bookies' favourites, but only those who look past H2H and current form will pick underdogs- Manchester City and Manchester United have been a cat and dog game in finals, both fighting for Manchester bragging rights; if any club knows how to play finals, it's Manchester United, who have been extremely successful at Wembley.

Manchester City were also favourites against Arsenal last season, but we all know how it went. Sometimes you have to look beyond the bookies' odds.

[tokeweed]

I'll close my eyes and bet on Manchester City. I wouldn't think twice about doing it. I know Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to win the title. But I don't think the same thing will happen again.

I hope you're aware that Manchester City have lost the last three Community Shield finals? It does not appear to be their favourite trophy, and Manchester United are really good at Wembley, and this could be the only trophy they win this season, so I would expect them to push harder than City.

I'm going Handicap (0:1) Manutd @ 2.40 Odd

You quoted the wrong guy.  I didn't say that but I replied to the go who said that.  Lol. 

But as for City losing three Community Shields, dunno...  I don't look into stats like that much as all I know is Man City has the better squad, the better manager and is the better club overall.  Man City losing three times all comes down to variance.  If anything, they're due to win this one.  :-/

But dunno...  We'll see.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Chelsea
Conor Gallagher will sign a five year contract with Atletico Madrid today after he passed his medical yesterday after the clubs agreed the sale at £36m.

Finally, I'm happy for him that atleast he gets a new home so he can concentrate on his career and try to make a name for himself but after hearing that Chelsea did offer him a deal but he refused because it isn't as long as he wanted then I started to lose my support for him because it wasn't like the club didn't want him (as we were made to believe by the media) but they didn't want to give him a long contract and they have their reasons.

Elsewhere, rumours are circulating Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist to manage the USA national team.

I hope this stays a rumour because I don't see Mauricio Pochettino as the best option for USA. What does he have in his résumé that he can bring to the table to make the USA national team to become a world class football nation.  There should be better options and I don't mind Southgate being considered too because he has more he can offer than Pochettino can. Jurgen Klopp would had been a better option though but he did reject the offer.

[JollyGood]

I am happy for Gallagher too because he is an exciting player that can make things happen on the pitch but for some reason rumours about him wanting to leave were strong even while Pochettino regularly selected him. Clearly he was going to have a reduced role under Maresca and that along with his refusal to sign a new contract made it an easy decision for both to separate.

In some ways it is sad Chelsea sold a home grown player that joined them from the age of eight but that is football and that is also business. Atletico Madrid have purchased him for a bargain £36 million and Chelsea will be happy to re-invest those funds. I hope he will flourish in La Liga and help his new team win trophies.

Finally, I'm happy for him that atleast he gets a new home so he can concentrate on his career and try to make a name for himself but after hearing that Chelsea did offer him a deal but he refused because it isn't as long as he wanted then I started to lose my support for him because it wasn't like the club didn't want him (as we were made to believe by the media) but they didn't want to give him a long contract and they have their reasons.

[nelson4lov]

But as for City losing three Community Shields, dunno...  I don't look into stats like that much as all I know is Man City has the better squad, the better manager and is the better club overall.  Man City losing three times all comes down to variance.  If anything, they're due to win this one.  :-/

But dunno...  We'll see.

My money is on City to win it. How do these guys put it? Third Fourth time's the charm. Like you said, City has the best squad out of both teams and I want to assume that Man Utd will just be the same old Man Utd that Arne Slot with his adjusting Liverpool side thrashed 0-3. Guardiola would really want to win tomorrow's Community shield so it doesn't start to feel like a curse.

Like I said, City to win tomorrow. We'll see. 

[Emitdama]

While I know that City lost to United at FA cup finals so we saw that it could be possible, I feel like it is not going to be that common and this time around we are going to see City destroying United. I also think that United hasn't gotten that better yet, they are not really all that much better, so this is going to be something that we are not going to see same with FA finals, it is going to be quite different.

We will see City be much more relaxed on this game, they didn't even do that much friendlies and they are fresh right now and I know that it is going to be hard for them to be on shape, but they will do fine. I am expecting a big win, like maybe 3-0 or 4-0 type of game, and it is going to be very bad days for United ahead after that too.