[FM20] Manchester United: Falling Giant...

[stevemc]

Welcome to the Manchester United Football Club thread

Club Details

Status: Professional

Reputation: Worldwide

Nickname: The Red Devils

Founded: 1878

Owners: The Glazers (loves the club)

Current Manager: Ole Gunner Solskjaer

League: Premier League (England)

Captain: Ashley Young

Squad Personality: Highly Professional

Rivals: Liverpool, Leeds United, Manchester City

Legends, Icons & Favoured Personnel:

Stadium: Old Trafford

Capacity: 75, 635 all-seater

Training Facilities: State of the art

Corporate Facilities: Top

Youth Facilities: State of the art

Youth Level: 1

Junior Coaching: Excellent

Youth Recruitment: Excellent

Finances: Rich

Transfer Budget: £100m

Wage Budget: £3.5m p/w

Media Prediction: 6th

European Football: UEFA Europe League

 

Trophy Cabinet:

Edited November 27, 2020 by stevemc

[stevemc]

Club History

 

Manchester United Football Club is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top flight of English football. Nicknamed "the Red Devils", the club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current stadium, Old Trafford, in 1910.

Manchester United have won more trophies than any other club in English football, with a record 20 League titles, 12 FA Cups, five League Cups and a record 21 FA Community Shields. United have also won three UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA Europa League, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup. In 1998–99, the club became the first in the history of English football to achieve the continental European treble. By winning the UEFA Europa League in 2016–17, they became one of five clubs to have won all three main UEFA club competitions.

The 1958 Munich air disaster claimed the lives of eight players. In 1968, under the management of Matt Busby, Manchester United became the first English football club to win the European Cup. Alex Ferguson won 38 trophies as manager, including 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups and 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, between 1986 and 2013, when he announced his retirement.

Manchester United was the highest-earning football club in the world for 2016–17, with an annual revenue of €676.3 million, and the world's third most valuable football club in 2019, valued at £3.15 billion ($3.81 billion). As of June 2015, it is the world's most valuable football brand, estimated to be worth $1.2 billion. After being floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1991, the club was purchased by Malcolm Glazer in May 2005 in a deal valuing the club at almost £800 million, after which the company was taken private again, before going public once more in August 2012, when they made an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Manchester United is one of the most widely supported football clubs in the world, and has rivalries with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Leeds United.

 

Early years (1878–1945)

Manchester United was formed in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club by the Carriage and Wagon department of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (LYR) depot at Newton Heath. The team initially played games against other departments and railway companies, but on 20 November 1880, they competed in their first recorded match; wearing the colours of the railway company – green and gold – they were defeated 6–0 by Bolton Wanderers' reserve team.[18] By 1888, the club had become a founding member of The Combination, a regional football league. Following the league's dissolution after only one season, Newton Heath joined the newly formed Football Alliance, which ran for three seasons before being merged with The Football League. This resulted in the club starting the 1892–93 season in the First Division, by which time it had become independent of the railway company and dropped the "LYR" from its name. After two seasons, the club was relegated to the Second Division.

In January 1902, with debts of £2,670 – equivalent to £280,000 in 2019 – the club was served with a winding-up order. Captain Harry Stafford found four local businessmen, including John Henry Davies (who became club president), each willing to invest £500 in return for a direct interest in running the club and who subsequently changed the name; on 24 April 1902, Manchester United was officially born. Under Ernest Mangnall, who assumed managerial duties in 1903, the team finished as Second Division runners-up in 1906 and secured promotion to the First Division, which they won in 1908 – the club's first league title. The following season began with victory in the first ever Charity Shield and ended with the club's first FA Cup title. Manchester United won the First Division for the second time in 1911, but at the end of the following season, Mangnall left the club to join Manchester City.

In 1922, three years after the resumption of football following the First World War, the club was relegated to the Second Division, where it remained until regaining promotion in 1925. Relegated again in 1931, Manchester United became a yo-yo club, achieving its all-time lowest position of 20th place in the Second Division in 1934. Following the death of principal benefactor John Henry Davies in October 1927, the club's finances deteriorated to the extent that Manchester United would likely have gone bankrupt had it not been for James W. Gibson, who, in December 1931, invested £2,000 and assumed control of the club. In the 1938–39 season, the last year of football before the Second World War, the club finished 14th in the First Division.

 

Busby years (1945–1969)

In October 1945, the impending resumption of football led to the managerial appointment of Matt Busby, who demanded an unprecedented level of control over team selection, player transfers and training sessions. Busby led the team to second-place league finishes in 1947, 1948 and 1949, and to FA Cup victory in 1948. In 1952, the club won the First Division, its first league title for 41 years. They then won back-to-back league titles in 1956 and 1957; the squad, who had an average age of 22, were nicknamed "the Busby Babes" by the media, a testament to Busby's faith in his youth players. In 1957, Manchester United became the first English team to compete in the European Cup, despite objections from The Football League, who had denied Chelsea the same opportunity the previous season. En route to the semi-final, which they lost to Real Madrid, the team recorded a 10–0 victory over Belgian champions Anderlecht, which remains the club's biggest victory on record.

The following season, on the way home from a European Cup quarter-final victory against Red Star Belgrade, the aircraft carrying the Manchester United players, officials and journalists crashed while attempting to take off after refuelling in Munich, Germany. The Munich air disaster of 6 February 1958 claimed 23 lives, including those of eight players – Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Billy Whelan – and injured several more.

Assistant manager Jimmy Murphy took over as manager while Busby recovered from his injuries and the club's makeshift side reached the FA Cup final, which they lost to Bolton Wanderers. In recognition of the team's tragedy, UEFA invited the club to compete in the 1958–59 European Cup alongside eventual League champions Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite approval from The Football Association, The Football League determined that the club should not enter the competition, since it had not qualified. Busby rebuilt the team through the 1960s by signing players such as Denis Law and Pat Crerand, who combined with the next generation of youth players – including George Best – to win the FA Cup in 1963. The following season, they finished second in the league, then won the title in 1965 and 1967. In 1968, Manchester United became the first English (and second British) club to win the European Cup, beating Benfica 4–1 in the final[34] with a team that contained three European Footballers of the Year: Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.[35] They then represented Europe in the 1968 Intercontinental Cup against Estudiantes of Argentina, but lost the tie after losing the first leg in Buenos Aires, before a 1–1 draw at Old Trafford three weeks later. Busby resigned as manager in 1969 before being replaced by the reserve team coach, former Manchester United player Wilf McGuinness.

 

1969-1986

Following an eighth-place finish in the 1969–70 season and a poor start to the 1970–71 season, Busby was persuaded to temporarily resume managerial duties, and McGuinness returned to his position as reserve team coach. In June 1971, Frank O'Farrell was appointed as manager, but lasted less than 18 months before being replaced by Tommy Docherty in December 1972. Docherty saved Manchester United from relegation that season, only to see them relegated in 1974; by that time the trio of Best, Law, and Charlton had left the club. The team won promotion at the first attempt and reached the FA Cup final in 1976, but were beaten by Southampton. They reached the final again in 1977, beating Liverpool 2–1. Docherty was dismissed shortly afterwards, following the revelation of his affair with the club physiotherapist's wife.

Dave Sexton replaced Docherty as manager in the summer of 1977. Despite major signings, including Joe Jordan, Gordon McQueen, Gary Bailey, and Ray Wilkins, the team failed to achieve any significant results; they finished in the top two in 1979–80 and lost to Arsenal in the 1979 FA Cup Final. Sexton was dismissed in 1981, even though the team won the last seven games under his direction. He was replaced by Ron Atkinson, who immediately broke the British record transfer fee to sign Bryan Robson from West Bromwich Albion. Under Atkinson, Manchester United won the FA Cup twice in three years – in 1983 and 1985. In 1985–86, after 13 wins and two draws in its first 15 matches, the club was favourite to win the league, but finished in fourth place. The following season, with the club in danger of relegation by November, Atkinson was dismissed

 

Ferguson Years (1986-2013)

Alex Ferguson and his assistant Archie Knox arrived from Aberdeen on the day of Atkinson's dismissal, and guided the club to an 11th-place finish in the league. Despite a second-place finish in 1987–88, the club was back in 11th place the following season. Reportedly on the verge of being dismissed, victory over Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay (after a 3–3 draw) saved Ferguson's career. The following season, Manchester United claimed its first Cup Winners' Cup title and competed in the 1991 UEFA Super Cup, beating European Cup holders Red Star Belgrade 1–0 in the final at Old Trafford. A second consecutive League Cup final appearance followed in 1992, in which the team beat Nottingham Forest 1–0 at Wembley. In 1993, the club won its first league title since 1967, and a year later, for the first time since 1957, it won a second consecutive title – alongside the FA Cup – to complete the first "Double" in the club's history. United then became the first English club to do the Double twice when they won both competitions again in 1995–96, before retaining the league title once more in 1996–97 with a game to spare.

In the 1998–99 season, Manchester United became the first team to win the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League – "The Treble" – in the same season. Losing 1–0 going into injury time in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored late goals to claim a dramatic victory over Bayern Munich, in what is considered one of the greatest comebacks of all time. The club also won the Intercontinental Cup after beating Palmeiras 1–0 in Tokyo. Ferguson was subsequently knighted for his services to football.

Manchester United won the league again in the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons. The team finished third in 2001–02, before regaining the title in 2002–03. They won the 2003–04 FA Cup, beating Millwall 3–0 in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to lift the trophy for a record 11th time.  In the 2005–06 season, Manchester United failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade, but recovered to secure a second-place league finish and victory over Wigan Athletic in the 2006 Football League Cup Final. The club regained the Premier League in the 2006–07 season, before completing the European double in 2007–08 with a 6–5 penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow to go with their 17th English league title. Ryan Giggs made a record 759th appearance for the club in that game, overtaking previous record holder Bobby Charlton. In December 2008, the club won the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup and followed this with the 2008–09 Football League Cup, and its third successive Premier League title. That summer, Cristiano Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid for a world record £80 million. In 2010, Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2–1 at Wembley to retain the League Cup, its first successful defence of a knockout cup competition.

After finishing as runner-up to Chelsea in the 2009–10 season, United achieved a record 19th league title in 2010–11, securing the championship with a 1–1 away draw against Blackburn Rovers on 14 May 2011. This was extended to 20 league titles in 2012–13, securing the championship with a 3–0 home win against Aston Villa on 22 April 2013.

 

2013-present...

On 8 May 2013, Ferguson announced that he was to retire as manager at the end of the football season, but would remain at the club as a director and club ambassador. The club announced the next day that Everton manager David Moyes would replace him from 1 July, having signed a six-year contract. Ryan Giggs took over as interim player-manager 10 months later, on 22 April 2014, when Moyes was sacked after a poor season in which the club failed to defend their Premier League title and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1995–96. They also failed to qualify for the Europa League, meaning that it was the first time Manchester United hadn't qualified for a European competition since 1990. On 19 May 2014, it was confirmed that Louis van Gaal would replace Moyes as Manchester United manager on a three-year deal, with Giggs as his assistant. Malcolm Glazer, the patriarch of the Glazer family that owns the club, died on 28 May 2014.

Although Van Gaal's first season saw United once again qualify for the Champions League through a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, his second season saw United go out of the same tournament in the group stage. United also fell behind in the title race for the third consecutive season, finishing in 5th place, in spite of several expensive signings during Van Gaal's tenure. However, that same season, Manchester United won the FA Cup for a 12th time, this being their first trophy won since 2013. Despite this victory, Van Gaal was sacked as manager just two days later, with José Mourinho appointed in his place on 27 May, signing a three-year contract. That season, United finished in sixth place while winning the EFL Cup for the fifth time and the Europa League for the first time, as well as the FA Community Shield for a record 21st time in Mourinho's first competitive match in charge. Despite not finishing in the top four, United qualified for the Champions League through their Europa League win. Wayne Rooney scored his 250th goal with United, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton as United's all-time top scorer, before leaving the club at the end of the season to return to Everton. Mourinho was sacked on 18 December 2018 with United in sixth place, 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool and 11 points outside the Champions League places. Former United player and manager of the Norwegian side Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjær was appointed caretaker manager the next day. On 28 March 2019, following a run of 14 wins in his 19 matches in charge, including knocking Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League in the round of 16 after losing the first leg 2–0, Solskjær was appointed permanently on a three-year deal.

Edited November 18, 2019 by stevemc

[stevemc]

The Players

First Team Squad

 

Under 23's

 

Under 18's

 

The Staff

Coaching Team

 

Medical Team

 

Recruitment Team

Edited November 17, 2019 by stevemc

[stevemc]

Goes without saying that the 3 key players in the first team are David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial:

 

But in the first team there are also 5 very good young players ready to play now, with excellent potential to grow; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Daniel James, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford:

 

At youth level, there are also a number of exciting prospects; Ethan Laird, Brandon Williams, James Garner and Angel Gomes:

 

Add to that, the number of players out on loan and dead-wood in the current squad, there should be plenty of room for a significant rebuild should you wish.

Edited November 17, 2019 by stevemc

[stevemc]

Why manage Manchester United?

A decent challenge to take this falling giant back up to Premier League title-winning glory. The current set of owners are seen as holding the football side of the club back, a staff re-shuffle is needed along with modernisation of the stadium, not to mention the squad, this club needs some love.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer appears to be the only manager since Sir Alex to have a plan and philosophy in place, do you want to carry this idea on and play into's United's history and club ethos of blooding academy prospects and going for young, hungry and courageous players or have you own take on how to put this club back at the pinnacle of English and European football? Taking the job at Old Trafford is not what it once was, where glory was guaranteed and the hardest decision was how best to spend your enormous transfer budget, times are tough under Solskjaer and the squad is far from perfect, so there is plenty of work to do in order to get United competing for silverware once again.

 The teething problems post-Sir Alex Ferguson once felt like a blip; now it feels like a harsh reality. Perhaps it’s your turn to take the wheel: develop academy starlets such as Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford through to superstardom, bring a league title back to the club, and maybe, just maybe, knock a certain Merseyside club off their perch. Again.

How about trying for that 21st title, getting back into the Champions League and building on Sir Alex's 26-year legacy?

Good luck...

 

Edited November 18, 2019 by stevemc

[warlock]

4 hours ago, stevemc said:

A decent challenge to take this falling giant back up to Premier League title-winning glory

Thanks for doing this, Steve . I've played about half a season with United in the latest beta and success looks to be on the cards... if it wasn't for the fact that Liverpool seem to be unstoppable in this year's FM.

It might be a tactical issue, or it might be a problem with forwards in the ME, but so far I've got nothing out of Martial or Rashford. Pogba, James and Mata have been my best scorers so far.

A minor point: in the latest beta Bailly starts with an injury that will keep him out for around 6 months. The good news is that Axel hits the ground running so I haven't missed him. Other random points: Fred is way better in FM than real life; Maguire got off to a poor start for me; I can recommend Jose Gaya at LB; and if you're not going to keep Matic around for the season, Rolando Mandragora is an affordable long-term replacement.

[DominicForza]

Falling Giant?  Ouch.  

 

Not saying it isn't accurate...but...Ouch.   

[Sherkey]

Among youth prospects, you forgot Hannibal Mejbri. He is probably the best youth prospect in the United squad on FM right now, and develops like  beast. Most likely has variable potential, so be warned.

Additionally, in terms of transfers, surprisingly, the team performs quite well without needing too many transfers. A RW is vital (although keep Lingard around for backup - unlike IRL, he actually performs well in-game). Chiesa is a good option to get, and he is interested from the outset. And performs pretty well in a couple of positions. If you can manage for a half year or so (or even late into the first transfer window, Sancho becomes slightly interested too).

If you like your moving midfielders (Mezzala/B2B), then you do need another transfer. Both Fred and McTominay are good as backups, but shouldn't be starting regularly. A good option is Bruno Fernandes, simply a beast, and again, can cover multiple roles (he was third for Ballon d'Or in the first year itself). I didn't really find anyone else at that price who was that good. At the end of the first year (even in January), Sergej Milinkovic Savic becomes interested, but he is more expensive, and Liverpool generally is gunning for him, so might be difficult.

I like to play with two up-top, hence had to mix and match to fill personnel. Put Rashford on the left, and Martial and Greenwood up-top. Rashford, on the left, is insane, and plays like peak United Ronaldo. 18 goals in as many games, with very less assists (like I said, Ronaldo). He is a beast in this year's game, alright. Like him much better than the previous one. Martial is only okay for me, but he is playing link-up, so probably that's why. Greenwood, up-top as an Advanced Forward, is an insane beast for age. Has about 12 goals in 16 games, and you'll love his two-footedness up-top. You should start him from the get-go, he can definitely do a job. But definitely need more strikers - Erling Haaland is a brilliant shout (as usual) come January. He seems to have been amped up more from last season. Otherwise, you can get Belotti in the first window itself, and he can do a pretty good job. But my opinion is that you don't need to, and instead start playing Greenwood.

[stevemc]

7 hours ago, DominicForza said:

Falling Giant?  Ouch.  

 

Not saying it isn't accurate...but...Ouch.   

I go to the games, it's very definitely accurate

It put "falling" as apposed to "fallen" as that would imply we'd hit rock bottom, so it's a little softer 

Edited November 18, 2019 by stevemc

[luka_zg]

Finished the 1st season 3rd place and also won EL.

2nd season, played only 12 games so far, won 11 and lost 1. In CL secured knock out round with 2 games to spare.

I've cleared almost all of the deadwood (Jones, Smalling, Matic, Mata, Young,Lingard,Fosu Mensah..) . Unable to get rid of Sanchez due to his large salary but I find him as a useful bench player.

My team currently:

GK's: De Gea, Henderson, Russo (brought in from Sassuolo for 3mil)

DEF: Wan Bissaka,Dalot, Tuanzebe,Maguire,Lindelof,Ake (40mil from Bournemouth), Shaw,Digne(23mil from everton)

MID: Fred, Bruno Guimaraes(38mil from Paranense), Pogba, McTominay, Florentino Luis (75mil from Benfica), Garner

ATT MID: James, Brooks (31mil from Bournemouth), Maddison (34mil from Leicester), Pereira, Sanchez

FWD: Rashford, Martial, Greenwood, Belotti (40mil from Torino)

[DominicForza]

2 hours ago, stevemc said:

I go to the games, it's very definitely accurate

It put "falling" as apposed to "fallen" as that would imply we'd hit rock bottom, so it's a little softer 

That implies the "falling" hasn't "fallen" to "rock bottom"...hence it may get worse.  

 

Ouch, ouch and double ouch.

[stevemc]

14 minutes ago, DominicForza said:

That implies the "falling" hasn't "fallen" to "rock bottom"...hence it may get worse.  

 

Ouch, ouch and double ouch.

Hopefully it won't get worse for anyone picking up a United save

My first FM20 save will be Manchester United, as always, whilst I get a feel for the game, so I'll be posting updates once the full game is released.

[Sherkey]

In terms of the squad, there isn't too much needed at the start, although it will change drastically as one progresses.

GK - de Gea is still a beast, although seems to have been downgraded (on some aspects) since the last version. But he is still one of the best options at GK available, but eventually, around 3 seasons down the line, might want to replace him with Donnarrumma. I found WC GKs tough to come by in the last game (who also have good Important Matches attribute), dunno if it has improved. Romero can be sold at the end of the first season, Henderson is good enough as a backup.

RB - Dalot and AwB are good enough to command that spot for years to come. Honestly, don't need anyone else, but anyone still wants to tinker, roll eyes towards Max Aarons, who looks like a beast. Otherwise, better served waiting for a beast regen.

CB - Needs a bit of improvement. For the first season, it's more than enough, with Lindelof and Maguire (Bailly and Tuanzebe as back-ups). But honestly, needs upgrading later, once you are in the CL. This game, I would recommend Marquinhos, if you can spare the money. He looks to be the best BPD on the game, and seems to have been upgraded rather well from the last game. Rugani is available for cheap in the first season, so he is also an option later on. 

LB - The area with the most worry. Can ideally keep both Young and Rojo to cover for Shaw at LB, and they do a decent job. But that only applies to one season. Both should be gone from your team at the end of the first season (Rojo goes for his value in the winter window, if he has played a couple of matches decently). There are decent options - Grimaldo (if he hasn't been snapped up by Liverpool), Jose Gaya (a really good option), Ben Chilwell (another excellent English option). My last year's favourite - Tierney, is now at Arsenal, so that's bust. If you feel Shaw is good enough to play as first choice, you can also go for Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer in the Winter Window - he's a decent back-up option for free.

CM - I use 2 CMs (and no DM), so I'll deal with CMs. Pogba, of course, is a beast, and should start almost every game. Similar to the last game, he can do almost everything, and should be among the first names on your game. Do most things to keep him happy, as he is also an academy prospect, adding to that quota too. My preferred role for Pogba is a deep lying playmaker in the support role, and he is simply a beast in the role. Andreas Pereira is a good backup for him (and homegrown too) while James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri are future prospects for the same.

I also like to use a B2B midfielder alongside Pogba, and while McTominay and Fred both can do an able job there, I preferred someone outside and bought in Bruno Fernandes, who is a massive beast in this year's game. Definitely among the must buy players - he is reasonably priced and willing to move to United too. Honestly, can sell Matic, there is no use for him, and keep Fred as backup for one season, post which he can also be sold to free up more space (or clear pathways for youth).

AMR/L/C - I tend to avoid AMC, as I feel they are too much of luxury players, so will focus on AML/AMR.

Rashford (in the right setup) is a monster at AML - resembles peak United Ronaldo numbers, and he will get better. Don't have to look further than him.

on AMR - there is Lingard, who is not as bad, but I decided to splurge on an upgrade and get Chiesa, who has been very impressive so far, so a worthy investment. Sancho is a definite option in the second season, and he will probably be able to tear into the League.

Other players who can play well here also include James (who is again pretty good), Gomes and Young - so pretty good cover.

ST - I like playing with two up-front, so Martial and Greenwood are my preferred options at the start of the game - Martial as the link-up player and Greenwood as an advanced forward. Both are pretty good at their roles, although better options for both is desired. You can get Erling Haland in January (and you should, a beast already). Additionally, depending on CL, Dybala will become interested - and there is nobody better probably (other than Messi) as a Trequarista up-top (in terms of attributes as well PPMs) - he offers so much. However, this season, he has Important Matches as a weakness (based on my scouts), so I don't know what impact that will have (he was my go-to player for important matches last FM).

 

But yeah, overall, don't need too many changes to the squad, it is already pretty decent, and with a couple of shrewd transfers, it will become a world class one.

[Spiegel]

I'm about halfway through the first season, and have been having some luck using this as my starting XI. Only change I've been experimenting with is "Defend Wider", which seems to help defend against teams who switch the ball heavily. 

Trying to stay away from making too many unnecessary signings, only added Darren Fletcher in the summer (worth doing btw; he has 'significant' influence on mentoring groups despite not being a team leader in the hierarchy). Will probably move to bring Eriksen in on a free/on the cheap in January if anyone else moves for him. 
 

PS: Dan James is a monster over on the right side, despite middling attributes. Rips teams apart for me!

Edited November 18, 2019 by Spiegel

[trekman]

I finished the first season in 2nd place, I got to the final of the FA Cup but lost to Liverpool, I won the Europa league so was very pleased with that. I got rid of most of the deadwood in the shape of Young, Matic, Rojo & Mata. I couldnt get rid of Jones because surprise surprise he got a big injury. I only signed 2 players in Bruno Fernandes & Thomas Partey for a combined £106m. Thomas Partey has a release clause of £53m now I dont know if thats accurate but its a bargain because he's immense in the B2B role. I play Fernandes as Mazala and he's just brilliant. Tried to get Maddison for the cheap price everyone else seems to get him for but thats obviously been addressed because Leicester now want £80m so that transfer will have to wait until the summer. Taking into his real life form I think that Rashford is a bit too good in the game though and is a goal machine finishing the season with 29 goals in all competitions. One other thing I noticed was the I was Chelsea's bogey team and managed to easily beat them whenever I played them in either league or cup games. I'm going to bring in another quality centre back because I dont think that Lindelof is quite there yet and will use him as more of a backup and I plan to bring in competition for Luke Shaw at left back. Overall very pleased with this years game.

[sporadicsmiles]

I am enjoying my beta save with Manchester United this year. It is a nice challenge to overhaul this squad (and one I will do again, after they have patched the cheap transfer issue from the beta release now). I'm currently sitting in third behind Manchester City and Liverpool. With a game in hand, which if I win I will be second - 4 points back from Liverpool. We have the best attack and best defense in the league.

In terms of transfers I shipped out a few players. Bailly was sold because someone came in with a decent offer for him, and he is not good enough ultimately. Matic and Rojo were sold as I have no use for either. Mata was eventually sent out on loan and will be sold in the summer.

I brought in Maddison, Dier and Dembélé (as I loaned out Greenwood initially, but he is recalled now). The midfield was the area that needed an upgrade most here. I also signed English players (or those who were formed at British clubs) to help with Brexit regulations, when that happens. Although I plan a busy transfer window next time around to finish this squad off. Florentino Luiz looks like a beast who I will be signing (whether Benfica like it or not). Or I will turn this into an England based rebuild.

I have actually found that the team plays really well. It helps that most teams defend like hell against you still. Wolves came out with a 541 with 2 DMCs against me.. So the potential weakness of my defenders has never been tested as much as it should. This is why you need to upgrade the midfield too, as you need to have the talent to crack a stubborn defense. I have goals from all over the pitch. Martial is my top scorer (helped by playing a lot of games as Rashford got hurt). I think every member of my team who regularly plays has a goal except a couple of defensive players. Pogba has an average rating pushing towards 8 (although I think this is perhaps because the game was quite generous with ratings before the patch). He has the most assists of anyone.

[trekman]

3 hours ago, sporadicsmiles said:

I am enjoying my beta save with Manchester United this year. It is a nice challenge to overhaul this squad (and one I will do again, after they have patched the cheap transfer issue from the beta release now). I'm currently sitting in third behind Manchester City and Liverpool. With a game in hand, which if I win I will be second - 4 points back from Liverpool. We have the best attack and best defense in the league.

In terms of transfers I shipped out a few players. Bailly was sold because someone came in with a decent offer for him, and he is not good enough ultimately. Matic and Rojo were sold as I have no use for either. Mata was eventually sent out on loan and will be sold in the summer.

I think they've already fixed the cheap transfer issue because I tried to sign Maddison and Leicester wanted £80m.  As for Bailly well he came to me and asked to leave because he didnt think his work permit would be renewed. I've never seen that before so if thats a new feature then it gets a thumbs up from me

[shd00w]

What tactic is everyone using? I've tried 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-2-3 and can't seem to get my front 3 firing

[Tummyowl]

Started my first Manchester United save (along side my Sheffield Wednesday) as is traditional.

Cannot wait to completely gut this side.

[pizzachips]

look fwd to the updates guys! cheers steve for kicking this off

[Joao Arq]

My carreer with Man Utd so far:

Season 19/20

Premier League: Winner (94pts), Liverpool 2nd (92pts) and City 3rd(91pts)

Europa League: Winner against Roma (3-1)

FA Cup: 5th Rnd, eliminated by Leicester (1-0)

League Cup: 4th Rnd, eliminated by Fulhan (p1-1)

Transfers (Winter):

• Håland - £25M
• Eriksen - £40M
• Fred - £25M sold to Shanghai SIPG

Season 20/21

Premier League: Winner (103pts), Liverpool 2nd (86pts) and City 3rd(85pts)

Champions League: Winner against Barcelona (2-1)

FA Cup: Winner against Watford (3-1)

League Cup: Winner against Arsenal (3-1)

Community Shield: Winner against Liverpool (3-1)

UEFA SuperCup: Winner against PSG (e2-0)

Transfers (Summer):

• Sancho - £79M
• Kane - £76M + Lingard (p/ex)
• Rice - £57M
• Dier - £10.5M
• Daniel Fors (newgen) - Free, 4.5 star potential AMC
• Jones - £21M sold to Beijing Guo'an

Transfers (Winter):

• Chiwell - £63M
• Bailly - £51M sold to Guangzhou Evergrande

Season 21/22

Premier League: not started 

Champions League: not started 

FA Cup: not started 

League Cup: not started 

Community Shield: not started 

UEFA SuperCup: not started 

FIFA Club World Championship: Winner against Barcelona (3-1) | all European clubs classified in group stage

Transfers (Summer):

• Maddison - £66M
• Simon Smith (newgen) - £24M, 4.5 star potential MC
• Smalling - £19M sold to Wolves 

[milan_manutd]

Again I start with same desire to sell Marcos Rojo, either for money or p/ex for some players. Matic out to Guangzhou 13mil£ and Jones on loan to Everton. Young is also on transfer list but his wage is just to high.

I bought Ruben Dias (DC) 45mil£ from Benfica mainly because I want to get rid of Rojo and Jones and Bailly have some difficulties with WP (same as in FM19) and now I want DM (maybe Tonali, he is  cheap) and MC B2B someone to support Pogba. Fred or McTominay is just not the best option for first 11, backup OK. I can see here that some of you made Bruno Fernades good B2B and he is also cheaper option. I was frustrated to see Brandon Williams and James Garner going out for loan because Luke Shaw is often injured and Garner could be next partner for Pogba in center of the pitch. Dean Henderson, TFMensah, also on loan.

Did anyone try to get Gareth Bale?! Is he playing for Real or is he on the bench.

 

[chad2192]

Do you guys feel the player ratings at start of the game reflect real life pretty well? Trying to decide if I should make any changes in editor.

[Joao Arq]

2 hours ago, chad2192 said:

Do you guys feel the player ratings at start of the game reflect real life pretty well? Trying to decide if I should make any changes in editor.

Maguire = 158+ CA at least (150 in game)

McTominay and Tuanzebe = improve PA and CA

Greenwood = -95 PA

[warlock]

@Joao Arq Would you please put these things inside spoiler tags. Some of us don't want to know that stuff.

[chad2192]

1 hour ago, Joao Arq said:

Maguire = 158+ CA at least (150 in game)

McTominay and Tuanzebe = improve PA and CA

Greenwood = -95 PA

Why should those players get that score? 

[Tummyowl]

I think (without posting actual values) that the ability levels for the majority of the first team are about right.

Manchester United at the minute are a club full to the brim of average footballers, with a few genuinely fantastic players littered throughout. It shows how far the squad has fallen over the last few years.

[Joao Arq]

4 hours ago, chad2192 said:

Why should those players get that score? 

First, sorry for my bad english, I'm a brazilian fan and I don't write or talk in this language very often. 

Maguire is one of the best defenders playing in England and the last season he was very solid for Leicester.

McTominay is the most regular player this season so far and Tuanzebe is close to cement as starter ahead of Lindelof.

Greenwood is a exciting prospect and if you go back when Martial come to United he was -95 PA in the game. I think Greenwood have more ability and excites so much more than Martial when arrives. 

Garner and Williams, I've forget them in first answer. Both need a little bit more CA and who knows, more PA. Very consistent for U23 and first team, respectively. 
Apart from these players, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Lingard and Andreas should have CA decreased a lot. 

[swansongs]

9 hours ago, Joao Arq said:

First, sorry for my bad english, I'm a brazilian fan and I don't write or talk in this language very often. 

Maguire is one of the best defenders playing in England and the last season he was very solid for Leicester.

McTominay is the most regular player this season so far and Tuanzebe is close to cement as starter ahead of Lindelof.

Greenwood is a exciting prospect and if you go back when Martial come to United he was -95 PA in the game. I think Greenwood have more ability and excites so much more than Martial when arrives. 

Garner and Williams, I've forget them in first answer. Both need a little bit more CA and who knows, more PA. Very consistent for U23 and first team, respectively. 
Apart from these players, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Lingard and Andreas should have CA decreased a lot. 

Leicester's defence has improved since Maguire left, funnily enough.

[Deano565]

9 hours ago, Joao Arq said:

First, sorry for my bad english, I'm a brazilian fan and I don't write or talk in this language very often. 

Maguire is one of the best defenders playing in England and the last season he was very solid for Leicester.

McTominay is the most regular player this season so far and Tuanzebe is close to cement as starter ahead of Lindelof.

Greenwood is a exciting prospect and if you go back when Martial come to United he was -95 PA in the game. I think Greenwood have more ability and excites so much more than Martial when arrives. 

Garner and Williams, I've forget them in first answer. Both need a little bit more CA and who knows, more PA. Very consistent for U23 and first team, respectively. 
Apart from these players, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Lingard and Andreas should have CA decreased a lot. 

Regarding excitement about Martial, United paid a world record fee for a teenager and he scored on his debut versus Liverpool. I'm not sure the excitement could have been any higher than it was. 

 

[luka_zg]

Anybody did a few seasons already? How is Mejbri doing? Haven't given him a debut yet, I'm only half of the 2nd season but I'm planning to start to give him some games, he is looking very good with only 17yr old.

[Champ15]

Starting a save with United this evening after experimenting different tactics during the Beta. Settling on a 4-2-3-1 Control Possession but can't seem to get strikers scoring during the Beta. Anyone have any joy or advice? Going starting the full game save this evening with transfers turned off 1st season. Let me see can I get them to sing a tune for me

[Marc Lister]

1 hour ago, Champ15 said:

Starting a save with United this evening after experimenting different tactics during the Beta. Settling on a 4-2-3-1 Control Possession but can't seem to get strikers scoring during the Beta. Anyone have any joy or advice? Going starting the full game save this evening with transfers turned off 1st season. Let me see can I get them to sing a tune for me

Same. I have a 4-2-3-1 tactic running, like I did in FM19. I am drawing a lot of games that I score first in simply because whilst we score, we don't follow it up with a second goal and end up drawing. I then have a go at the team but they get annoyed with me. I did beat Liverpool 2-1 at home by going into defensive mode. Now that we've had a few ME changes I might start a new game and start again and not make the mistakes I made in the beta.

[Champ15]

1 hour ago, Marc Lister said:

Same. I have a 4-2-3-1 tactic running, like I did in FM19. I am drawing a lot of games that I score first in simply because whilst we score, we don't follow it up with a second goal and end up drawing. I then have a go at the team but they get annoyed with me. I did beat Liverpool 2-1 at home by going into defensive mode. Now that we've had a few ME changes I might start a new game and start again and not make the mistakes I made in the beta.

I tried replicating the same tactics from FM19 that worked a charm with my strikers using  Rashford as a poacher and he scored 30 odd goals every season though doesn't seem to yielding any success this year, well in the Beta anyway. I may have to rethink my roles to get the strikers scoring. Looking forward to getting stuck into it

[Woolly]

Currently still running with my Beta save but planning to start a new one now the game is released but I am a little reluctant seeing as I am on an unbeaten run of about 12 games after what was an iffy start. May just keep the beta save going and compare the two.

[Woolly]

Started my new save. First aim to get rid of as much of the deadwood and older players as possible and to bring in some young hungry players. Mata, Matic and Young are the priorities to get rid of but Jones needs to go too to enable Tuanzebe to prove his worth. I've managed to get Maddison in for an initial £50 with a further £20 million dependant on appearances both at club level and international so there is still a little in the kitty for a RW and possibly another CM and or CD.

[Shanksie1975]

Decided this year to make some time for FM as I've not played much of the last few years.

Picked up Man Utd because it's a good challenge to rebuild, especially for a Mancunian Man U fan

Like many other's I'm clearing out the dross  (Matic & Young) and bringing in better!

Went for Bruno Fernandes & Sander Berge to revamp the middle and very pleasantly surprised by both, must recommend them.

 

[milan_manutd]

The biggest mistake I made is not bringing left back. Luke Shaw is often injured and Williams is on loan (my board did that). Also when is on the pitch Shaw is nothing special. So, for everyone who start new save - fist buy some world class LB.

[Shanksie1975]

18 minutes ago, milan_manutd said:

The biggest mistake I made is not bringing left back. Luke Shaw is often injured and Williams is on loan (my board did that). Also when is on the pitch Shaw is nothing special. So, for everyone who start new save - fist buy some world class LB.

Yeah I messed up and decided to pass on Grimaldo after he agreed terms as Shaw was playing really well in pre season.

Sent Rojo out on loan and opted to buy a youthful backup in Pelegrini but when I agreed to buy him I wasn't paying attention and didn't notice he'd join in July 20!

So a swift loan recall for Rojo and hoping Dalot will be ok if needed :P

 

[luka_zg]

Lucas Digne is a beast for me at left back. Cost me only 23mil which is a bargain for him.

Now I'm not sure wheter to go for Sancho, he has 88mil release clause or do I save money and go for Mbappe in the summer who "wants to move to a bigger club". Pogba doesn't want to sign a new contract so if I sell him there should be enough money to bring Mbappe I hope but not sure if he would consider ManU as bigger club.

[trekman]

15 hours ago, milan_manutd said:

The biggest mistake I made is not bringing left back. Luke Shaw is often injured and Williams is on loan (my board did that). Also when is on the pitch Shaw is nothing special. So, for everyone who start new save - fist buy some world class LB.

Alex Telles from Porto is another good option for the left back slot. I paid a bit too much for him (£36m) because his release clause is actually £34.5m iirc. Although Brazilian he doesnt need a work permit so he must have dual nationality with a European country but I havent checked that. Even though Manchester United arent playing in the Champions league he will come

 

On 18/11/2019 at 18:23, shd00w said:

What tactic is everyone using? I've tried 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-2-3 and can't seem to get my front 3 firing

If anything I found the opposite to be the case with the beta. Even though I was mostly playing him on the left Rashford was just too strong and scored 29 goals in all competitions.

On 19/11/2019 at 10:21, milan_manutd said:

Again I start with same desire to sell Marcos Rojo, either for money or p/ex for some players. Matic out to Guangzhou 13mil£ and Jones on loan to Everton. Young is also on transfer list but his wage is just to high.

I bought Ruben Dias (DC) 45mil£ from Benfica mainly because I want to get rid of Rojo and Jones and Bailly have some difficulties with WP (same as in FM19) and now I want DM (maybe Tonali, he is  cheap) and MC B2B someone to support Pogba. Fred or McTominay is just not the best option for first 11, backup OK. I can see here that some of you made Bruno Fernades good B2B and he is also cheaper option. I was frustrated to see Brandon Williams and James Garner going out for loan because Luke Shaw is often injured and Garner could be next partner for Pogba in center of the pitch. Dean Henderson, TFMensah, also on loan.

Did anyone try to get Gareth Bale?! Is he playing for Real or is he on the bench.

 

Thomas Partey is a great B2B. He has a release clause in the game of £53m which is a bargain imo. The board might try and block this transfer though but they should give in once you talk to them.

 

[Champ15]

Started my save last night with transfers turned off and McTominay ends up tearing his cruciate during the 1st international break and is out for the season Had to promote Garner from the U23's for cover for Matic but will need to bring in a ball winning midfielder in January to bolster the position. looking at Tousart from Lyon looks very good and I can get him for around €12m so cheap too. Other than that I've had a great start 5 wins from 6 with the loss coming away to Man City where my over confidence of my main tactic came back to bite me after winning the 1st 5 games comprehensively.

[milan_manutd]

@trekman

Partey to Inter for 22.5mil£ and Telles to Juve for 25mil£. Laird is very good on DR so for emergency I will try him on DR and Dalot on DL.

Jose Gaya release clause 90mil£, yeah right.

 

 

Edited November 21, 2019 by milan_manutd
talking about Laird

[milan_manutd]

That's it, good night folks.

[Gee_Simpson]

31 minutes ago, milan_manutd said:

That's it, good night folks.

You are the guy that didn't bring in another LB aren't you? 😬

Edited November 21, 2019 by Gee_Simpson

[Tummyowl]

I'm looking at a new left back, potentially two but that depends on being able to move Luke Shaw on. One of Chilwell or Grimaldo and David Da La Vibora. 

Matic out and Fred, ideally, will be moved on. I'd like to bring in Rice and/or Tonali.

Ideally looking at Sancho too.

Happy to promote and give playing time to Greenwood, Mejbri, Gomes, Laird, Garner, Williams, Chong.

Young and Rojo are free to leave too.

Moneeeeeeey.

[Chapman7]

17 minutes ago, Tummyowl said:

I'm looking at a new left back, potentially two but that depends on being able to move Luke Shaw on. One of Chilwell or Grimaldo and David Da La Vibora. 

Matic out and Fred, ideally, will be moved on. I'd like to bring in Rice and/or Tonali.

Ideally looking at Sancho too.

Happy to promote and give playing time to Greenwood, Mejbri, Gomes, Laird, Garner, Williams, Chong.

Young and Rojo are free to leave too.

Moneeeeeeey.

I tried for Chilwell in beta and they wanted way over £100 million and barely budged under £70million. Act quick for Grimaldo Liverpool end up signing him on beta atleast.

Sancho don't have interest unfortunately until second or so season probably due to not being in Champions League like a few of the better players 

[sean_oc16]

Started in the beta. Wanted to play a 5-3-2 primarily so I had a few positions I wanted to address.

D/WBL - As has been discussed, Luke Shaw has injury issues and it can be important to get extra help. Looked at Grimaldo who I have loved in the past but Liverpool were on him quick and I didn't want to spend the money needed so soon when I had other needs and didn't know how much extra cash I could raise. Ended up going with a trusted FM19 option in Birger Meling for a bargain £2m. Not at the level of some of the big names already mentioned, but as a rotational player he can do a job.

DC - Was looking to move on a couple of players here because of the number of players at the start to free up some money and with the idea of playing with 3 here I could still add Danielle Rugani for £22m from Juve to be another BPD. Cheaper than some of the usual options but good enough with some big time experience and still only 24/25.

DM/MC - Wanted a more defensive minded option in the middle, went for another trusted player from previous years, Lucas Tousart at only £10m.

ST - So I know Haaland was great last year and is super popular right now, but he wasn't interested anyway so instead I got Andrea Belotti from Torino for £30m to be my main striker with Rashford and Martial to rotate alongside him.

When January comes around I was keeping track of Eriksen. Some foreign clubs were looking to get him on a free at the end of the season so I stepped in with £35m after managing to sell Mata. I also got Douglas Costa on loan at the end of the window as we transitioned to a 4-2-3-1 as the main tactic to give us some extra quality.

Finished the season 3rd in the league, won the league cup and Europa league so pretty happy with that.  For season 2 Sergio Reguilon is joining on a free transfer, as for other additions I'm waiting to see what players I can move on first while other clubs are throwing massive amounts of money around so hopefully I won't be left too far behind.

[Red Horizon]

My Gomes has 1 determination

[stevemc]

I finally got around to starting a save last night, with United, my time is limited due to having a baby so I'll be getting my fix as and when.

I've started with transfers disabled in the first window, just to allow me to crack on and give the current players a chance and get a feel for the current group, and I'll start the rebuild process in January. I'm looking at starting with a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation to get the best out of the current players, but that might change as I rebuild the team. I've laid down a strict Code of Conduct too, as I've no time to messing around  Training and Individual Training is all set up, but I'll delve into the Scouting around November before January's window opens.

I've promoted Angel Gomes, James Garner and Brandon Williams into the first team group.

Only change I've made to the staff is sacking off Nick Cox and bringing in Bernhard Peters to lead that Head of Youth area. I'll probably re-staff the club next Summer.

Just need to play through the 10 friendlies before Brighton at home to kick off the season.