Dubious Sissoko link

Ludicrous drivel. No wonder I haven't bought a newspaper for years!

He's not a bad player from what I can remember.

Didn't he lose an eye?

Didn't we almost sign him before Liverpool hijack the move?

Rafa used to like hijacking our targets!

The Express are right in one respect. We badly need someone of his type.
McCarthy, if he comes in, is a young Gibson and will need a specialist defensive lad riding shotgun. Even if he doesn't come, Gibson will require a Viera or Roy Keane type partner.
Heitinga doesn't do a bad job in that position and it will be interesting to see Martinez solves this particular problem.

Of course, all this is dependant on the Fellaini situation.

Colin (597)

I think he has lost two,the last time I saw him he didn't seem to know which way he was going! When he had his year with RS he didn't exactly impress! I would tend to pass on this one, there must be younger and better alternatives!

After watching the live game against Juventus in which Gibson was very quiet it does remind us we definitely need a strong CM!

Derek. Spot on, especially the last paragraph.
Because Osman cocked up, people are saying Gibson must have played a blinder when he actually had a quiet game and didn't look fully fit.

I'd much rather take Joey Barton!

I think RM knows Felli is going and will have lined up something. Am more concerned (again) about goals. Commentators last night kept saying how well Anichebe played: yes he worked hard, put himself about, gave his marker a hard time but where the hell is he going to score a goal (and how)?

Harold, for God's sake stop championing Heitinga, he is a liability!

He is not in the same class as Viera or Keane as a tackler, motivator or passer.

Two things emerged from last night.

1. Osman is a liability in a passing team, he may have done well in Moyes stifling tactics but in a side that tries to pass the ball he's shit and panics.

2. Anichebe is still a useless fucking lump who would be better suited to the Championship.

Terry / Dave. Anichebe initiated our goal scoring move but you're right. He plays like a rampaging water buffalo with not too much class.
That said, the service to him was absolutely pathetic.

The goal had to come from a piece of individual brilliance because the teamwork up front was a shambles.

Trevor. Keep your hair on mate. I was just thinking who we had on the books who has done that particular job and JH has fared better there than up against the likes of Benteke at the back.

Like you I would prefer someone younger and quicker. Wanyama was my fancy but we couldn't stump up £13mil. I guess we'll have to wait till Fellaini goes. Who knows, Heitinga might go with him.
Judging by the huge midfield spaces in the Juventus game, whoever we bring in will have to be very mobile with lots of stamina. Gibson and Fellaini were pretty knackered.