[alex_front2]

Where will he end up after World Cup? Sorry Saints fans, but his exit is now inevitable. The sacking of the youth team coaches will give him excuse he needs to leave without seeming ungrateful as he can claim relationship with board has broken down (axing the guys who made him, lack of loyalty to staff etc).

Man U seemed like favs, but Liverpool, Real M, Arsenal and PSG are jumping on LS bandwagon and can offer champions league football which Man U can't.

[Drew.]

Starting to think Chelsea.. with Evra staying on it's not looking too likely and Chelsea are desperate for a left back now.

[Ryan57]

To United, Evra as back up...



Knowing us he'll go elsewhere...

[Shaun]

Galatasaray

[Ryan57]

He has more chance of being a permanent fixture in the United side then any other team, I'd say. Evra can't play the number of games he does anymore. Hopefully it means we finally get rid of Buttwank.

Mark Ogden says he's joining United and he's the most reliable United journalist.

[Alf]

He wont be going to Everton because we don't need him, we already have the Worlds best in his position.

[alex_front2]

Originally Posted by wannashag

He wont be going to Everton because we don't need him, we already have the Worlds best in his position.

Well obviously Leighton Baines will keep him out of the big WC games but he's getting on.

Also marketing wise there is somthing 1/3 Beckham, 2/3 Bale about Shaw, ie he will sell shirts in far flung corners of world. He's like a 2014 version of the "Spice Boys" (Steve Mcmanaman, Robbie Fowler et al).

[Ryan57]

Why would Shaw sell shirts?

[Drew.]

Originally Posted by alex_front2

Well obviously Leighton Baines will keep him out of the big WC games but he's getting on.

Also marketing wise there is somthing 1/3 Beckham, 2/3 Bale about Shaw, ie he will sell shirts in far flung corners of world. He's like a 2014 version of the "Spice Boys" (Steve Mcmanaman, Robbie Fowler et al).

If anything he'll probably have one of the lowest shirt sales.. hes not in the media for anything, hes not having himself advertised around the world for companies like Nike/Adidas or promoting companies in adverts.

[alex_front2]

Originally Posted by Ryan57

Why would Shaw sell shirts?

He's got a marketable look that goes down well with teeny female Asian football fans. Sadly the likes of Danny Wellbeck don't.

And it's no secret EPL really want to exploit Asian football market even further, especially female ones who really buy into players as opposed to just teams. Really brilliant doc on CNN or Al Jazerra last year about how young female fans in Asia are a growing income source and football clubs really take into account marketability of players to clubs when signing. Luke Shaw or an equally talented ugly player? No contest.

Rooney is not a looker but he's too talented for it to matter.

Luke Shaw might as well be like sixth member of 1D. He's got the so called looks and talent which Man U and other interested clubs will have half an eye on. These things do have weight as big clubs are global brands.

[Drew.]

If we're talking for the future then yeah he'd be marketable.. not so much now though.

[alex_front2]

Originally Posted by Drew.

If we're talking for the future then yeah he'd be marketable.. not so much now though.

If, if he has a good WC ie shines over Leighton Bains he steps up the marketability pole. Not many England players who are. Plus Ronaldo et al are pushing 30.

[Ryan57]

He's a left back, though. How many times do you see defenders on the back of fans' shirts? Mats Hummels is a great looking guy, but he's not going to be a marketable player if he joins a massive club due to his position.

Kids in the playground would rather be a Rooney or Aguero not a defender. A further forward player will always be the most marketable man.

Ozil hasn't got the looks, but he'll always be more marketable than any defender.

[alex_front2]

Originally Posted by Ryan57

He's a left back, though. How many times do you see defenders on the back of fans' shirts? Mats Hummels is a great looking guy, but he's not going to be a marketable player if he joins a massive club due to his position.

Kids in the playground would rather be a Rooney or Aguero not a defender. A further forward player will always be the most marketable man.

Ozil hasn't got the looks, but he'll always be more marketable than any defender.

Ah, but that's my point. Asian female footy fans in places like China, or Malaysia won't give two craps about wanting to be Aguero or Rooney - they are not seeking to emulate them as they probably don't play - they just want to wear the shirt of the "hottest " player. They won't be seen in a Rooney shirt as he's *ahem* not beautiful enough. Luke Shaw would give the Harry Styles factor and tweenie girls across Asia do spend a surprising amount of dosh on footy shirts and merchandise.

[Ryan57]

I don't believe I've ever heard of any defenders having lot's of Asian women admirers, though.

[Drew.]

Originally Posted by alex_front2

Ah, but that's my point. Asian female footy fans in places like China, or Malaysia won't give two craps about wanting to be Aguero or Rooney - they are not seeking to emulate them as they probably don't play - they just want to wear the shirt of the "hottest " player. They won't be seen in a Rooney shirt as he's *ahem* not beautiful enough. Luke Shaw would give the Harry Styles factor and tweenie girls across Asia do spend a surprising amount of dosh on footy shirts and merchandise.

Cleverley isn't the worst looking chap, playing for United who have one of the biggest fan bases.. you wouldn't see many Asian fans wearing his shirt. You're underestimating the knowledge some Asian, Africans and Americans have on English football. They aren't just there to support a player on his looks, some of them are crazily dedicated and know a lot about the sport.. Females included. They'd rather wear a shirt from a club legend like Rooney, Vidic, Lampard, Terry, Gerrard than a young good looking player.

[MTVN]

Bordering on quite offensive really saying Asians are only capable of appreciating a footballer for their looks lol

Alex has just spotted a chink in Luke Shaw's armour.

[Ryan57]

It's always you with the puns.

Can't beat a good pun. Or in my case, loads of absolutely terrible ones!

[alex_front2]

Originally Posted by MTVN

Bordering on quite offensive really saying Asians are only capable of appreciating a footballer for their looks lol

That's what AJ/ CNN were saying....

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by Jesus.

Can't beat a good pun. Or in my case, loads of absolutely terrible ones!

I was still laughing 5-10 minutes after first reading it, then still chuckling half an hour later. So simple, yet so good.

[Brother Leon]

I think there are a couple better options out there, but seeing as we seem hell bent on him we better not **** it up.

[alex_front2]

Personally the better LB would be Ricardo Rodriguez in Bundesliga. Probably cheaper, too.

[Legend killer]

Hopefully not United would have a negative affect on the development of young Patrice who in my honest opinion is not only the future of this club but the future of footballing full backs. Where defending as a defender is only second priority