The staff had a quick lunch and regrouped to take the discussion to their defenders.
Tiger started, "Let's go over the center backs first. Ferdinand, Vidic, Smalling, and Phil Jones are staying. However, with Rio and Nemanja getting older, we can't expect them to play every match. They'll be crucial for the big games, but we need to manage their minutes."
Mike Phelan nodded. "They're still leaders, but their fitness won't hold up for an entire season. We need proper backups."
Tiger turned to Virgil van Dijk. "Virgil is new, and we need him to settle quickly. We don't have the luxury of time. He has to step up fast."
"Agreed," Scholes added. "And what about Phil Jones? His versatility is great, but have you thought about pushing him into a defensive midfield role? He's got the physicality and tackling ability."
Tiger tapped his chin. "That's what I was thinking. He's aggressive, strong in duels, and could be useful protecting the back line."
Woodward then brought up Jonny Evans. "West Brom is offering him a guaranteed starting role and a solid transfer fee."
"Evans has always had ambitions," Phelan noted. "If he's not getting regular minutes here, he'll want to leave."
Scholes frowned. "Disappointing from an academy product, but if he's not reliable, we move on."
Eric Steele agreed. "We need consistency. We can't promise him a starting spot."
Tiger made the call. "Fine, sell him, but we need a replacement. Who are our targets?"
Eric handed out scout reports. Tiger focused on Toby Alderweireld. "I like him. Young, composed, and growing fast."
Scholes preferred Benatia. "He's already solid."
Woodward checked the finances. "We can push for Toby, and we should have the funds."
Tiger nodded. "Get it done in three days. Also, let's give Eric Bailly and some youth players a chance."
Phelan flipped through the remaining scouting reports. "If we're selling Evans and relying on younger options, we could use a veteran presence for squad depth. Someone who can guide the younger guys and step in when needed."
Woodward leaned forward. "Who's available on a free transfer?"
Eric handed another report. "Nicolas Burdisso is an option. Experienced, tough, and still sharp despite his age. Won't expect to start every game, but he brings leadership."
Scholes considered it. "Short-term, he could be valuable. He's a warrior, never backs down. Could help toughen up the dressing room."
Tiger shook his head. "I get the argument, but we already have Rio and Vidic for experience. We can't overload on veterans. If we want a strong future, we need to invest in youth. We have Smalling, Jones, and now Virgil coming through. Bailly and some academy prospects deserve chances too."
Eric Steele added "Yes, we should also look at some of our academy talents—Michael Keane, Tom Thorpe, and Tyler Blackett. Maybe even give them fringe opportunities."
Woodward hesitated. "So we're skipping a veteran signing?"
Tiger nodded. "Yes. Trust the younger players. Let's focus on Toby and let our prospects step up."
With the center-back situation planned out, the meeting took a short break for lunch. Post lunch, they would move on to the next phase of the squad rebuild.
Post lunch, Tiger, Scholes, Phelan, Eric Steele, and Woodward sat for the discussion on the fullbacks within the squad. Marcos Alonso, Fabio da Silva, Rafael da Silva, Alexander Buttner, and Patrice Evra would be the go-to fullbacks, but each came with their own concerns.
Tiger took the lead, "Alonso is young, has the physicality, but he's untested at this level. Can we rely on him to start week in, week out?"
Scholes sighed. "That's the problem. Evra has been a pillar for us, but he wants to go to Juventus. We can push the transfer fee, but we can't convince him to stay."
Phelan added, "Ferguson already knew this was coming. Patrice made his mind up last season. Serie A suits him—he can play longer there."
Woodward nodded. "I'll push them for €7 million instead of five, but we need to replace him. Fabio's not ready. His loan spell at QPR showed flashes, but he struggled with positioning and was part of a defense that leaked goals."
Eric Steele leaned back, "He needs another loan, no doubt. But Rafael's a different case. He's aggressive, committed, but injuries and discipline issues hold him back."
"Right," Tiger agreed. "I love his energy, but he has to stay fit and be smarter in big games. We can't afford rash decisions. That said, we're thin at fullback."
Phelan interrupted, "What about Buttner?"
Tiger sighed. "Buttner has struggled to settle here. His defensive positioning has always been a concern. Going forward, he has his moments, but he lacks the consistency and discipline needed for our backline. He's frustrated with the lack of opportunities and wants regular football."
Woodward nodded. "There's interest from Dynamo Moscow, and some clubs in the Netherlands are monitoring him. If we can get a decent fee, it might be best for both parties."
Scholes agreed. "He never really convinced me as a long-term solution. If we're moving Evra and reshaping the defense, it's best to clear things up now."
Tiger concluded, "Let's finalize the best deal we can and move on. We need fullbacks who can contribute immediately."
Scholes was firm. "We need at least one more fullback."
Eric Steele leaned in. "What if we pushed Antonio Valencia back to fullback permanently? He did well in 2011-12 when needed."
Tiger's eyes lit up. "That's exactly what I was thinking. Not just Valencia—Ashley Young, too. Both have the work rate, the athleticism. Valencia already showed he can do it, and Young could adapt."
Phelan considered it. "That would be a big transition. But I see the logic. We extend their careers and give ourselves depth."
Woodward scribbled notes. "So we're converting wingers into fullbacks?"
Tiger nodded. "It's a modern trend. Fullbacks need to attack anyway. We'll need to work on their defensive positioning, but I believe in their adaptability."
Scholes crossed his arms. "Alright, but that doesn't mean we ignore signing a proper fullback. We still need one."
Tiger smirked. "Let's see what's available, but I want to give Valencia and Young a real chance first."
The decision was made: Fabio would go out on loan again, Rafael would stay and fight for his place, and both Valencia and Young would start training as fullbacks. The search for a new defensive option would continue, but for now, they had a plan.
With the fullback situation addressed, the group prepared for the next phase of the squad rebuild.