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Tag: Erik Ten Hag

  • Bayer Leverkusen announces dismissal of Erik Ten Hag

    Bayer Leverkusen announces dismissal of Erik Ten Hag

    Bayer Leverkusen has parted ways with Dutch coach Erik ten Hag after barely two months of his stint with the club.

    Management of the club confirmed his dismissal early today, Monday, September 1, in a statement on its official website and social media handles.

    The statement, which included comments from the CEO and the Managing Director for sports, mentioned the discomfort relating to their parting due to the short term the Dutchman has with them.

    “Bayer 04 has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag with immediate effect. The assistant coaching staff will temporarily take over training duties”, parts of the statement read.

    It continued with remarks from the CEO, Fernando Carro, who stated that,

    “A separation at this early stage of the season is painful, but from our perspective, it was necessary. Our goal remains to achieve the set season objectives – for that, we need the best possible conditions at all levels and across the entire licensed division. Now the focus is on fully reinstating and utilizing these conditions.”

    Also, Bayer Leverkusen’s Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes, highlighted that the team have had to make this decision for the general good of the team, citing the club’s performance over the last few weeks.

    “This decision was not easy for us. No one wanted to take this step. However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this lineup cannot be done effectively. We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything possible to take the next steps in development with a new configuration.”

    In an interesting turn of events, before the club announced Ten Hag’s dismissal, they shared a teaser on their (X) handle, formerly Twitter, which stirred speculations concerning Ten Hag’s dismissal.

    They shared a picture of a teapot placed alongside a half-filled glass of tea and a tea leaf with a caption “We’ve got some tea to spill”. This stirred reactions from netizens, with many suggesting that it was a hint of Ten Hag’s imminent dismissal.

    Meanwhile, while some have criticised the club for being unfair to the Dutchman, others have also commended them for the decision.

    Many believe, just as the club’s management mentioned in their statement, that they believe in the capacity of their team. The team with which the former coach Xavi Alonso attained success.

    Under former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, Leverkusen won a league and cup double in 2023-24.

    They finished second in the Bundesliga this season, 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.

    Ten Hag’s record at Bayern Leverkusen

    Ten Hag had a promising start when he began his term at Bayern with a dominant 4-0 win against Sonnenhof Großaspach in the DFB-Pokal (Cup) which was played on August 10.

    However, thirteen days after his triumph, his side suffered a 1-2 loss against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga MD1 clash.

    In his final game, which appears to seal the club’s decision to sack him, was the draw against Werder Bremen in Bundesliga MD2 on August 30.

    Ten Hag’s dismissal sets a record as one of the shortest managerial stints in Bundesliga history.

    When Hag joined Leverkusen

    On May 26, this year, the former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was named the new coach for German club Bayer Leverkusen in a two-year contract.

    The club announced this in an official statement on Monday, May 26.

    Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said, “With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch.

    “With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.”

    “And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times,” he noted.

    He continued that Erik ten Hag will officially start his new role on 1 July this year. In an acceptance speech, Ten Hag stated that Leverkusen are “one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.”

    “I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team,” he said.

    Ten Hag took over from Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who replaced Real Madrid’s long-standing coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

    Alonso was confirmed as the new boss of Spanish giants Real Madrid on Sunday, May 24.

    This contract marks the Dutchman’s first managerial role since his dismissal by Manchester United in October last year after a disappointing start to the season.

    Despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his two-year stint at Old Trafford, United struggled in the Premier League.

    Sitting 14th on the Premier League table, Ten Hag was sacked after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham, which left the club with just four wins from their opening 14 matches.

    Before his appointment as United’s head coach, the 55-year-old enjoyed a successful stint with Ajax in 2022.

    A record of some of the shortest stints by coaches in football history

    Meanwhile, having confirmed Ten Hag’s dismissal as one of the shortest in Bundesliga history, there have been even shorter stints by coaches in football history.

    In 2007, Torquay United appointed Leroy Rosenior as manager. In just 10 minutes, he was dismissed following an unexpected club takeover.

    Marcelo Bielsa also resigned in 2026, just two days after signing at Lazio, over the club’s failure to deliver on promised transfer targets.

    Fast forward to 2021, and Gennaro Gattuso found himself in a similar predicament at Fiorentina. Appointed with high hopes, Gattuso parted ways with the club after 22 days, citing irreconcilable differences over transfer strategy after overseeing just a match.

    Sam Allardyce led the England team and resigned after just sixty-seven days. During that time, he had a win over Slovakia.

    Finally, Fabio Grosso, World Cup-winning hero turned manager, endured a bruising spell at Brescia in 2019. His tenure lasted three matches, all of which ended in defeat. The club wasted no time in pulling the plug, making Grosso one of the shortest-serving managers in Serie A history.

  • This generation of players can’t handle criticism, it comes of as offensive to them – Erik ten Hag

    This generation of players can’t handle criticism, it comes of as offensive to them – Erik ten Hag

    Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes today’s footballers struggle to handle criticism, viewing it as discouraging rather than constructive—unlike players from his generation.

    During his tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag had several high-profile disputes with key players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford. His time in charge came to an end in October after two and a half years at the helm.

    “This generation usually find it difficult to deal with criticism,” Ten Hag told SEG Stories, the media arm of his management agency. “Criticism really gets to them.

    “The generation that I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct.


    “I was approached much more directly. If I would do that with my current group of players I would demotivate them.

    “If you do that to the current generation they find it offensive.”

    Erik ten Hag spent his entire playing career in the Netherlands from 1989 to 2002 before transitioning into management.

    In his first season as Manchester United’s head coach, he guided the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification and winning the Carabao Cup.

    However, his tenure was marked by high-profile clashes, including a fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo, who publicly criticized him in an interview with Piers Morgan, saying he had no respect for the Dutchman.

    Ten Hag’s second full season was far more challenging. United slumped to eighth place in the league—their worst-ever finish—suffering a record 14 defeats. Early in the campaign, he had a public dispute with Jadon Sancho, dropping the winger after questioning his effort in training before a 3-1 loss to Arsenal.

    Sancho responded by calling out the coach on social media. Another controversy arose in January 2024 when Marcus Rashford was dropped after a mix-up over the timing of a night out in Belfast.

    Despite these struggles, United triumphed in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May, leading to Ten Hag’s contract being extended by two years. However, after winning just four of United’s first 13 league matches, he was dismissed in October.

    Speaking to SEG, Ten Hag revealed he had received multiple job offers since his departure but would not consider a return to management before July 1.

    Meanwhile, his successor, Rúben Amorim, has been unable to turn things around. United now sit 15th in the league with just 30 points, having suffered 12 defeats in 26 games.

  • Rúben Amorim named as new Manchester United manager

    Rúben Amorim named as new Manchester United manager

    39-year-old Portuguese manager, Rúben Amorim, is set to join Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon on November 11. He has signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027.

    Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken on interim managerial duties and will oversee the team’s next three matches.

    With Amorim’s appointment, he becomes the sixth permanent manager for United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, marking another significant chapter in the club’s ongoing search for stability and success.

    In a statement, the club said that “Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”.

    Sporting CP has officially announced that Manchester United will pay 11 million euros (£9.25 million) to activate a release clause in the contract of manager Rúben Amorim.

    Amorim is set to make his debut as the Red Devils’ head coach on November 24, following the international break, with a Premier League match against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

    His first home match will take place on November 28 in the Europa League against Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt, followed by a league encounter against Everton the subsequent weekend. United has indicated that details regarding Amorim’s coaching staff will be revealed at a later date.

    Amorim has successfully led Sporting since taking over, steering the team through an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak after a loss to Porto in the Portuguese Super Cup on August 3.

    He will be on the sidelines for Sporting’s upcoming league match against Estrela on Friday at 20:15 GMT and will also manage the club in their Champions League fixture against Manchester City next Tuesday.

    His final game with Sporting is scheduled for November 10 against his former club Braga before the break for Nations League matches.

  • Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag

    Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag

    Erik ten Hag has been denied a contract extension at Old Trafford, seeing to his exit, following a disappointing start to the season.

    The announcement was made on Monday, and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who previously served as Ten Hag’s assistant, will step in as interim manager immediately.

    “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” a club statement said.

    “Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”

    Manchester United has managed to secure only three victories in their first nine league matches this campaign, including a late 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday. Ten Hag’s performance has not met the expectations of the club’s new ownership.

    The Dutchman faced considerable pressure last season when Manchester United finished in a record-low 8th place in the Premier League. However, he ended the season on a high note by defeating Manchester City to secure the FA Cup at Wembley.

    Despite exploring options for potential replacements during the summer, Ten Hag was awarded a one-year contract extension and received support in the transfer window.

    Unfortunately, the team’s results and performances failed to improve. Following a loss to West Ham, United now sits in 14th place in the table, adding to earlier disappointing home defeats against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this season. While winning the FA Cup final provided him with some reprieve, Ten Hag has ultimately been dismissed after two and a half years at the helm.

    Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff at the beginning of the season, will take charge, with his first match set for Wednesday night against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

    United’s revamped football operations department, which had previously supported Ten Hag over the summer, concluded that the team’s performance was unlikely to improve under his leadership. In nine league matches this season, United has scored only eight goals, making it the third lowest in the Premier League, while the club currently ranks 14th in the table.

  • Erik ten Hag slams VAR process after recent loss 2-1 to West Ham

    Erik ten Hag slams VAR process after recent loss 2-1 to West Ham

    Erik ten Hag has criticised the “process” that led to the contentious decision granting West Ham a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the London Stadium on Sunday.

    United believed they had secured a point in East London until Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Michael Oliver suggested an on-field review for a penalty after a collision between Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings as the match approached its conclusion.

    Although the contact between the two players seemed minimal, referee David Coote concurred with the VAR’s suggestion and awarded the penalty, which Bowen calmly converted, further exacerbating United’s struggles.

    “So first of all, in football it is not always the best team winning, and today there was clear and obvious and clear and obvious wasn’t how the VAR worked,” Ten Hag said.

    “How they worked, how they run their process. And before the season they explained the process of the VAR and only when it’s clear and obvious then they should interfere. So what they didn’t do against Spurs where they should have done it to interfere with the red card of Bruno [Fernandes]. There was a wrong decision and now they make again a wrong decision interfering and both has big impact on the scores of the games.”

    Asked whether he felt Coote was more influenced in this case by Oliver’s standing as a more senior referee, Ten Hag said: “I don’t criticise any personnel, but I criticise the process and…

    The off-field was obviously, the VAR was Michael Oliver but also the on-field — you have to make a decision in the final moment. And he did I think three minutes to decide and to make this call. But then you have to show big personality to recall this decision.”


    The defeat sees United slip down to 14th in the table after they were leapfrogged by West Ham. Ten Hag’s team have won just three of their first nine Premier League matches this season—something Ten Hag says is partly down to a lack of good fortune.

    “In this moment, definitely the luck is not on my side [but] it’s not about me, it’s about the team, and it’s not on our side,” he said.

    “And last season was not different, but in the end we turned this around, and we are [were] so determined it would be the same case today.

    “But we have to turn this around, and it will turn around if we keep playing like we are playing now and, in this block — Brentford, Fenerbahce, today, we played really good football.”

    United will welcome Leicester City for the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, followed by a match against Chelsea, managed by the impressive Enzo Maresca, at Old Trafford on November 3.

  • Don’t blame Ten Hag, blame the players – Man Utd’s Maguire defends coach

    Don’t blame Ten Hag, blame the players – Man Utd’s Maguire defends coach

    Harry Maguire has called on Manchester United’s players to take accountability for their recent poor performances, rather than placing the blame on embattled manager Erik ten Hag.

    With just three wins from nine matches this season, Ten Hag faces increasing scrutiny as United prepare for their upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Sunday.

    Tensions escalated further after United squandered a two-goal advantage in a 3-3 draw against FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. However, Maguire believes the responsibility lies with the players, not the manager, for the team’s struggles.

    “As a footballer, it’s easy to look around and blame other people and blame your teammate or blame the staff or the tactics,” Maguire said.

    “You’ve got to look at yourself. We’re the ones that go on the pitch. We’re the ones that have to defend. You’ve got to take responsibility.”

    Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag could face the sack if his team loses at Villa Park on Sunday.

    United did the double over Villa last season — winning 2-1 at Villa Park in February — and Maguire believes a similar result on Sunday could finally kick-start their season.


    “We’ve got to find belief within ourselves,” he said. “Take the belief from what we did last season at Villa Park. It was on fire last season there. Then we went there and got the victory that we needed last season. And we feel like we’re playing better than we were last season.

    “The results haven’t been there. I feel like we should have more points on the board. But they’re not, so we need to do something about it starting with Sunday.”

    Harry Maguire has experienced a rollercoaster week, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser in Manchester United’s 3-3 draw against FC Porto, despite learning earlier that day that he had been excluded from the latest England squad.

    The 31-year-old expressed his surprise at interim head coach Lee Carsley’s decision but shared that he had been reassured about his future with the national team.

    “He [Carsely] told me I’m a big part of the future,” Maguire said. “He just wants to see the other lads playing in this camp. And he doesn’t want to take me if I’m not going to start either game [against Greece and Finland], which is fair enough.

    “Of course I’m disappointed. I want to play every game for England. But I know where he’s coming from, and I’ve got to make sure that I perform when I’m on the pitch and give him no option to leave me out.

    “I was a little bit surprised, I must say. But obviously I back his decision and he’s told me I’m part of the future.”. He emphasized the underutilization of solar energy in Africa and described the situation as tragic

  • Losing my job not my concern – Erik ten Hag after 3-0 loss to Tottenham

    Losing my job not my concern – Erik ten Hag after 3-0 loss to Tottenham

    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stated he isn’t worried about losing his job, despite a crushing 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

    Although Bruno Fernandes was shown a red card in the first half, United struggled throughout the match, even before being reduced to 10 men.

    With just three wins from their opening eight matches this season, the defeat is expected to add more scrutiny to Ten Hag’s position at the helm.

    Asked whether he is concerned his United bosses could look to change the manager, Ten Hag said: “I am not thinking about this.

    “We made the decision from a clear review [in the summer] what we have to improve and how we want to construct a squad, but we knew it would take some time. We need some time. We are all on one page or in one boat together. The ownership, the staff, and the players as well. I don’t have that concern.”

    Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over the manner in which Manchester United conceded during their 1-1 Europa League draw against FC Twente on Wednesday.

    Bart van Rooij effortlessly cut through United’s midfield to score, a mistake that was mirrored just days later when Spurs defender Micky van de Ven made a similar run, leading to Tottenham’s early goal in the opening three minutes.

    Despite these back-to-back defensive lapses, Ten Hag remains confident that his squad is still paying attention to his instructions, though his annoyance at conceding such goals twice in a short span was evident.

    “Yes, I am,” he said.

    “But it is clear and obvious when you concede a goal like this again; it shouldn’t happen, especially when we address it so loudly and clearly.”

    It won’t get any easier for Ten Hag with United facing tough trips to FC Porto and Aston Villa this week.

    The game at Villa Park on Sunday is United’s last before the international break, and another poor performance will ramp up the calls for Ten Hag to be dismissed.

    “There is always a new game,” he said.

    “It will be a new day, and it is also obvious you have to learn as a team. It can’t happen twice in four days that a defender can dribble through the whole team. You can’t make such mistakes in football.”

  • Trust my words – Ten Hag on benching Rashford during Crystal Palace game

    Trust my words – Ten Hag on benching Rashford during Crystal Palace game

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has called for trust regarding his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

    Ahead of the match, Ten Hag had praised the England forward’s recent form, noting Rashford’s return to top performance after regaining control of his career, with three goals in his last two games.

    However, in a surprising move, the Dutchman opted to start Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo instead, leaving Rashford on the bench. The 26-year-old eventually came on to replace Joshua Zirkzee after an hour of play.

    Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed “there’s obviously something that’s happened” for Ten Hag to leave Rashford out.

    That theory was rejected as “crazy” after the game, with Ten Hag saying he was just rotating his squad, adding: “As a person you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know what’s going on.”

    Earlier this week on the Rest is Football podcast, host Gary Lineker and former England striker Alan Shearer also questioned Ten Hag’s decision., external

    Asked about the future around Rashford, before Ten Hag’s side’s opening Europa League game against his boyhood club FC Twente, he said on Tuesday: “I didn’t understand the criticism. People are not entitled to bring speculation.

    “If I give an explanation they have to trust my words. If they don’t, that’s not right.”

  • Another Ten Hag- Antony ‘drama’? See what the coach has to say to out-of-favour winger

    Another Ten Hag- Antony ‘drama’? See what the coach has to say to out-of-favour winger

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered a stern message to Antony regarding his limited playing time this season.

    Antony has found it difficult to secure a regular spot in Ten Hag’s lineup, having appeared for just one minute in the Premier League so far, as a late substitute against Brighton.

    Last season, the Brazilian had only five goal contributions across all competitions, and Ten Hag seems to be questioning his commitment during training.

    With Manchester United set to face Barnsley in the League Cup midweek, Ten Hag has the opportunity to rotate his squad. However, it remains uncertain whether Antony will feature in the match.

    Ten Hag has emphasised that Antony needs to significantly improve his training performances to earn more playing time.

    Ten Hag told reporters: “We have training every day, and the players have to earn the right to play.

    When players are doing the right things in training, when the attitude is good and they show performance in training,, then they will earn the right to play.”

    Manchester United will take on Barnsley in a midweek League Cup fixture before resuming Premier League play against Crystal Palace this weekend.

    Antony will be hoping for some playing time in these upcoming matches.

  • Man Utd now a laughing stock; Sack Ten Hag now! – Richard Keys to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS

    Man Utd now a laughing stock; Sack Ten Hag now! – Richard Keys to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS

    Manchester United have come under pressure to dismiss their “embarrassing” manager Erik ten Hag, who has been accused of turning the club into a “laughing stock.”

    After United’s dismal 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, despite spending around £200 million ($262 million) during the summer transfer window, beIN Sports pundit Richard Keys strongly criticised Ten Hag.

    He urged minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to use the international break as an opportunity to sack the Dutch manager. However, Keys also questioned whether the club’s leadership has the “guts” to make such a bold move, especially after recently offering Ten Hag a new contract.

    United
    He wrote in his blog: “Your team was hopeless in both halves. How many times have I said he lives in a parallel universe? It’s embarrassing. Remember – this is Manchester United. I’d sack him now.

    No. I’d have sacked him in the summer. Maybe even before that. He’s not the right man to manage United. He’s reducing them to a laughing stock. ‘I’m not Harry Potter,’ he went on to tell reporters. He’s right. I’d say more Graham Potter.”

    Keys added: “If there had been any Utd fans left inside Old Trafford on the final whistle, surely they’d have let Ten Hag know how they were feeling?

    All you could hear were Liverpool supporters, who‘d enjoyed watching their team ram those daft words back down Ten Hag’s throat. I wonder if the clever people running United have got the balls to sack him during this break? Why not?”

    Following a victory over Fulham on the opening day, Manchester United have suffered two consecutive Premier League defeats, increasing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

    The former Ajax coach has already clashed with journalists over his team’s performance. If results don’t improve soon, Ten Hag might be facing a potential job search in the near future.

    United’s upcoming fixtures include an early match against struggling Southampton on September 14, followed by their Carabao Cup debut against League One’s Barnsley three days later.

  • Ronaldo goes after Man Utd again for ‘sour’ treatment at the club

    Ronaldo goes after Man Utd again for ‘sour’ treatment at the club

    Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has once again criticised the Red Devils while discussing his future with the Portuguese national team.

    Ronaldo, who made a highly anticipated return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, enjoyed a strong first season back at Old Trafford.

    However, his second season was marred by a series of underwhelming performances, leading manager Erik ten Hag to bench the veteran striker.

    Frustrated with his reduced role, Ronaldo publicly criticised both the club and Ten Hag in a controversial interview, which ultimately resulted in the termination of his contract.

    Now, as he reflects on his future with Portugal, Ronaldo has taken another opportunity to express his discontent with his former club.

    Speaking to A Bola, Ronaldo responded to questions about whether he’s ready to represent the national team as a substitute: “In my mind, I’ll always be a starter. That’s what you think. Until the end of my career, I’ll always think that I’ll be a starter.

    “I’ll always respect the decisions, not just of the coach, but at the clubs I’ve played for, I’ve always respected them… once or twice, they’ve also behaved badly towards me (laughs). But seriously, whenever there’s professional ethics, I’ll always respect the coaches’ decisions.

    “When professional ethics are not respected, there can always be controversy, but that is separate.

    What I feel at the moment, and the coach’s words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team, and I will be the first to admit it. If that does not happen, if I am not an asset, I will be the first to leave.

    “But if I leave, I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do.

    I see the present in a very positive way because for me the most important thing is to face each moment, each cycle, and the cycle is good; I feel happy.”

    Ronaldo has received a lot of flak for his role in Portugal’s underperformance in both Euro 2024 and World Cup 2022.

    The former Real Madrid star was pushed off to the bench in Qatar by Fernando Santos; however, the head coach was replaced by Roberto Martinez, who has stuck with Ronaldo in the national team despite his struggles on the field.

    Ronaldo failed to score a single goal in Germany earlier this year, but Martinez has revealed that the 38-year-old will remain a starter for the future.

    The 39-year-old forward will now join the Portuguese national team squad for their Nations League clashes against Croatia and Scotland before he returns to Saudi Arabia.

  • ‘I’m not a magician’ – Ten Hag on club’s form after loss to Liverpool

    ‘I’m not a magician’ – Ten Hag on club’s form after loss to Liverpool

    Erik ten Hag acknowledged the challenges of integrating new signings into the squad so early in the season, following Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

    In a tense press conference, the Dutch manager defended his record, reminding fans that he’s not a magician, saying, “I’m not Harry Potter.”

    Despite the defeat, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his team, assuring supporters that they “will be fine” and still have a “big chance” of winning a trophy by the season’s end.

    “It’s just the third game in the season; we have to build a new team,” Ten Hag said.

    “I explained this so many times. We will build it. We have young players and players to build in. Today we had three players who started for the first time this season.

    We will be fine. It is clear we have to improve, but at the end of the season, I am confident we will have a big chance to lift another trophy.”

    Erik ten Hag had no choice but to substitute Casemiro at halftime after the Brazilian’s mistakes led to two goals for Luis Díaz.

    Meanwhile, new signing Manuel Ugarte, who joined for £50 million ($65.6 million), observed from the stands after being introduced to the fans before the match.

    Ten Hag acknowledged that the Uruguayan midfielder will need time to acclimatise and reach full match fitness.

    “So this is another one; we have to build him into the team,” he said.
    “It will take time, so it’s not like I’m Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge.

    And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute. He needs to build his fitness, and then we have to build him in the team.”

    A defiant Ten Hag also went on to reject a suggestion that his team continue to be punished for familiar mistakes.

    “Maybe you can explain to me which mistakes,” he replied.

    “You are sure? I don’t think so, otherwise you wouldn’t win trophies as we have. I am sorry for you. I think we won after [Manchester] City the most trophies in English football in the last two years, so I am sorry for you.

    “There are [positives], but I don’t want to talk about this. It hurts, especially for our fans; we have to be humble and move on.”

  • Alan Shearer’s analysis, criticism of Rashford a ‘stupid’ one – Erik ten Hag

    Alan Shearer’s analysis, criticism of Rashford a ‘stupid’ one – Erik ten Hag

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has labelled the criticism of Marcus Rashford’s early-season form as “stupid.”

    Rashford faced backlash after missing several key opportunities during the Community Shield loss to Manchester City, and his early substitution in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday added to the scrutiny.

    Former England striker Alan Shearer was among those who criticised the 26-year-old’s performance at the Amex Stadium.

    However, speaking on Friday, Ten Hag made it clear that he remains satisfied with Rashford’s contributions and does not share the concerns voiced by others.

    “Everyone gets criticism; it doesn’t matter what we are doing, if we are winning or losing,” Ten Hag told a news conference.

    “If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him. I was very happy with Rashy in preseason, against Fulham and also against Brighton.

    “It is not why I took him off because his performances or level were not right. No.

    “We had to rotate, and we have good players on the bench as well; you bring new energy. There will be rotation, and if then there is the conclusion the player is not performing, [it] can be sometimes but definitely it wasn’t in this case. Stupid analysis in this case from the pundit.”

    Manchester United has confirmed that Manuel Ugarte will not be available for the match against Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday. Although Ugarte is set to join the team, he has not been registered in time and will have to wait for his debut.

    Additionally, manager Erik ten Hag will be missing Scott McTominay, who is close to finalizing a move to Napoli. Ten Hag has expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to let McTominay leave, indicating that he is not fully pleased with the situation.

    “It is a little bit mixed,” he said. “I am very happy for him, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.

    “He is Man United in everything. He was so important for Man United. He was here for over 22 years, but unfortunately it is the rules.

    “Homegrown players bring more value, and that is not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”

  • “The team is not ready but the league starts” – Man Utd’s Ten Hag cries out

    “The team is not ready but the league starts” – Man Utd’s Ten Hag cries out

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed concerns that his team might not be fully prepared for their Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday.

    New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who joined the squad just on Thursday, have had minimal time to train with their teammates, presenting Ten Hag with a selection challenge for the match at Old Trafford.

    Adding to the team’s troubles, defender Luke Shaw is out with a calf injury, new £52m signing Leny Yoro is sidelined for three months due to an injury sustained in early August, and forward Rasmus Hojlund is dealing with a hamstring issue.

    Manchester United has invested nearly £60m in bringing De Ligt and Mazraoui from Bayern Munich to strengthen their defense..

    “The team is not ready but the league starts,” said Ten Hag.

    “There are more managers who definitely have this problem but we have to make a start.

    “We can’t hide from it. We can’t run away from it. We have to deal with it.”

    United’s other summer signing, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkee, was an unused substitute during the Community Shield defeat by Manchester City and could make his debut against Fulham.

  • Time to focus on league titles, not local cup – Former Man Utd legend to Ten Hag

    Time to focus on league titles, not local cup – Former Man Utd legend to Ten Hag

    Mikael Silvestre has asserted that Erik ten Hag needs to aim for more than just domestic cup victories after receiving a vote of confidence from the club’s owners.

    Despite leading Manchester United to an FA Cup win over Manchester City and achieving his second trophy with the club, having previously won the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag faces the challenge of overcoming United’s worst-ever Premier League finish.

    With INEOS, the club’s minority owners, showing continued support, expectations for the upcoming season are significantly higher.

    “The cup is not the club’s main objective, they have got to be challenging for the title like Man City and Arsenal have been doing over the last two seasons,” Silvestre said to TG Casino. “There is still a lot of room for improvement and hopefully he can get some more signings to improve the squad.”

    United considered a number of candidates to succeed Ten Hag and held discussions with Thomas Tuchel before eventually deciding to stick with the Dutchman, triggering the one-year extension in his contract.

    Silvestre believes that was the right decision, as he added: “I couldn’t identify another candidate for the job. I think Erik was given a tough task and he started brilliantly but last season was a disappointment.

    There were question marks on the team’s progress and performances. Certain players didn’t progress and there were big doubts about his future. Now it’s been confirmed and he’s going to have resources.”

    This summer, Erik ten Hag has secured two new additions for Manchester United: Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million ($66 million) and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £37 million ($43 million).

    The club is also eyeing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.

    Mazraoui, a right-back from Morocco, is one of several players Ten Hag has pursued or signed due to their past connections at Ajax, a move that has faced some criticism.

    However, Silvestre believes this approach is not an issue.

    “It depends, it’s case-by-case and you can’t make it as a general view,” added the Frenchman. “There were some good ones and some that didn’t work out so far, like Antony. Lisandro Martinez on the other side is the one that when he doesn’t play, you feel it.

    Whether you are a manager or you are a sporting director, you tend to have a certain network and that’s just how it goes, but after it’s a matter of whether or not the player will perform for United.

    So I think now we have the new staff around the manager at the recruitment level and technical decision makers that should help the manager to make the right call.”

    Manchester United’s pre-season has been challenging, with three defeats in five friendlies and injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund.

    Despite these setbacks, they will welcome back their full squad for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on Saturday. The team will then kick off their Premier League season with a home match against Fulham on August 16.

  • PSG rekindle transfer interest in Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has reportedly expressed interest in Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as they seek to compensate for the departure of Kylian Mbappe.

    This summer, PSG lost Mbappe, who fulfilled his long-time ambition of joining Real Madrid as a free agent.

    According to L’Equipe, Les Parisiens are now aiming to bolster their attacking options by bringing Fernandes to Parc des Princes.

    Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting in the winter of 2020, has been a pivotal player for the Red Devils, delivering impressive performances despite the team’s struggles in recent years.

    There have been rumors of Fernandes contemplating a move away from Manchester United, with links to clubs like Bayern Munich and Al-Nassr this summer.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO2fIMJXX_M

    A TEAMtalk report earlier this month indicated that United had given the Portuguese midfielder the ‘green light’ to initiate discussions with Saudi clubs.

    In 2021, then-PSG manager Thomas Tuchel highly praised Fernandes, despite the midfielder having only been with the Red Devils for a little over a year. Tuchel even revealed that he had urged the club to attempt signing Fernandes before his move to Old Trafford.

    He said: “With my first sporting director in Paris, Antero Henrique, a Portuguese sporting director, and he knew [Fernandes] very well.

    “We fought hard to have a connection to him and to bring him to our team. I got made aware of him more in detail, so we watched more and more games about him and followed him and tried to be in touch with him to make it happen.

    “Obviously, he decided [to sign for Man Utd] and I was never personally in touch with him, but we tried and he went another way. [It is] bad for us that we have to play against him.”

    At the moment, it seems highly unlikely that a move away from Erik ten Hag’s side is possible for the Manchester United captain. However, considering the squad overhaul being conducted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the Portugal international could be allowed to leave if the club feels like it.

  • Ten Hag labels new assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as “a man of character”

    Ten Hag labels new assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as “a man of character”

    Erik ten Hag is optimistic that Ruud van Nistelrooy will bring a touch of “Manchester United DNA” back to Old Trafford in his return as an assistant coach.

    Van Nistelrooy’s comeback is part of a broader restructuring aimed at propelling the club forward in the coming seasons. Alongside Van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag has appointed Rene Hake to the coaching staff.

    Both have signed two-year contracts, replacing Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag. This marks Van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford after 18 years, while Hake joins from his previous role at Go Ahead Eagles.

    Van Nistelrooy’s coaching career has been characterized by steady progression. After retiring from professional play in 2012, he transitioned to coaching in 2013. His journey included stints with PSV Eindhoven’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams, culminating in success with the first team by winning the KNVB Cup in 2023.

    Despite interest from other clubs such as Burnley and Leicester City, Van Nistelrooy opted to join Ten Hag at United, underscoring his dedication to the club where he made his mark as a player.

    Ten Hag has expressed full confidence in Van Nistelrooy’s coaching acumen and personal qualities.

    “First of all, his character has brought him so far and it’s an example for everyone here in the building,” Ten Hag said.

    “Of course, he will also bring some DNA of Manchester United in, but that character is such a strong driver and that is also what he shows as a coach. He has such a highly interesting profile, he’s so ambitious, he has the skills and he already has a lot of experience.

    “He’s assisted the Dutch squad, in PSV he did the Under-19s as a manager, he did the Under-21s, Jong PSV, who were playing at the second level and then he was manager of the first team. So much experience, but very young, very ambitious, and very driven. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”

    Meanwhile, Hake’s addition also highlights his extensive professional bond with Ten Hag, forged nearly two decades ago during their tenure at Twente. Hake’s recent accomplishments with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie further underscore his qualifications.

    His deep understanding of Ten Hag’s methodologies and principles is poised to facilitate the seamless integration of fresh tactics at United.

    These new appointments promise an exciting season ahead for Manchester United supporters. Ten Hag’s initiative to revitalize the coaching staff aims to usher in a new era of triumph at Old Trafford.

    The return of an esteemed figure like Van Nistelrooy not only evokes nostalgia but also strategically aims to motivate and propel the current squad toward greater heights.

  • Man Utd eyeing Toney, Calvert-Lewin

    Man Utd eyeing Toney, Calvert-Lewin

    Man Utd are considering moves for Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, reports The Athletic.

    Discussions have taken place among United’s top brass as they look to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad. Both England internationals are viewed as viable targets due to their contract statuses.

    Toney, 28, is in the final year of his contract. While Brentford are seeking £60 million, United aim to negotiate down to around £40 million.

    Calvert-Lewin, 27, might depart Everton as the club navigates financial difficulties. United believe a £30 million bid could secure his transfer.

    These potential signings are intended to bolster the squad and provide competition for Rasmus Højlund. United are also monitoring Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee but have yet to trigger his €40 million release clause.

  • Man Utd showed up at my doorstep just to ask me to stay on as manager – Ten Hag

    Man Utd showed up at my doorstep just to ask me to stay on as manager – Ten Hag

    Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has revealed that his summer holiday was interrupted by the club when they flew out to inform him they wanted him to stay.

    Despite doubts about his future before leading United to an FA Cup final victory, the club decided to retain the Dutchman.

    “The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag said on Dutch TV channel NOS. “They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”

    Manchester United ended last season in eighth place, marking their lowest finish in the Premier League era.

    Rumors circulated that new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had conversations with former Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.

    However, the Red Devils ultimately chose to retain Erik ten Hag.

    “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager,” he added.

    “Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.”

    In his first season at the helm, the Dutchman guided the club to third place in the Premier League, and also steered them to the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Subsequently, in 2023, he secured victory in the EFL Cup.

    Despite having the support of the United board, Ten Hag confirmed that negotiations for a new contract are still ongoing.

    He said: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done – we are still going to have to talk about this.”

  • Erik ten Hag to remain Man Utd’s manager – Source

    Manchester United have opted to retain Erik ten Hag as manager, a source confirmed to ESPN.

    Speculation surrounded the Dutchman’s future following a disappointing Premier League campaign, but the club’s triumph in the FA Cup final against Manchester City marked a positive conclusion to the season.

    Following an extensive review conducted by new co-owners INEOS, led by Sir Dave Brailsford, the decision was made to keep Ten Hag at the helm.

    Sources revealed to ESPN that the review unequivocally recommended Ten Hag’s continuation as manager.

    Talks between Ten Hag and the club are underway to discuss a contract extension beyond his current deal, which was set to expire in 2025.

    These discussions were described as constructive, focusing on the outcomes of the review.

    Ten Hag’s inaugural season at Old Trafford saw a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League and success in the Carabao Cup.

    However, the subsequent season witnessed a downturn, with United’s league performance hitting an all-time low as they finished eighth.

    Despite winning the FA Cup, their European and domestic struggles led to consideration of potential replacements for Ten Hag, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Graham Potter.

    Moreover, interest was also expressed in England manager Gareth Southgate.

    Ten Hag has repeatedly insisted injuries were to blame for poor results and was defiant in the face of intense questioning about his future following the FA Cup final at Wembley, saying: “If they [United’s owners] don’t want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”

    Following Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, securing his second trophy in as many seasons, Erik ten Hag has been enjoying a holiday in Ibiza.

    Now that he has received confirmation that he will retain his position as manager, it is anticipated that he will return to Carrington for the commencement of preseason training in July. United’s summer fixtures kick off with a match against Rosenborg in Norway on July 15.

  • Man Utd’s Antony emotional after suffering quietly in ‘difficult’ season

    Man Utd’s Antony emotional after suffering quietly in ‘difficult’ season

    Antony opened up about his struggles during a challenging season at Manchester United, admitting to silently enduring difficulties.

    The Brazilian, who made a high-profile £85 million move from Ajax nearly two years ago, was anticipated to inject creativity and flair into United’s attack under former manager Erik ten Hag.

    While he made a promising start with a debut goal against Arsenal, Antony’s form soon faltered.

    Despite sporadic moments of brilliance, he has failed to consistently deliver in the Premier League, grappling with the physical demands and pace of English football.

    His decline prompted ten Hag to deploy him in an unfamiliar defensive role, filling in for injured defenders like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

    However, Antony’s struggles persisted, leading to him losing his place in the starting lineup to Amad Diallo towards the end of the season, signaling a decline in his influence within the squad.

    In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Antony wrote: “2023/24 was a very difficult season, for many reasons. But I suffered quietly! I took this period to reflect and seek self-knowledge. Today, at the end of another season, I can say that after everything I’ve been through, I feel much stronger and ready for the challenges.

    Football gave me everything I have, thanks to it, I was able to help my family, change my life and open up a range of opportunities.

    After time, the experience will give me the tools to achieve my biggest goals, which are success and to build my story in a world as challenging as the one we live in! I thank God, my family, our fans, my work colleagues and the entire Manchester United staff!! 🙏🏼@manchesterunited”.

    Antony’s performance in the 2023-24 season has been disappointing, with statistics reflecting his struggle to meet expectations.

    In the Premier League, he managed only one goal and one assist in 29 matches, while in the FA Cup, he scored twice in four appearances.

    These numbers underscore his difficulties in making a significant impact on the field. As he looks ahead to the future, both Antony and Manchester United will hope for a resurgence in form and confidence, aiming for a more successful season ahead.

  • Decision made! Erik ten Hag set to be sacked -Reports

    Decision made! Erik ten Hag set to be sacked -Reports

    Man Utd has reportedly made the decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

    According to Gianluca Di Marzio via SoccerNews.nl, Ten Hag will lead Manchester United for the final time at Wembley on Saturday before departing the club this summer.

    Even if Ten Hag guides the team to victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils are already seeking a new manager.

    The uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future arises after a challenging season for Manchester United.

    The team finished in eighth place in the Premier League standings with a negative goal difference.

    Their only chance of European football next season rests on winning the FA Cup final against City.

    Manchester United has been linked with potential replacements for Ten Hag.

    Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and England manager Gareth Southgate are among the names mentioned.

    Additionally, former Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel and recently unemployed Mauricio Pochettino are reportedly considered candidates for the managerial position at Old Trafford.

    Di Marzio said: “McKenna is the man of the moment in the football world, in the world of coaches, because he is doing great at Ipswich Town.

    He is the number one choice at Brighton & Hove Albion, but he has also already spoken to Manchester United.

    At the end of the season, United will say goodbye to Ten Hag.

    “Manchester United will also be looking for a new coach. And their targets are McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino.

    De Zerbi is also on the list, but he has not been in contact with United in recent days. If he [McKenna] goes to Chelsea, United will go for Pochettino.

    But what is certain: they are saying goodbye to Ten Hag.”

    Manchester United are not the only club looking for a new coach this summer. Bayern Munich, Juventus, Brighton and Chelsea are also on the hunt for a first-team coach, while Barcelona are being tipped to part ways with Xavi and could also join the list.

  • Man Utd consider ex coach as replacement for Erik ten Hag – Reports

    Man Utd consider ex coach as replacement for Erik ten Hag – Reports

    Man Utd are reportedly eyeing Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, amidst uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.

    Ten Hag’s tenure has been marred by a disappointing 2023/24 season, raising concerns about United’s Premier League finish.

    Names like Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank have surfaced as potential successors to Ten Hag. Now, reports suggest that McKenna has emerged as a new candidate for the role.

    Foot Mercato initially reported that United held discussions with McKenna’s agent, a claim subsequently confirmed by The Guardian.

    However, United face competition as McKenna’s services attract interest from other Premier League clubs. Moreover, McKenna might opt to stay at Ipswich.

    McKenna has a history with Manchester United, having served as a scout and Under-18s manager before becoming an assistant to Jose Mourinho.

    He played a crucial role in the coaching setup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, alongside Michael Carrick.

    After departing United in December 2021, McKenna took over as Ipswich manager. Despite initial struggles in League One, he guided Ipswich to promotion in the 2022/23 season.

    Expectations were modest for Ipswich in the Championship, but McKenna led them to an astonishing promotion, finishing as runners-up and securing 96 points, surpassing Leeds United on the final day of the season.

  • We can’t win with a team with so many injuries – Ten Hag after 0-1 loss to Arsenal

    We can’t win with a team with so many injuries – Ten Hag after 0-1 loss to Arsenal

    Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag likened managing the club to “swimming with your hands behind your back.”

    The defeat marked United’s record ninth home loss of the season and left them with slim chances of securing European qualification.

    Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table ahead of the final week of the season.

    Meanwhile, Manchester United, who have only won one of their last nine games across all competitions (against relegated Sheffield United), find themselves in a challenging position.

    Ten Hag once again faced defensive challenges, with midfielder Casemiro filling in at centre-back due to an injury crisis. Notable absentees due to injury included Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Mason Mount.

    Citing the team’s extensive injury problems, Ten Hag expressed the increasing difficulty of his job. As a former coach of Ajax, he finds himself navigating a challenging season at Manchester United.


    “Any manager can always do something better, but I am two years here and I had only one time the full group of players, and you cannot progress a team with so many injuries,” Ten Hag said. “It is like swimming with your hands behind your back. You have to keep your head above water and we are trying to do that.


    “It shouldn’t be like this, but I return to all the problems we have and you then analyse the performance. You have to see that we were competitive, but that is not what you want, of course; we have to win, we have to win every game.
    “But at the moment, we are not at this position and definitely not this team with the injuries.”

    Manchester United have two potential paths to securing qualification for the Europa League. The first is by defeating Manchester City in the upcoming FA Cup final later this month. Alternatively, they could secure a victory against sixth-place Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday, preceding the final weekend.

    However, there’s a risk of seventh-place Chelsea overtaking United for the Europa League spot, depending on the results.

    Manager Erik ten Hag emphasised the importance of securing European qualification, highlighting the potential consequences of missing out.

    It would be a significant blow for United to miss out on European competition altogether, especially considering their consistent participation over the past decade.


    “It is very damaging,” he said. “That is the situation we are in, but still we can get there. We have the opportunities to take them and fight, even when the problems are massive, everyone knows this.


    “We have to deserve it, especially the fans; they follow us on Monday [at Crystal Palace], and they understand the position we are in. Today they are behind us from the first whistle, they see the team needs backing and support, so we are united and that is very good.”

  • Erik ten Hag admits Harry Kane slipped of club’s list in 2023 transfer window

    Erik ten Hag admits Harry Kane slipped of club’s list in 2023 transfer window

    Erik ten Hag has acknowledged Manchester United’s interest in signing Harry Kane in 2023 but expresses confidence in Rasmus Hojlund’s ability to emerge as a prolific striker, potentially scoring 30 goals.

    Despite the Red Devils prioritizing the acquisition of another forward last summer, they ultimately secured the Danish star from Atalanta for a significant sum of £72 million ($90m), opting to invest in his promising talent rather than established pedigree.

    Ten Hag has told Sky Sports of that decision, with the club’s No.1 target slipping the net: “This club can only have outstanding players because the expectations are so high. Manchester United is the biggest, or maybe second or third, biggest club in the world, the highest fanbase so expectations will always be there.

    Everyone has an opinion about Manchester United and it can only be outstanding players. That’s players who have all the skillset, that is the physical and especially the mental skillset they need to perform and contribute because we have to win every game.

    There’s an expectation around every game from us so you can only fulfil that expectation when you have those outstanding players. But in the last decade and in this period, we couldn’t always get the players we wanted.

    But then you have to build and you have to accept that you get talent in instead of players who already proved it in the past. We have had some choices made with talents like Rasmus Hojlund. I can see a striker who already proved it, who we want to sign and we couldn’t get him. And then we went to Rasmus because he’s a talent.”


    Quizzed on whether former Tottenham star Kane – who is now at Bayern Munich – was the one that got away, Ten Hag added: “Yes, and you know Harry Kane will get you 30 goals. I think Rasmus will get there, but he needs time. It’s not fair to assess him the same as Harry Kane.

    I would never compare two players because they are very different. But with Hojlund, I think we had the biggest potential in the striker position last summer and we are very happy with him. But he also needs time to adapt and we are very pleased he showed his assets in scoring goals.

    He had a very good period where he scored many games after he showed it, but before and after, he had some physical issues, which is normal for a young player coming up. But it has a negative impact on the team result and that’s what you have to accept.

    Then you go back to the fans and the opinion makers, and they don’t understand or they don’t want to understand this. It is how Man United gets judged, they only see the result, but we need time. You have to accept the process is going slower and you can’t then expect to straight [away] compete for titles in the Champions League and Premier League.”

    Kane has broken the 40-goal barrier during his debut campaign at Bayern, as he puts them in contention for Champions League glory, while Hojlund – who only opened his Premier League account on December 26 before enjoying a remarkable run of form – has found the target on 14 occasions through 38 appearances.

  • Mason Mount likely to feature in Burnley clash after hopeful injury comeback

    Mason Mount likely to feature in Burnley clash after hopeful injury comeback

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has indicated that Mason Mount is likely to make his return to action against Burnley this weekend.

    Mount, who joined United from Chelsea in a £55 million deal, has been plagued by injuries since his transfer, restricting him to just 17 appearances for the club.

    Despite recently recovering from a calf injury, the 25-year-old experienced another setback, causing him to miss United’s last two matches against Sheffield United in the league and Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.

    Ten Hag told BBC’s Match of the Day: “For coming back for the game against Burnley, I don’t expect (the majority of United’s players to make a comeback). Mason Mount, he will return, I think.”

    However, Ten Hag also disclosed that there would be no additions to the defensive line, as several key defenders are sidelined due to injury. These include Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Willy Kambwala.

    This has left the Dutch tactician with few options in defense, leading him to deploy Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in central defense.

    Despite partnering with Harry Maguire, Casemiro’s inclusion has failed to bring stability to United’s backline, resulting in the team conceding five goals in their last two games.

    Yet Tan Hag backed Casemiro’s abilities as a centre-back and said: “I think he’s a very good centre-back, together with Harry. Very stable in and out of possession.”


    Mount’s potential return could provide a timely boost to United’s midfield, offering additional creativity and attacking impetus in the crucial stages of the season.

    They currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Newcastle United but seven behind Tottenham Hotspur who are holding on to the Europa League spot.

    After hosting Burnley, they will be in line to face Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.

  • Man Utd saved by Fernandes’ heroics in triumph over Sheffield United

    Man Utd saved by Fernandes’ heroics in triumph over Sheffield United

    Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up with a crucial performance in a 4-2 victory over Sheffield United, rescuing his team just as manager Erik ten Hag faced increasing pressure.

    Despite trailing twice, with Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz finding the net for Sheffield United, Fernandes played a pivotal role in turning the tide.

    He equalized from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after a foul on Harry Maguire, who had earlier scored United’s first equalizer.

    Fernandes then showcased his skill with a powerful left-footed shot to put his team ahead before setting up Rasmus Højlund to secure the win against their determined opponents.

    “At the end we came back. We put ourselves in a position where it’s tough to win games. But also it shows a bit of character,” the Portuguese midfielder said.

    “We’re scoring lots of goals. It’s just about that compactness we need to have as a team.”

    It was another far-from-convincing display from Ten Hag’s side although victory moved United into sixth place to keep them in the hunt for a European qualifying spot.

    “Many positives today,” Ten Hag said. “The resilience to fight back after losing two times. But also there were negatives. We gave it away, it can’t happen, unacceptable, we have to learn from this.”

    Time is nearly up for Sheffield United who have only 16 points from 34 games and could be relegated at the weekend.

  • Ten Hag to face 25% pay slash if he stays at Man United – Sources

    Ten Hag to face 25% pay slash if he stays at Man United – Sources

    Erik ten Hag likely to facing a 25% reduction in pay as Manchester United manager next season if he manages to retain his position following the team’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, sources informed ESPN.

    Ten Hag, who joined Old Trafford after leaving his role as Ajax head coach in May 2022 on a three-year contract, is under increasing pressure as United currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League, trailing by 16 points from a top-four spot.

    The scrutiny on Ten Hag has intensified, particularly after the team’s recent collapse at Wembley, where they surrendered a 3-0 lead to Championship side Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.

    According to sources, United’s new football leadership, led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been exploring potential alternatives to Ten Hag.

    However, despite the disappointing performances and Champions League elimination this season, the club is still preparing for the next season with Ten Hag at the helm.

    Ten Hag, 54, like most of his senior players, has a performance-based contract at Old Trafford. Failure to secure Champions League qualification would result in a 25% reduction in salary for the season when the team does not participate in UEFA’s premier competition.

    With Ten Hag currently earning £9 million-a-year ($11.2m), missing out on the Champions League next season would see his salary drop to £6.75m. Additionally, it could potentially lead to a less generous compensation package if the decision is made to terminate his contract with one year remaining this summer.

    While United still have 18 points up for grabs this season, they are not mathematically out of contention for a top-four finish.

    However, if they fail to secure a win against Sheffield United, their faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League would be dashed, resulting in the confirmed 25% salary reduction for next season.

  • Erik ten Hag warns Pep’s Man City ahead of FA Cup Final

    Erik ten Hag warns Pep’s Man City ahead of FA Cup Final

    Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has issued a strong message to Manchester City ahead of next month’s FA Cup final at Wembley.

    The Red Devils booked their spot in the final after a tense encounter against Coventry City, a match that has been widely criticized as ’embarrassing’.

    United initially took control with Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire netting before halftime, followed by Bruno Fernandes extending their lead. However, their defensive frailties resurfaced, allowing Coventry to level the score with three quick goals within 19 minutes.

    Despite the threat of an upset from the Championship side, United managed to hold their nerve and emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, as reported by Sky Sports.

    This sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with reigning champions Manchester City in the final.

    Securing a place in the final of the oldest football competition presents a golden opportunity for Ten Hag’s team to clinch silverware at the season’s end. Yet, they are fully cognizant of the formidable challenge posed by their arch-rivals, who triumphed over them in last season’s final.

    Ten Hag vows to sink Man City in FA Cup final

    However, the Dutchman remains unfazed by the daunting prospect of facing the Citizens and exudes confidence in his team’s capability to seize victory in the final.

    “We are not satisfied by being in the FA Cup final; we want to win it,” the 54-year-old gaffer boldly claimed as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

    He underscores the team’s resolve and confidence in their capacity to attain their objectives via their mentality and strategy.

    “That is what we will go for, and it’s our mentality. That is why we are successful,”
    “That’s why I am successful over 10 years as a manager, I always bring out the maximum of each squad”.


    Man United to sack Erik ten Hag before FA Cup final?

    It was reported that Manchester United have reportedly reached a decision regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at the club amid calls for his dismissal before the FA Cup final.

  • Erik ten Hag admits Amad Diallo is worth more play time at Man Utd

    Erik ten Hag admits Amad Diallo is worth more play time at Man Utd

    Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Amad Diallo deserves more playing time at Manchester United but emphasises the need for a gradual approach due to the player’s injury setbacks.

    Despite being 21 years old, Diallo has only featured in six matches across all competitions this season and is yet to make a start for the club.

    His absence from the pitch was largely due to a knee injury suffered during pre-season, keeping him sidelined from July until December.

    Although Diallo showcased his talent with a crucial goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup in March, he has patiently waited for more opportunities.

    Ten Hag recognises this but also highlights the intense competition for places within the squad and the importance of easing Diallo back into action given his injury history.

    Ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday: “Amad deserves it, but don’t forget he had a long period in the season injured, so we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and (made) a real contribution. (On Sunday) he played in a position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well.

    “We have a number of players in that area; there is big competition. He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have (Alejandro) Garnacho, Antony, and Omari Forson. We have a number of players in that position and we have to make choices there. But I am very happy with his performances and his progress; I see that his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game.”

    Amad arrived at Manchester United from Atalanta in January 2021 for a fee of £37.2 million ($46.2 million). However, his time at the club has been limited, making only 15 appearances and scoring two goals since his arrival.

    Despite a somewhat disappointing loan stint at Rangers in the 2021–22 season, he showed promise during a more successful spell at Sunderland in the Championship last year.

    Injuries have hindered his progress this season, adding to the challenge of making an impact at Old Trafford. With his contract set to expire in 2025, time is ticking for Amad to establish himself at United.

    He will be eager to seize any opportunities for more playing time in the remaining fixtures of the season. United’s upcoming matches include a home fixture against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, followed by a match against Burnley on Saturday.

  • Erik ten Hag wants a new striker for Man Utd this summer

    Erik ten Hag wants a new striker for Man Utd this summer

    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering the team’s striking options this summer due to Rasmus Hojlund’s recent struggles.

    Despite sitting sixth in the Premier League, United’s goal tally of 45 in 31 games is surpassed by 10 other teams in the division.

    While Hojlund showed promise by scoring in six consecutive games between December and February, the £72 million ($92 million) summer signing has been unable to regain his scoring touch since sustaining a muscle injury six weeks ago.

    As a result, Ten Hag is eager to add more depth and quality to the striker position.

    When asked how important it would be to have a proven scorer for next season, Ten Hag replied, “I think it would help.”

    He added, “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position. Some positions we didn’t have choices for this season—the striker position and the left-back position—and that has a negative impact on the results.”

    Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain, as Manchester United’s form has declined this season despite financial backing since his arrival in 2022.

    It remains to be seen if he will have another transfer window to strengthen the squad according to his preferences. While Rasmus Hojlund, 21, has contributed with 13 goals in 34 games across all competitions, it’s evident that the former Ajax manager desires more attacking firepower.

    With the summer transfer window set to open in mid-June, United will face Bournemouth on Saturday evening, aiming to keep their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

    However, with seven games remaining, they currently trail fourth-placed Tottenham by 11 points.

  • “Sack ten Hag tonight” – Man Utd fans after a near elimination experience in Coventry clash

    “Sack ten Hag tonight” – Man Utd fans after a near elimination experience in Coventry clash

    Man Utd fans are increasingly vocal about their desire to see Erik ten Hag sacked following a narrow victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup on penalties.

    Despite securing a three-goal lead within the first hour, the Red Devils were unable to maintain their advantage as the Championship side fought back to level the score to 3-3 by the end of regular time.

    The match ultimately went to penalties, with United prevailing 4-2 in the shootout.

    Nevertheless, many supporters are becoming disillusioned with the direction of the team under the Dutch manager. There is a growing sentiment among fans that Ten Hag, the former Ajax boss, may not be the right person to lead the club forward.

    Kobbie Mainoo fans tweeted: “Manchester United were this close of getting knocked out by Coventry despite being 3 nil up in 70 min. Sack ten Hag tonight.”

    Sam Pilger wrote: “Erik ten Hag cannot survive this embarrassment. An implosion at 3-0 up and should have lost to a Championship side. It’s over.”

    One X user commented: “Fire Erik ten Hag TODAY. It’s over. It’s finished,” and Ste added: “There’s never been a more stonewall excuse to sack a manager in United history before. It wasn’t this embarrassing under Moyes. Ten Hag and the squad he assembled have made a mockery of the badge.”

    Finally, Alex put: “Do you reckon there are people out there who think Ten Hag is a great coach and if you just get rid of all the ‘bad individuals’ then they’ll suddenly become a really good, functional football team?”

    Manchester United have secured a spot in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season, setting up a showdown against Manchester City. However, their performance in the semi-final victory was far from convincing.

    The uncertain future of manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford is increasingly apparent, and it appears that his tenure with the club may be nearing its end this summer.

    Before facing Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley next month, United will first host relegation-threatened Sheffield United and Burnley in their upcoming Premier League fixtures. This will be followed by a trip to Crystal Palace at the beginning of May.

  • Erik ten Hag forgives ‘young’ Garnacho for liking criticising substitution post

    Erik ten Hag forgives ‘young’ Garnacho for liking criticising substitution post

    Erik ten Hag has emphasised that Alejandro Garancho still has much to learn, despite reconciling with the Argentine following an apology from him.

    Garnacho’s performance in the first half against the Cherries resulted in his substitution at halftime, with United trailing 2-1.

    The winger expressed frustration with the decision and later sparked controversy by liking two social media posts criticising his substitution.

    Earlier in the week, a United spokesperson stated that the incident had been addressed internally. Now, Ten Hag has confirmed that Garnacho has apologised for his actions, leading to no disciplinary action being taken against him.

    Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, Ten Hag told reporters: “Alejandro is a young player. He has to learn a lot. He has apologised for it and we move on.”

    This isn’t the inaugural instance of Ten Hag dealing with disciplinary matters among his squad members this season. Previously, Jadon Sancho faced repercussions, such as being loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, after publicly criticising the manager on social media and refusing to retract his statements.

    Additionally, Ten Hag denounced Marcus Rashford’s actions as unacceptable when the English forward was photographed attending a nightclub and consequently missed training.

    Despite these challenges, Ten Hag maintains his focus on the upcoming FA Cup semifinal against Coventry and is adamant about not underestimating the opposition.


    “They are dangerous. They are in the semi-finals. They do a fantastic job over there and we have seen the game against the Wolves in the quarterfinal; the mentality is fabulous,” he said.

    As United’s final chance to clinch silverware this season, the FA Cup holds significant importance. Ten Hag is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to secure a spot in the summit clash.

  • Erik ten Hag defends Casemiro amid dipped form this season

    Erik ten Hag defends Casemiro amid dipped form this season

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defence of Casemiro amidst criticism over his recent form.

    After a subpar showing in the team’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, Casemiro faced intense scrutiny, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp drawing comparisons between his performance and that of a participant in Soccer Aid.

    This dip in form follows a series of injuries that sidelined him for three months this season, leading to backlash from fans.


    Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag remains steadfast in his belief in Casemiro’s capabilities and told reporters, “We needed a six when I arrived here and last season he was fantastic. I don’t think he had ever scored so many goals but as a holding midfielder, he was so important to the team.

    This season he has struggled with a bad injury that he never had in his career but he is such a winner—all his career, he has always won. Everywhere he was, there was success. And I trust he will also bring us success. I know he needs games and he will be better. I am very confident about him, he is a fighter, which is why he has won big trophies. He has a personality and is a very important player.”


    Casemiro has a memorable history at Wembley, notably scoring the opening goal against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final back in February 2023.

    This performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped secure the trophy for United.

    Drawing on this example, Ten Hag made sure to highlight Casemiro’s significant contributions in crucial matches, emphasising that he remains an indispensable figure at the club.

    “In that game—and not just that game but also in qualifying for the Champions League—he was such an important factor,” said Ten Hag. “He made a difference.”

    Casemiro will have the opportunity to make amends as United face Coventry on Sunday.

    This match holds significant importance for the Red Devils, offering them the chance to progress to the final and secure silverware in what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign.

  • Man Utd players ‘convinced’ Erik ten Hag will be dismissed this summer

    Man Utd players ‘convinced’ Erik ten Hag will be dismissed this summer

    A report suggests that several Manchester United players are postponing decisions regarding their futures due to concerns that manager Erik ten Hag will be sacked.

    The pressure on Ten Hag has intensified since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS at Old Trafford earlier this year, particularly amid a string of disappointing results, including a recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

    With United facing the prospect of their lowest-ever Premier League finish, players are increasingly convinced that Ten Hag will not remain in charge next season.

    As uncertainty looms over the managerial situation, some players are hesitant to commit to their own futures until the club’s coaching staff for next season is clarified.

    Although specific players holding this stance are not mentioned, United has several players nearing the end of their contracts, adding to the apprehension surrounding Ten Hag’s tenure.

    While Ten Hag has expressed confidence in retaining his position, Ratcliffe has refrained from providing definitive statements on the manager’s future.

    INEOS executives have reportedly been exploring potential replacements in case Ten Hag is let go, with Gareth Southgate among those linked to the Old Trafford hot seat.

    Ten Hag himself will enter the final year of his £9 million-a-year contract this summer, implying that United would need to negotiate a compensation fee to terminate his deal prematurely.

  • Erik ten Hag in search of new striker in summer transfer window

    Erik ten Hag in search of new striker in summer transfer window

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on signing a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    The Dutchman initially believed that his team’s goalscoring options for this season “should have been enough.”

    However, with just seven games remaining in the Premier League, United have scored only 45 goals, the lowest among the top 10 teams.

    Asked at a news conference how vital it will be to bring a proven scorer to Old Trafford this summer, Ten Hag said: “I think it would help.”

    Ideally, he wants more than one strong contender for each position on the team.

    Ten Hag added: “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.

    “Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.”

    Ahead of their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, United secured Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last August in a £72 million deal, signing him on a five-year contract.

    The 21-year-old has proven to be a significant asset, emerging as the club’s top scorer in his debut season with 13 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.

    England striker Marcus Rashford has found the net eight times in 38 games, while France international Anthony Martial, sidelined since undergoing groin surgery in January, has scored twice in 19 appearances.

    “In this plan we constructed we should have had enough goals,” Ten Hag said.

    “You count on goals from Rashford – last season he scored 30. You count on goals from Martial – in my first season he played very well, and also in very important games he had a high impact on our performances.

    “And then bringing a goalscorer like Rasmus Hojlund in, it should have been enough goals.”

  • Erik ten Hag gives update on Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane injury

    Erik ten Hag gives update on Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane injury

    Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has delivered a concerning update on the fitness of Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane while also praising the performance of Willy Kambwala.

    Despite both Evans and Varane returning to fitness last week and being cleared to play in the midweek clash against Chelsea, they had to be substituted off during the wild 4-3 loss at Stamford Bridge due to their respective injuries flaring up.

    This unfortunate turn of events added them to the list of absentees, which already included Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw, for the subsequent clash against Liverpool.

    However, 19-year-old Kambwala stepped up and delivered a commendable performance as Manchester United secured a 2-2 draw against the league title challengers.

    Speaking to the media, Ten Hag said [via The Athletic]: “I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return.”

    On bringing Kambwala into the side: “The decision to bring Willy in is because he has been training with us for a long time and, in his first game against West Ham United, he also did very well, his progress is amazing.

    “We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliantly. I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.

    “This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline, where we have 27 different organisations, across the season, then the future will be very good.”

    Manchester United has encountered an unusually high number of injuries this season, particularly in their defensive lineup.

    While the exact cause remains uncertain, there have been reports suggesting that some players attribute these injuries to Erik Ten Hag’s demanding training regime.

    Additionally, the absence of midfielder Scott McTominay further compounds their injury woes, marking the 56th separate case of injury or illness within the squad, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

    With several key defensive players unlikely to return in time, Ten Hag may once again turn to Willy Kambwala to bolster the defense when they face Bournemouth on Saturday, April 13th.

  • Video: Sam Allardyce spotted with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Old Trafford box as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

    Video: Sam Allardyce spotted with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Old Trafford box as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

    Sam Allardyce was seen in the company of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

    Despite the fierce rivalry between the two teams, United managed to secure a valuable point against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

    Allardyce was observed watching the match from the stands alongside the INEOS chief and Brailsford.

    During halftime, videos emerged showing the three of them engaged in conversation, sparking speculation and jokes that Allardyce might be positioning himself to replace Erik Ten Hag as the manager of Manchester United.

    With Manchester United’s slim chances of qualifying for the Champions League, Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club remains uncertain.

    While he is scheduled to meet with the new leadership at the end of the current season to discuss his continuation for the next season, the Dutchman appears confident that he will still be retained by the Red Devils, as he believes the ownership has faith in his project.

    However, it’s improbable that Sam Allardyce will be considered as a potential replacement for Ten Hag next season.

    Allardyce has been without a managerial position since last season, when he was dismissed by Leeds United following the team’s relegation from the Premier League.

  • Champions League: Ten Hag bemoans “expensive” loss of point by club in stoppage time

    Champions League: Ten Hag bemoans “expensive” loss of point by club in stoppage time

    Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that securing qualification for next season’s Champions League will pose a significant challenge for Manchester United following a costly week.

    United experienced setbacks by conceding stoppage-time goals in both a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday and a dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.

    These results saw them drop five points from winning positions within a span of six days.

    As a result, Ten Hag’s team now finds themselves 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and nine points behind Tottenham in fifth. With only eight games remaining, Champions League qualification appears increasingly difficult for United.

    Moreover, England’s potential allocation of one of UEFA’s performance spots for the expanded 2024-25 competition further complicates the situation.

    “In this week we have dropped five points in stoppage time and that is very expensive,” Ten Hag said.

    “The points are getting more expensive because the games are running out; we know that. We have to catch up and we are many points behind so it will be difficult but we will keep fighting and I’m sure you’ve seen our team has character.

    “They showed [against Chelsea] they are resilient and I’m sure they will go on Sunday and fight against Liverpool.”

    Following their defeat at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United now face a daunting challenge as they aim to regain momentum when title-contending Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday.

    Ten Hag emphasised the need for his players to swiftly overcome the disappointment from the Chelsea game and hopes they will channel their emotions positively by approaching the match against Jürgen Klopp’s team with determination and a sense of urgency.

    “First I have to deal with this, but I will say we can’t deal with this for long, we have to recover very quickly and turn this around,” Ten Hag said.

    “From Friday on I will be in a positive mood, we have to be looking forward and take energy. You can take a lot of energy from being angry and that is how we have to do it.”

    Ten Hag also addressed his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for the game at Chelsea. The England forward struggled to make an impact after coming on midway through the second half but Ten Hag insists he has no problem with the 26-year-old’s form.

    “Lately his form is progressing,” Ten Hag said.“He has big motivation because he wants to be successful with us , win trophies and score goals.

    He wants to win trophies and contribute and we still have a chance in the FA Cup and he wants to fight for the Champions League spot.

    The Euros are coming so I would say motivation should be high and the form is momentum and we can always change momentum.

    “Lately he scored; before Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”

  • Ex-Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng understudies Man Utd’s ten Hag

    Ex-Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng understudies Man Utd’s ten Hag

    Former Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng is actively seeking to enhance his coaching skills.

    In recent days, he has dedicated much of his time to observing coaching sessions at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.

    During this period, Boateng has had the opportunity to study under the guidance of Manchester United coaches Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren.

    Sources close to Boateng indicate his strong desire to improve himself as he prepares for a potential return to coaching in the near future.

    Boateng previously served as the head coach of the Aston Villa U23 team and worked as an assistant coach alongside Otto Addo, contributing to Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Additionally, he assisted former Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton before losing his position when the Ghana Football Association disbanded the technical team following the team’s elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

  • Ten Hag enthused about Man Utd’s mentality and the character after win over Aston Villa

    Ten Hag enthused about Man Utd’s mentality and the character after win over Aston Villa


    Manchester United showed     exceptional character and resilience to secure a late winning goal in their 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa, despite facing fatigue towards the end of the match, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

    Although Rasmus Hojlund’s early 17th-minute goal was equalized by Douglas Luiz’s strike in the second half, substitute Scott McTominay’s decisive goal in the 86th minute propelled sixth-placed United to 41 points after claiming their third consecutive victory.

    “I liked especially the first 20 minutes, when we are dictating the game. After I think we are dropping a little bit too much,” Ten Hag told reporters on Sunday.

    “We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today… I think it was really high intensity and you could see how many players were so, so fatigued by the end.

    “It was so open and it could go two ways. But then finally, I think we found the mentality and the character to win this game. And I think also the subs, they have had an impact.”


    During the victory, Manchester United faced an injury concern as defender Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined for a significant part of the season due to injury, was substituted at half-time.

    Ten Hag said the England left back’s substitution was precautionary, adding: “He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk with him, especially Luke Shaw, because he has had so many injuries in the past.

    “We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”

    United next travel to 17th-placed Luton on Sunday.

  • “Internal matter I will deal with it – Ten Hag on Rashford’s absence

    “Internal matter I will deal with it – Ten Hag on Rashford’s absence

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has labelled Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the squad for the Newport match as an “internal matter.”

    The Red Devils officially cited the England international as being unwell for the game.

    Further details revealed Rashford’s presence in Belfast on Wednesday, and The Athletic reported his stay in the Northern Irish capital on Thursday evening.

    Despite Rashford’s absence, Manchester United secured a 4-2 victory over Newport in the FA Cup fifth round. After the match, Ten Hag faced inquiries regarding Rashford’s omission from the squad.


    “He reported ill,” Ten Hag said. “The rest is an internal matter. I deal with it.”
    Ten Hag was asked a follow-up question as to Rashford’s whereabouts in the days before the game.


    A reporter said: “The club were led to believe that Marcus was only out on Wednesday night but was also out on Thursday night. Do you feel that you have been lied to?”


    In response, Ten Hag said, “We will deal with it; I will deal with it.”

    The inquiries persisted, and Ten Hag was questioned about the acceptability of players providing false information about their locations. In response, the Dutchman paused briefly before redirecting the focus to the victory over Newport.

    Rashford had been a standout performer for United in the 2022–23 season, registering 30 goals across all competitions.

    However, his current campaign has seen a decline in form, with only four goals to his name, although two of them were scored in his last three appearances.

  • Man Utd need “players who are hungry to fight”, not discipline – Erik ten Hag after Sancho’s exit

    Man Utd need “players who are hungry to fight”, not discipline – Erik ten Hag after Sancho’s exit

    Erik ten Hag has emphasised the necessity for “hungry players” in the wake of the departures of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

    It has been more than a year since the exit of Portugal’s superstar from the United ranks, with Ten Hag taking decisive action in response to Ronaldo’s public criticism of various aspects of the club, including the Dutch manager.

    Although the Ronaldo issue eventually subsided, a new challenge emerged with Sancho, resulting in a public feud between player and manager. Once again, Ten Hag emerged victorious, with the winger being excluded and subsequently loaned back to Borussia Dortmund.

    Having excluded two potentially problematic stars from his squad, Ten Hag underscores the significance of instilling discipline among his players.

    He said in a press conference on United’s official channels: “It is that [important] if you want to perform; you need hungry players. I already said we need personality and players who are hungry to fight for the badge, to fight for this club and to do it within the team. It is not about discipline; this is normal behaviour. It is about that and what you can expect from a top professional.”


    Conversely, on the flip side of the revolving exit door at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has embraced a cadre of promising talents whom he envisions as the bedrock of his team for an extended period.

    But the Dutchman stressed patience in that regard, adding: “[With] talent, you need time, like the development you have seen from [Alejandro] Garnacho, from Kobbie Mainoo, and so, for instance, also from Rasmus Hojlund.

    “He needs time, but in the same moment, I know we don’t have time, but I know this could happen. You need time to get that progress, and for me, it is not difficult. I see it as generational that this is how the process could go. Sometimes you need some moments to step up and get that belief in.”

    Sancho wasted no time in leaving an impact upon his return to Germany, contributing an assist for the seasoned forward and close companion Marco Reus in Dortmund’s 3-0 triumph over Darmstadt on Saturday. This highlights the talent that Ten Hag was unable to tap into during his stint at Old Trafford.

    Now, Ten Hag looks to players like Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and others to step up and fill the scoring gap in what has been a goal-dry start to the campaign. In the league, only Burnley and Sheffield United have recorded fewer goals.

    Later on Sunday, Ten Hag’s team is set to face Tottenham in the Premier League. Chelsea’s victory on Saturday propelled them past the Red Devils into eighth place, but a result other than a defeat for United would reclaim their position ahead of the West London counterparts.

  • There’s pressure at Utd; not every player can play here – Erik ten Hag

    There’s pressure at Utd; not every player can play here – Erik ten Hag

    Erik ten Hag has suggested that some players may struggle with the pressure of playing for Manchester United, although he maintains that signing for the club remains “the best challenge” for any footballer.

    Ten Hag has approved Donny van de Beek’s loan transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt during the January window, while Jadon Sancho is poised to go back to Borussia Dortmund, also on loan.

    Van de Beek, previously shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, joined United for £35 million from Ajax in 2020, and Sancho, one of Europe’s most promising young talents, arrived in a £73 million deal from Dortmund in 2021.

    Ten Hag emphasizes that it’s not always the club’s fault when high-profile signings don’t live up to expectations.

    “That is always on those players and how much confidence you have in your capabilities but I can tell you one thing; the Premier League is tough,” said Ten Hag.

    “Man United; that is tough to play there because it’s easier to play in almost any other team than Man United because the pressure is that high, always. You have to deal with that.

    “But if you have confidence in yourself, this is the best challenge and this is definitely the best club you want to be at as a player. It depends from player to player, and it depends especially on the character of the player, their personality.”

    Sancho’s dip in form since his transfer to Old Trafford two-and-a-half years ago has seen the 23-year-old — exiled at United for the four months following a public fall-out with Ten Hag –– lose his place in the England squad while Van de Beek was never able to win a regular place in midfield.

    Van de Beek excelled under Ten Hag in a team that reached the Champions League semifinals in 2019 but the United manager said a series of injuries meant he was never able to reach the same level at Old Trafford.”.

    He has had many injuries, first of all,” said Ten Hag.

    “I worked with him for two years [at United] and before he was under different managers here. He had a loan before as well. Actually, from the first moment I came in here at Manchester United, he wasn’t the player he was at Ajax because he was injured.

    “So many times he was not available and then he struggled for a long time to recover from that injury. That is probably the main reason why he was not playing.

    “We decided on a loan in the summer but it didn’t come and then his opportunities are few because we also make appointments and agreements with players and contract players in that position. The competition was high.”

  • Claims over my future here not my “concern”, I feel the club’s support -Ten Hag, even after exit from Champion League

    Claims over my future here not my “concern”, I feel the club’s support -Ten Hag, even after exit from Champion League

    Despite Manchester United’s elimination from European competition, manager Erik ten Hag affirmed that he still enjoys the support of the club.

    He expressed confidence and emphasized that he is “not concerned” about the potential escalation of pressure on his job, even as his team heads to Anfield following a series of less-than-ideal results, including the recent 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

    With one win in their last five games, United faces Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, but Ten Hag remains resolute, maintaining that another loss will not undermine his position.

    “I am not concerned about that,” Ten Hag said in a news conference on Friday. “I want to win and progress the team in the right direction.

    “I feel [the support of the club] and they say it but actually that is fine and that is OK, but I am focusing on the process to make this team play better and make the individuals better and that is my concern.”

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h-4FgdBPEV4?feature=share


    Despite a challenging beginning to the season, marked by more losses (12) than victories (11) for United, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the team’s future.

    He believes that a turnaround in their current poor form could pave the way for a brighter outlook.

    “The future for Man United is very good,” he said. “You can see how many good players we have in the squad, how many good young players who have really high potential to play at top levels worldwide.

    “But we have to develop that. I am sure that when the injuries come back we will perform better.”

  • Ten Hag wants to reduce the size of Manchester United’s squad – Sources

    Ten Hag wants to reduce the size of Manchester United’s squad – Sources

    Following Manchester United’s elimination from European competition this season, the club is anticipating multiple departures from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad in the upcoming January transfer window, as per sources informed by ESPN.

    United’s exit from the Champions League, sealed with a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, confirmed their bottom-place finish in Group A and ruled them out of the Europa League contention.

    With no European football in the new year and only the Premier League and FA Cup to focus on, sources indicate that Ten Hag is willing to streamline his squad.

    Jadon Sancho is expected to depart, having not played since August following a public dispute with Ten Hag.

    While the Dutchman hinted at a potential return for Sancho if he apologises, sources suggest it’s highly likely the England forward will leave in January if a suitable offer is received.

    Midfielder Donny van de Beek, who has only played twice this season, is also available for transfer. There is reported interest from Spain and Germany, and while United prefers a permanent deal, they are open to loan offers.


    Discussions are slated to occur with Tottenham regarding Sergio Reguilón, who joined Manchester United on loan on deadline day. The loan agreement contains a break clause, enabling Reguilón to return to Spurs in January. However, United is keen on assessing the severity of Luke Shaw’s hamstring injury suffered against Bayern before making any decisions.

    Second-choice left-back Tyrell Malacia has faced setbacks in recovering from a knee injury and is not anticipated to return until the new year.

    United, according to a source, is open to offers for Anthony Martial, whose contract expires in the summer. The club is also anticipating interest in Raphaël Varane and Casemiro, contingent on whether the players express a desire to leave. Varane recently made his first start in over a month against Bayern.

    With Financial Fair Play concerns, offloading players in January would alleviate pressure ahead of the next transfer window. The reduced number of games in the second half of the campaign may limit first-team opportunities for young players Hannibal, Amad, and Facundo Pellistri.

    Though Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% investment is yet to be officially confirmed, a source mentioned to ESPN that it’s “business as usual” in preparation for the January window. There remains optimism that Ratcliffe’s investment could be announced before Christmas, despite delays.

  • Erik ten Hag anger fans following remarks after Champions League elimination

    Erik ten Hag anger fans following remarks after Champions League elimination

    Erik ten Hag faces backlash for his post-match comments following Manchester United’s defeat to Bayern Munich.

    In their final Group A match of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, United suffered a 1-0 loss to the Bundesliga giants, with Kingsley Coman scoring the only goal.

    Despite needing a win to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16, United managed only one victory in their last five group matches.

    In the aftermath of the Bayern defeat, ten Hag claimed his team had put on a good performance, eliciting anger and disbelief from some Manchester United fans.


    “We didn’t lose it today. We had some good performances, but we made some mistakes—individual errors from players,” ten Hag noted via TNT Sports.

    @MrPenderes0 posted:
    “Erik Ten Hag will never be my coach.”
    @MikeHal08477906 observed:

    “Worse than Solskjaer. I wonder if his agent has found him a new club for when he gets sacked.”
    @Frenchy_85 fumed:

    “The ‘learn from it’ quote again 🤦‍♂️”
    @RYANGIBSON79 concluded:

    “Not got a clue what he’s talking about. Better to say nothing sometimes if you ain’t going to speak the truth.”


    Meanwhile, United will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they play rivals Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.

  • McTominay dismisses “toxic” dressing room claims, says Man Utd squad are firmly behind Ten Hag

    McTominay dismisses “toxic” dressing room claims, says Man Utd squad are firmly behind Ten Hag

    Scott McTominay has emphasised the unwavering support of the Manchester United players for manager Erik ten Hag as they approach a pivotal Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

    McTominay noted that, in contrast to the past, where the atmosphere in the dressing room had become “toxic” under former managers, such a scenario has not unfolded under the tenure of Ten Hag.

    United faces a challenging route to the round of 16 in the Champions League, requiring a victory against Bayern at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

    Their hopes are contingent on a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the other Group A game.

    “It is the players’ responsibility, first and foremost,” McTominay told a news conference on Monday. “The players know that as well. We have had many amazing players and right now we are at the stage where we have big characters in the dressing room.”

  • Erik ten Hag has to be fired by Manchester United – Danny Murphy

    Erik ten Hag has to be fired by Manchester United – Danny Murphy

    Danny Murphy thinks it’s time for Manchester United to fire manager Erik ten Hag.

    The Red Devils lost 3-0 to AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. Bournemouth could have scored even more, but one goal was ruled out and Dominic Solanke hit the post.

    United have lost seven out of 16 games in the Premier League. They are currently in sixth place in the table, but they could drop lower after Sunday’s games.

    Ten Hag’s team will probably be knocked out of the Champions League unless they can beat Bayern Munich in their next game. They also need Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in order for them to move on to the next round.

    Murphy wants things to be different at United. He said to the Daily Mail, “The win against Chelsea during the week didn’t really solve the problems. ” Chelsea ran past them many times.

    Bournemouth got three goals and they almost got a fourth one. This result shows that United are in trouble.

    United don’t want to go to Anfield and lose by five goals. They were beaten by seven points in March. The same thing happening again could lead to a change.

    Post-game interview with Erik ten Hag after Bournemouth defeated Manchester United 3-0.

    “I always thought United would give Ten Hag more time, but to reach their goals, they might need a new manager now to figure out what needs to be done. ”

    I feel bad because Ten Hag is a nice guy, but it seems like the United job was too soon for him.

    At Ajax, he didn’t have to lead famous players. He never had to deal with always being watched closely at one of the largest clubs in the world.

    He’s trying to learn while working, but it’s not going well. If the manager does not change, then the style will stay the same.

    It’s time to make a change, but only if they have a plan ready. Firing Ten Hag now doesn’t make sense unless United know what they want to do next. But it’s obvious that this manager is not the best person for United.

    “If Bournemouth beat City 3-0, you would be really surprised. ” You would feel the same if they went to Arsenal and won by three goals. When they go to United and do it, you just don’t care. “That explains everything. “

  • It’s about the team not just Martial – Ten Hag on fall-out with player in Newcastle defeat

    It’s about the team not just Martial – Ten Hag on fall-out with player in Newcastle defeat

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided additional insights into his heated altercation with Anthony Martial during their match against Newcastle.

    The Red Devils faced the Magpies on Saturday at St James Park, where the hosts secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Anthony Gordon scoring the decisive goal in the 55th minute.

    Manchester Evening News has reported that Martial’s lacklustre attempt to track Fabian Schar’s run led to a confrontation between ten Hag and the French forward during the first half of the game.

    The intensity of the clash prompted United’s staff to instruct Ramsus Hojlund to warm up, indicating a potential substitution for Martial.

    However, despite his poor performance in the opening exchanges, Martial continued to play in the second half.

    This incident added a layer of drama to United’s weekend clash against Newcastle, following a recent setback in the Champions League.

    Speaking on his incident with Martial, ten Hag downplayed the aggressive clash, suggesting that he was looking to reenergize the team.
    “It’s not about Anthony Martial; it’s about the team,” he said.

    “I try to energise the team and try to get a reaction from the team at this moment. As you see, we had a tough period, and when you’re coaching, you are a little more aggressive, so that’s normal,” he added.