Erik ten Hag has stated that Bruno Fernandes‘ fitness is “a question mark” prior to Manchester United’s Premier League matchup with Tottenham.
The midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury during United’s FA Cup semifinal victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. He was afterwards photographed wearing a protective boot.
The loss of Fernandes would be detrimental to Ten Hag’s team going forward, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane also out due to injuries, dealing a blow to United’s defensive.
But on the eve of the trip to Spurs, the manager could not confirm whether Fernandes would be available.
But the Dutchman is not ready to reveal whether the midfielder will sit out their crucial encounter with Spurs or if he could yet be available to feature.
“There are some unavailable,” he said. “Martinez, Varane. We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is. We don’t know yet. He is a question mark.
The win on penalties at Wembley was an effective tonic for an ailing United side after they had lost emphatically at Sevilla to crash out of the Europa League three days earlier.
David de Gea and Harry Maguire both committed costly errors leading to goals in that game, but Ten Hag has continued to talk up their character as the pair recover.
“They are resilient,” he said. “They are able to do it. It’s not easy, but they can do it. You can have a bad setback but show your character to bounce back.
“I am the Manchester United manager. I have to make sure our players are ready tomorrow against a good opponent, good team, good players. I have to focus [and make sure] they have energy.”
Now, United will face a Tottenham team reeling from a 6-1 rout at the hands of top-four rivals Newcastle United last time out.
Harry Kane, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, scored the only Spurs goal.
“It’s quite clear, his impact on the game for Spurs,” Ten Hag said of Kane. “We have a plan for that. You have to defend as a team. He’s a clever player, he can have a big impact on the game.”
Raphael Varane should be ready to play in Manchester United’s FA Cup final match against cross-town rivalsManchester City, according to Erik ten Hag.
Varane was taken out at halftime of United’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla after suffering an ankle injury in the first leg, which the Red Devils lost 5-2 on aggregate.
Ten Hag has recently had to utilise an improvised backline because to the season-ending metatarsal fracture that Varane’s central defensive partner Lisandro Martinez sustained in the same game.
With club captain Harry Maguire suspended, Luke Shaw partnered Victor Lindelof in the centre of defence as United reached a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final with Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
United will now face treble-chasing rivals City in a Wembley Stadium final on June 3, and the Red Devils are hopeful of having Varane available.
Asked whether Varane could feature in United’s second domestic cup final of the season, Ten Hag told talkSPORT: “I think so, yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”
Varane has made a total of 27 starts for United this campaign, having also been sidelined with ankle and leg injuries prior to last year’s World Cup.
United have fared well in Varane’s absence, winning 20 of their 25 games without him in the starting lineup across all competitions (L5), compared to 16 of their 27 with the Frenchman involved from the off (D7 L4).
Erik ten Hag has pledged thatManchester United will “do everything” to prevent Manchester City from completing a possible triple when they square off in the FA Cup final.
After defeating Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, United advanced to its record-tying 21st FA Cup final. Solly March missed his spot-kick, but the other 14 were all successful.
After City defeated Sheffield United 3-0 in the semifinals thanks to a hat-trick from Riyad Mahrez, the two Manchester clubs will now square off in a major cup final for the first time on June 3.
With City battling Arsenal in the Premier League title race and being drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Pep Guardiola’s team could yet collect three major trophies this term.
Doing so would see them match the famous achievements of United’s 1998-99 side, and Ten Hag knows how much the club’s fanbase would relish denying City.
“I understand, of course, the feelings from the Manchester United fans about it,” the Dutchman said.
“We will do everything to give them that, to give them the second trophy, everything that I have, everything the team have, everything the staff have, we will give everything to get that done.
“We can do it, because we proved it, but it’s not an easy job. It’s a great team, but we’ll also have a great team and great players and we can beat them.
“More than 100 per cent, you can’t do, so the fans can rely on that. We will give it and we will do it against every opponent, it doesn’t matter who it is.
“Of course, we want to give that against City. We want to give the fans that, sure.”
Having beaten Newcastle United to lift the EFL Cup in February, United have reached both domestic cup finals in the same season for just the third time.
However, the Red Devils have never won both trophies in the same campaign, lifting the FA Cup but losing the EFL Cup showpiece game in the 1982-83 and 1993-94 seasons.
Sevilla defeated United 3-0 on Thursday, ensuring United’s elimination from the Europa League at the quarterfinal stage. All three of Sevilla’s goals were mainly attributed to De Gea.
Yet three days later, he made a number of superb saves to deny Brighton, and those saves ultimately helped the game end in penalties.
While De Gea never got particularly close to any of Brighton’s spot-kicks, United did progress to the final thanks to emerging 7-6 victors, with Solly March blazing over before Victor Lindelof sealed the Seagulls’ fate.
United’s collective performance may not have been spectacular but the improvement from Thursday was significant — including De Gea.
“I think he had two brilliant saves and know that he’s a world-class keeper,” Ten Hag said. “Thursday, he had a really bad day at the office, and it hurt.
“Really bad [day in the] office I have seen, but it’s always when you are the keeper and you make mistakes, often you get penalised.
“But it doesn’t mean that we have to go under. And also, we as a team, we let him down [against Sevilla] and we didn’t fight back on Thursday.
“[Criticism] was justified on Thursday but,today, the lads deserve compliments and credit because they bounced back once again, they showed character.
“What we have to learn and improve, which must be our next step, is that if we have a setback in a game, we fight back in that same game, that we keep calm and fight back in that same game.
“We have to deal with setbacks and we can do it better but in between games, and it’s not the first time, we do it very well.”
Manchester City await United in the final, making it the first ever Manchester derby in the FA Cup showpiece.
United will go into the contest as considerable outsiders, though Ten Hag pointed to their 2-1 win in January’s derby as evidence they can defeat Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasers.
“We have proof that we can beat them but then we have to play the perfect game,” Ten Hag continued.
“That was the most perfect game we played this season [winning the derby in January] but we have to go again.
“We know that but, first of all, we have to focus on different games because we have to be in the top four, to get into the Champions League for next season.”
The Spanish team scored the opening goal to take the tie into their own hands, and Manchester United’s manager struggled to conceal his dismay.
Just seven minutes into the game, Maguire mishandled what appeared to be a straightforward pass from David De Gea, allowing the former Tottenham player Erik Lamela to pick up the ball and set Youssef En-Nesyri up for the game’s first goal.
Sevilla all but took the tie away from United early in the second half as Loic Bade made it 2-0, as per The Mirror.
The Red Devils ended up crashing out of the competition 5-2 on aggregate, with their only chance of a second piece of silverware being the FA Cup, as reported on BBC.
Maguire, De Gea mess up
After the game, many fans were critical of two players: David De Gea and Harry Maguire.
Some argued the pass from the keeper in the build-up to the first goal was once the defender should have never received, but others believe Maguire should have done much better.
For the first goal, Sevilla players wheeled away in celebration and cameras panned to Erik ten Hag, who tried his best to hide his bewilderment.
However, one could clearly see the disappointment on his face at Maguire’s costly mistake.
Erik Ten Hag looked upset after Maguire’s blunder vs Sevilla. Photo: The Mirror. Source: UGC
Legends of the game, such as Paul Scholes, did not hold back in criticising United, who were branded ‘terrible’ over the entire 90 minutes.
It remains to be seen whether Maguire will still be selected to start in the next game, which is the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The embattled defender has had to be brought in to replace Lisandro Martinez, who recently suffered a broken metatarsal that will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season.
After making a full recovery from his injury, Christian Eriksen anticipates that Manchester United will fight to the end of a demanding season.
The 2-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday marked the Danish international’s first start since January.
After appearing off the bench against Everton and Sevilla, Eriksen is back to help United compete for additional hardware in the FA Cup and Europa League.
But he says it is imperative Erik ten Hag’s side do not neglect the league, as they aim to secure Champions League football for next season.
“Every game now until the end is going to be very important,” he told MUTV. “Someone is going to drop down, [and] someone’s going to go in front.
“So if we stay on the front foot like we are now, we’re going to be in a very good position and be safe for the Champions League before the season is done.”
A post-EFL Cup wobble looks to be behind United, though they conceded twice late on against Sevilla in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg.
Victory over Forest, particularly with several key stars on the sidelines, emphasised what Eriksen feels to be a strong squad ethos over recent months.
“They’ve impressed me,” he added. “They’ve kept the intensity, they’ve kept the level for how they play. The games, everything, even from the outside, has been looking good.
“If you take into account how we started [the season], it’s a completely different feeling around the club and also on the pitch. The feeling around the boys is really good.”
Jose Luis Mendilibar, the manager of Sevilla, wants his squad to “release the cords that tie us” and rise to the challenge of Thursday’s Europa League duel with Manchester United.
Sunday’s 2-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia was achieved despite Mendilibar’s perception that the performance lacked something.
He hopes that his squad reaches its peak at the ideal time and views it as a big blessing that they can still win even when they are not playing at their best.
Sevilla’s comeback in Manchester has tied the quarterfinal match at 2-2 going into the second leg.
Speaking after his team’s victory at Mestalla, Mendilibar said: “We have to gain confidence. Sometimes you don’t play well and the result is with you. That makes you think that when you play well, you’re going to do even better.
“It’s going to give us peace of mind to be able to compete against Manchester on Thursday.”
Messy defending from a corner allowed Loic Bade to sneak in to poach Sevilla’s opener against Valencia in the 55th minute, before Suso’s clean hit into the left corner in the 75th minute sealed the win.
Valencia had Ilaix Moriba sent off late on as the game ran away from them.
“We’re having success in front of goal,” said Mendilibar. “We’ve scored two goals in each game, It’s what’s giving us life.”
It is true that Sevilla have scored twice in each of their last four matches, winning twice and being held to draws in the other two games.
“We hope to be able to remove the ropes that bind us,” Mendilibar said.
United also won 2-0 on their travels on Sunday, beating Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Mendilibar knows the threat Erik ten Hag’s team will pose, but likes Sevilla’s future prospects and said: “We hope to be able to bring quality into play from now on, not just with goals.”
Erik ten Hag has made his desire to sign a new striker for Manchester United ahead of next season clear.
The Red Devils are still fighting on three fronts this season as they battle to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, as well as chasing glory in the FA Cup and Europa League.
United’s pursuit of glory to add to the EFL Cup crown secured earlier this year has come despite a lack of central options in attack.
Wout Weghorst was signed on loan in January following the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract before the World Cup in Qatar and, while performing admirably, is not the calibre of striker United are crying out for.
Ten Hag expects to change that when the window reopens for business, expressing the need for such a recruit.
“Everyone is different, obviously, but for a striker the main thing is to score goals by any method, that is so far ahead of anything else,” he told Sky Sports.
“We need a striker who scores goals because we have ability in the team to put balls in the box, so we need a striker to finish.
“We have to build a new future and we need a striker who not only scores goals but contributes by linking up play very well and pressing, which is very important.”
While recruitment of a new striker is clearly a priority for the upcoming transfer window, United will have to look within to provide the difference until the end of the season.
2011 – Man Utd have failed to win a match in major European competition in which they had a two-goal lead for the first time since a 3-3 draw with Basel in September 2011. Lax. pic.twitter.com/GG167VuDXQ
Having thrown away a two-goal lead on Thursday to draw 2-2 with Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, Ten Hag is keen for his side to be more ruthless.
“First it has to come out of the development of the team, so we are aware that when we are dominant in a game, we have to kill the game,” he added.
“We didn’t do that and we let the opponent back in the tie. That was not good, it’s a bad habit we have to hammer out.
“We demand from the players and the players demand from each other.
“You do your job always to 100 per cent, there are no ifs, buts or maybes, you have to deliver the performance in every circumstance.”
United are away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag used a Dutch expression to explain how he prevented Bruno Fernandes from receiving a pricey Europa League red card, telling Manchester United to “look in the mirror” and stop making costly mistakes.
Injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez marred Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford, so the United manager placed his support behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who may both see action in the team.
He also said it was too soon to gauge the severity of those injuries, even though he has his private suspicions.
Ten Hag then brought a touch of levity to a routine pre-match press conference, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, when he explained why he substituted playmaker Fernandes against Sevilla.
The Dutch boss suspected his Portuguese star was at risk of being sent off, having thrown the ball away after already being booked, and he guessed any further indiscipline would see the key man ordered off.
“I don’t want to take a risk. Where I come from, they call it ‘looking a cow in the ass’. We call it that in my region of the Netherlands,” Ten Hag said.
United were 2-0 up at the time of the substitution, with Christian Eriksen taking over from Fernandes.
Late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Maguire scuppered hopes of victory in the first leg of the quarter-final, however, after Marcel Sabitzer’s early double had put United in control.
“We had back luck definitely with injuries and the goals,” Ten Hag said. “But you can avoid it, and we had to avoid it, so we also have to look in the mirror.”
Asked about the injuries, Ten Hag could not specify how long Martinez and Varane may face on the sidelines. Reports Martinez may have a broken metatarsal were brushed aside but not denied.
Ten Hag said: “I don’t have a complete diagnosis, so I can’t say in this moment. When we have news we will give it straight to you.
“But let’s do the medical, do their assessment and get a complete diagnosis, and then we will give the news. But I think it doesn’t change in this moment. I have an idea, but I don’t go with speculation.”
He wants Maguire and Lindelof to prove their value to the team, although Maguire must miss next week’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion due to suspension.
Ten Hag said he had “a lot” of faith in both defenders, who have faced criticism in the past, saying: “They are decent centre-halves. We have four or five very good centre-halves who can do the job.”
What Ten Hag would have no time for is anyone who might see it as a big demand to come into the first team from out in the cold.
“I think then you’re finding excuses and when you want to find excuses or set excuses then you don’t have to play at Man United and you have to look for another club,” Ten Hag said. “You have to wait for your moment and when your moment is there you have to contribute and to bring your performance, this is what we demand.”
French forward Anthony Martial will also be involved but is unlikely to play 90 minutes as United manage his fitness after a recent hip problem.
“Maybe he can, but it’s a risk,” said Ten Hag, “and we can’t take that risk at this moment because we don’t have so many options in the front line with [Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho injured, so we have to be careful.”
Erik ten Hag was left bemoaning injury issues as Manchester United lost heartbreakingly late against Sevilla in the Europa League, and Marcel Sabitzer criticised the team for giving up “two stupid goals.”
Because to Ten Hag’s hosts’ dominance at Old Trafford, United appeared to be in perfect control of the quarterfinal first leg on Thursday after Sabitzer’s first-half double.
Prior to Harry Maguire’s own goal in the 92nd minute, Tyrell Malacia’s own goal gave Sevilla optimism six minutes from time.
Ten Hag insisted United’s 2-2 draw was down to bad fortune, as opposed to his substitutes collapsing under late pressure.
The United manager told BT Sport: “I think we had the game in hand, we were 2-0 up and should have scored three or four. The game was totally on us.
“Some unlucky moments with injuries. Raphael Varane at half-time, Anthony Martial because it was his first start, Antony and Bruno Fernandes because they were on a yellow card.
“Then we lose control at an unlucky moment, then another unlucky moment with Lisandro [Martinez] going off injured when we go down to 10.
“We conceded two own goals, that is bad luck. We have to learn, we have to kill the game, but everything is open for the next game.
“I know we can do better with those players in the last part of the game, we had to be more composed and could benefit from our counter-attacking opportunities, but we didn’t.
Martial has struggled with injuries during his time at Old Trafford since arriving from Monaco in 2015. The attacker was loaned to Sevilla for the second half of last season, making just one goal in 12 outings.
A strong pre-season meant this campaign started with optimism, though he has again been in and out of the line-up because of his fitness with Marcus Rashford’s goals proving crucial in his absence.
With Rashford ruled out for several games with a muscle injury and January loan signing Wout Weghorst struggling in front of goal, Ten Hag needs Martial to start firing if United are to add more silverware to the EFL Cup they lifted in February, which ended a six-year trophy drought.
Ten Hag is confident the 27-year-old will be a big help over the rest of the season, though he will not rush the forward back to the team before he is ready despite him scoring off the bench in the 2-0 victory over Everton at the weekend.
“When he [Martial] is in the team, we play our best football and we have our best results as a team. The time he needs for a goal is less. I defend him because I point to the stats and see how he contributes.”
With numerous and recurrent occurrences of injuries plaguing the French striker, Anthony Martial of Manchester United, has turned to a glass in recent years.
He moved to Manchester United from Monaco in 2015 for £58 million, but the club did not regularly see the performance that warranted spending that much money on a youngster.
He could be one of many players who leave the team in the summer as part of head coach Erik Ten Hag’s huge exodus, which he faces an unclear future.
His recent problems are not only on the pitch.
He has a tough time off the pitch after his wife Melanie divorced him for cheating while she was eight months pregnant during the striker’s loan at Sevilla last year, according to Daily Star.
Martial’s exes involved in car chase Martial and Melanie started dating in 2016 after his move to Manchester United.
They married in a secret wedding in 2018, as reported by Soccersouls. He was previously dating Samantha Jacquelinet before his move to England.
The French model accused United of ruining her relationship, which disintegrated after his move to Manchester, as reported by Mirror UK.
The two women were involved in a car chase yesterday in France.
Melanie uploaded the video on her Snapchat, and it was obtained by Get French Football News.
The two women were involved in a car chase yesterday in France.
”She called her brother for help, we are supposed to be women,” the video’s caption reads.
The two have been involved in dirty fights since 2016.
Samantha accused Melanie of hounding her on social media and labelled the 30-year-old disgusting, as reported by Sun UK.
Ten Hag: Martial is fragile Sports Brief reported that United boss Erik Ten Hag revealed why Martial started off the bench in the 1-0 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.
The Dutch bossclaimed the striker is fragile, having dealt with multiple injuries recently and was not match-fit; hence he could have started.
Erik ten Hag is aware that Manchester United’s players are only human, but he still believes that in order for them to succeed, they must “act as robots.”
On Sunday, when United made their Premier League comeback against top-four rivals Newcastle United, they suffered a lacklustre 2-0 loss.
Despite their success in the FA Cup and Europa League, they have only earned one point in their last three games in the top flight, placing them fifth in the standings.
Ten Hag, however, has no doubt his squad can rediscover their best.
“I agree we return to old habits, but I also know there are fluctuations,” he told The Guardian. “[Players] are not robots. But we have to act as robots, as machines.
“We have to expect and demand of our players that they match the standards so when we are not doing [that] we are disappointed because that is our job.
“We have shown in so many games that [we can do that]. It was a tough, very strong belief, [with] confidence and passion and togetherness.
“We have, and have shown it in many games. We have shown we can win the games, but you have to do it in every game because that is the demand of Manchester United.”
United can push themselves back into the Champions League qualification places with a win over Brentford on Wednesday, having games in hand on fourth-place Tottenham.
Ten Hag will also have one eye on next week’s return to Europa League action, with the club set to host Sevilla a week on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
The two teams met for the first time sinceManchester United defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on February 26.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford scored in that game.
Using goals from ex-Arsenal player Joe Willock and striker Calum Wilson to defeat the Red Devils 2-0 at St. James Park, Newcastle exacted their retaliation.
The victory put Newcastle ahead of United, who now have a goal advantage despite being tied on points.
If Tottenham defeats Everton later today, the Red Devils could drop out of the top four.
Ten Hag had a blip of his own.
In the 83rd minute, with the scores still at 1-0, he subbed off centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, a decision termed bizarre by the Manchester Evening News.
Ten Hag explains defender subs
The Dutch manager’s decision came under scrutiny and Argentine defender, Martinez reacted angrily to the decision by smacking a chair in the dugout, as observed by Sun UK.
The decision did not pay off as Newcastle doubled their lead five minutes later through Wilson.
Ten Hag explained the decision after the game, as quoted by Metro UK: ‘‘We were not happy.
We played too high in midfield and it was easy for their two centre-halves to go and attack.
We had to play a little bit deeper. Therefore we made the sub. Then we made changes to bring more energy,’’ he said.
For the Red Devils this season, the Sweden winger has only made seven starts, but he has been used 17 times as a substitute.
During the previous transfer window, Elanga was rumoured to be interested in moving to teams like LaLiga leaders Barca and Premier League underachievers Everton, but a deal never materialised.
In response to a question about a potential move to Camp Nou at the beginning of the year, he told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: “That was in January, I can’t focus on that now.
“The best thing I can do is focus on the rest of the season and then I will get to talk to the club.
“I love the club, but it’s important for me to play. I’m still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required.”
The 20-year-old hopes United boss Erik ten Hag gives him more opportunities and is determined to take his chances when they come along.
He added: “It is frustrating. You want to play, it’s important. But whether you play or not, it’s up to the coach not me. I have spoken to Erik [ten Hag] and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard.
“When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it. We have a lot of conversations, not only about [his lack of opportunities] but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club,we talk a lot and they help me a lot.”
Under the direction of Erik ten Hag, United has had arguably a successful season. In February, the Dutchman gave the team its first trophy in nearly seven years.
The Europa League is one of two more trophies that the Red Devils are still in the running for.
Victory in the Premier League game between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford is celebrated by Erik ten Hag.
Be that as it may, Ten Hag is understood to be keen on strengthening his squad further this summer to help him challenge for more trophies next season.
According to Metro UK, United are looking to sign a prolific striker and have Napoli’s Victor Osimhen top on their shortlist.
The Old Trafford dwellers are also expected to add a central midfielder within their ranks to partner Casemiro.
United had initially touted Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong for the role, but The Sun claims Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham is now a top priority.
🚨 Napoli want €150,000,000 for striker Victor Osimhen.
Ten Hag is also likely to move for a right winger following Antony’s struggles since his arrival from Ajax.
Man United possible starting XI
Should Man United seal the three transfers, we are likely to see a much changed United team from next season.
David de Gea is expected to continue guarding the net next season, with the long-serving United shot stopper in line to renew his contract at Old Trafford.
Having already been frozen out of the starting XI, Harry Maguire may have to settle for a place on the bench should he continue at the club, with Ten Hag possibly continuing with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of his defence.
Diogo Dalot has been touted as the long term right-back at the Theatre of Dreams, leaving Wan-Bissaka staring at a bleak future with the club.
How Man United could line up next season with Osimhen, Mitoma, and Bellingham.
Photo: buildlineup.com. Source: UGC
That said, Dalot is likely to be partnered with Luke Shaw on either flank of the backline, with Tyrell Malacia acting as Shaw’s backup in left-back.
In the event United snaps up Bellingham from Dortmund, the Englishman is likely to team up with Casemiro in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes keeping his place as the club’s No.10.
Mitoma would obviously slot in for Antony on the right wing, with Marcus Rashford continuing on the left.
Such a scenario would then see Osimhen drafted into the attack to lead Man United’s goal hunt.
Napoli name Osimhen price tag
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Napoli have reportedly set the asking price for the club’s top marksman, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has courted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe after an impressive season with the Italian club.
Manchester United are among the clubs believed to be keen on the services of the Nigerian international.
While Napoli are said not to be willing to part company with Osimhen, fresh reports indicate the Italian giants would only listen to offers in the region of €150 million.
According to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, Christian Eriksen is expected to make a full recovery from a chronic ankle ailment next month.
During United’s 3-1 EFL Cup victory over Reading on January 28, Eriksen suffered an injury after being on the receiving end of a strong Andy Carroll tackle.
The international player from Denmark had been anticipated to miss the most of the season, with initial expectations for an April or May return.
Ten Hag provided a favorable report on the playmaker who had previously played for Tottenham and Inter and who had been a key component of their comeback in the first half of the season.
“Yes, some point in April, he will be back,” Ten Hag said. “He is doing really well, really good in his rehab.
“The progress is very good and we have to see how that develops in the coming weeks.”
United have a busy upcoming fixture given their commitments across the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, with nine games scheduled for April.
The Red Devils are currently third in the league in the race to clinch Champions League qualification, holding a three-point lead on fifth-placed Newcastle United.
The 31-year-old had made 29 appearances in all competitions this term for United, netting two goals with nine assists, including seven in the Premier League.
Despite not playing since January, Eriksen is still equal third with Mohamed Salah and Leandro Trossard for most league assists this term, behind Kevin De Bruyne (12) and Bukayo Saka (nine).
Bruno Fernandes (six) has the second-most Premier League assists this term for United, with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford both providing three.
After Marcus Rashford won the monthly players’ award,Erik ten Hag has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for February, giving Manchester United a hat trick.
The only blemish on United’s record last month was a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United, which was managed by Ten Hag. Ten Hag oversaw a return of 10 points from four Premier League games for United.
United improved on that Leeds draw by defeating their adversaries 2-0 in the rematch at Elland Road four days later, along with victories over Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
By defeating Newcastle United to win the EFL Cup and eliminating Barcelona from the Europa League in February, Ten Hag’s team ended a nearly six-year trophy drought. They also carried their league form into other competitions.
Having also received the award last September, Ten Hag’s second monthly prize brings him level with other two-time winners including Kenny Dalglish, Roberto Mancini and Thomas Tuchel.
While United enjoyed an excellent February, March began with the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in their illustrious history as they were hammered 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.
Having bounced back with a 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday, United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to extend an11-match unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League (W9 D2).
Erik ten Hag continues to be impressed by Harry Maguire and Wout Weghorst.
The Manchester United boss gave the pair high marks for their efforts against West Ham.
A few days after winning the Carabao Cup against Newcastle, the pair got the FA Cup fifth round victory at Old Trafford underway on Wednesday.
Club captain Maguire has been behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez under Ten Hag, and he only played for a little period of time at Wembley.
Yet the Dutch coach at Old Trafford was pleased to see the center back adjust to a right-sided role rather than his typical left, as evidenced by his commanding performance.
“My way of playing, it is better,” he said. “I prefer to have players with a lot of intensity [and] he had a good performance. He took the initiative in and out of possession.
“He was demanding the ball [and] he had some really good moments.I showed him a video [of his performances and of other players] on how to outplay opponents.
“[He must discover] how to have more of an impact. His skills are really high. For a centre-back, he has so many skills, and he has to use that.”
Weghorst, who did start at Wembley and provided an assist for Marcus Rashford on Sunday, has come under fire for his own lack of goals since his arrival on loan from Burnley.
But the striker’s work off the ball continues to please Ten Hag, having had a hand in all three of United’s goals on Wednesday, including Nayef Aguerd’s own goal and Alejandro Garnacho and Fred’s late efforts.
“He was one of the best players on the pitch,” he added. “He was involved and forced the own goal from the opponent. [With] Garnacho’s goal, he was pressing. With the third goal, he [made] a good press and Fred scores.
“He is doing a very good job for the team. At the start of the season, Marcus Rashford didn’t score every game, but I know that [the goals] will come for him. When he has the first goal, more will come.”
If the Glazers stay and make Erik ten Hag raise money, Manchester United may sell seven players this summer.
Despite months of rumours, the ownership situation of the Red Devils is still unknown.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe have expressed interest in the club since the Glazers first hinted at selling it earlier this season.
However, some Manchester United supporters continue to worry that their hated bosses will decide to stay.
If that does happen, Ten Hag will likely be made to offload players in order to fund any new deals.
And The Mirror are reporting that as many as seven stars face the chop at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire, 29, has started just five Premier League games this season as Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez continue to build a strong partnership.
And while Ten Hag has reassured him he is a big part of his plans, United could still sell as he would command a substantial fee.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has proven his worth over the past few months following a poor start to life under Ten Hag.
But he could still demand a hefty price tag in the window. And with Diogo Dalot a long-term option at right-back, United may see him as expendable come the end of the season.
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has returned from last season’s loan spell at Norwich and been outcast by Ten Hag.
The 22-year-old has earned just one appearance this season – a five-minute outing in the Carabao Cup.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are firmly ahead of him in the pecking order of left-backs, so he is an almost certain departure.
Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek has endured a torrid time since arriving from Ajax in 2020.
He made just four starts for United before being ruled out with a knee injury and that could cruelly signal the end of his spell at the club.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial seemed to be a favoured forward option for Ten Hag at the start of the season.
But continual injury issues have left him unable to establish a lengthy run in the team.
Six goals in 14 appearances is not a bad return, but his inability to remain fit could mean United show him the exit door at the end of the campaign as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Alex Telles
Alex Telles was sent out on loan to Sevilla following the arrival of Malacia in the summer.
But he has missed the last two months due to a knee injury and been unable to showcase his capabilities as a result.
With his contract up in 2024, expect him to be sold this summer.
After shocking a success-starved Newcastle to victory in the Carabao Cup final,Manchester United is now rejoicing over winning the first significant trophy of the Erik ten Hag era.
Both teams entered the game hoping for a win that would serve as the impetus for a better future, but it was the steadily improving Red Devils who came out on top under the arch.
In a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at Wembley, Casemiro’s header and an own goal by Sven Botman put an end to United’s trophy drought, which had lasted since 2017.
Things could have been so different for Eddie Howe’s men had David De Gea not been alert to deny Allan Saint-Maximin’s close-range shot late in the first half.
Within seven minutes of that save the Red Devils had control of the final, with Casemiro heading home Luke Shaw’s free-kick before Botman deflected a Marcus Rashford strike over Loris Karius.
The third-choice goalkeeper, making his debut and first competitive appearance in 728 days, denied Wout Weghorst putting the game to bed in first-half stoppage time.
Newcastle returned brightly from the break but were unable to mount a comeback, extending their wait for a first trophy since their 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph.
As for the victors, Ten Hag’s first ever trip to Wembley saw him join Jose Mourinho as the only United managers to win a major trophy in their first season.
More could yet follow this season given the Dutchman’s transformational impact on the culture and quality at Old Trafford.
The sides were greeted by an incredible din at a packed Wembley, where expectant fans twirled red scarves at one end as a sea of black and white flags fluttered at the other.
The atmosphere translated into an intense, open start, only for poor decision-making to see moves break down.
There was no danger of Karius being beaten by United’s first shot on target as Weghorst failed to make clean contact under pressure, before easily holding onto an Antony attempt.
United fans turned their attention to their owners as the half wore on, with “we want Glazers out” bellowed in front of watching co-owner Avram Glazer.
A couple of breaks in play for treatment took the sting out of a final that had lost its early intensity, only for Newcastle’s first shot on target to spark a frantic conclusion to the half.
After a cross flew across the face of goal, Saint-Maximin took possession at the far post, jinked past Diogo Dalot and forced De Gea into an important stop from close range.
That 32nd-minute save proved a key moment as United were soon 2-0 up.
The first goal came after returning Bruno Guimaraes fouled Rashford on the left, with Shaw whipping in a fine free-kick that Casemiro met with a powerful header past Karius.
A nervy wait followed to check an offside, with the Brazilian punching the air when it was given the green light.
It was a gut punch that United quickly followed up in front of the dejected Newcastle end.
On-loan Weghorst smartly played through Rashford to get away a hopeful strike that was heading wide until Botman’s block inadvertently sent the ball looping over the goalkeeper.
Dan Burn headed narrowly off target as Newcastle attempted to claw one back, but they would have been further behind in stoppage time had Karius not superbly tipped over Weghorst’s effort from distance.
Dalot, who had been booked for a ninth-minute challenge on fleet-footed Saint-Maximin, was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka at half-time, while Alexander Isak came on for Sean Longstaff.
Howe’s side were looking brighter as United slowed the tempo against a side Ten Hag had called “annoying” for their time-wasting antics in the build-up.
Newcastle could not turn possession into clear-cut chances, with inspired introduction Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martinez proving immovable objects.
Karius got down well to stop Rashford fizzing home from distance and dealt with a long-range Wan-Bissaka attempt as play became stretched with Howe’s side chasing a goal.
Newcastle saw penalty appeals overlooked and substitute Jacob Murphy fizzed a stunning long-range effort just wide.
The match ended with captain Harry Maguire being brought on, renewed chants against the Glazers, Karius denying Bruno Fernandes and De Gea becoming United’s record clean sheet holder with 181 shut-outs.
Former United players Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, and Gary Neville all now work in the media and frequently examine the club’s situation.
Following Ten Hag’s Europa League victory over Barcelona this week, some of those former players have praised the team. Schmeichel referred to Ten Hag’s performance as “vintage Sir Alex Ferguson,” which prompted comparisons to previous teams.
The Dutchman acknowledged that players were burdened by constant debate and scrutiny, but he also said they needed to be able to accept it as a necessary part of the job.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for the players of today because there are so many references to the past, a big history that former players made, and I can imagine those players saying it] because they love the club; it’s part of their lives,” Ten Hag said.
“What they love is what they criticise the most, so I understand, but it sometimes affects the players; it’s clear, but I also think it’s part of our job; you have to live with criticism and see it as a gift to do better.”
“They want to help you and as a player for Manchester United, you know you have to perform, win games and trophies. That can only be possible with togetherness, you can’t do it on your own, you need the team to perform.”
Ten Hag added that the only way to handle United’s trophy-laden past was to be part of a successful future. United can claim their first piece of silverware under Ten Hag when they face Newcastle United in Sunday’s EFL Cup final.
“That’s the point, you’re a player for Manchester United and you have to create your own legacy, therefore you have to win trophies and we have that opportunity on Sunday,” he said.
The manager of Manchester United claims that Erik ten Hag and his team don’t have time to worry about rumors of a possible takeover at Old Trafford.
Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS and a Qatari group led by banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Al Thani submitted bids for United before a “soft” deadline this week.
There seems to be an end in sight to the Glazer family’s mainly unpopular ownership of the team, but United has a lot of attention to devote to the field right now.
Ahead of Sunday’s match against Leicester City, Ten Hag‘s side are third in the Premier League going into a huge week that includes a Europa League second leg against Barcelona and the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.
For that reason, takeover talk is of little concern.
“There’s movement around the club, but it’s not up to me,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“The owners of the club are taking this stuff – I have to manage the team, make sure the team is performing and we get the right results in.
“Every third day we have a game, so I don’t have time to get involved in stuff like this.”
He added: “It’s not distracting us. We’re focusing on football. We’re focusing on our games, preparing and training. That is our job to do. It doesn’t distract us. So far, so good.”
While United have a relentless schedule, Wembley opponents Newcastle have a clear week ahead of a long-awaited final appearance.
But Ten Hag said: “It’s a big advantage for us, I would say. We are used to playing big games. That will be a huge advantage for us.”
Sure to be key to United’s hopes against both Barca and Newcastle is Marcus Rashford, who has scored a remarkable 14 goals since returning from the World Cup in December.
The England forward is out of contract at United at the end of next season, and his future will have to be a top priority for any new owner.
“Of course it’s a priority,” Ten Hag said. “We will work on that. Sit, wait, but in the background, we’re working hard.”
Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United won’t have any justifications if they lose to Leeds on Wednesday night.
Due to injuries and suspensions, United will be missing a number of important players, with Casemiro starting a three-match suspension after getting sent off during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.
The important midfielder will observe as Ten Hag attempts to select the strongest starting lineup from a group that is also without Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek for an extended period of time, along with Anthony Martial, Antony, and Scott McTominay.
The 53-year-old Dutchman, though, is adamant that his team will still give it everything they have at Old Trafford to get three points.
He said: “I’m the manager. I always have to play with the players who are available.
“We have a squad, we have many good players available in that squad who are not always in the starting XI. So others [will] get the chance and I have to do it.
“After the game, I can’t say Casemiro is not there, Martial is not there. No, we have to win.
“This squad, all players in [it], are Man United capable, so they have to perform and we have to win the games, no matter who is coming on the pitch.”
ℹ️ Erik has ruled three Reds out through injury ahead of #MUNLEE.#MUFC || #PL
Erik ten Hag acknowledged that Casemiro “crossed the line” and was dismissed during Manchester United’s nerve-wracking 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, but the Dutchman feels that some Eagles players got off easy.
Following a VAR review, Casemiro was expelled for putting his hands around Will Hughes’ neck during an argument between both sets of players that was started by Jeffrey Schlupp’s push on Antony and led to a penalty kick from Bruno Fernandes and yet another goal from the in-form Marcus Rashford.
Schlupp then scored with 14 minutes remaining to set up a nervous finish, but United held on to earn their 13th straight victory at home in all competitions, matching their longest streak at Old Trafford since they won 20 straight games from December 2010 to September 2011.
Ten Hag had no issues with the decision to fire Casemiro, a brazilian player who will now miss United’s next three league games, but the former Ajax manager believed Jordan Ayew and other Palace players should have also received punishment.
“We played a brilliant game and it was a really high level first 70 minutes until the incident took place and then you see this team stands for each other,” he said.
“It’s such a good spirit in the team and they don’t accept when a player from us can be badly injured and that’s the way Antony got treated.
“This team sticks together but, of course, you have to control your emotions. But it’s really difficult in such a moment and I see two teams fighting each other.
“I see two teams of players crossing the line and then one player gets picked out, gets sent off. And for me, that’s not right.
“The player from Crystal Palace takes a big risk with this foul that he gets badly injured by pushing him across the line and you know the pitches here. And then everyone is reacting, Crystal Palace and Manchester United players, and not only Casemiro.
“He [Ayew] was one of the players who did even worse than Casemiro. Casemiro, you freeze the moment, I think within the shot he’s crossed the line there, I do definitely. And you have to be consistent as a VAR.
“Players and colleagues are hurting each other that bad like the player last week [Reading’s Andy Carroll] did against Christian Eriksen and the player from Crystal Palace [Schlupp]; he started this, he took a big risk by injuring Antony.”
United are back in action again on Wednesday when Leeds United visit Old Trafford, before the Red Devils travel to Yorkshire for the reverse fixture just four days later.
Even though Christian Eriksen will be sidelined for three months due to injury, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not plan to enter the transfer market on deadline day.
Eriksen, who suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday, would likely be sidelined at least until late April, United announced on Tuesday.
Andy Carroll delivered a strong tackle to him, which remained unpunished until he eventually received two more severe challenges that led to his dismissal.
Losing Eriksen is a major blow for United given his prominence in his first campaign at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes (2,603) the only outfield player to record more minutes on the pitch than the Dane (2,274) for Ten Hag’s men this term.
United will suddenly be without one of their chief creators, as Eriksen’s 53 key passes is second only to Fernandes (81), and he leads the way for assists with nine.
But Ten Hag is confident he has the options to cope.
“Of course, [Eriksen] is disappointed about [the injury], we are disappointed about it,” the manager told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest.
“It happens in top football, you have to deal with it.”
He added: “As you said, something coming out on deadline day is difficult and you can’t make policy on such bad injuries, but we have players in the midfield department, good players, we also have players who can fill the gap.”
Eriksen’s injury leaves Ten Hag with only Scott McTominay, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes, and Donny van de Beek as senior midfield options, while 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has made two cup appearances and has occasionally served as a substitute in the Premier League.
Zidane Iqbal, a 19-year-old Iraqi international who has yet to make his debut but was apparently in line for a loan move, has also found himself on the bench frequently this season.
Regardless of who steps up, Ten Hag acknowledges that there will need to be some adaption because they won’t have the same qualities as the Danish celebrity.
“I think you can never fill that because every player has their own characteristics and identity, so another player will always fill it in in a different way,” he said.
“So, it doesn’t mean that you have to be less successful, but it’s quite clear that Christian Eriksen, for our squad, brings top quality and he has some specifics that are hard to replace. For instance, his impact in the final third, [with his] final ball.”
The Brazilian midfielder Fred would seem to stand to gain the most from Eriksen’s absence.
Although the 29-year-old has only started five Premier League games this season, he has participated in a total of 17 matches in the top tier. Ten Hag appears to admire the player’s vigor and perseverance in the second half when others may be worn out.
Additionally, the fact that he frequently competes with Casemiro for the Selecao is convenient.
“You mentioned already in your first sentence, he’s playing together with Casemiro in the Brazilian squad, I would say that’s not the worst squad in the world,” Ten Hag said with a grin.
“They have so many choices what they can make but they often prefer to play them together. So, that tells something about the quality Fred has and what he can contribute to the team.
“He has done it several times with his performance for instance against Tottenham, for instance against Manchester City.
“When he’s coming on [in the] last game [against Reading], he’s scoring a goal straight away. He has a lot of qualities. I think they are a really good combination, Casemiro and Fred.”
To help Manchester United become the best team in football, Erik ten Hag wants Marcus Rashford to pledge his future to the club.
Rashford is United’s leading scorer so far this year with eight goals in the last eight games.
The England international has scored 17 goals in 28 games, compared to 12.8 predicted goals, and scores once every 124 minutes (xG).
The contract for Rashford expires in 2024, but Ten Hag is optimistic that a new deal will be reached.
“This is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team – first in England, then Europe, then the world,” said Ten Hag ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.
“It is confidential, talks between clubs and players, [but] he understands Manchester United is his club and also in this environment, this team, he is playing his best football.
“He is improving, he is giving 100 per cent.
“He can bring his qualities and this team can help him be in the right position to score goals. The team is constructed so that his qualities come to the fore.
“He knows he is important for us and if we want to succeed, we need him.”
While Rashford is thriving on one side of United’s attack, Antony – a big-money signing from Ajax last year – has struggled after a fast start to his career in England.
Ten Hag is not concerned, though.
“He is not losing games,” the Dutchman said of the Brazil winger.
“He is playing and the team is winning and that already gives a message of how well he is performing.
“He can do better. I see space for improvement, and we want him to be more direct.”
In order to revive a winning culture at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag wants the bar to stay high.
On Sunday, United will play Premier League leaders Arsenal. While their immediate focus is on securing a spot in the top four, a win may imply a title challenge is not out of the question.
Wednesday’s 1-1 tie with Crystal Palace snapped United’s seven-game winning streak in all competitions.
It’s about rediscovering the ethos that allowed United to rule English football under Alex Ferguson, according to Ten Hag.
“What I want to bring in is some culture from high standards and values,” he told reporters.
“And also, I think accountability and transparency. So honestly, they are our values [that] I want to set, want to control.
“I think that is the way we have to cooperate. Internally, but also externally. So for instance, with the media with the fans.”
Asked if he has confidence in United’s ability to keep improving, Ten Hag said: “Yes, I’m quite convinced of that process. I think we are [going] in the right direction.
“It also means that we have to improve a lot if you want to compete in the future for the top positions because the competition will be really tough.”
United beat Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, which marks the Gunners’ only league defeat of the season.
This is just the third time Arsenal are hosting United in a Premier League match while top of the table, with the previous two meetings ending in draws – 1-1 in March 2004 and 2-2 in November 2007.
The clubs have enjoyed a fierce rivalry down the years, and Ten Hag believes both sides are close to getting back to where they belong.
“I think in the Premier League, you have six, seven teams who all can win the league,” he said.
“When you have the right philosophy, the right strategy, I think that many more clubs can compete for positions for the top positions in the league, so that’s a great challenge.”
When Manchester United plays to Marcus Rashford‘s strengths, according to Erik ten Hag, he can be “unstoppable,” and former captain Roy Keane was not surprised by his performance against Everton on Friday.
In a 3-1 victory that advanced United to the FA Cup fourth round, Rashford stole the show.
At Old Trafford, the England forward set up Antony for the game’s first goal before using exquisite skill to make Conor Coady score an own goal to reverse the Everton defender’s earlier equalizer.
The third goal was scored by Rashford himself when he converted a stoppage-time penalty at the conclusion of what manager Ten Hag referred to as “90 minutes of threat.”
Keane, in his role as an ITV pundit, said: “The beauty of watching Marcus tonight was this is what I expect of him now. I’m not surprised by what I’ve seen.
“He’s becoming hopefully one of the main players for United; can he get them back to winning trophies? He’s taking responsibility.
“Tonight, with two assists and a goal, I’m thinking I expect this now from Marcus every week. He’s obviously playing with a confidence.”
For a man who has scored in five straight games and seven straight at Old Trafford, confidence is definitely important, but Ten Hag also stressed the value of his teammates.
“It’s about bringing him in the right position,” he said in a news conference. “He has to do it, but make sure as a team we create spaces, so he is coming [with] his strengths.
“That is Marcus doing really well, but also the team is doing very well to get the right shape.
Really good team performance and happy to cap it off with a goal ⚽️
“So, he can bring his strengths in, and I think then he is unstoppable, with his speed, with his dribbles, with his directness.”
Ten Hag, like Keane, is confident Rashford can maintain those high standards moving forward as United retain an interest on four fronts this season.
“Of course, as a striker, you measure goals [and] assists,” Ten Hag added. “Today he had two assists and one goal, so it’s great.
“He has fantastic skills, and when he has that mental stability, he can keep going.
“That demands a lot, first from him, also from us as a team, an organisation, to make sure we have the right environment, the right culture. When he keeps focused like this, I’m sure he can keep this process going.”
Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United stars to “live the high standards” it will take to carry the club back to the top of English football.
The United manager has the bulk of his squad back together after the World Cup interval and will embark on the next stage of rigging up a group capable of challenging for titles.
Former Ajax coach Ten Hag says his players must not “get too satisfied” with their progress, which he nonetheless feels has been significant since a difficult start to his reign.
United will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Burnley, leaders of the Championship, at the EFL Cup last-16 stage.
Their first Premier League game after the resumption comes on December 27 when they tackle Nottingham Forest.
Ten Hag said: “Satisfaction makes you lazy. So don’t get too satisfied with yourself as a team. Give every day the best.
“Only when you set those high standards and keep the high standards – it’s up to me to control that and give that example, clear. But the players and staff at Manchester United have to live the high standards, and then it’s possible to compete with the best clubs in the Premier League and achieve our goals.
“Where we were at the start of the season, we were just not good enough. I knew it when I stepped in that we would have days like that, that we would have defeats.”
United lost their opening two Premier League games of the campaign to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, but they have recovered strongly to win eight of their next 12 in the competition to rise to fifth place, three points off the top four with a game in hand.
They were last champions of England in 2012-13 and have not won a major trophy since landing the EFL Cup and Europa League in the 2016-17 season.
Ten Hag, who spoke to the Manchester Evening News and national newspapers during a training break in Spain, said it was obvious he was taking on “a difficult project”.
“Manchester United was not in the circumstances that you would expect of them, and I think now we’re in the right direction, but we’re far away from where we need to be,” he said.
United have lost three of their last four home games in the EFL Cup, as many as they had in their previous 36 at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag will be wary of the threat Burnley pose.
The Dutchman is confident United can keep building in the coming weeks and months, but bringing everyone back into tune with how he wants to play is another challenge. Many have been away with their national teams, playing and being coached in contrasting ways to his methods.
“Players come back and they have been playing six weeks in a different environment and different style of play,” said Ten Hag, “and then they have to get back to our style and system and our rules and principles, and it’s a team sport. So, all 11 have to be on the same page.”
Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag is eager to recruit a forward to Manchester United in the upcoming months.
Under the Dutch coach, the Red Devils have experienced a stronger start to the Premier League campaign than in previous years, but they still lack talent in the final third.
Despite the fact that there may be more inexpensive options in a notoriously difficult winter window, Cody Gakpo has been on the club’s radar for a number of months.
The United attack might be strengthened in January by five different strategies.
Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)
Much has been said of PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpofollowing his impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Qatar.
Gakpo was subject to interest from the 13-time Premier League winners last summer and the club could return in an effort to secure his services in January.
The 23-year-old scored three times for his country at the global showpiece and has been a star for his club in the Eredivisie, tallying 21 goal contributions in just 14 matches.
His impressive form has had consequences for clubs aiming to sign the 14-cap international with his price tag skyrocketing in recent months.
PSV’s director of football Marcel Brands said: “Only 10-12 clubs can afford Gakpo in January. Let’s see if it will happen — it has to be a record PSV sale and also the right bid for Cody’s plans.”
Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)
Goncalo Ramos has made a name for himself on the international stage
Another impressive youngster who has emerged at the World Cup is Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos, 21, played in four of Portugal’s five matches at the tournament in Qatar and netted a hat-trick in the win over Switzerland that earned his country a quarter-final berth.
He has also been thriving in domestic football — scoring nine times in 11 league matches for the Eagles, who sit top of the Primeira Liga.
The striker came through Benfica’s youth system and has since gone on to net 28 times in 80 first-team appearances.
United are sure to have their eye on Ramos and may rely on compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot to convince him to join.
Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)
A name that has gone under the radar this season is Marcus Thuram, who has enjoyed a cameo role for France at the World Cup.
The Borussia Monchengladbach finisher has been prolific in the Bundesliga however, netting 10 times in 15 appearances for the German side.
His current contract is set to expire next summer, which is likely to draw interest from the Red Devils who could look to finalise a cheap deal to appease the Bundesliga outfit.
However, Ten Hag would likely face stiff competition from his rivals as clubs look to bag a January bargain.
At 6ft 2in, Thuram would be an excellent option to provide an aerial threat as United look to continue their progress in the Premier League and Europa League.
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
Christian Pulisic was the United States’ talisman at the World Cup
Christian Pulisic is yet to find favour under Graham Potter at Chelsea but his performances at the World Cup proved he has exceptional quality.
With a goal and two assists, the Pennsylvania-born attacker helped drag the United States to the last 16 in Qatar before they bowed out at the hands of the Netherlands.
His club form has not been as impressive — just two goal contributions in 13 Premier League appearances this term — but he has mostly been limited to action from the bench.
United were reportedly exploring a loan deal for the American last summer but the West London club were playing hardball at the time.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Like Gakpo, Victor Osimhen would be an expensive option for the Red Devils with the Nigerian centre forward valued at over £80million.
The 23-year-old could well be worth the money however, as shown by his superb form this season for Napoli.
Luciano Spalletti’s men sit eight points clear at the summit of Serie A and Osimhen tops the goalscoring charts with nine strikes to his name.
Impressive performances in the Partenopei’s Champions League group-stage campaign have put him on the radar of many European clubs, including United.
Harry Maguire has been urged by Erik ten Hag to emulate his performance for England while playing for Manchester United in order to force his way back into the starting lineup for the Red Devils.
Before traveling to the World Cup with England and playing in all five of their games during their march to the quarterfinals, Maguire made just three Premier League starts for United this season.
Although Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have emerged as Ten Hag’s favourite combo at United this season, Gareth Southgate has consistently supported the center-back on the international scene.
Ten Hag feels that Maguire can return to Old Trafford with confidence after his outstanding performances in Qatar following England’s elimination by France on Saturday.
“I can only back him. I’ve been asked many times if he is good enough [to play for me] and it is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level,” the United manager told reporters.
“And then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games [for United].
“When he is playing with his confidence like now, he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects. That’s what Harry expects from himself.
“He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him. I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system.
“He has, for England, almost all the time good games. He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.
“When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he is playing for England.
“We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for Manchester United. I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him. If he does that he will be a great player for us.”
Last night hurt. Absolutely gutted. Special thanks to Gareth and you amazing fans who kept belief in me. I love my country and I hope we made you proud. 🏴🦁 pic.twitter.com/8qd4rJcaIm
Maguire missed some of United’s Premier League season due to a hamstring injury, but even when healthy, Ten Hag has preferred Martinez, Varane, and Victor Lindelof to the 29-year-old.
Ten Hag affirmed that he has no problems with Maguire and insisted that subsequent strong performances will result in a return to his starting XI.
“When I choose Rapha [Varane] it is nothing against Harry,” he continued. “Sometimes it is because one player is a lot better than the other.
“But I think I have two or three good players there in the right centre-back position.
“After Brentford, I had a feeling I had to change. He was unlucky that moment was bad for him but it doesn’t say anything about his quality that he can’t do it or my opinion about his quality.
“Rapha came in and is doing a good job. There are laws of the game in top football – you have to take your chance. Your chance will always come.
“The only thing he has to do is train well, perform well, he has games, he has rhythm and his chance will come. He will have a chance to show it and then he’s in and he will play.”
As for Maguire’s future, Ten Hag added: “Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more. Until that moment, I am happy with him.
“I have said it to him and you, I can do nothing more. It is up to him to contribute to play himself into the team.
“We have 16 to 18 players in the squad and that is what you need at the top level if you want to play for trophies. All the number of games we have to cover and then it is about the players who construct the best team, and that team we will pick. It is nothing to do with being personal.”
Erik ten Hag has thrown a challenge to Manchester United’s young players, telling them they have a “fantastic” opportunity to make a mark at the team’s training camp in Spain.
A number of Ten Hag’s players are still competing for their countries at the World Cup, and United is one of several Premier League teams that have gone abroad for midseason training camps.
Twelve United players are still present in Qatar going into the quarterfinals, and Ten Hag will probably make lineup adjustments due to the short turnaround before the Premier League season resumes later this month.
“We have a lot of young players with us and they have to support us – they can show us what they have to offer, what their capabilities are and what their potential is and if you can use them, if they have a future,” he told MUTV.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for them. Normally we don’t have this break and now we have this break.
“Many players are at the World Cup, so there are positions available and they can get used in these positions.
“They can show themselves and they can challenge players who play in the Premier League [games], so it’s fantastic for them.”
On December 21, United will play Burnley in the EFL Cup, and six days later, they will play Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
In a 90-minute interview conducted by Piers Morgan, due to be released fully on Wednesday, Ronaldo issued scathing criticism upon the club, Erik ten Hag and former caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick.
The 37-year-old declared he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and had “never heard of” his predecessor Rangnick, while claiming no progress had been made by the club since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Ronaldo’s comments come ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, with United not in Premier League action again until Boxing Day, and they will take their time to decide the appropriate action.
The statement read: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
Ronaldo has made 16 appearances across all competitions for United this season, 10 of which have been as a starter, scoring three goals and registering two assists.
However, he has netted just once in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench against Everton on October 9 to score the winner in a 2-1 victory.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unsure of Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability against Fulham after the forward was struck down by illness this week.
United travel to Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday for their final game before the season halts for the World Cup in Qatar, with questions lingering as to whether players will avoid being involved across the final weekend in order to avoid picking up an injury.
Ten Hag insists that is not the case for United and, though Ronaldo has been under the weather in recent days, it is “possible” he could be involved.
“I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game. We have Fulham, and I will not take the World Cup into regard. We play the best team on Sunday – it’s the only interest for Manchester United,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“I can’t guarantee that now [Ronaldo being available], but he was ill today, so he can recover from that, it’s not a really serious illness that takes days or weeks. So I think it’s possible that he will be available for Sunday and that he will be in the squad.”
Ten Hag was also asked how he would assess the current position of United and outlined his content, though he remains focused on this weekend’s game with Fulham.
“I hoped that we would be where we are now, but again, it’s better to ask me the question after Sunday. Sunday is going to be a really important game,” he added.
“If you look into the progress of the process, then you can analyse and you can make a reflection. I think we have progressed.
“Pressing play out from the back, also attacking the final third, that is part of the game we have to improve, but then you have to have numbers available. When we have so many games, you need rotation. Otherwise, you don’t keep the players fresh.
“We need the players who are available at the highest level. So we need new players or to use the players that we have already got.”
One of those within the squad who has had limited involvement is Donny van de Beek, but Ten Hag feels there is still a role for the midfielder to play, with a temporary departure not appealing to him.
“I don’t think that a loan makes sense. It’s either he fights himself, and he proves himself in this atmosphere in this environment, or he goes, but for me, there’s still a way for him,” he explained.
“There’s still chances for him, but it is not going to be easy because the competition there is really strong.”
Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils revolution is up and running — and Casemiro is the glue holding it together.
The Brazilian star joined Manchester United from Real Madrid for £70million in August, as part of a £200m spending spree at Old Trafford.
And he is proving to be worth every penny after a series of sensational displays at the heart of midfield.
Ahead of United’s clash with West Ham this afternoon, we take a look at how Casemiro is helping to transform his new club’s fortunes.
Winning mentality
Casemiro arrived in Manchester with plenty of pedigree, having won a remarkable 16 trophies across eight seasons in Madrid.
That haul included three LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs and now the 30-year-old is bringing that winning mentality to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in the four Premier League matches that Casemiro has started — as well as winning three out of the four Europa League games where he has featured for over an hour.
Problem solving
Manchester United’s midfield has been their Achilles’ heel for a number of seasons — but Casemiro is bringing balance to their engine room.
The Sao Paulo native has the defensive attributes to free his central team-mates from their shackles, allowing Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen or Fred to support attacks more effectively.
That was particularly evident in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham earlier this month, when Fred was transformed by the freedom that Casemiro’s presence afforded him as he chipped in with a goal and an assist.
United’s No18 is also assured with the ball at his feet, which is helping the Red Devils dominate possession more effectively than in previous campaigns.
Casemiro’s impressive ball-winning ability has been on display since his arrival at Old Trafford
Growing in importance
Ten Hag is understandably delighted with Casemiro’s performances in recent weeks.
Reflecting on the 64-cap international’s stoppage-time equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he said: “That is why we brought him in, we know he’s capable of doing that.
“He proved it in Spain, in the Champions League, at the highest level. So he could also do it in the Premier League.
“He needed a short period to adapt to that, and now from game to game you see him growing, and how important he is for our game.
“He offers composure, organisation — and also when he scores a goal as well, then you bring a lot to a team.”
Manchester United’s Casemiro has covered plenty of ground in the centre of the park
Crunching the numbers
Casemiro’s underlying numbers reflect the impact that he is having at Old Trafford.
No player in the Premier League has made more tackles per 90 minutes than his 5.13 this season, while he is inside the division’s top 20 performers for both interceptions (1.85) and possession regains in the middle third (4.1) per 90.
The anchorman is also a significant aerial presence — registering a commendable 1.85 headed clearances per 90.
Meanwhile, an average of 82 touches per match reflects Casemiro’s desire to get involved in play and influence the game.
Casemiro has made a positive impression during his first two months at Manchester United
Added quality
Manchester United have enjoyed a significant upturn in fortunes since their early season woes — and former Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes believes that Casemiro is the driving force behind that improvement.
He said: “You can see that the stats speak for themselves, the quality that he [Casemiro] has brought to this team.
“When you look at the Real Madrid team, you always seem to think of [Luka] Modric and [Toni] Kroos and their quality, but this fella probably got overlooked in that. I think we are now seeing the real quality.
“I didn’t expect him to be as good on the ball, but, obviously, he is. We have seen that again and he links the play just as well as Eriksen does, really, with his forward passing and one-touch passing.
“I’m not sure he is going to be scoring loads of goals, but that’s not what he is in the team for. I think the real step-up in quality from what we saw at the start of the season to what we’re seeing now has made this team a lot better.”
New boss Ten Hag will be hoping that his strong run of form continues against the Hammers later.
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has announced that Cristiano Ronaldo is back in Manchester United’s squad for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Sheriff.
However, Raphael Varane will not play again before the World Cup.
Portugal international Ronaldo was dropped by United for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute and heading for the tunnel early in last week’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
The 37-year-old was also briefly excluded from first-team involvement, but he returned to training on Tuesday and will now be considered for selection against Sheriff at Old Trafford.
However, United will be without centre-back Varane until after the World Cup break, though Ten Hag did not reveal whether the France international will be fit in time for his country’s Qatar 2022 campaign.
“Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow. Rapha Varane isn’t. He will be out until the World Cup,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s pre-match news conference.
📍 Training HQ
A solid session ahead of Thursday’s #UEL encounter ✔#MUFC
Varane left the field in tears after sustaining a leg injury in the dramatic draw with Chelsea, with the defender now in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup, which begins on November 22 for France with a game against Australia.
Further pressed on a timeline for Varane’s return to action, Ten Hag told reporters: “We will have to see how he develops, how his rehab will develop.”
United will book a place in the knockout stage of the Europa League against Sheriff if they win, draw or avoid defeat by more than one goal.
Ten Hag also confirmed he will make a late decision on whether to field Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all of whom returned to training this week.
Lisandro Martinez believes Manchester United are on track to compete for honours under Erik ten Hag, but says the Red Devils must remain grounded following their turnaround in fortunes.
United began the campaign with humiliating back-to-back losses to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, but have won six of their eight subsequent Premier League fixtures to sit fifth in the table.
Ten Hag’s team could now leapfrog Chelsea into a top-four spot when they face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, having won three of their last four away league games.
United claimed one of their most impressive results of the season last time out, as goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes downed Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford, and Martinez says that display was the culmination of much work from Ten Hag’s team.
Asked whether Wednesday’s win represented their best performance of the season, Martinez told Sky Sports: “I think so. We did a great job.
“We controlled the game, the whole 90 minutes. I think they had only one chance in the first half and then we were solid in defence.
“I am really happy because we tried really hard to play at this level. We want to play this way. It is fantastic to do it.”
Martinez was heavily criticised for his own role in United’s early-season woes, with detractors suggesting the Argentina international did have the necessary physical attributes to thrive in England.
But the former Ajax man stressed the importance of remaining calm as he added: “Sometimes we have to be patient, you know. Especially in the beginning, we know that we did not play how we wanted.
“But it is part of football, we learn. It is experience. We have a new team, a new system. Now we have to keep going.
“It is difficult. Especially in football, you don’t have time. If you lose you are a really bad player or a really bad team. But we know what we are. We have to be calm, we have to be patient, and always try hard.
“For sure, our ambition is to win titles, to put Manchester United where they deserve [to be].
“I think we are in a good way to do it. But we have to keep our feet on the ground, we have to be humble and take it step by step.”
Martinez was also asked to name his defensive role model, and selected another fiery Argentine, one who participated in a Premier League title win with United in the 2006-07 season.
“Gabriel Heinze is my idol,” Martinez added. “I love him. I love the way he played, very aggressive, good mentality, good mentality in the duels.
“[He played] every game as a final. He was a top player. I try to play like him. We are a bit different as well, but I like his mentality.”
United are bidding to improve on a poor record at Stamford Bridge – their 20 per cent win rate (6/30) in away Premier League games against Chelsea is their worst record against any side they have faced more than twice on the road.
Erik ten Hag has warned it will take “months” to consistently produce the intensity Manchester United need to become a force again.
There was an air of optimism at Old Trafford following four consecutive Premier League wins, but that came to a juddering halt when the Red Devils suffered a chastening 6-3 derby defeat at Manchester City last Sunday.
The champions tore United apart, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scoring hat-tricks in a rout at the Etihad Stadium.
Ten Hag’s side came from behind to win 3-2 at Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday and return to top-flight action with a trip to Everton on Sunday.
Dutchman Ten Hag, who left Ajax to take the United hot seat at the end of last season, says it will take time for his side to reach the sort of levels he expects.
“It’s more – it’s physical, it’s mental, it’s also sustainability,” he said.
“It’s like a routine, a way of life and you have to bring it to every training in your system, as a squad and an individual player.
“When you have had a lack of it in the last years, it’s not something that you build or progress in a week or a month.
“Now it’s a system that has to be [in place]. It is a demand nowadays top football and it’s quite clear City is the standard in that. There are more teams, but I think we can deliver that.
“We have seen it against Liverpool and we have seen it against Arsenal, but now we have to do it on a consistent basis, that is what we have to work for now.
“It will not come overnight, it will also take more than weeks – it will take months.”
Ten Hag also expects United to be more disciplined and streetwise.
He added: “I know nasty, I know what it is. In that manner we can progress but sometimes also play a little bit smarter.
“Like we have too many bookings and some players at the start of Premier League, they play tough.
“But I wonder [why] we collect so many bookings and I don’t understand, like the first booking [for Diogo Dalot at City] on Sunday, I really don’t understand.
“We want to play tough, we want to keep the game going and then in the second minute already it’s a booking for Diogo.
“Also, I saw many other bookings where I think, ‘Is that necessary?’ I have to keep the reminder to the players to play smart, but they have to play nasty as well.”
Raphael Varane could return from an ankle injury at Goodison Park, but Harry Maguire remains sidelined along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek.
Erik ten Hag will look to do something no Manchester United manager has since Alex Ferguson when he heads to Manchester City on Sunday for a derby he is hugely looking forward to.
Ten Hag has recovered from a rocky start at Old Trafford to lead United to four straight wins in the Premier League.
But in order to extend that run, he will have to end a miserable sequences of results for United managers in their first Manchester derbies.
United great Ferguson won his first such clash in March 1987, but each of his successors – David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick – have lost their league derby debuts.
Only Chelsea and Liverpool (both 18) have celebrated more Premier League wins against United than their nearest neighbours (17), who have come out on top in their past three meetings.
Yet Ten Hag is relishing the challenge, as he told reporters on Friday: “I played many derbies. I know what they are, what rivals are doing to each other.
“I know it’s the most important game here in the Manchester area for the fans. It excites me. I want to be involved in these games.
“It’s a good fight that gives so much energy. You do everything to win that game.”
City have won their past seven home league games, scoring at least three times in each of them, but Ten Hag is determined to focus on his own side’s merits.
“The approach is for us to look to ourselves,” he said.
“The approach at Man United is we want to win every game, and that message I’ve already told several times here. For Sunday, it’s nothing else.
“We have to perform our best; with our way of playing, our rules, our principles, we have to do our best.
“We have made a good game plan, then it’s about execution. We have to do it. We want to get the result, and we know if we want to get the result, we have to do it 100 per cent well.”
Similarly, Ten Hag was keen not to spend too much time worrying about Erling Haaland, the City sensation who has scored a hat-trick in each of his past two home league matches. No Premier League player has ever scored three home trebles in a row.
“We don’t play against Haaland; we play against Man City,” Ten Hag added. “They have a team of more than 11 players, but we have also.
“We are confident of our capabilities, and if we act as a team, in and out of possession, then we can beat our opponents. That is the belief we have to take with us when we start the game.”
Man Utd 3-1 Arsenal: Red Devils’ spirit and mentality has ‘really improved’ – Erik ten Hag
Casemiro could make his first Manchester United start and Cristiano Ronaldo may return when they face Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Midfielder Casemiro has made three substitute appearances since joining from Real Madrid, while Ronaldo has made just one start this season.
But with United at Crystal Palace on Sunday, United boss Erik ten Hag is set to make changes for the Group E game.
Club captain Harry Maguire may also feature against the Spanish side.
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Ten Hag was asked on Wednesday about trying to keep all his players happy.
“Maybe I cannot keep them all happy every game but everyone gets their game-time if they perform well, it’s quite clear,” added the Dutchman.
“But what I say, we need everyone – we have a lot of games to cover. There is a lot coming in front of us, and the national teams of course – the World Cup – but also all of the cups in England.
“The Europa League where we are now getting in and, of course, the Premier League.”
United, who have won their past four games to climb to fifth in the Premier League, knocked Real Sociedad out of the Europa League at the round of 32 stage in 2020-21.
Sociedad have won two of their opening four games in La Liga and sit ninth in the table.
Manchester United head coach, Erik ten Hag, is optimistic that Marcus Rashford would remain with the club.
According to him, the club are in control of matters when it comes to the player.
Ten Hag noted that Rashford is happier at Manchester United.
“It’s difficult for me to talk about the past. What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford. We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch. He comes in every day, he enjoys it, he’s smiling, [he has] a really positive vibe. If you put all of those things together and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team,” he said.
“Definitely,” the Dutchman stated when asked if the forward was in his long-term plans. “I don’t think he is out of contract – I think United control the situation.
The England international was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain over the off-season following a difficult 2021-22 campaign, where he scored just five times in 32 games across all competitions.
But with three goals and two assists in the first six games of the new Premier League season, the 24-year-old looks to have rediscovered both the best of his abilities and his satisfaction with life at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s United contract expires at the end of the current campaign, but with United set to start their Europa League campaign against Real Sociedad this week, manager Ten Hag says the club have his future in hand, given they have the option to extend his contract by a year.
His role as a centre-forward has kept Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting line-up the past four games for United, with the Portuguese star benched alongside captain Harry Maguire.
Quizzed on whether a return could be on the cards for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ten Hag acknowledged the veteran forward is fit to feature from the off, while discussing plans to rotate his squad for their European schedule.
“He started against Brentford, then not since, but he is ready to start,” added Ten Hag.
“Of course [he can start for the majority of games]. We have to win every game. We want to win every tournament, so we take everything seriously.
“We not only have a team, we have a squad, but we have to win every game and that is the mentality Manchester United needs.”
Ten Hag acknowledged his approach may not keep all of the big names in his squad satisfied, but says his players will get a chance to shine, providing they earn their place.
“Maybe I can not keep them all happy every game, but everyone gets the game time if they perform well, [it is] quite clear,” he added. “We need everyone, we have a lot of games to cover.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he feels “sorry” for Thomas Tuchel after his dismissal.
Chelsea today, September 7, sacked Tuchel due to the non-performance of the club.
Although Eric ten Hag feels disturbed, he said “there is nothing I can say.”
“It’s Chelsea, not Man United. It’s early in the season, yes,” he added.
Tuchel parted company with the Blues just a day on from starting their Champions League campaign with a shock 1-0 loss at Dinamo Zagreb.
An indifferent start to their Premier League campaign that has produced three wins, two defeats and a draw has left Chelsea sixth in the table.
The news came as a surprise to many, though, given Chelsea spent big in the transfer window to sign the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Having also won the Champions League four months after joining the club in January 2021, most would have expected Tuchel to be afforded more time by the club’s new owners led by Todd Boehly.
United are one place and two points ahead of Chelsea in the infant Premier League.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has cancelled a planned day off on Sunday after the 4-0 humiliation at Brentford.
With no game until the visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford on 22 August, Ten Hag had intended to let his squad have the rest of the weekend off.
However, the manner of Saturday’s loss prompted him to revise his plans.
It is understood he was at Carrington early on Sunday to mull over the nature of a defeat that has drawn plenty of criticism from both fans and pundits.
The loss prompted a debate on Sky between Jamie Redknapp, who feels the players need to take more responsibility, and former United skipper Gary Neville, who called for the club’s owners to offer a public explanation for what has gone wrong.
Fans group MUST (Manchester United Supporters Trust), which is negotiating a share scheme with the Glazer family, has called for “urgent and radical change”.
But senior Unitedfigures, despite being aware of the scale of the anger, accept there is no quick fix to the present malaise.
They continue to try and bring in the new players that Ten Hag feels are essential to his rebuild and talks with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot are ongoing.
However, Ten Hag must bring about vast improvement in the players he has, with David de Gea’s pass to Christian Eriksen for Brentford’s second goal symptomatic of the problem.
Ten Hag wants his players to take responsibility and be brave in possession.
Having conceded an early opener because of De Gea’s blunder, rather than try to control the game to ensure the damage did not get worse, United carried on with their strategy of playing risky passes, resulting in Eriksen being robbed of possession inside his own penalty area for the second.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says the club “needs quality players” after conceding the standard of the squad is not good enough.
United were thumped 4-0 at Brentford – conceding four in the first 35 minutes – and have no points after two Premier League games.
Dutchman Ten Hag, who took over at Old Trafford in May, told Sky Sports the situation is a “difficult process”.
“We have to provide higher standards than what we did today,” he said.
“We are, as a team, in a difficult process. You expect a different start. It’s not what we expected.
“We need new players. We need quality players. We are working on that and we’ll do everything to convince them to come.”
United have been involved in a long-running hunt for fresh recruits since the transfer window opened, following a disappointing campaign last year and a shock defeat at home to Brighton last Sunday.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been the main target for Ten Hag but the 25-year-old has reportedly indicated he would prefer to join Chelsea if he left the Nou Camp.
A move for former Stoke and West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic attracted negative reaction from fans and was abandoned, as did interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot – a transfer that appears close, despite significant disapproval from United’s support.
“The team has to take responsibility. I feel really sorry for the fans – they did everything to support us but we let them down,” said Ten Hag.
“You have to take responsibility on the pitch as a team and as individuals, that’s what we didn’t do. What I asked them to do is play with belief and take responsibility for the performance. We have to work on that.
“The manager is responsible as well. He has the main responsibility and I’ll take that and work on that.”
‘I cost my team three points’ – De Gea
While Ten Hag felt the team as a whole had to take the blame for the humiliating display against Thomas Frank’s side, United goalkeeper David de Gea pointed the finger squarely at himself.
Nominating himself to do the player post-match interview, he told Sky Sports: “I’m just taking my responsibility today. I think I cost three points for my team. It was a poor performance from myself.”
The Spain international let Josh Dasilva’s strike from distance slip through his grasp, which kick-started Brentford’s goal rush.
“After the first mistake and then the second, it was very difficult for my team-mates,” De Gea added. “At the moment, it’s tough every time we concede a goal. I should save the first shot – [if I had] the result would be different.”
United have now lost four successive league games – a run that includes the end of last season – and seven successive away matches in the top flight.
Manchester United head coach, Erik ten Hag has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle in the game against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.
The international media reports that Erik ten Hag said the player’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
“Certainly not, that is unacceptable. For everyone. I told them that it’s unacceptable. That we are a team, a squad, and that you should stay until the end,” he told Viaplay Sport.
Ronaldo, pictured leaving the stadium is said to have been joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other players.
At the start of July, Ronaldo had informed the board of his desire to leave the club in order to continue playing Champions League football.
The likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all since been linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but his future remains very much up in the air heading into the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday.
Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils’ starting XI for the clash at Old Trafford after an extended summer break, playing the first 45 minutes before being substituted for Amad Diallo.
But the club and Ten Hag have publicly insisted Ronaldo is not for sale, however speculation over a potential transfer remains ongoing and a return to Sporting CP is now being mooted.
Ten Hag has been given advice on how to handle Ronaldo by former Man Utd assistant coach Chris Armas, who served under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the second half of the 2021-22 season.
The veteran forward scored 12 goals in 19 Premier League games while Armas was a member of the backroom staff, and the American believes one-on-one communication is the best way to bring the best out of him.
“It’s a hands-on approach, speaking with him, bringing him into the office, asking him questions, so he’s part of the solutions and part of the success,” Armas told Sky Sports.
“It was my job to work out how to get all that fire, experience and talent and challenge him as much as I could. I think the most important thing is to engage with Cristiano.
“He’s got so much to give, his commitment to winning and scoring, each guy has their different type of leadership. He can be a leader in his way, and my goal like everyone in the squad was to say how can I get the most out of Cristiano.
“When you talk about, at the highest level, seeing a professional and what winning means to Ronaldo, what scoring goals mean to him – he’s on the team, a big part of the team and he’s a guy who produced.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is due to meet Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday to discuss his future at the club.
The Portugal forward, 37, wants the club to let him leave this summer and he missed United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia because of personal reasons.
He has yet to train with the squad but has now flown back to Manchester.
Ten Hag has previously said Ronaldo is “not for sale” and “in our plans.”
Ten Hag said he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Ronaldo’s absence from the tour fuelled speculation over his future, coming after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.
He instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.
Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season – and third in the Premier League – but the club’s overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.
United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.
It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.
Chelsea ended their interest in the player earlier this month, while he has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.
United play Atletico Madrid in Norway on Saturday before their final pre-season game at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Their first game of the new season is at home to Brighton on Sunday 7 August.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is “in our plans” for the new season and is “not for sale”.
The 37-year-old will miss the first part of United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and wants to leave the club.
He returned to United last seasonafter playing for Real Madrid and Juventus.
“He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it,” said former Ajax manager Ten Hag.
“I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.”
The Portugal forward’s absence on the tour fuelled speculation over his future after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.
Ronaldo instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.
The Old Trafford side play Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday before flying to Australia and Ten Hag said he does not yet know whether Ronaldo will join later in the tour.
The Dutchman added that he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Ten Hag also addressed the captaincy, which became an issue as a result of Harry Maguire’s struggle for form last season.
“Harry Maguire will be captain,” he said. “He has been captain for more than a year. He has achieved a lot of success. I have no doubts about this issue.”
United’s only signing this summer is full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. They look set to sign free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen and are close to an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag emphasised United will only recruit players if he believes they will fit into his intended style of play.
“We want to add the right players. We have a really good squad, we are working to develop our way of playing and the opportunity is there and we will strike,” he added.
Erik ten Hag says he is not risking his managerial reputation by taking the Manchester United job.
The Dutchman, 52, is United’s fifth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
“I don’t see it as a risk,” he said. “I think this club has a great history, and now let’s make a future.”
Ten Hag also suggested Cristiano Ronaldo would not be leaving, adding he expected there to be goals from the Portugal forward next season.
The former Ajax boss was speaking to reporters at his official unveiling as United manager 24 hours after watching his new club lose 1-0 at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Their points tally of 58, though good enough to secure sixth and a place in the Europa League, is their poorest return since 1989-1990 and comes just a year after they finished second behind Manchester City.
Ten Hag did not say how many players he felt the club needed to bring in over the summer, instead answering that he was still “in the process of analysing” his squad.
“The plan is huge and we only have a short time,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to working with these players. The season before, this squad was second in the league, so there is huge potential. I think if we improve, if we work with them, I think we can get out more than what was the result from this season.”
Ten Hag also did not give any guarantees over Harry Maguire remaining as captain.
“Next season is a different season but he did a great job,” he said of the England international. “He’s a great player he achieved already a lot so I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Asked if 37-year-old Ronaldo, who finished as United’s top scorer with 24 goals, was part of his plans, he replied “of course”.
Klopp-Guardiola era ‘can come to an end’
It is now nine years since Manchester United last lifted the Premier League, with the title race now dominated by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who have won the last five titles between them.
Ten Hag, though, is hopeful he can break their stranglehold on the trophy.
“In this moment I admire them both,” he said. “They play fantastic football but you will always see an era can come to an end.
“I look forward to a battle with them and I’m sure other clubs will want to do that.”
The Dutchman also revealed he sought the advice of compatriot and former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, who had previously suggested Ten Hag should consider his options carefully before accepting the job.
Van Gaal, who won the FA Cup during his spell in charge at Old Trafford between 2014 and 2016, said Ten Hag needed to join a “a football club not a commercial club”.
“I have heard [Van Gaal’s comments] but I will draw my own line. I’m convinced it won’t be the case,” he said.
“I spoke with the directors about it. Football is one, two and three at this club and every club these days is commercial. Every club needs it, needs the revenues to be at the top, to do it is necessary but football is one, two, three at this club.”
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