Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future atManchester United remains uncertain as Rúben Amorim prepares to step in as the club’s new manager. However, goalkeeper André Onana has expressed the squad’s desire for the Dutch coach to stay on.
Van Nistelrooy took over as interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and has remained unbeaten in his three matches, including a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday, marking United’s first European win in over a year.
A former United forward, Van Nistelrooy has indicated his interest in continuing with the club’s revamped management team once his interim role concludes this Sunday with a Premier League home match against Leicester City.
Asked if United’s players wanted the same, Onana told TNT Sports: “100%. He’s a very good guy, a very good coach. “He has so much experience and he advises us a lot.
“It’s fantastic what he’s doing and the players are happy. But at the end of the day, it’s not something we can decide. The club make the decision and we have to accept it.”
Van Nistelrooy said his sole focus was preparing the team for his last game in charge. “I’m only busy with one thing in my mind,” he said.
“I want my last game as an interim, I want to prepare it as good as I can and give the players everything they need to get the best performance out of them … And other than that, I don’t look too far ahead, to be really honest.”
Manchester United is poised to retain managerErik ten Hagfor their upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa this week despite suffering a disappointing loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The team has struggled this season, currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League.
Several high-ranking sources within Manchester United have informed BBC Sport that it’s business as usual, with the club concentrating on the forthcoming fixtures against Porto and Villa. There has been no formal statement from the club regarding Ten Hag’s position.
Speaking after the 3-0 loss against Spurs Ten Hag said he was “not thinking” about losing his job, adding he and the owners are “on the same page”.
Erik ten Hag secured a new contract over the summer, and just last month, club CEO Omar Berrada expressed that he had the organization’s complete support.
Although Ten Hag is under increasing pressure, sources from BBC Sport indicated on Monday morning that the club’s leadership prefers to assess situations thoughtfully rather than react hastily to a negative outcome.
Regardless,Ten Hag is entering a crucial week, with upcoming matches against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League before the international break in October.
Erik ten Hagraised concerns about his players’ mentality, stating that the Dutch team “fought for every inch while we did not” following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League.
United initially took the lead with a goal from Christian Eriksen in the first half, but the tide turned in the second half when Sam Lammers capitalised on a mistake by Eriksen to equalise.
After the match, Eriksen admitted that FC Twente “showed more desire,” a sentiment that Ten Hag echoed in his response.
“Yes, you saw it was the game of their life,” said Ten Hag. “They fought for every yard and we didn’t, and 99 percent is not enough, you have to give 100 percent.
“You have to kill the game, you have to finish it off. You have to go for the second goal, and then you kill the game.
“We are very ambitious, and when you have ambition, you have to perform; prove the point. Especially today in the second half, we were too complacent, we didn’t bring it over the line and as a team.”
Erik ten Hag expressed particular frustration over Manchester United’s inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities. Following their 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday, the team managed to take 19 shots against FC Twente but could only find the back of the net once.
This season, the struggle to score has been evident, with United tallying just five goals in their first five Premier League matches.
“We have to work on this,”said Ten Hag.“That’s also clear. We have to be more clinical in such situations, but I don’t think that was the only problem tonight. We have to keep going in the second half. Be more consistent. Kill it off, get the second goal, and the game is over.
“We have across the frontline enough players who can score goals.”
Erik ten Hag celebrated a resounding victory as Manchester United defeated Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup, calling it a “perfect night.”
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Christian Eriksen each scored two goals, with Antony converting a penalty to complete the scoreline.
This triumph marked Ten Hag’s biggest win since taking charge of United and was the club’s largest victory since their 9-0 thrashing of Southampton in February 2021 under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“Not for me but for the team this is the perfect night,” Ten Hag said afterwards. “I think we could do everything that we planned to do; how we win, next round, scored some great goals, entertained the fans, we worked on our game model so we are happy.”
Ten Hag took the opportunity to rotate his lineup for the Carabao Cup match against Barnsley, making eight changes from the side that defeated Southampton 3-0.
Marcus Rashford was one of the few to retain his spot, adding two goals to his tally after scoring at the weekend. This marked the first time the England forward scored multiple goals in a match since February 2023, when he netted twice in a 3-0 win over Leicester City.
“I know from my first season here that when he scores then, for the team, it’s more easy,” said Ten Hag. “When you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals then it can make the difference.
You can do a lot of things very well between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box.”
United have bounced back from the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool by scoring 10 goals without conceding against Southampton and Barnsley.
“I was not devastated after Liverpool, and I am not celebrating now,” said Ten Hag. “It is a never-ending process. I know where I want to go, in which direction.
I know we have a lot of speed, dynamic, and we have seen this today and we have players capable of dominating possession. We have to work even harder to get all the stages of the game right.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shrugged off the latest criticism fromCristiano Ronaldo, maintaining that external opinions don’t affect him or the club.
Ronaldo, during a podcast interview with former United teammate Rio Ferdinand, took issue with Ten Hag’s comments from a pre-season interview in the Netherlands.
The United boss had remarked that the club was “a long way away” from reclaiming the Premier League title, which they last won in 2013.
While Ronaldo agreed that United were not in a position to challenge for the title, he believed that as manager, Ten Hag’s message lacked the right tone.
When asked about Ronaldo’s remarks ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming match against Southampton, Ten Hag appeared unfazed, noting that Ronaldo had essentially echoed the same sentiment.
“No, he said this, if you read the article very well,” said Ten Hag.
“He is entitled to his opinion. It’s OK. He is far away in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester.”
After back-to-back losses against Brighton and Liverpool,Manchester United now face Southampton, fully aware that another defeat would mark their worst start to a season since 1986-87, when Ron Atkinson was dismissed and Sir Alex Ferguson took the reins.
Erik ten Hag provided updates ahead of the crucial fixture, confirming that full-back Luke Shaw remains sidelined.
Shaw, despite featuring three times for England in Euro 2024, has yet to play for United this season.
Additionally, striker Rasmus Hojlund is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during United’s pre-season tour of the United States, ruling him out of action once again.
However, new signing Manuel Ugarte is available for selection.
The £50.2 million Uruguayan midfielder returned from international duty on Thursday and is ready to join the squad.
As Ten Hag prepares for the game, speculation around his future continues to swirl following United’s poor start. Some observers doubt the Dutchman will last the full season, particularly with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s increasing influence at the club.
Despite the growing scrutiny,Ten Hag remains unfazed,stating that the external “noise” doesn’t affect him, having recently returned from leading a charity match with his former club FC Utrecht. The manager is focused solely on getting United back on track.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended his team after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, insisting that it’s too early to lose hope in the season.
Despite the loss, Ten Hag remains confident that his side can still compete for silverware, dismissing any notion that quick fixes or “magic” solutions exist.
Liverpool dominated the match, with Luis Diaz scoring twice within seven minutes in the first half. Mohamed Salah added a third goal shortly after the break, sealing a comfortable victory for the visitors.
The defeat was particularly disheartening for United fans, who feared a repeat of the 5-0 thrashing Liverpool handed them in the same fixture back in 2021.
Ten Hag’s starting lineup included six of his signings, making the loss even more frustrating for the Dutch manager. Among them was his latest acquisition, Manuel Ugarte, a £50.5 million midfielder from Uruguay. Although Ugarte was introduced to the fans before kick-off, he was not eligible to play, having been registered after Friday’s deadline.
United’s poor start to the season has seen them slip to 14th place in the Premier League, with just three points from their first three games. However, Ten Hag refused to dwell on the negatives, stressing the need for patience and time to integrate new players into the squad.
“It is not like I am Harry Potter,” Ten Hag remarked, emphasizing that expectations of instant success are unrealistic. “For three players it was their first start of the season. Manuel Ugarte did not play one minute—he needs to build his fitness. Then we have to build him into the team. I am sure he will contribute to our team. It will take a couple of weeks, maybe even a month. That is the same for a lot of players.”
One of the key issues during the match was the performance of striker Joshua Zirkzee, who had a mixed game. While he managed to create United’s best chances, his finishing left much to be desired, with one attempt going wide and another brilliantly saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Matthijs de Ligt, another of Ten Hag’s signings, struggled at the back alongside Lisandro Martinez, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was often outplayed by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch.
Tensions flared during Ten Hag’s post-match press conference when the manager clashed with a journalist who suggested that United had been making the same mistakes for two years. Ten Hag defended his approach, asserting, “I have a different vision, otherwise we wouldn’t win trophies and beat bigger opponents.”
Acknowledging the pain of the defeat, Ten Hag said, “I don’t want to talk about positives today. This defeat hurts for us and our fans. It is the third game of the season. We have to build a new team. We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.”
One of the most controversial moments of the match came when Ten Hag substituted veteran midfielder Casemiro at half-time, after the Brazilian was at fault for two of Liverpool’s goals. Casemiro’s errors led to Liverpool’s first goal when he gave the ball away to Gravenberch, and he was outmuscled by Diaz for the second. Ten Hag replaced him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer in an attempt to inject more energy into the midfield.
Rumors circulated on social media that Casemiro had left Old Trafford early, but Ten Hag was quick to dismiss these claims. “He didn’t leave the stadium at half-time,” the manager clarified. “I met him in the dressing room after the game. I took him off because we were 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool. We had to take risks because we wanted to bounce back and needed players in midfield who can cover the ground.”
Despite the setback, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the season ahead. “He [Casemiro] won everything in his career. I am sure he will keep contributing to our team,” Ten Hag said, expressing his confidence in the team’s ability to recover and challenge for trophies as the season progresses.
Mikael Silvestre has assertedthat Erik ten Hag needs to aim for more than just domestic cup victories after receiving a vote of confidence from the club’s owners.
Despite leading Manchester United to an FA Cup win over Manchester City and achieving his second trophy with the club, having previously won the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag faces the challenge of overcoming United’s worst-ever Premier League finish.
With INEOS, the club’s minority owners, showing continued support, expectations for the upcoming season are significantly higher.
“The cup is not the club’s main objective, they have got to be challenging for the title like Man City and Arsenal have been doing over the last two seasons,” Silvestre said to TG Casino. “There is still a lot of room for improvement and hopefully he can get some more signings to improve the squad.”
United considered a number of candidates to succeed Ten Hag and held discussions with Thomas Tuchel before eventually deciding to stick with the Dutchman, triggering the one-year extension in his contract.
Silvestre believes that was the right decision, as he added: “I couldn’t identify another candidate for the job. I think Erik was given a tough task and he started brilliantly but last season was a disappointment.
There were question marks on the team’s progress and performances. Certain players didn’t progress and there were big doubts about his future. Now it’s been confirmed and he’s going to have resources.”
This summer, Erik ten Hag has secured two new additions for Manchester United: Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million ($66 million) and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £37 million ($43 million).
The club is also eyeing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Mazraoui, a right-back from Morocco, is one of several players Ten Hag has pursued or signed due to their past connections at Ajax, a move that has faced some criticism.
However, Silvestre believes this approach is not an issue.
“It depends, it’s case-by-case and you can’t make it as a general view,” added the Frenchman. “There were some good ones and some that didn’t work out so far, like Antony. Lisandro Martinez on the other side is the one that when he doesn’t play, you feel it.
Whether you are a manager or you are a sporting director, you tend to have a certain network and that’s just how it goes, but after it’s a matter of whether or not the player will perform for United.
So I think now we have the new staff around the manager at the recruitment level and technical decision makers that should help the manager to make the right call.”
Manchester United’s pre-season has been challenging, with three defeats in five friendlies and injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund.
Despite these setbacks, they will welcome back their full squad for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on Saturday. The team will then kick off their Premier League seasonwith a home match against Fulham on August 16.
Erik ten Haghas indicated that Jadon Sancho might take on the role of Manchester United’s central striker at the start of the season, given Rasmus Højlund’s injury.
Højlund is expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first match of the U.S. tour against Arsenal.
With Højlund out, Sancho, who was reintroduced to the squad after a 10-month absence, played as the No. 9 in the recent 3-2 win over Real Betis and the 3-0 loss to Liverpool.
Ten Hag suggested that Sancho could begin as the center-forward in the Community Shield against Manchester City and in the Premier League opener against Fulham, ahead of new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
“Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there,” said Ten Hag when asked whether Sancho could start up front against City at Wembley.
“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus, but of course, Joshua Zirkzee, he is coming in, he has started training, but also consider that he is not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing as well.
“There is also, of course, Jadon, as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option.”
Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed from Bologna for £36.5 million, has yet to train with the team since his return to Carrington after the summer break, as he did not participate in the American tour.
Jadon Sancho, who rejoined Manchester United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season, has not netted a competitive goal for the club since May 2023.
Marcus Rashford could also be considered to fill the gap left by Højlund, but Ten Hag suggested that Rashford will likely remain in his customary position on the left wing.
“I think that Marcus has done it [played as a striker] before and he can do it, and it’s definitely an option,” said Ten Hag.
“But I think he is most productive from the left, starting wide and coming inside. So when he can arrive there, he is most effective. We have other options. Wehave Bruno Fernandeswho can play as a striker as well.”
Erik ten Hag hasissued a challenge to Manchester United’s new owners, urging them to “prove” their support by standing by him during tough times next season.
Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag has retained his position. However, the club’s new leadership team, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, has been exploring potential replacements.
While Ten Hag’s contract has been extended by another year, some supporters feel his position is still uncertain, especially if United does not have a strong start to the season.
Ten Hag emphasized that Ratcliffe and Brailsford can demonstrate their support only by maintaining their faith in him through both successful and challenging periods.
“I feel that we are building something and that the people around me, we are in the same boat,” Ten Hag said in an extensive interview in Los Angeles on the club’s preseason tour.
“But of course it’s always a proven point when the case is this. What I hope is that we avoid this [a dip in form].”
Ten Hag is building his team around a nucleus of young talent, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund.
The club’s most significant acquisition this summer has been 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro. Ten Hag emphasized that the owners must exhibit patience as this youthful squad develops.
“With young players it will go with ups and downs and we have to realise that,” he said.
“Everyone has to realise this in this club internally but also you [the media] should realise this externally. It’s normal that it will not only go this way [up] with young people, young players especially.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has also revealed that Tyrell Malacia is expected to be out for another two months. The left-back hasn’t played for more than a year because of a knee injury and was left out of the squad for the tour.
“He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation,”Ten Hagsaid.
“At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games. I think it would be possible in two months.”
Harry Maguire has confessed that rumors about Erik ten Hag’s jobsecurity impacted Manchester United’s performances last season.
United ended up eighth in the Premier League but salvaged their disappointing season with a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Securing a second trophy in two years ensured Ten Hag retained his position, but Maguire noted that the ongoing speculation about the Dutchman’s potential dismissal affected the players throughout the season.
“It was tough,” Maguire said in an interview in Los Angeles at the start of United’s U.S. tour.
“It probably did damage our performances and results throughout the season maybe a little bit. Especially when it happened around that Christmas period when we really did fall off. But credit to the manager, the way that he handled it.”
A report leading up to the cup final indicated that Erik ten Hag would be dismissed regardless of the outcome against City.
Despite defying expectations and winning 2-1, Harry Maguire mentioned that the atmosphere at the post-match celebration in London was muted due to ongoing speculation about the manager’s future.
“It was so strange,” Maguire said. “No one really knew what was going on. No one had assurance.
“If you asked the players, they’ll probably just say they didn’t really know because no one really had a clue. It was really impressive with the way that he handled that week with a victory against probably the best team in Europe at the moment.”
Sources have told ESPN that United spoke to a number of other managerial candidates including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi before deciding to stickwith Ten Hag.
The club have since extended his contract by a year and Maguire believes it’s the right decision.
Harry Maguire signed with Manchester United in 2019 on a six-year contract. Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images “He has shown we can beat the top teams and we have won two trophies in two years,” the defender said.
“The first season was really good, last season wasn’t. Last season was tough for Erik as well. There was so much uncertainty and the amount of injuries was freakish really and I am pretty confident that won’t happen this season. “We have faith in the management team and the additions he has made are really good as well.”
Maguire is fit again after missing the cup final and the European Championship with a calf injury.
The 31-year-old described missing the Wembley showpiece and the Euros as the “toughest moment of his career.”
However, after completing extra training sessions with a United coach while on holiday in Portugal, he is now ready to return in a friendly against Arsenal at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.
Despite being linked with a move awayfrom Old Traffordthis summer, he insists he wants to stay.
“Until I get told you’re up for sale or we want you to leave I want to play for this club and make it successful again,” he said.
“All the things I’m hearing and seeing from everyone involved is I’ll be part of this club for the future.”
Manchester United enlisted the help of legendary defender Rio Ferdinand to persuade highly-rated Leny Yoro to join the club.
Yoro was pursued by several of Europe’s top teams, including Real Madrid, this summer.
Ultimately, he chose United, signing a five-year contract following a £52m move from French club Lille.
Ferdinand reached out to Yoro via social media, welcoming him to Old Trafford. The 18-year-old, speaking to the club’s in-house media, noted that the former England star had already taken a more direct approach in his mentorship.
“Two weeks ago, he called me,” said Yoro.
“We spoke for 10 minutes about Man United, so he helped me a lot to make my choice.”
“He mainly spoke about the club and what it’s like. That this is a historic club with a big story, and if I go there I need to fight for the club, to be ready, because this is the biggest club in the world.
“It was really good to speak about this.”
Yoro made an impressive debut in the pre-season victory against Rangers at Murrayfield.
Based on his self-assessment, Yoro’s style showssimilarities to that of Ferdinand, who was signed by United for £29.1m from Leeds 22 years ago.
“The football of today, you need to read the game,” he said.
“You need to understand the opponent and I try really to be focused on that. After that, I’m really comfortable with the ball. You know, I’m not afraid to play.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has affirmed that former interim boss Ralf Rangnick was “absolutely right” in stating the club needed “open-heart” surgery.
Ten Hag, who took over in 2022 after Rangnick’s seven-month tenure, has acknowledged the German’s assessment.
Rangnick, now managing Austria, had steered United to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League but secured only 11 wins out of 29 matches.
Rangnick had asserted that United’s issues required more than just “minor changes” and called for significant intervention. Ten Hag, who extended his contract by another year this month, agrees with Rangnick’s evaluation.
“Rangnick was absolutely right,” Ten Hag said in an interview with Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld., external
“We have been working very hard on this for two years, but he said it exactly right: it is a thorough, very complex operation. And I knew when I started that it was going to be a tough job.”
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United last December, the club has undergone significant changes off the pitch.
This year, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and Christopher Vivell have all been appointed to board-level positions. Additionally, the club has committed £50 million to upgrade the training ground.
In the past week, forward Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro have been signed from Bologna and Lille, respectively. Manager Erik ten Hag has also confirmed interest in Bayern Munich and Netherlands center-back Matthijs de Ligt.
“It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come,” said Ten Hag.
“Of course I know Matthijs well, I’m not going to deny that. I wanted to sign him two years ago, but he had already gone a long way with Bayern Munich.”
Despite working with De Ligt at former club Ajax, Ten Hag says it was United’s scouting department that suggested the centre-back as a transfer target.
Ten Hag also confirmed that forward Jadon Sancho, who last appeared for the club in August 2023 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund after falling out with the manager, is available again for selection.
“Everyone can make a mistake,” said Ten Hag.
Sancho and Yoro both started as goals from Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill saw United beat Rangers 2-0 at Murrayfield in a friendly on Saturday.
“The standard was much better, we were much more on the front foot,”Ten Hag told MUTV.“It was enjoyable to watch.”
Jadon Sancho is poised to begin anew at Manchester United, following a reconciliation with manager Erik ten Hag. The 24-year-old winger’s tenure at United had been uncertain after a turbulent period that saw him loaned back to Borussia Dortmund last season.
Sancho had fallen out publicly with Ten Hag in September, with the manager criticizing his training performances, a claim Sancho disputed vehemently on social media.
His refusal to apologize for his comments led to him being isolated from the first-team squad and training alone before returning to Dortmund in January.
However, recent candid discussions at United’s Carrington training ground have paved the way for Sancho to rejoin first-team training.
These talks appear to have resolved the tensions between Sancho and Ten Hag, allowing them to move forward positively as they prepare for the upcoming season.
While Ten Hag remained cautious about discussing Sancho’s long-term prospects at the club, he acknowledged that their relationship has been repaired.
“As we said, we draw the line. Manchester United need good players and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on,” Ten Hag remarked, signalling a fresh chapter for the winger.
During his loan stint at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho rediscovered some of his top form, contributing three goals and as many assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, notably aiding their journey to the Champions League final.
Despite this, the Bundesliga club has not tabled a formal offer for the English forward and has reassigned Sancho’s No. 10 jersey to Julian Brandt, signaling they are not considering a permanent transfer.
While Sancho has also been linked with a move to Juventus, recent remarks from Ten Hag indicate he will have the opportunity to reaffirm his importance at United.
After missing their initial pre-season friendly against Rosenborg, the forward is expected to be ready for their upcoming match against Rangers on July 20.
Jadon Sancho has returned toManchester United after a meeting with Erik ten Hag to discuss his future at the club.
Following a public disagreement with Ten Hag that led to his exile last season, Sancho is now back in training after resolving the issues with the Dutchman.
According to Sky Sports, their discussion focused on Sancho’s future, resulting in a mutual decision to move past their previous conflicts, potentially paving the way for Sancho’s inclusion in United’s squad for the upcoming season.
Sancho will not be part of United’s squad for their pre-season friendly against Rosenborg, but he will be available for selection afterward.
The Red Devils are set to face the Rangers on July 20.
During his productive loan spell back at Dortmund, Sancho scored three goals and provided three assists in 21 games across all competitions.
He has made 82 appearances for United, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists.
As United prepare for their match against Rosenborg, attention will soon shift toTen Hag’s team selection. Seeing Sancho back in a red shirt would be a notable development.
Man Utd have confirmed the extension of Erik ten Hag’scontract as manager until 2026. This vote of confidence from United’s new minority owners, INEOS, comes a month after they ended the search for a new manager.
United have activated the extension on Ten Hag’s original three-year contract, which means he will continue on the same terms without a salary increase.
The club is also in the process of assembling a new coaching staff for Ten Hag, with legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy being considered for a position.
“I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined,” Ten Hag said.
“However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.
In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together.”
“With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football,” said Dan Ashworth, United’s new sporting director.
“While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.
This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently.
With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club.”
United conducted a thorough search for a new manager after a significant decline in their performance towards the end of last season, resulting in their lowest-ever Premier League finish, ending eighth.
The club considered Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Frank, and engaged in serious discussions with Thomas Tuchel, before ultimately deciding that Ten Hag was the best fit for the role.
Ten Hag’s leadership in guiding United to victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City played a crucial part in their decision to give him another opportunity to set things right.
Currently, Ten Hag is serving as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS during Euro 2024, but he will soon begin preparing for United’s pre-season campaign.
This kicks off on July 15 with a friendly against Rosenborg in Norway. The Red Devils will also play against Rangers before heading to the United States, where they will face Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.
Man Utd is set to finalize a new contract with manager Erik ten Hag before their preseason tour in the United States, according to a source.
The club has engaged in discussions with Ten Hag about extending his tenure, having decided to keep the Dutchman on as manager for the upcoming season.
Sources describe the negotiations as “complicated” but note that talks between the club and the 54-year-old have “progressed well.”
United are hopeful of securing an agreement before their U.S. tour, which kicks off with a match against Arsenal in Los Angeles on July 27.
Their initial preseason friendly is set for July 15 against Rosenborg in Norway, just one day after the Euro 2024 final.
The discussions with Ten Hag have also included redefining his role at Old Trafford. Since joining in July 2022, the former Ajax manager has been heavily involved in player recruitment.
However, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are eager forTen Hag to concentrate on coaching and team preparation.
Kobbie Mainoo expressed hissatisfaction with Erik ten Hag remaining as Manchester United manager, highlighting that it provides players with a sense of stability and confidence moving forward.
Following a successful season that culminated in winning the FA Cup and ending on a positive note, Ten Hag’s retention ended speculation after the club considered other managerial options like Thomas Tuchel,, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Frank.
Mainoo, who made significant strides in his career last season, including his Premier League and England debut, looks forward to continuing under Ten Hag’s leadership and aims for more silverware in the upcoming season.
“I’m so grateful to him that he put so much trust in me and believed in me to play on the team and I can’t thank him enough.”
Mainoo made his first appearance as a late substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 Group C win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen after opting to turn down an approach from Ghana to represent the birthplace of his parents.
ESPN reported in February that Southgate was considering fast-tracking Mainoo through England’s ranks as a result and the 19-year-old said: “I am proud of my Ghanaian heritage and there was speculation, but, yeah, it has always been a dream to play for England.
I am happy to be here. It was considered, but I wanted to play for England.”
Mainoo also reserved praise for Declan Rice, who has become a pivotal midfielder for Arsenal and England following his £105 million ($133m) move from West Ham last summer.
“Dec is such a good player, so reliable and dominant in midfield,” he said.
“When I get to play next to him, it is always a joy to have someone so strong on the ball next to you and you can always trust him no matter where you are on the pitch.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that his summer holiday was interrupted by the club’s management, who flew out to inform him that they wanted him to stay in charge.
The Dutchman’s future had been uncertain before he guided United to victory in the FA Cup final, but the club has decided to retain him.
“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag said in an interview with Dutch TV channel NOS. “They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”
Despite finishing eighth last season, their lowest Premier League position in the club’s history, United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reported to have spoken to former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel. However, the club ultimately chose to stick with Ten Hag.
“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager,” Ten Hag added.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.”
Ten Hag’s debut season with Manchester United saw the club finish third in the Premier League, reach the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and win the EFL Cup in 2023.
While the United board has expressed their support for Ten Hag, the manager confirmed that negotiations for a new contract are still ongoing.
“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done – we are still going to have to talk about this,” he said.
Sources have it that Man Utd are unlikely toappoint Thomas Tuchelif they decide to sack manager Erik ten Hag.
Tuchel had been considered a potential replacement, with representatives of the German coach approaching before the end of the season and further meetings held over the past two weeks.
However, Tuchel is no longer in the running due to concerns that he may not be the right fit for United’s new structure.
According to a source, incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth prefers a “yes” manager who won’t challenge the recruitment department over squad decisions.
The decision to end talks with Tuchel has been described as “mutual.”
United have also reached out to Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Roberto De Zerbi.
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna has decided to remain at Ipswich Town after signing a new long-term contract, and Gareth Southgate has indicated his focus is solely on leading England at Euro 2024, which begins in Germany on Friday.
United are hopeful of concluding their end-of-season review this week, although there is no set timeframe for the process. Ten Hag is reportedly still uncertain about his future at the club.
Despite this, sources have it that United remain confident they are on track with their summer plans.
Club executives have reassured representatives of senior players that efforts to strengthen the squad are ongoing, even as Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain.
Technical director Jason Wilcox, director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves, and chief scout Steve Brown are currently handling transfer activities.
Both Hargreaves and Brown have been in contact with clubs and representatives over the past week to bring in new players. The club is prioritising strikers and centre-backs, although short lists of targets have been created for all positions.
Doubts over Ten Hag’s future persist as INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leads a thorough end-of-season review, which has now extended into its third week.
Sources have it that representatives of several current players have contacted the club to inquire about the status of the review, Ten Hag’s position, and progress in the transfer market.
A representative of one player has revealed that a decision will not be made about his own future until it’s known who the manager will be next season.
United remain confident they will have a positive summer, although sources have revealed that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and acting CEO Jean Claude-Blanc have admitted to staff that the recruitment department “will not be up to full speed” until Ashworth is in place as sporting director.
According to reports, United are hoping to boost their summer budget by agreeing to permanent transfers for Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.
The club will consider offers of around £40 million ($51 million) for Sancho and Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Getafe, respectively.
There has been significant loan interest in both players, but according to sources, United is pushing for permanent deals.
Erik ten Hag is still uncertain about his future at Manchester United despite securing an FA Cup victory, sources told ESPN.
Ten Hag led his team to an unexpected 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Dutchman, who began his holiday on Sunday, remains anxious about his position as the club prepares for its end-of-season review.
According to a source, the review will start this week, with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leading the process, which typically takes around four days.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and new technical director Jason Wilcox are dedicated to evaluating every aspect of United’s season, including Ten Hag’s performance and future.
Club sources told ESPN that a final decision on Ten Hag’s future has not yet been made and will depend on the review’s outcome.
The decision will be based on on-field performance and whether Ten Hag fits into the club’s new leadership structure, including accepting a reduced role in player recruitment.
Ten Hag, who has one year left on his contract, wants to stay.
However, sources indicate that informal talks have been held with representatives of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank as potential alternatives.
There is also interest in Gareth Southgate, but he remains focused on leading England in this summer’s European Championship.
In his post-match news conference at Wembley,Ten Hag defended his tenure, stating that the team he inherited in 2022 was “a mess” and that winning two trophies is a solid achievement over his two years at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, sources close to Ten Hag are worried that neither Ratcliffe nor Brailsford have guaranteed his job security, even after the FA Cup win.
Ratcliffe, present at the final with Brailsford, released a brief statement that evening but did not specifically mention Ten Hag.
Those close to Ten Hag doubt that the FA Cup victory has significantly altered Ineos’ perspective on the club’s future, especially after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
But sources have told ESPN that victory over City has made the decision harder for Ratcliffe and Brailsford.
A source has told ESPN that if Ten Hag does leave he will go with “his head held high.”
Winning the FA Cup has secured Manchester United a spot in the Europa League next season.
Sources informed ESPN that ifTen Hag is dismissed, he is now entitled to a larger compensation package than he would have been if United had failed to qualify for European competition.
Andre Onanahas strongly backed underfire manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the FA Cup final clash with Manchester City.
Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already decided to part ways with Ten Hag, regardless of the FA Cup outcome.
The Red Devils endured their worst finish in the Premier League era, leading to the decision to dismiss the Dutch coach.
“He’s a good guy, a good coach,” Onana told reporters ahead of the title decider. “Tactically he’s very good, and he showed it last season. I was not here last season and they got top four.
This season a lot of things happened. I’m not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself, but he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and tactically he’s good.”
Ten Hag have frequently alluded to several injuries to key players throughout the season as a stumbling block to stringing together a consistent run of performances.
Onana believes that his argument has enough merit and added: “If [Ten Hag] had all his squad, it would probably be different.
This season is difficult for him, for us, for the club, for the fans because it is frustrating for the fans when they are coming away and how we are losing, it is difficult.”
Onana hopes to cap the season by lifting the FA Cup trophy on Saturday at Wembley, preventingManchester City from becoming the first English team to win consecutive domestic doubles after their Premier League triumph.
A victory would serve as a fitting send-off for Ten Hag, partially restoring his reputation before his departure.
Manchester United legendWayne Rooneyhas said a “massive clearout” is needed at Old Trafford in the summer and added that he believes the team should be built around captain Bruno Fernandes.
United are eighth in the Premier League going into the final day of the season on Sunday and are at risk of missing out on European football altogether for next year.
Fernandes has been a standout performer this season and is United’s top scorer in the league with 10 goals and has registered more assists (7) than any other player at the club.
“You have to build around Bruno. He’s the one player with quality. He has got fight in him. I think you keep the young players and Bruno. I think it has to be a massive clearout, it has to be. It’s not going to be in one year but it’s got to be over the next couple of years,” Rooney said on Sky Sports on Wednesday.
“To compete in this league, they need better players and don’t get me wrong, these players are good players and Premier League players. But to compete with Manchester City, with Liverpool, with Arsenal they need better players.”
On Marcus Rashford, Rooney said: “We all know Marcus has got the capabilities to play at the top level. I just wonder if, for Marcus himself, is it time to go play elsewhere? I don’t know.
“I think he has to ask himself that question. I want him to stay, to break records at this club. But he needs to get his head right, get his head down and get back to the player we know he can be.”
“It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team,” Ten Hag said.
“The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.
“And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.
“And be assured, you will be there supporting us.Thank you, you are the bestsupporters in the world, thank you.”
Erik ten Hag anticipatesLisandro Martínez’s return to fitness for Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Despite grappling with foot, knee, and calf issues, Martinez has only managed 11 appearances this season. His last game was on March 30 in a 1-1 draw against Brentford.
However, he is expected to make a comeback and be included in the squad for the Newcastle fixture.
“I think he will return to the squad,” Ten Hag told a news conference on Tuesday. “He’s had some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available. If this afternoon everything goes right in training, he will return to the squad.
Some other players we have to see are Bruno [Fernandes], [Marcus] Rashford, and Willy Kambwala.”
On Tuesday, Manchester United revealed that Raphaël Varane will depart from the club at the conclusion of the season.
While he won’t be available for the Newcastle match, there is optimism that he could participate in the final Premier League game against Brighton and potentially the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.
“We are planning, definitely, for the last games,” Ten Hag. said. “Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [against City].”
With just two games remaining, Manchester United currently sit in eighth place in the table.
Failing to secure at least four points from their upcoming matches against Newcastle and Brighton would result in the club ending the season with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally, surpassing the 58 points achieved in the 2021–22 campaign.
To secure a spot in Europe through their league position, Ten Hag’s team must finish in the top seven. Alternatively, they would need to win the FA Cup to qualify for the Europa League.
“It’s a very important game [against Newcastle],” Ten Hag said. “You see the ranking, so it’s very important to get the win. We have to do everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”
Man Utd has decided to cancel their annual end-of-season awards ceremony amidst the conclusion of a deeply disappointing campaign.
This decision mirrors last season’s cancellation, which occurred during a rough patch under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Originally slated for May 20, the celebration has been removed from the calendar altogether. Despite this cancellation, players will still receive their annual awards, including the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year prize.
However, these accolades will be distributed without a formal event.
The rationale behind this decision, according to The Athletic, is to avoid any additional distractions leading up to the FA Cup final against Manchester City, scheduled just five days after the initial event plan on May 25.
While the senior team, under Erik ten Hag’s management, has struggled this season, with a recent 1-0 defeat to Arsenal leaving them in eighth place in the Premier League, other branches of the club have seen success.
United’s women’s team clinched their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup, while the Under-18 side dominated the U18 Premier League North and advanced to the National Premier League Final.
Traditionally, these achievements would be celebrated at the annual awards ceremony, but they will now be acknowledged through internal events.
The women’s academy sides have already conducted their own ceremonies to honourtheir accomplishments at both the Under-21 and Under-18 levels.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed that he has no regrets about taking the job, despite the club’s current challenges.
With a year remaining on his contract, Ten Hag is facing significant pressure following a series of poor results, including a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
United’s position in the Premier League has slipped to eighth, outside of the European places, leading to speculation that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may consider a managerial change.
“I don’t regret being here for one second,” said Ten Hag.
“This is a massive club. You don’t know the challenges you have to face until you are in it. But I wanted this challenge.”
In his first season, Ten Hag led Manchester United to victory in the EFL Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought. He also guided the team to the FA Cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League.
The former Ajax manager considers these achievements as “over-achievement,” especially given the challenges faced this season. A series of injuries, particularly in defense, has forced Ten Hag to frequently alter his central defensive pairings and has left him without a regular left-back for most of the campaign.
Critics argue that injuries are not a sufficient excuse for United’s recent poor performances. The team has only managed one win, excluding extra-time and penalties, in their last nine games.
Following the defeat to Crystal Palace, reports emerged suggesting that United’s players no longer supported Ten Hag. However, the manager has dismissed these claims.
“There is great team spirit,” he said. “In almost every game they fought.
“Not on Monday [at Palace], that is why I was so disappointed. But in all the other games they have fought. I can’t have any doubts about this.”
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, expressed determination to persevere despite the team’s devastating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag acknowledged that his players deviated from the game plan, resulting in their 13th Premier League defeat of the season, marking their worst record ever.
The defeat, coupled with their current eighth position in the league standings, intensified pressure on Ten Hag. However, he affirmed his commitment to the job, asserting that the squad possesses the necessary talent.
Despite acknowledging his responsibility for the team’s performance, Ten Hag vowed to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match.
Reflecting on the defeat, Ten Hag admitted it was the lowest point of the season, lamenting the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cohesion.
He attributed the loss to individual errors and collective shortcomings, expressing disappointment in their failure to execute the game plan.
Despite fielding a makeshift defence due to injuries, Ten Hag underscored the team’s lack of resilience and cohesion, leading to their comprehensive defeat.
Ten Hag also expressed appreciation for the support of the travelling fans and lamented the team’s inability to match their passion on the field. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, praised his team’s performance, highlighting their efficiency and adaptability throughout the match.
Manchester Unitedmanager Erik ten Hag(54) has reassured fans by stating that the midfielder (29) is content at the Premier League club and will stay for the upcoming season amid speculation surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ future.
Fernandes recently mentioned in an interview with DAZN that he would assess his future at United after this year’s European Championship, emphasising that his decision to remain in Manchester would depend on a mutual agreement between him and the club.
Asked about Fernandes’ comments, Ten Hag told reporters: “That was taken out of context. I know he is Manchester United and I think he is very happy to be here.”
🚨 Bruno Fernandes: "My future? At the moment, I feel both me and the club want to continue together".
"I’m not thinking about the future. If you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not staying, it won’t be until after the FA Cup final and the Euros", told DAZN. pic.twitter.com/NE5MZ8JvX4
The Dutch manager said he “definitely” expects Fernandes to see out his contract, which runs until 2026, and highlighted the importance of the Portuguese international as a role model for other players in the team.
“Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets top footballers have nowadays to show and to deliver,” Ten Hag added.
“Bruno is a very good example for many other players. He is a real fighter. Last year when we played Brighton in the (FA Cup) semi-final, he played with an ankle that was so thick. It was unbelievable.
“He couldn’t run but he was still on the pitch. He is always available, always delivers and always gives energy to the team. Such assets are necessary to be successful.”
Erik ten Hag respondedto remarks made by Jose Mourinho regarding the level of support he receives at Manchester United compared to Mourinho’s tenure at the club.
Mourinho implied that Ten Hag has been afforded more backing in the transfer market than he had during his 2½ years at Old Trafford.
In rebuttal, Ten Hag countered by asserting that Mourinho is the sole manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era to have received the players they desired.
“Apart from Mourinho, the manager didn’t get the players they wanted, and that is what you need,” Ten Hag said in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
“I am confident we will achieve our goals, but it is a tough competition. It is not a two-horse race anymore.
“There are seven, eight [teams in the Premier League] who all go for the title, who all have very good squads. So if you want to go to the title, you have to construct that squad.”
At 54, Ten Hag’s future at United is uncertain after a lacklustre second season in charge. While he still has a year left on his contract, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not provided any formal assurances regarding his continuation as manager beyond the summer.
The former Ajax manager has previously attempted to secure signings like Frenkie de Jong and Harry Kane. However, he believes the club’s focus on recruiting younger players like Rasmus Højlund warrants patience as he works to improve results.
“You need outstanding players,” Ten Hag said. “Otherwise, you are in a process and you have to be patient. That is where we are now. We went for players who have high potential, and we have to develop them, as individuals and as a team. But you need patience with the process.”
Marcus Rashford is set for crucial discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding his future amid transfer speculation linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
The potential reshuffle in the United squad for next season has prompted considerations of Rashford’s sale, with INEOS believing that only three players are guaranteed a spot, and Rashford is not among them.
Additionally, compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, where profits from trading homegrown players contribute to compliance, further supports the board’s decision for Rashford’s departure.
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe is eager to address Rashford’s recent struggles and understand any underlying issues, including resolving potential conflicts with manager Erik ten Hag.
Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s trusted associate, is expected to lead discussions with Rashford and his representatives to find a solution and determine his future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3Zuy9hBA4
Rashford’s strained relationship with manager Ten Hag has been linked to off-the-pitch issues, notably his reported disregard for conduct warnings.
Instances like partying after a derby defeat to Manchester City and missing training due to illness following a night out in Belfast have worsened tensions with the coaching staff.
Despite interest from PSG, Rashford remains committed to staying at United and proving himself in the remaining season matches.
His performance in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City will be crucial in showcasing his abilities and securing his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024.
Antony faced criticism for his exuberant celebration, including cupping his ears towards Coventry’s players and fans, after United’s FA Cup semi-final win.
This behaviour came in contrast to Harry Maguire’s consoling gestures towards the Coventry players, who had staged an impressive comeback from 3-0 down.
“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He [Antony] was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction,” Ten Hag told a press conference. “But he should not do it.
I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and other; we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback. We are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”
Erik ten Hag expressed his discontent with the penalty decision given to Coventry in added time due to a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
However, he clarified that he would not resort to the approach takenby Nottingham Forest,who questioned the referees’ integrity following their Premier League loss to Everton.
He added: “You can’t do that. You can agree, or you can disagree. The handball for Wan-Bissaka is totally wrong, a mistake but you can’t question it. So it’s not good for the game and the refereeing; we should respect them and there is no respect.”
Antony, United’s second most expensive signing at £85 million ($105m) in 2022, has only managed two goals and two assists across all competitions this season.
As they prepare to face Premier League strugglers Sheffield United on Wednesday, United are seeking their first win in regulation time since defeating Everton on March 9.
With slim chances of Champions League qualification, the Red Devils are now prioritising ending a disappointing season positively and securing a spot in next season’s Europa League.
Ten Hag added: “We have to win every game. That’s what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final.”
Former manager of Manchester United, José Mourinho,has lamented the lack of support he received during his tenure at the club, suggesting that better results could have been achieved with greater trust and backing, similar to what Erik ten Hag is currently experiencing.
Mourinho, who led United from 2016 to 2018 and secured Europa League and Carabao Cup victories during his tenure, expressed his sentiments in an interview with The Telegraph.
He attributed the challenges he faced in achieving results to his strained relationship with then-chief executive Ed Woodward.
“My relationship with [former chief executive] Ed Woodward was good. Good as in the personal point of view,” Mourinho said. “Even now, we send an SMS. But from a professional point of view, it was not the best. I am who I am. I am a football man. Ed comes from a different background and what Ten Hag had in his time at Manchester United, I didn’t have.
“I didn’t have that level of support. I didn’t have that level of trust. So I left sad, because I felt I was at the beginning of the process. In some moments, I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.”
Mourinho added that there are members of United’s squad now that he wanted to get rid of during his tenure owing to their lack of professionalism.
“There are still a couple of players still there that I didn’t want five or six years ago,” he said. “I think they represent a little bit of what I consider not the best professional profile for a club of a certain dimension.
But I did my job there. Time always tells the truth. I would love Manchester United to succeed.”
During his tenure at United, Mourinho experienced conflicts with key players like Paul Pogba and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger recently revealed that Mourinho unjustly ostracised him from the dressing room. In an interview with The Telegraph, Mourinho shared his empathy for Pogba’s predicament regarding a four-year suspension for a doping violation.
“I am not enjoying Paul’s situation at all,” he said. “The only thing I say is that it happens to almost everybody in some moments of your career: you lose a little bit of the sense of who you are and what you have to be.
“The season after France won the World Cup, I think Paul came back different. The World Cup brought him into a dimension where football was not the most important thing for him.”
Ten Hag’s position at United is uncertain after Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and the club’s subsequent restructuring.
Despite reaching theFA Cup final forthe second consecutive season, their victory over Coventry City required penalties after squandering a 3-0 lead against the lower-tier team.
Manchester United has refuted claims suggesting that Antony’s absence from the squad during the Bournemouth game was due to a disagreement with manager Erik ten Hag, according to a source speaking to ESPN.
The Brazil winger was notably missing as United settled for a 2-2 draw, dealing a blow to their Champions League qualification aspirations.
The source emphasised that the club is dissatisfied with speculations linking Antony’s absence to a purported disagreement with Ten Hag over playing time.
United sources clarified that Antony was sidelined due to an injury sustained during Friday’s training session, preventing him from completing the practice.
Insiders close to Antony informed ESPN that the injury is not severe, and there are hopes of his recovery in time for the FA Cup semifinal against Coventry on Sunday.
Meanwhile, defender Diogo Dalot has suggested that Manchester United’s defensive struggles stem from their inclination to “take too many risks.” Ten Hag’s squad has conceded a troubling 12 goals in their last five matches, with Bournemouth alone registering 20 shots against them.
Notably, Liverpool and Chelsea each managed 28 shots in their respective encounters with United, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford and a 4-3 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
“Maybe we are taking too many risks,” said Dalot following the draw with Bournemouth. “Sometimes the gap between the defence and midfield is a little bit too big, which is why we are sometimes getting the counter-attacks too many times and are conceding too many shots, but overall we are looking forward to taking this as a learning process and trying to do better.”
Man Utd fans have expressed their dismay at Gary Neville and Roy Keane for saying Gareth Southgate should be the next Red Devils’ manager.
Southgate has emerged as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag and it has been reported that United’s minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is confident of luring the England manager to Old Trafford.
United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville both told the Stick to Football podcast that Southgate would be a good appointment for the Red Devils.
Neville and Keane’s comments have been met with a furious response online from a number of United fans. X user @karthikeyan3108 wrote: “Neville should probably start keeping his opinions to himself considering his glorious stint as a manager himself.”
Fellow X user @United_Benj was also not keen on the idea of the England boss taking charge of United, suggesting he would be as bad as former Three Lions manager Sam Allardyce. “Dear god. Replacing Ten Hag with Southgate?! It might as well bring Big Sam in,” he wrote.
United fan @racheal_ifedayo also reacted with incredulity, writing on X: “What are they smoking? Why would we want Southgate fgs?”.
🚨 Roy Keane on Southgate possibly becoming the next #mufc manager: "I could see that happening." [Overlap] pic.twitter.com/0fuXer1AoH
Ten Hag received some relief after Manchester United’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-final.
Despite this, his position remains precarious as United continue to linger in sixth place in the Premier League with slim hopes of Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate stands as England’s most accomplished manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, guiding the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022, as well as leading them to the final of the recent European Championship, where they fell short against Italy in a penalty shootout.
Southgate’s contract with the Football Association extends until December, and he has opted to defer any decisions regarding his future until after the European Championship.
England is set to face Brazil on Saturday and Belgium on Tuesday.
United’s upcoming fixture against Brentford on March 30 presents an opportunity to narrow the gap on Tottenham for fifth place in the league standings.
The journalist responsible for provokingJurgen Klopp’s departure from a post-match interview has disclosed the subsequent actions of the irate Liverpool manager.
Klopp, visibly displeased following his team’s dramatic 4-3 loss to arch-rivals Manchester United in an intense FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford, faced inquiries about his team’s alleged lack of intensity in extra time, particularly as Amad Diallo secured a decisive 121st-minute victory.
Klopp said, before walking off: “Come on! You are obviously not in a great shape. I don’t have the nerve for this.” Niels Christian Frederiksen was asking the questions and he has told Tipsbladet of how tensions continued to run high after the cameras stopped rolling: “I was very surprised by it, and those standing around were scared, and they were almost pressed up against the wall like: ‘wow, what the hell just happened here?’ It continued after what was seen on TV. He continued down the hallway, where he yelled and screamed at me. I also followed him because I thought it was something strange. I was very surprised, while some looked very shocked, and they asked: ‘Are you okay?’ and of course I’m okay.
“I have interviewed Jurgen many times. I don’t know him personally, but I’ve been to Mainz several times when Leon Andreasen and Mohamed Zidan were there, and I have also interviewed him in Dortmund and many times during his time in Liverpool. So we don’t have a bad relationship at all. I know that when you’re one of the world’s best coaches, and you have been for years, it doesn’t come if you’re not the world’s worst loser. The premise of being a good coach is that you don’t like to lose and that you are a winner.”
Frederiksen added on the unfortunate incident: “I interpret it mostly as an expression of his terrible frustration that they lost to Manchester United in the manner it happened, where they were ahead twice and should have sealed the deal. His dream scenario was to play an FA Cup final at Wembley in his last match in England, and that’s been taken from him now. So I can understand he’s super frustrated. Then he got a question he didn’t think was appropriate.
It’s been a theme for them that they’ve had many injuries and many matches, which he has complained about. Then he got a question about why they didn’t have intensity in the game, and then he snapped. That’s fair enough. I have absolutely no problem with that. There will be absolutely no problems in the future. I can’t imagine that at all. When I interview him again, we’ll still be good friends – professionally speaking. I don’t think he holds a grudge, and I certainly don’t.”
Liverpool held the lead twice againstManchester United, both in regular time and after Harvey Elliott’s goal in extra time. However, they failed to maintain their advantage, leading to jubilant celebrations from their rivals as the Red Devils advanced to Wembley for a semi-final clash against surprise contender Coventry City.
Casemiro has been sidelined for the past two months with a hamstring issue, while Martinez has been out of play since September due to a recurring foot ailment initially sustained in April.
Although Ten Hag confirmed that they are not yet ready for action, both players have resumed training and were spotted at Carrington last week.
On a positive note, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to be eligible for the Red Devils’ match against Wigan Athletic, as per the Dutchman’s statement.
Talking at a pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said [via ESPN]: “They [Casemiro and Martinez] are a long time already back on the grass and now they return back into team training but not fully, so partial. Now they have to make the next steps and that may take some days, I think even weeks.
“He [Hojlund] will return. He dropped out shortly before the game [against Forest] and so he was a little bit unwell before the game.
Rasmus Hojlund has faced challenges in the league, managing to score only once in 15 appearances, and that lone goal came in his recent outing for the Red Devils.
The prolonged absence of Casemiro and Martinez has been detrimental to Manchester United’s season, leading to their exit from the Champions League and an overall lacklustre performance in the league.
In their upcoming fixture, United will face Championship side Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup.
Hojlund is expected to be in the starting lineup, aiming to gain momentum against a comparatively weaker opponent.
Man Utd Erik ten Hag aims to maintain his influence in Manchester United’s recruitment decisions even after the approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in the club, as per a source reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
A team led by Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of INEOS, is poised to take charge of football operations at Old Trafford upon finalizing the $1.3 billion deal for a 25% stake.
Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport at INEOS, intends to overhaul United’s player recruitment strategy. However, Ten Hag, as per the source, is eager to ensure that he retains a significant role in the decision-making process.
Since assuming the managerial role in 2022, the Dutchman has held a veto on all transfers and wishes to continue playing a major part in determining the ins and outs of players at Old Trafford.
Questions have been raised about United’s transfer policy, notably after spending €100 million to acquire Antony from his former club Ajax.
According to ESPN’s source, the veto is a contractual provision for Ten Hag, and he anticipates this clause to be honoured despite changes in the leadership of the football department.
Ten Hag is scheduled tohold discussions with Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and the rest of the INEOS team ahead of the official ratification of the investment deal.
Erik ten Hag remains optimistic that key players returning from injury will help him solve the ongoing issues at Manchester United.
The Red Devils slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest in their final match of 2023, Morgan Gibbs-White netting a late winner on the counter after Marcus Rashford had cancelled out Nicolas Dominguez’s second-half opener.
United have now lost 14 matches in all competitions this season and the last time they suffered more before the turn of the year was way back in 1930-31.
But Ten Hag believes an easing of the current injury crisis at Old Trafford will allow his side to be more consistent in the second half of the campaign.
The Dutchman told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We have to make our performances consistent and have to do better. A game is 90 minutes and we have to invest from the first minute on.
“We are hopeful that many players will be back in the new year and they will strengthen the team and the squad.
“We know the reasons why it is not working. No team can deal with all the issues and injuries that we have had.
“We should still have done better and we have depth in the squad. When you have so many injuries, the depth is not enough.”
United were without Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Sofyan Amrabat and Anthony Martial for the trip to the City Ground, while Rasmus Hojlund was also taken ill shortly before the match.
Christian Eriksen believes the Red Devils’ season has been a case of “one step forward two steps back”, but like his manager, he remains confident things will improve in the new year.
The Denmark international said: “Things will heal and get better. There’s only one way forward and that’s to work hard.
“Sometimes it goes against us. As a footballer you want the best game every day but the only way to do that is to work.”
Erik's reaction to tonight's defeat ⤵️#MUFC || #NFOMUN
Scott McTominay has acknowledged that the atmosphere at Manchester United became toxic under recent managers but believes it is not repeating itself under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is facing pressure as United has experienced a downturn in form, losing five of their last 10 matches.
McTominay, who played under various managers at United, including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick, thinks the atmosphere has improved under Ten Hag despite recent challenges, such as a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
He said: “It is not the case like with some of the other managers where it has been a little bit toxic at times.
“The boys are firmly behind the manager and that is the be all and end all. I have said in many other interviews that it’s the way it will remain.
“We have got amazing coaching staff as well. It is the players’ responsibility first and foremost, the players know that as well.”
Scott McTominay acknowledges that Manchester United has experienced inconsistency this season, with notable wins against Everton and Chelsea but also concerning defeats. Despite the challenging results, McTominay is determined to repay the faith shown by manager Erik ten Hag. The midfielder is focused on helping the team regain its form and address the recent setbacks.
He added: “We are inconsistent as a team, we have not been naive to that.
“The schedule has been relentless but we can’t use that as an excuse. As a group we have to come together and find out the answers to that.
Manchester United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Saturday
“Faith in me from the manager has been massive and you want to repay that as much as you can.
“In the life of a footballer you will always have ups and downs — it is not always sunshine and rainbows. I have had an opportunity and want to do what I can to support the team.”
Manchester United faces a crucial match against Bayern on Tuesday and must secure a victory while hoping for a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Failing to win would result in United not even qualifying for the Europa League.
Under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended his record, pointing to achievements like winning the Carabao Cup, reaching the FA Cup final, and finishing third in the Premier League during his promising first season.
Despite facing criticism, pressure, and media reports suggesting a loss of confidence from some players, Ten Hag remained defiant, emphasizing the need for togetherness.
The manager expressed confidence in his ability to help Manchester United fulfill their ambitions despite recent setbacks.
He said: “There will be always tough times in every journey. We are in the right direction.
“I know we will get there where we want to be. See my record.
“Everywhere where I was, every season, I got my targets. So if we stick together, stick to the plan and the strategy, we will get where we want to be.”
Erik ten Hag, 53, previously managed teams like Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II, and Utrecht before achieving success at Ajax and subsequently taking charge of Manchester United.
During his tenure at Ajax, he secured three league titles and guided the team to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019, where they were eliminated by Tottenham. In the upcoming match against Chelsea, Ten Hag faces Mauricio Pochettino, who he reportedly beat to secure the Manchester United managerial position.
Asked what the realistic timeframe is for getting United where they want to go, Ten Hag said: “First of all, I can say in this club we are waiting for two, three years.
“The aim is, the demand is and the standards should be that you win every game, so we go in every game with the aim.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will continue to support André Onana as the team’s primary goalkeeper, standing by the decision to bring him in after the departure of David De Gea last summer, as per a source cited by ESPN.
Onana’s performance in the 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in Istanbul, where he made two costly mistakes, has left United’s Champions League aspirations in a precarious position.
Despite Onana’s challenging start to the season and occasional blunders, Ten Hag, according to a source, believes in the £43 million ($53 million) summer signing from Inter Milan and expects him to rebound.
The source indicated that Ten Hag is likely to maintain his trust in Onana for the upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle on Saturday, unless the goalkeeper expresses a desire to be temporarily sidelined.
Onana was acquired during the transfer window to fill the void left by De Gea, who served as United’s No. 1 for over a decade.
While some fans have called for De Gea’s return, Ten Hag, as per the source, sees the benefits of signing the former Ajax goalkeeper as outweighing the drawbacks, given that his playing style aligns better with the Dutch manager’s vision.
Despite Onana’s errors in the recent match against Galatasaray, Ten Hag was impressed with the goalkeeper’s build-up play, which contributed to Alejandro Garnacho scoring the opening goal.
United faces a crucial match against Bayern Munich, with their Champions League fate hanging in the balance.
Failure to win could result in elimination at the group stage, while a victory could see them progress to the round of 16 under specific conditions.
A third-place finish would lead to aEuropa League spot, and finishing at the bottom would mean an early exit from European competition.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his dissatisfaction with Marcus Rashford’s present form but remains supportive of the player, backing him to regain his stride.
The England international has tallied only one goal in 15 appearances across all competitions this season and received a straight red card during Wednesday’s 4-3 loss against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Despite Rashford’s recent struggles, Gareth Southgate has maintained confidence in him by including him in the latest Three Lions squad. Ten Hag anticipates a turnaround in performance from the 26-year-old in the future.
The Dutch manager said: “I think he’s [Rashford] not happy, we are not happy. We have an expectation. He has high expectations from himself. In this moment he is not in the best form but I know he will be back.
“I know when the team is playing better he will play better. He will go and score goals. I am confident of that. This season he will improve and score goals.
“He is totally in the team, he is aware of everything so I think he will be back on track.
“It can happen very quickly and sometimes you only need one game. I’m sure he will get there.”
United’s defeat in Copenhagen was their ninth in 17 matches this season, making tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with Luton a must-win for Ten Hag.
When asked whether recent results have been acceptable, the Red Devils boss replied: “It is about the end result and we have to win every game, so we are very disappointed to lose any game but finally it is about the end result.
“It is always about being in a process, thinking about a process and then it’s about managing the process. That’s the only thing I focus on.
“I think we have often proved we can, like at Fulham, like Brentford, that we can overcome big setbacks.”
Rashford is set to rejoin United’s starting XI against Luton after being absent in the 1-0 victory over Fulham last weekend. However, Ten Hag confirmed that center-back Jonny Evans won’t be available at Old Trafford due to an injury sustained on Wednesday night.
Erik ten Hag expresses his unwavering confidence in his ability to reverseManchester United’s fortunes following a challenging start to the season.
Despite suffering their seventh defeat of the season in the recent derby against Manchester City, which occurred within just 14 games, the Dutchman reassures fans in his program notes for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United that he firmly believes the team will recover.
“At Manchester United, every game involves high stakes,” Ten Hag wrote in the United Review.
“Every single day, there is pressure on everybody involved with this club, but those demands and standards are a challenge that we must always meet head-on.
“While this has not been the start of the season that we had all hoped for, I am certain that we have the talent and attitude as a collective to move in the right direction.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe secures a deal to oversee the sporting side of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag will be assured of his place in the club’s plans according to reports.
Ratcliffe, the founder of INEOS, a chemicals company, is looking to acquire a 25% stake in the club through a £1.3 billion ($1.58 billion) investment.
Ratcliffe aims to have an influence on the football operations but, as per the source, any proposed changes will not involve replacing Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman led Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured the Carabao Cup in his first season as manager.
Despite a challenging start to the current campaign, with six losses in 11 games in all competitions, INEOS prefers to retain Ten Hag as the manager.
A crucial board meeting for Manchester United is scheduled for Thursday, during which a potential agreement with Ratcliffe and INEOS could be finalised.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is well aware that his bid to purchase a minority stake in Manchester United may not sit well with fans due to the continued ownership of the Glazer family within the club.
However, Ratcliffe harbours hopes that this initial 25% acquisition could pave the way for a potential full takeover down the road. In the interim, the Glazers will retain their majority ownership.
For many fans, there had been high hopes that the Glazers’ 18-year ownership of the club might come to an end when it was first announced in November that the American family was considering selling the club.
However, recent developments revealed that the single offer for 100% control of the club from Sheikh Jassim had been withdrawn. This Qatari businessman withdrew from the process, citing the Glazers’ “fanciful” valuation as a primary reason.
Sheikh Jassim’s final offer fell short of the Glazers’ asking price by about £1 billion, with a total worth of approximately £5 billion.
Should Ratcliffe’s bid be successful, he is expected to unveil ambitious plansfor Manchester United’s future in an effort to ease any supporter unrest.
These plans are likely to encompass proposals for the redevelopment of Old Trafford, potentially increasing the stadium’s capacity from 76,000 to 90,000.
Erik ten Hag is confident that his players are prepared for the upcoming battle against Arsenal, and Manchester United is eagerly anticipating Sunday’s highly-anticipated showdown.
While Manchester United has accumulated six points from their initial three Premier League matches, their performances have been less than stellar.
They narrowly defeated Wolves 1-0 in their Old Trafford opener and suffered a 2-0 loss to Tottenham.
In their most recent outing at Old Trafford, they had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
As last season’s Premier League runners-up, United understands that they must elevate their performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday when they face Arsenal, who finished third in the league last year.
“It’s one of the biggest games in the Premier League and we are really looking forward, of course, to that fight,” the United boss said. “It’s really always interesting games, intense games.
“I think it is two teams who really play offensive football, the right intentions, I would say.
“The audience is always the big winner of that game, so really looking forward to have that game.”
Manchester United is heading to the capital with three new signings who are now eligible to play.
Altay Bayindir, a goalkeeper from Fenerbahce, joined the team on Friday after Dean Henderson’s departure to Crystal Palace. Tottenham’s left-back Sergio Reguilon also arrived on a season-long loan, and the return of Jonny Evans to the club on a one-year contract was recently announced.
All three players were registered in time to be available for the match against Arsenal. However, Sofyan Amrabat, who arrived on loan from Fiorentina with an obligation to buy, was not eligible to play.
The deadline day signings have strengthened a squad that will be competing on multiple fronts this season. Manchester United was recently drawn into a Champions League group that includes Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray.
“We need the depth to go into the four competitions,” Ten Hag said.
“But also our players, most of them international players for their nations, so they will go all over the world.
“We have to cover that. We have to be prepared for that situation, that we always can put a competitive team on the pitch.”
Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia are still unavailable for the upcoming match against Arsenal.
In addition to these players, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tom Heaton are also sidelined due to injuries. However, the new summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, has been cleared to make his debut after recovering from a back problem.
Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia are still unavailable for the upcoming match against Arsenal.
In addition to these players, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tom Heaton are also sidelined due to injuries. However, the new summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, has been cleared to make his debut after recovering from a back problem.
“I think he is ready to start,” Ten Hag said of the Denmark striker, who arrived from Atalanta in a deal that could reach £72million.
“I think for every player there is a big spotlight. At United you have to perform, so in every position and with every player.”
The proposed transfer ofHarry Maguire to West Ham for a £30 million ($38 million) deal has fallen through, and as of now, the English player intends to stay at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, sources have informed ESPN.
Harry Maguire is reportedly committed to remaining with Manchester United this summer, as per insiders.
The anticipated move of Maguire to West Ham, valued at £30 million ($38 million), has not materialised, leaving Maguire set to continue his tenure at Old Trafford this season.
Sources have shared that Manchester United is open to receiving offers for the 30-year-old defender.
However, Manager Erik ten Hag has communicated to Maguire that he still has a place within the squad.
According to ESPN’s sources, the club would have needed to secure a replacement for Maguire, but the timing is deemed too late to initiate a search for a new defender.
During the recent 1-0 victory over Wolves, Maguire was listed on the bench but did not make an appearance.
West Ham had displayed interest in acquiring Maguire, but they are now exploring alternative targets.
Last week, Manchester United reportedly accepted West Ham’s offer of approximately £30 million.
The sources also indicated that the club was willing to contribute a portion of Maguire’s contract to facilitate the transfer.
Maguire currently has two years remaining on his contract with Old Trafford, and a move to the London Stadium would have required him to agree to a reduced salary.
Despite being behind Lisandro Martnez and Raphaël Varane in the team’s hierarchy, Maguire reportedly holds the belief that he will receive opportunities to play for Manchester United in the upcoming season.
In light of reports suggesting that defender Harry Maguire is on the brink of finalising a move to West Ham, manager Erik ten Hag has expressed the view that if Maguire lacks the necessary confidence to compete for his spot, he should consider departing Manchester United.
Ten Hag had earlier removed the captain’s armband from Maguire last month, primarily due to the 30-year-old’s limited involvement in the previous Premier League season, having started only eight matches.
This came as central defensive preferences leaned towards Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof.
Recent information from British media has indicated that West Ham and Maguire have reached an agreement worth £30 million ($38.01 million) for the transfer. Maguire, whom United acquired from Leicester City for a record-breaking £80 million in 2019, originally became the world’s most expensive defender.
“He has to fight for his place, and he has the abilities to be a top-class centre-back,” Ten Hag told reporters. “He is the best for England, and I assume he will be the best for us, but he has to prove it.
“When he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to go. He has to make a decision. But I am happy with him… You need high-level players who are maybe not starting, but that can change.”
Manager Erik ten Hag has decided to remove Harry Maguire from his role as captain of Manchester United.
Maguire, who had held the captaincy since January 2020, found himself on the sidelines for a significant portion of Ten Hag’s debut season in charge.
Harry Maguire has said it was a privilege to captain Manchester United, after confirming that he is no longer the club skipper.
In a statement, the United and England centre-back thanked the fans for all their support during his captaincy.
He said: “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
“So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.
“Since the day I took on the role, three-and-a-half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field.
“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”
Everyone at Manchester United thanked Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-a-half years.
The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players.
The players in question are Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Fred, and Scott McTominay. Ten Hag views these players as not fitting into his long-term plans and is keen to offload them within the next two weeks.
During Ten Hag’s first season at the club, these four players struggled to secure regular starting positions.
Although Sancho had the highest number of appearances among them, starting 21 out of his 26 Premier League games, Fred featured in 35 matches, albeit with only 12 starts.
Ten Hag’s decision to sell these players reflects his desire to reshape the squad according to his vision and strategy.
McTominay started 10 of his 24 Premier League matches, while Maguire started eight times, coming off the bench a further eight.
United may have a hard time getting rid of the players, with former captain Maguire in particular on high wages and the club said to be asking for around £50 million ($64.2m) for him.
The defender has also just received a wage rise.
Tottenham are reported to be in for Sancho and United may offer him in an attempt to convince the London club to part ways with Harry Kane.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Fred could remain in the Premier League with Fulham showing interest and Scotland international McTominay has been linked with amove to Newcastle.
The Red Devils will play their first pre-season friendly against Leeds in Oslo on July 12, a week before they meet Lyon in Edinburgh.
The incident that triggered this decision occurred during the match against Bournemouth on May 20, when ten Hag substituted Martial in the 57th minute.
The player was visibly upset and walked off the pitch towards the tunnel, a reaction that did not sit well with his manager.
The Mirror has now revealed that the Manchester United manager is prepared to end Martial’s tenure at the club and put him up for sale.
Despite the striker’s persistent fitness issues throughout the season, ten Hag had previously expressed his support for Martial.
However, it seems that the recent events have prompted a change in his stance.
The 27-year-old has only scored eight goals in 27 appearances in a team where he is supposed to be the lead striker.
United haven’t fared well in the striking department, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in January leaving Martial as the sole striker.
The club brought in Wout Weghorst on a short-term deal, but he too, has failed to impress. The Sun reports that Martial’s body language and movement has also been an issue amongst Manchester United fans.
Ronaldo reaction
You will remember that ten Hag boldly did away with Ronaldo after the Portuguese icon refused to come on as a substitute againstTottenham last year. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner instead walked down the tunnel.
He was suspended for one game, but he escalated the issue after conducting an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Strikers Manchester United can buy
Ten Hag will be hoping to sign a proven striker in the summer. Martial’s and Weghorst’s struggles in front of goal have made it more imperative that they are not strikers ten Hag can rely on long-term as part of the project he is building at Old Trafford.
Manchester United might be in take-over talks at the moment, but the necessity of having a proven number 9 keeps growing day by day.
Sports Brief took a look at who the club can approach to alleviate their striking concerns. Marcus Rashford has done well so far, but he will need help.
A new, long-term contract withManchester Unitedhas been inked by Alejandro Garnacho.
The 18-year-old winger signed a contract with the Premier League team on Friday that would keep him there until June 2028.
Garnacho has played for the Red Devils’ first team in 31 games, and it looks like there will be many more.
After graduating from the United academy, the player said: “When I joined this magnificent club, I dreamed of making my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal, and winning trophies with this emblem on my breast.
“I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.
“We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions.
“The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful.
“I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”
The teenager has been out since last month due to an ankle injury, but is set to make his return as United attempt to secure a top-four finish and win the FA Cup.
United boss Erik ten Hag on Friday revealed Garnacho will not be allowed to represent Argentina when they host the U20 World Cup, which starts on May 20.
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