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Tag: Ten Hag

  • Bruno Fernandes is Ten Hag’s ‘idol’ after striking recovery efforts by the midfielder

    Bruno Fernandes is Ten Hag’s ‘idol’ after striking recovery efforts by the midfielder

    In order for Manchester United to cultivate a winning culture, Bruno Fernandes has been recognised by Erik ten Hag as the role model that all of the team’s players must emulate.

    The midfielder was photographed in a protective boot after fracturing his ankle during United’s FA Cup semifinal victory over Brighton on Sunday, but he was able to recover in time to lead the team in Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

    Fernandes played a key role in assisting Marcus Rashford’s goal after Jadon Sancho had given the visitors the early lead and put United up two goals at the break.

    Spurs hit back after the break and claimed a point thanks to goals from Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min.

    After watching his team let a two-goal lead slip, United’s manager praised his skipper’s readiness to suffer for the cause and called on the players to make Fernandes their inspiration if they are to find the consistency to compete on all fronts.

    United lead Spurs by six points and have two games in hand in the race to finish in the top four, and in June will look to add the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup they have already won when they face Manchester City at Wembley.

    “I think as Man United and as a top team then you have to compete and go for the win in every competition you are in, so that’s what we are doing,” said Ten Hag.

    “That is the culture we want to construct, so that is what we are doing. It has to be in the mindset of every player and every employee who is working for Manchester United.”

    Of Fernandes’s recovery he said: “It was tough, a big compliment on Bruno. He absolutely doesn’t want to miss this game and he did everything to get fit.

    “I think he is the example, and that you have to suffer and you have to sacrifice when you want to play on the top level, you want to achieve something.

    “So once again he showed there how great a captain he is, how he has taken responsibility, even when he is not 100 per cent fit.

    “But he did the job, he was important in this game as well. Hopefully the team can, not learn, but see him as an inspiration and do the same.”

    The draw with Spurs was the second time in two weeks that United had thrown away a two-goal lead, following their late collapse against Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

    They subsequently capitulated in the return meeting in Spain, losing 3-0 to crash out of the competition.

    There have also been limp defeats to Newcastle and Liverpool, the latter a 7-0 hammering, but Ten Hag was quick to remind critics that his team have beaten the top two in the Premier League and the La Liga leaders this campaign.

    “We had some games I like,” said Ten Hag. “Two weeks ago against Forest (a 2-0 win), I think that was almost optimum. You see it’s not so easy to play Forest, you see Liverpool struggling, you see Brighton struggling there. That was a very good performance on our side.

    “We had more games, I would have to think which games. Especially I think City (at home), that was a brilliant game. We had more, I think Arsenal, both games we played very well. We had many games where we were very dominant.

    “Betis, Barcelona. So we had our games where we played very good football.”

  • Arsenal’s super defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu falls out of rest of season over knee injury

    Arsenal’s super defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu falls out of rest of season over knee injury

    The injury of Takehiro Tomiyasu has caused the Premier League’s top team, Arsenal, a devastating blow.

    This season, Tomiyasu has been a core part of Mikel Arteta’s team, contributing significantly to the team’s title-winning effort.

    After suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery, the Japanese defender will now likely miss the remainder of the season.

    The development was confirmed by Arsenal on Tuesday, with the club saying in an official statement:

    “Following his substitution during last Thursday’s Europa League match, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu sustained a significant injury to his right knee.” “Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season,” the statement continued.

    When did Tomiyasu suffer the injury?

    According to Metro UK, Tomiyasu picked up the injury while in action for Arsenal during their Europa League round of 16 clash against Sporting Lisbon.

    The Japan international slipped awkwardly and was forced off the field after just nine minutes of the continental tie played at the Emirates Stadium.

    The defender was later seen in a brace and on crutches when he left the pitch shortly after the match.

    Some of the matches Tomiyasu is set to miss are Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

    Did ten Hag curse Arsenal?

    Sports Brief previously reported on Arsenal suffering two key injuries only days after Manchester United coach, Erik ten Hag called the team ‘lucky’ with availability.

    While being interviewed ahead of the Europa League clash against Real Betis, the Dutch manager compared the Red Devils to the Gunners in terms of the season.

    Some believe ten Hag ‘cursed’ Arsenal, following his comments about the Premier League leaders always having all members of the squad available for each game.

  • Usain Bolt and Ten Hag’s conversation , ‘do you have any ideas?’

    Usain Bolt and Ten Hag’s conversation , ‘do you have any ideas?’

    Erik Ten Hag didn’t require much thought or time to realise that, in order to end Manchester United’s six-year trophy drought, he needed to win a trophy in his first season.

    The Red Devils’ first trophy since the 2017 UEFA Europa League they won under Jose Mourinho was the 2023 Carabao Cup, which the Dutch manager led them to by defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in the finals.

    The victory has brought relief to the supporters who think the former Ajax manager can move the team forward after showcasing his abilities in a short period of time.

    Usain Bolt, a three-time world champion in athletics and a lifelong supporter of Manchester United, shared the same opinion after speaking with the manager and attending the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham.

    What Bolt told Ten Hag

    The Jamaican athlete met Ten Hag after the chaotic victory that ensured the club’s progression to the FA Cup semifinals and has now opened up on the conversation in an interview with PA via Independent.

    “I actually asked him about who we’re going to bring in the summer and he was like ‘do you have any ideas?’.

    It was a nice, simple but fun conversation,” he said. “The first thing I said to him was ‘thank you’. That’s the first thing I said and he was like ‘thanks for what?’ I was like ‘for bringing the glory days back’.

    The former FC Twente boss has been consistent in laying down his principles of hard work and consistently reminding the players that they are fighting for a purpose which is trophies.

    This philosophy is already visible to fans. “It feels good to watch Manchester now. The team is together, they’re as one. They’re working together, they’re working hard and you can see the purpose now, you can see the determination in the way they play,” Bolt added.

    “I was very happy with his progress and I can tell that he’s going to do a lot more. We have a lot more trophies in our future so I’m excited.”

    Bolt enjoyed the match as it went the way he had wanted, and the scoreline was what he had correctly predicted, as revealed by Manchester United’s official website.

  • Ten Hag unperturbed as Garnacho leaves Old Trafford

    Ten Hag unperturbed as Garnacho leaves Old Trafford

    Alejandro Garnacho needed crutches as he left Old Trafford on Sunday, but Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wasn’t overly concerned about the injury.

    Garnacho was introduced in the second half of United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton and went down hurt during the latter stages under a challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters.

    In the penalty area, the Southampton defender won possession of the ball on the stretch, but Garnacho’s right ankle looked to become wedged between Walker-Peters’ knees.

    Garnacho appeared to be in excruciating pain but continued to play until he was substituted in stoppage time as Ten Hag attempted to strengthen United’s 10-man defense.

    He was subsequently spotted leaving the stadium with the support of crutches.

    “He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle,” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I don’t want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].

    “I didn’t want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent [fit]. That’s why I called him off, but I think it is not too bad.”

    United are next in action on Thursday as they go to Seville to face Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

    They take a 4-1 aggregate lead to the Benito Villamarin after a comprehensive win at Old Trafford in the first leg.

  • Ten Hag displeased with red card, penalty calls in draw with Southampton 

    Ten Hag displeased with red card, penalty calls in draw with Southampton 

    Erik ten Hag lamented the inconsistent nature of the officials’ rulings after being dissatisfied with Anthony Taylor’s performance in Sunday’s draw between Manchester United and Southampton.

    As Casemiro received a straight red card in the first half for an aggressive challenge on Carlos Alcaraz, United could only manage a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

    Casemiro was initially given a yellow card by Taylor, but after a VAR review, it was changed to a red, leaving the United midfielder visibly upset because replays showed he won the ball before catching Alcaraz.

    It means Casemiro is the first United player to receive two red cards in a single Premier League season since Nemanja Vidic in 2013-14, and he will serve a ban of four matches rather than three due to it being his second dismissal.

    The tackle was not too dissimilar to an incident on Saturday when Ricardo Pereira caught Joao Felix with his studs and escaped punishment entirely, and this is the crux of Ten Hag’s frustration, having also seen a couple of penalty appeals fall on deaf ears.  

    “What I think is the inconsistency; players don’t know anymore what is the policy, and I think it’s all across [every competition],” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “We see it with the Premier League yesterday: Leicester-Chelsea, the VAR is not coming online. Today, it’s coming online.

    “And then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come online. Especially the first one, it was clear and obvious handball, so what is the policy?”

    Ten Hag was asked if he sought that clarification from Taylor afterwards, though he was seemingly dissatisfied with the outcome.

    “Of course, we talk but not a lot, so some questions we [still] have,” he continued.

    “There’s another one: inconsistent. The referee is coming in the start of the season with a policy; we are [in the] Premier League, it’s coming strong here, we want intensity [in the play].”

    Ten Hag also feels the slow-motion and freeze-frame nature of VAR reviews does not help because he believes it makes everything look worse than in reality.

    “Everyone who knows something about football, and of course, when you freeze it, it looks bad,” Ten Hag said. “But everyone who knows something about football, who was acting on top football, they know what is bad, what isn’t bad and what is fair.

    “And I tell you: Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough but fair.

    “Casemiro is across European games, over 500 games he never had a [straight] red card. Now he has two.

    “Think about that. He plays tough, but he plays fair. And also in this, he’s playing fair, same as against Crystal Palace, so it’s very debatable.

    “And if they isolate one [incident] — it’s a little bit the same as against Crystal Palace, definitely.

    “When you saw that incident, you should have sent off three or four players and not only one [Casemiro], if you’re really consistent.”

  • Man Utd-Real Betis: Ten Hag justifies Bruno Fernandes’ bad tackle on Bravo

    Man Utd-Real Betis: Ten Hag justifies Bruno Fernandes’ bad tackle on Bravo

    Manchester United bounced back from their embarrassing 7-0 loss to Liverpool at the weekend by beating Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were all on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, and a former Premier League star Ayoze Perez got the only goal for the Spanish team.

    Fernandes, who retained his captaincy after his antics against Liverpool, got fans talking after he escaped with only a yellow card after a horror tackle on former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

    The Portuguese went in with a two-foot lunge at the Chilean goalkeeper, who got to the ball first but then got caught on the shin by the United captain. The referee immediately issued a yellow card, as reported by Sun UK.

    Ten Hag defends Fernandes

    United boss Erik Ten Hag defended his captain for the bad tackle during his post-match conference with BT Sport, which Manchester Evening News quoted. ”It’s his strength and his passion, but you are right. Sometimes he has to control that, and he has to bring it.

    It is his strength, and when it’s too much, it becomes a weakness. That’s true, and he knows that, and there are always small margins,” he said.

    The former Ajax boss also praised how his captain adapted to his role change and felt he was the best player on the pitch

    ”I think he was the best player on the pitch. It shows his personality. He played a little deeper role tonight, I asked him to do, and I think he was brilliant,” he added.

    Ten Hag instructs players to score more goals Sports Brief earlier reported that United boss Erik Ten Hag appeared to tell his players to score more goals despite being 4-1 up against Real Betis.

    The Dutch manager named an unchanged XI after the loss to Liverpool. While his team were four goals up, he made a gesture with three fingers which fans interpreted meant he wanted three more goals.

    The former Ajax boss ended United’s trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and currently has the team on 21 home games unbeaten run.

  • Too early to say Man Utd are back -Andrew Cole

    Too early to say Man Utd are back -Andrew Cole

    The right foundation is being laid by Erik ten Hag to get Manchester United back in contention for the top prizes, but according to him, it is still too early to declare the Red Devils’ return.

    In the EFL Cup final on Sunday at Wembley, United defeated Newcastle United 2-0 to win their first significant trophy in six years. Goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford in the first half were enough to secure the victory.

    It is Ten Hag’s most recent victory. Despite being eight points behind league-leading Arsenal, Ten Hag’s team still has FA Cup and Europa League aspirations, and a title challenge is not out of the question.

    While acknowledging the upward trajectory Ten Hag has the club on, Red Devils legend Cole, a member of the illustrious 1999 treble-winning United team, cautioned there is still a long way to go to catch up to rivals Manchester City, who have won the title in four of the past five seasons and are only two points behind the Gunners this time around.

    “We need to remember a lot of teams [used to] disregard the League Cup, now the League Cup has become a big competition,” Cole told Stats Perform.

    “I’m very, very happy obviously we won the League Cup and with Ten Hag, but let’s put things into perspective here, it’s his first season. We’ve got to be very honest, we know there’s a big gap between ourselves and Manchester City.

    “We can talk about at the present moment there’s only five points difference but if we look at the whole of the last few seasons we’ve not been close. 

    “So, I’m not going to look at this year and say, ‘we’re back’. It’s fantastic that we’ve had the opportunity to win the cup, but I think we’re still a little bit away. If we keep improving like we are at the moment, it won’t be too much longer.”

    Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United, believes the EFL Cup triumph is only part of the process of getting the club challenging regularly for league titles once again.

    “I was sitting here watching the game and hoping that this is the start of something new,” he added.

    “To win the league you’ve got to be the best team for 38 games. So that’s the process; that takes time; that’s not going to take you one or two years, it’s going to take a little bit longer. 

    “If you look at for instance, Manchester City, they’ve won the League Cup numerous times, then they’ve gone on to win the league numerous times.” 

    “I think he’s [Ten Hag] building blocks. If you look at his building blocks, obviously Manchester United are in a position where they’ve won the League Cup. But let’s build on that. Get from now until the end of the season, finish in the Champions League spot. And then you go to the next season. 

    “I’m not going to sit here and say Manchester United are going to win the league next season. I know how difficult that’s going to be. Just because we won the League Cup this season, I don’t believe we’re going to win the Premier League next season by 15 points. No, it doesn’t quite happen like that; everything is a process.”

    United have had plenty of false dawns since legendary manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, with the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all ultimately falling short in their attempts to restore past glories – even though the two former coaches did win trophies.

    Cole believes Ten Hag can lean on Ferguson for advice but ultimately step out of his shadow.

    “I think with Ten Hag we all know he’s got a pinch on the game and how he wants to run the football club, he’s very good with discipline,” he said.

    “From the outside looking in, I could say possibly that’s what Ten Hag is doing at Manchester United – leaning on Sir Alex Ferguson for his knowledge. 

    “But at some stage you’re going to look at things and address things in a totally different way. So, I think to take it on board that Sir Alex Ferguson is there and he’s going to be there period.

    “There’s no point to try to fight against him because I think when people try and fight against it then it seems to cause more problems than anything else, it seems like they’ve got a very good relationship which is only a positive thing.”

  • Ten Hag praises Manchester United after Barca’s comeback

    Ten Hag praises Manchester United after Barca’s comeback

    After Manchester United’s thrilling Europa League comeback victory over Barcelona, Erik ten Hag praised his “resilient” team.

    The Red Devils trailed on aggregate after last week’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s opening-half penalty at Old Trafford.

    After the break, however, Ten Hag’s team completely reversed the situation, with goals from substitute Antony and Fred sending the hosts through to the round of 16.

    Additionally, it was the first time the Blaugrana had lost after leading at halftime since their defeat by Granada in April 2021.

    When asked if this was his biggest win since taking charge, the Dutchman told BT Sport: “Yes, I think so. We’ve had some good wins – Liverpool, Arsenal at home. Barcelona is the leader of LaLiga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid. To beat them, it’s a big win.

    “I think we have some great personalities on the team, like Rapha [Varane] and Licha [Lisandro Martinez], who don’t fear anyone. Even when you get setbacks, they move on, they carry on, and they are resilient. They want to get a result.

    “Even when you concede a penalty, you have to go on; you can turn around such games. When you win a big game like this after [being] 1-0 down in a difficult situation, I think this is a good bit of motivation for the season.”

    Following Antony’s winner, United have now had 19 goals scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most by any side from the big five European leagues.

    Alejandro Garnacho also looked dangerous following his introduction, his blocked effort leading to the decisive strike, and Ten Hag hailed the impact of both players.

    “We know if we can bring Antony and Garnacho on and get over in the right areas, you get speed, you get running behind, you get dribbles, and you get belief,” the manager added.

    “They are both so brave; they don’t fear anyone. They just take players on, and I think that gives a boost to the whole team.”

    On Fred, who levelled the tie, he said: “What he does really well is make the runs behind in the right moment, he has good timing. Getting behind the Barcelona midfielders was part of our game plan. I think it was really effective.”

  • Ten Hag says he was relentless in inspiring Man Utd turnaround against Barca

    Ten Hag says he was relentless in inspiring Man Utd turnaround against Barca

    Before their inspired comeback against Barcelona at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag urged Manchester United to exude more confidence and bravery.

    In a thrilling comeback, the Red Devils defeated the undisputed LaLiga leaders 4-3 overall to advance to the round of 16 of the competition.

    United struggled in the first half, trailing 1-0 thanks to a Robert Lewandowski penalty and managing just two shots on goal. If Casemiro hadn’t stopped Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie just before halftime, United might have been down 2-0 for the game.

    Ten Hag made a substitution at the break for a second successive match, having also done so against Leicester City on Sunday, introducing Antony in favour of Wout Weghorst.

    It proved an inspired move, as the hosts appeared invigorated upon the contest’s resumption. Fred levelled the tie before Antony struck out the winner 17 minutes from time.

    “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat [in the] first half,” Ten Hag told reporters his post-match press conference. “We had our spare man Casemiro [who] we didn’t use enough. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use [him] enough.

    “I think in the pressing, we could be more brave. So, that is what we emphasised. The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.

    “In the squad, you need different types and profiles and when your time is there, you have to be ready and contribute with the team. You can’t win trophies with 11 [players], especially not nowadays. You need that squad and rotation.

    “This is another step because when you can beat Barcelona – one of the best teams in this moment in Europe – your belief can be really strong, because then I think you are able to beat anyone.

    “It was a magnificent night. I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona – eight points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga – and we have seen this week Real Madrid playing [in their 5-2 win [over Liverpool]. We did a magnificent performance.”

  • Rashford continues Red Devils rise

    Rashford continues Red Devils rise

    Marcus Rashford added to his incredible run of goals on Thursday night in Barcelona.

    In the 2-2 draw at Camp Nou, the 25-year-old attacker increased his season total to 22, matching his previous highest goal-scoring campaign in 2019–20.

    This stands in stark contrast to United’s performance from the previous season, when the No. 10 only managed to score five times, representing a disastrous year under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

    Ahead of the Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Leicester at Old Trafford this afternoon, we take a look at Rashford’s renaissance.

    Making his Marc

    Rashford has delivered 29 goal contributions in 35 games this term, registering 51 shots on target, a devastating output.

    His form before the World Cup was promising enough for Gareth Southgate to include the United striker in his squad for Qatar, where Rashford shone, most notably notching a brace in the 3-0 win over Wales.

    Since his return to Manchester, his game has reached new heights, bagging 14 goals in just 16 games, with Crystal Palace, Reading and Nottingham Forest the only three opponents to keep the lethal marksman at bay.

    Marcus Rashford has been Manchester United's chief attacking threat this term
    Marcus Rashford has been Manchester United’s chief attacking threat this term

    Beaming boss

    Rashford has become an emblematic figure for United’s improvement under Erik ten Hag and the Dutch manager believes there is still more to come from the 51-cap international.

    Ten Hag, 53, said: “He has the skills. I was convinced from the first moment and I was really excited to work with him.

    “I thought that I could get more out of him. He has so many skills and such high potential that I think there can be even more.

    “When he works well, he will even score more goals because he can score with his left, right and his head.”

    Marcus Rashford has dominated Manchester United's play this term
    Marcus Rashford has dominated Manchester United’s play this term

    Stepping up

    Rashford has thrived on the left flank in Ten Hag’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, dovetailing well with Antony out on the right and Bruno Fernandes through the middle. 

    The presence of Real Madrid legend Casemiro at the base of midfield has had a stabilising effect on United, providing a solid platform on which their attacking talents can shine.

    And after his latest showing at the Camp Nou, Rashford garnered further praise from ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand.

    The six-time Premier League winner, 44, said: “Marcus Rashford is on smoke. 

    “He is on a new level, a level he hasn’t been at until now, a level of consistency he hasn’t been able to stay at until now.

    “A fit, focused, direct, confident, deadly and potent Rashford is not to be messed with.”

    Marcus Rashford has scored 12 Premier League goals this season
    Marcus Rashford has scored 12 Premier League goals this season

    Title tilt

    United’s goal for this season will have been to qualify for the Champions League and they are on course to do exactly that. 

    The Red Devils sit seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham while an EFL Cup final to look forward to next Sunday will provide further cause for positivity.

    Leaders Arsenal and chasing Manchester City had seemed to be too far in the distance for Ten Hag’s charges to catch but the gap to the stumbling Gunners is now only five points ahead of Matchday 24.

    Should Rashford continue his blistering form, do not rule out an unexpected title push from the club who last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2012-13.

    Foxes trap

    The challenge for Rashford and his team-mates will be to maintain their momentum in both league and European competition.

    Leicester, who they face next, are exactly the kind of side they should dispatch with confidence.

    But the Foxes have won three on the bounce, including last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Spurs, and could provide a banana skin at Old Trafford when United return from Catalonia.

    Only bottom two Bournemouth and Southampton have a worse defensive record than Brendan Rodgers’ side however, so more chances should fall to Rashford.

    If the Three Lions ace can continue to fire, United are sure to end their season well.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ten Hag, Rashford bemoan referee following Barcelona draw

    Ten Hag, Rashford bemoan referee following Barcelona draw

    In the first leg of their Europa League knockout stage play-off match, Manchester United and Barcelona drew 2-2 at Camp Nou. 

    Marcus Rashford appeared to have been fouled, and Erik ten Hag was incensed when the referee did not award Manchester United a free-kick for the apparent foul.

    When Rashford came through on goal just outside the penalty area with United leading 2-1, Jules Kounde appeared to have taken him out, but referee Maurizio Mariani allowed play to continue. Rashford was a constant thorn in Barca’s side.

    Later in the second half, the England international forced a Kounde own goal to give United the lead after having earlier leveled Marcos Alonso’s opening goal. Raphinha then restored parity with 14 minutes left to play.

    Despite the generally positive performance and result, Ten Hag felt a need to focus on the incident involving Kounde’s tackle on Rashford, as the Frenchman would likely have been dismissed if a foul was given.

    Ten Hag told BT Sport: “I think the referee had a big influence on this game. It was a foul on Rashy.

    “You can discuss if it was in or outside the box, but then [either way] it is a red card because [Rashford] was one-on-one with the keeper. 

    “So it’s a big influence, not just for this game, in this round. It can’t be, referees can’t much such mistakes.”

    Rashford himself was similarly baffled by Mariani’s decision.

    “It’s a massive moment in the game,” he said. “I’ve not watched it back but in the moment I don’t understand why the linesman thinks I’m going down there.

    “I’ve touched it past him and my foot’s in front of the ball, [Kounde] hits my leg and it’s clear contact. It’s not a penalty but it’s 100 per cent a foul for me.”

    Nevertheless, Ten Hag acknowledged the overall quality of the thrilling encounter and was impressed with the amount of chances United created.

    “I think we dictated the game,” Ten Hag continued. “Apart from maybe 15 minutes in the first half we had some difficulties, but for the rest we dictated the game.

    “We had so many chances, so I was a little disappointed at half-time it was 0-0, we should have scored, and the opportunities they had we created by ourselves.

    “But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [quality], so I really enjoyed the game… in the end 2-2, we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/he-is-a-lean-fighting-machine-keane-describes-rashford/

    Rashford, who has now equalled his best ever goals return (22) for a single season, seemed a bit more frustrated than his manager.

    “It feels like a loss,” he added. “I think we did well to get back into the game. The first half was a little bit in favour of them, but we stayed calm and composed and tried to create chances when we could.

    “The second half we scored two goals in quick succession and felt in control of the outcome, but they’re a good team with top players and they got an equaliser.”

    The two European giants will do it all again at Old Trafford next Thursday.

    Source: Livescore

  • Weghorst says he is a good fit for Ten Hag and Man Utd

    Weghorst says he is a good fit for Ten Hag and Man Utd

    Wout Weghorst, a recent addition to Manchester United, is certain that Erik ten Hag’s pressing style of play at Old Trafford is a suitable fit for him.

    On Friday, the Netherlands international signed a loan agreement with Burnley after United obtained his release from a brief stint with Besiktas in Turkey.

    The following day, Weghorst watched as United overcame a goal down to defeat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby. Bruno Fernandes equalized the score before Marcus Rashford scored the winning goal.

    With a win, Erik ten Hag’s team closed the gap on second-placed City to just one point, underscoring the extraordinary change the new manager brought about at the club and how it appears he is maximizing the team’s potential.

    However, since Cristiano Ronaldo’s contentious departure in November, they have frequently felt limited in terms of their attacking alternatives, and Weghorst recently became a surprising target.

    While some fans may not have been thrilled with the addition of a forward who only contributed twice to Burnley’s relegation last season, the media dubbed him a “pressing monster” because he applied the fourth-most pressures (54.1) per 90 minutes in the league (minimum 1,000 minutes played) in 2021–22.

    He believes this approach aligns itself to that of his new manager, as he told United’s official website: “I think [pressing] is something that’s one of my strengths. Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active.

    “That’s something I am capable of and that’s also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play.

    “He wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that.”

    Weghorst was considered a disappointment following his brief spell in the Premier League with Burnley, as his poor goals return did not match the expectations that came with his reputation.

    The Clarets reportedly paid £12million (€14m) to Wolfsburg for the striker, but he averaged only one Premier League goal every 10 appearances and was loaned to Besiktas when Burnley dropped into the second tier.

    He is desperate to prove a point upon his return to England.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/ferdinand-encourages-maguire-to-leave-man-utd/

    “For me, it was not done, it was not finished,” he continued. “It didn’t work out the first time as I hoped and I’m really hungry to show myself, to help the team.

    “Of course, we are on a really good track now. The last couple of weeks, months actually, it’s going really positive [at United] and I just want to contribute and give my best and give my all for the club and try to be a part of the successful [direction] we are going.”

    In terms of the direction United are going, Weghorst has no doubt where he sees the destination being.

    “Trophies. That’s quite easy. Trophies, and that’s also what the manager told me about, the expectations that are there.

    “Also my role, that’s also something I want to bring. Like I said, I’m just going to give everything I have for the club to be successful, to win the games and, of course, to win trophies.

    “We are still active in four competitions, so four trophies to go, that’s the only thing that’s counting, and I think also that fits for a big a club as United is.”

  • Ten Hag: Man Utd will not ‘burn’ money on new striker

    Ten Hag: Man Utd will not ‘burn’ money on new striker

    Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United will not be “burning money” on bringing in the wrong striker in January.

    After a tough start to life as Red Devils manager, Ten Hag’s team have been much improved of late and currently sit fourth in the Premier League after three straight league victories, despite being short of options up front.

    Cristiano Ronaldo was in and out of the team before his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan led to his contract being mutually terminated, while Anthony Martial has struggled with injuries.

    But despite the need for a centre-forward to help United’s Champions League qualification bid, Ten Hag feels United must avoid the mistakes of the past by wasting finances on the wrong striker.

    “You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money,” Ten Hag told reporters. “You don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.

    “We have a good team when all are available. We have [a striker], Anthony Martial, I’m really happy with his performances across many games.

    “He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it’s been huge.”

    One suggestion for United to boost their attacking ranks has been to recall Amad Diallo, who has scored six goals in 19 matches on loan at Championship side Sunderland.

    But Ten Hag is reluctant to bring Diallo back to Old Trafford early, believing it would be wrong to stunt the progress the Ivory Coast international is making with the Black Cats.

    “We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don’t want to stop the process, he is making good progress there,” Ten Hag added. “Young players need experiences.

    “When we decide [he needs] to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact.”

    Source: Livescore

  • “I don’t have respect for Ten Hag” – Ronaldo feels ‘betrayed’ by United

    Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels “betrayed” by senior figures at Manchester United and has no respect for the club’s head coach Erik ten Hag after enduring a tumultuous season at Old Trafford.

    Having top-scored for United with 24 goals in all competitions last term, Ronaldo reportedly asked to leave the club following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, and the 37-year-old has fallen out of favour since Ten Hag took charge ahead of this campaign.

    Ronaldo was temporarily exiled from first-team activities last month after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham, and has only scored one Premier League goal all season.

    Before travelling to Qatar to represent Portugal at his fifth and likely final World Cup, Ronaldo stated his belief that senior figures at Old Trafford – including Ten Hag – want rid of him.

    Asked whether he felt he was being forced out of Old Trafford, Ronaldo told Piers Morgan uncensored: “Yes, not only by the coach, but by another two or three guys around the club that I felt betrayed me.

    “I shouldn’t say that [they were trying to get rid of me], I don’t know, but yes, I feel betrayed. I felt that some people didn’t want me here not only this year, but last year too.”

    Ten Hag has preferred to hand opportunities to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga in United’s attack this season, and has only started Ronaldo in four league games.

    Last month, Ten Hag said he opted against bringing Ronaldo on in a 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City “out of respect”, while the Portugal forward was visibly irritated by the Dutchman’s decision to substitute him against Newcastle United two weeks later.

    Asked about his relationship with Ten Hag, Ronaldo added: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.

    “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you.”

    Source: Livescore