Manchester United has admitted to exploring options for a new manager, including approaching former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, but ultimately decided to keep Erik ten Hag. Despite a challenging first season, Ten Hag secured an FA Cup win and the club believes he is the right man to lead the team forward.
Ahead of Monday Night Football, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag opened up to Gary Neville about the club’s transfer targets, playing style, and ongoing challenges. Ten Hag acknowledged the club’s high expectations, emphasizing the need for ‘outstanding players.’ He discussed the challenges faced due to injuries, but remained confident in the team’s progress.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has vehemently denied reports that most of his squad is up for sale, calling them ‘a joke’ and ‘untrue.’ Ten Hag claims that his team has a ‘very good’ foundation and that only ‘improvements’ are needed in the summer transfer window. He emphasized that despite not qualifying for the Champions League, United’s ‘pulling power’ remains strong in the transfer market. Ten Hag also praised Jadon Sancho’s performance in Borussia Dortmund’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended his team’s performances as ‘dynamic and entertaining’ despite a late draw with Burnley. United threw away a late lead for a fifth time in the last month, with Zeki Amdouni’s 87th-minute penalty canceling out Antony’s opener. The draw leaves United struggling to qualify for the Champions League, with fourth-placed Aston Villa 12 points ahead. However, ten Hag insists that his team is creating plenty of chances and is playing good football.
Erik ten Hag has emphasized Manchester United’s commitment to fostering youth players, highlighting Ethan Wheatley’s recent debut as the 250th academy graduate. Ten Hag has prioritized the pathway between the academy and first team, with six academy players making their debuts under his guidance, including four this season. The club’s youth development is a cherished tradition, and the future generations are responsible for upholding it. The academy director, Nick Cox, acknowledged the club’s esteemed history of developing young talents and congratulated Wheatley on his milestone.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Mason Mount could make a comeback in the team’s upcoming match against Burnley. Mount has been out of action for the past two games due to a calf injury. The Red Devils are currently on a four-match unbeaten run and will be looking to extend it with a win over Kompany’s side. However, ten Hag stated that despite Mount’s potential return, he does not expect any reinforcements in the backline, as Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Willy Kambwala are still sidelined. This means that Casemiro is set to start in the center of defense for the third consecutive match. Despite conceding five goals in the past two games with Casemiro playing out of position, ten Hag has expressed satisfaction with the balance he offers alongside Harry Maguire.
Amidst Manchester United’s injury concerns, Erik ten Hag’s decision to hand Ethan Wheatley his debut against Sheffield United signaled trust in the club’s young talent. While Wheatley took the spotlight, Bruno Fernandes emphasized that several other youth players on the bench, including Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye, and Louis Jackson, possess bright futures and are valued members of the squad. These youngsters have consistently impressed for the Under-18s and demonstrated their potential in a recent youth cup final, earning them a place on the first-team bench. Ten Hag’s careful management allowed them to participate in both the final and the senior match against Sheffield United, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Despite not receiving playing time, Fernandes expressed confidence in the abilities of these young players, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance in their development.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could face a 25% pay cut or even lose his job if he fails to guide the team into the Champions League. The Dutchman’s future is under serious threat despite signing a three-year contract in 2022.
Erik ten Hag finds himself on shaky ground amid Manchester United’s dismal season. With no top-four finish in sight and disappointing performances in cup competitions, his position is under threat. British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a minority stake in the club, is actively seeking a replacement for Ten Hag. Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, is reportedly high on Ratcliffe’s shortlist due to his impressive track record, including three consecutive Champions League titles.
Liverpool’s Premier League title bid has suffered a major setback with a 2-0 loss at Merseyside rivals Everton. The defeat at Goodison Park marks the first time Liverpool has lost at the stadium in 14 years. Meanwhile, Manchester United secured a 4-2 victory against Sheffield United, giving manager Erik ten Hag some relief after criticism. The results leave Liverpool three points behind league leaders Arsenal, while Manchester City can clinch the title with six wins in their remaining matches.
