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Manchester United | 2021/22 Season

Everton 1-0 Manchester United

Embarrassing display by Red Devils

Manchester United were still chasing a place in the top four and a slot in next season's Champions League at kick-off. They played as if no-one had told them.

United's display was embarrassingly mediocre, a gift for an Everton side looking anywhere for assistance to ease their own troubles.

It seems certain Ajax coach Erik ten Hag will be United's next manager, and if he was watching this he will have a notebook full of uncomplimentary references and names crossed out of his plans.

Everton were nervous and tense but were ultimately placed under no serious pressure by a United side strolling around without the slightest sense of urgency, without any sense they still had something to fight for this season.

The passing was sloppy, so many physical challenges were lost. It was a flat performance that suggests these players have given up on getting any inspiration from interim manager Ralf Rangnick - and he could be forgiven for giving up on them, so abject was this performance.

It was only in the final minutes that Everton showed any serious signs of panic in defence, and the biggest condemnation of United is that Lampard's struggling side were themselves average but still deserved the win because they were prepared to fight to earn it.

Ronaldo's late yellow card for kicking the ball away could also be marked down as a rare act of aggression rather than the petulance it was, such was the timid, desperate nature of their performance.

If, as is expected, Ten Hag is the next United manager, what a task he is taking on.

BBC
 
There have been a lot of poor Man Utd displays in the last year but that today at Frank’s Everton was possibly the worst of the lot.

Absolutely pathetic from start to finish.

They don’t deserve to be playing European football next season.
 
Looks like the mini Ralf era has also failed. I wonder if they will continue with him in the director of football type role that he will be taking next year.
 
<b>Ralf Rangnick questions whether Man Utd deserve Europe after Everton defeat</b>

Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United "do not deserve" to play in the Champions League next season if they perform how they did against Everton for the rest of the season.

United lost 1-0 at Goodison Park despite Everton going into the game just a point above the relegation zone.

It has harmed United's chances of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League qualification.

"If we play like we did here we just don't deserve it," said Rangnick.

"The players themselves should be eager to play international football, if possible Champions League. In order to qualify for Europe you have to be able to score in 95 minutes in a game like this."

Everton came into the match following a disappointing 3-2 defeat by relegation rivals Burnley, who sit just one place below them in the table.

Rangnick bemoaned his side's lack of ability to score against Everton, who he believed were low on confidence following that loss to Burnley.

"With all respect to Everton - because they have a good team - but if you don't score against a team who conceded three goals against Burnley, you cannot expect to get anything out of it," he added.

"The first 25 minutes we were in full control of the game. We didn't even in those 25 minutes take enough advantage out of that dominating period.

"You could literally feel that Everton were crumbling after that result against Burnley. They were quite logically not full of confidence but we didn't take advantage of that."

Earlier this week, United edged closer to appointing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager at the end of the season.

They have taken several months over the recruitment process, but interim boss Rangnick said the uncertainty over the managerial situation was no excuse for their underwhelming performances.

United have won just eight of the 17 Premier League games Rangnick has overseen - the lowest win percentage (47%) of any manager for the club in the competition.

"I don't think this should be an excuse," Rangnick told BT Sport. "We are Manchester United. We have lots of international players. There shouldn't be an alibi.

"There will be a new manager next season. If this is announced now or in 10 days it shouldn't have an impact."

<b>‘We are not good enough’</b>

Goalkeeper David de Gea said Manchester United, who currently sit in seventh place, are "not good enough" following the defeat.

United have won just once in their past five Premier League games to slip adrift of the top four in seventh.

"We're not good enough, for sure. It's going to be very difficult now to be in the top four," said De Gea.

"We don't score, we don't even create proper chances to score."

The Spain keeper also criticised United's lack of hunger to fight for the points, contrasting it with the Toffees' tenacious display.

"We knew before today Everton were struggling and how difficult it was going to be - they were tired, they were nervous, but they keep going and keep fighting," the 31-year-old told BT Sport.

"They had more desire than us, which is not acceptable. It's very sad to lose today."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61053312
 
Was discussing with a friend that united have drawn and lost too many games.

Till yesterday they had drawn 9 and lost 6. That only 9 point out of 45 possible points. That’s where the season gone wrong for them.
 
Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised for his 'outburst' after appearing to throw a fan's phone to the ground following his side's defeat at Everton.

Footage, taken by @EvertonHub, shows Ronaldo lowering his right hand towards the ground before what appears to be a phone colliding with and bouncing up off the surface, as he exited the pitch following the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

United are aware of the footage, which is being widely shared and discussed on social media following the game, and the club said on Saturday afternoon they were looking into the incident.

Ronaldo said on Instagram: "It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.

"I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship"
 
Erik ten Hag was never really one of those people who made it clear he had massive ambitions to be one of the world's top coaches. He is a very humble man and a modest coach.

That has a lot to do with his background. He comes from the east of the Netherlands where there's a very down-to-earth mentality and where people speak with a very strong accent. They are a bit less flash there and they look up to those from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, the places where the big offices, industry and the country's parliament are.

But despite that background - and he does have a strong accent - Ten Hag's situation is different. Financially there is no motivation and no need to go for the big jobs at any stage in his career because he comes from a very rich family, and his father and brothers are multi-millionaires. They own a real estate company and other financial firms.

His father wanted him to go into that company but from a young age Erik was such a brilliant footballer - he was a star for FC Twente as a defender - that he made it clear he had no interest in pursuing that line of work.

However, that family wealth means he doesn't need the big jobs. He knows he doesn't need football to survive so he can follow his own principles, where other managers might compromise to stay in their jobs.

Man Utd move closer to appointing Ten Hag
His football philosophy has always been like Pep Guardiola's and Johan Cruyff's. He likes to attack, to create things on the pitch.

I followed PSV Eindhoven for some time when he was the assistant manager there, just as he was Steve McClaren's assistant at FC Twente. He was instrumental at those clubs. He never tried to push in but the managers were so reliant on him because he was tactically so strong. It was a joy for them to have him and that says a lot about him.

When he was at Bayern Munich as their reserve-team boss he loved it. It was almost like a dream come true for him to have a manager in Guardiola who was working the same way he wanted to work. He said to me once that he loved spending time with Guardiola, loved talking to him. He had to produce players ready for the first team as the reserve manager so that's why the whole set-up worked for him.

Players can find it hard with him because, like Guardiola, he comes across as a bit obsessive. To get a style like you do at Ajax - Dutch Total Football, basically - it needs lots of work and lots of attacking players. It leaves a lot of space and you want your defenders playing really high up. It entails a lot of risk and you have to be a bit of a maniac to instil in your players that every pass has to be just right, that there can be no mistakes.

But his man management is excellent and all his players say they have learnt so much from him.

Whereas many coaches focus on the first XI, Ten Hag will spend an incredible amount of time on the training pitch. At Manchester United he won't just pay attention to the star players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Harry Maguire, he'll also go to the 19th or 20th most important player. He's taken on players with different characters and he doesn't mind how many hours he has to spend with them, he will give all his time to them.

That's where he gets the respect from the players because they see the effort he puts in to improve them individually. Even with those who have the most difficult background - some kind of baggage, maybe - if he thinks the talent is there he'll make sure they fit in.

He is not scared to take on the Manchester United job. But he will want to be in a tracksuit many hours a day. He doesn't consider himself an office man - if he did he'd have gone in to his dad's company. He would hate to constantly be on the phone to agents, and I have a feeling that is one of the main discussion points about his potential appointment. That's where he'll want a sporting director or an assistant with the ability to do that.

For me, it would be a mistake for him to go down the route of thinking part of his job is fitting into the traditional English way of management.

He will not want to go in there thinking he has to take on the whole of Manchester United. He will want to focus on giving the club an identity again - and he will do that best by putting on a tracksuit.

Another potential issue is that Ten Hag has never felt that comfortable in front of the camera. That will be a challenge and he might find it difficult to get his message across. If he went to a German club - and there is serious interest there - he'd be totally in his comfort zone because where he lives is on the German border. Everyone in that area has German as a second language.

Erik Ten Hag speaks during a press conference
The level of media scrutiny at Manchester United could be a challenge for Ten Hag
English, however, is anything but his comfort zone and in my opinion a manager who takes charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world based in the UK, with all the publicity and media around him, should be able to command the English language really well. It won't stop him from being successful but it would help enormously if he improved. I understand he's been practising his English a lot.

At the beginning of his time with Ajax my own newspaper was very critical of him because of certain tactical choices and the players found it hard to get used to his very long training sessions and long talks on the pitch.

Yes, he built a good team but by Dutch standards he was given good players. Immediate success was demanded of him but what bowled people over was how Ajax played in the Champions League in 2018-19 against Real Madrid, winning 4-1 at the Bernabeu to knock them out, and against Juventus in the quarter-finals.

But perhaps what impressed the most was that when Ajax sold their best players, Matthijs de Ligt to Juve and Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona, he had given the club and the team such an identity that it was easy for new players to fit in.

If United fans want to know about his approach then one reflection from the man himself might be illuminating.

His idol was Dutch international Epi Drost, who came from the same area and same club as Ten Hag and was his coach at FC Twente.

"Epi had a soft spot for me because I was by far the youngest in the squad," Ten Hag recalled. "He let me play in the U23 team as a 15-year-old. He was a mega fan of skilful and adventurous football. He would stimulate creativity because that was the most important aspect of the game. I learned so much off him."

If I have to compare him to someone I'd liken him to Ronald Koeman. They both played as central defenders, leaders at the back who oversaw the game and the team from that position. As managers both are massive fans of Total Football but Koeman has never wanted to be as adventurous as Guardiola. If there is one big difference between the Manchester City boss and Ten Hag, it is that the Dutchman has that same slightly more realistic approach that Koeman does. They have one more eye on the defence than Guardiola would.

If he does go to Manchester United then the people he works with will quickly learn that he is a very loyal person - that is one of his key characteristics.

When he started out in the FC Twente academy at around the age of 14, he was quickly moved up to the U18s and he played for many years with the same guys, most of whom stayed mates with him and still are.

But while he was there two of his best friends died, one in a plane crash in Suriname. Andy Scharmin, a boy who was destined to play for the Netherlands, was selected for an exhibition game by Suriname, who didn't have a formal national team, and he chose to go. The plane he was on crashed and killed a large number of the team. He was one of Ten Hag's closest friends - they did everything together. That was a massive upset in his life.

Another friend took his own life, and a third suffered a horrific injury. All three had looked destined for an international career. That affected him quite a bit and he did draw inspiration from wanting to succeed where his friends never got the chance to.

A lot came from the heartbreak of losing his friends. That still drives him on, even now.

BBC
 
So this Ralf Ragnick guy is just as trash as Ole?

I haven't really been watching much football epl
 
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is on the brink of being confirmed as Manchester United's new manager.

United say no deal has been done but sources in the Netherlands suggest an agreement in principle is in place.

The Dutchman, 52, will replace Ralf Rangnick, who was appointed interim manager in November following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal.

Paris St-Germain's former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino had been the other leading candidate.

Official confirmation of Ten Hag's appointment is not expected before Ajax's Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven on Sunday.

Ajax lead the Eredivisie by four points from PSV as they aim to win their third Dutch league title under Ten Hag.

They lost to Portuguese side Benfica in the last 16 of the Champions League.

United will be relieved when Ten Hag's appointment is made official, on what is expected to be a three-year contract with the option of an additional year. It will bring a sense of certainty to a club whose season is slipping away alarmingly as Rangnick wrestles with a mounting number of problems.

Amid numerous suggestions of splits in the dressing room, United now seem unlikely to secure a place in next season's Champions League after a run of one win in seven games in all competitions, their worst sequence of results since 2019.

With many big-name players either out of contract, such as Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, or facing uncertain futures, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, it promises to be a summer of upheaval at Old Trafford.

It has been felt Ten Hag's management style is more suited to the structures put in place at United, which include John Murtough as football director.

Ten Hag will become the fifth permanent manager at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61090766
 
Manchester United fans staged a "small and peaceful" protest outside the club's training ground on Friday.

Around two dozen fans gathered outside Carrington to protest against the Glazer family, who own the club.

Another protest is expected at Old Trafford on Saturday before United's Premier League match against Norwich.

Ralf Rangnick said fans have a "right to express their opinion", and understood their "disappointment" with the club's seventh-place position.

United have won only three of their past 12 matches in all competitions - losing 1-0 at Everton last Saturday - and are guaranteed to fall short of last season's final tally of 74 points.

"We know that football is a game of passion and emotion," interim manager Rangnick said. "I think we can all understand our supporters are disappointed both with where we stand in the table and with the performance which we showed against Everton.

"But I believe our supporters are one of if not the best in England and as long as they protest in a peaceful way and as along as they still support the team in the stadium I think they have the right to express their opinion. I can understand they have been disappointed."

BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone reported that fans mingled with autograph hunters as they deliberately slowed down traffic trying to enter the training complex.

The club closed its normal access gates in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the scenes a year ago when supporters accessed the main buildings and eventually had a meeting with then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Journalists arriving for interim manager Rangnick's press conference were diverted to a different access route.

"There was a small and peaceful protest outside the Carrington training ground today," said a club spokesperson.

"We respect the opinions of fans and remain committed to strengthening our engagement with them."

BBC
 
The season has gone from bad to worse testing times it is for Red Devils and their fans from the glory days and stellar players and chasing & leading title races to languishing in bottom half of top 10 just goes to show how big was SAF even in near future Utd look like no hopers
 
Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick 'understands' fan disappointment after anti-Glazer protest at training ground

Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he can understand why Manchester United fans are so "disappointed" after a group of them carried out a protest against the Glazer family at the club's training ground on Friday.

A group of supporters unfurled a banner against the Glazers, who have owned the club since 2005, at United's Carrington training base ahead of Rangnick's press conference.

The protest is one of many against the American family since they arrived at Old Trafford, and comes with United struggling to earn a place in next season's Champions League, with a six-point gap between them and fourth-placed Tottenham and only seven matches remaining.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against bottom-club Norwich at Old Trafford, Rangnick said: "We all know that football is a game of passion and emotions.

"I think we can all understand, and I can understand, that our supporters are disappointed, both about where we stand in the table but also about performances.

"But I still believe that our supporters are one of the best, if not the best, in England, and as long as they do that protest in a peaceful way and as long as they still support the team in the stadium, I think they have the right to express their opinion.

"As I said, emotionally, I can understand why they are disappointed."

United released a statement on Friday afternoon saying: "There was a small and peaceful protest outside the Carrington training ground today.

"We respect the opinions of fans and remain committed to strengthening our engagement with them."

United are nearing the end of a season of uncertainty, with Rangnick filling the manager's role on an interim basis since November, but the appointment of Erik ten Hag as the German's replacement is understood to be all but done.

However, Ten Hag is currently overseeing Ajax's bid to win the Dutch title and cup, and Rangnick said it "doesn't make sense" for him to discuss the Dutchman's potential move to the Premier League.

"I don't know if it's a done deal," insisted Rangnick. "My focus is on the game tomorrow against Norwich.

"It doesn't make sense. We all know he's a good manager and that he's done a good job at Ajax and also former clubs. But right now it doesn't make sense if I tell you what I think about any other coach."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-after-anti-glazer-protest-at-training-ground
 
Protest outside Old Trafford
Man Utd v Norwich (15:00 BST)

Lots of red flares during the protest march outside Old Trafford.

Supporters group "The 1958" organised the march before the match with Norwich.

They want fans to stay outside the ground for the first 17 minutes to protest at the 17 year ownership of the Glazers.
 
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United boosted their top-four hopes with a thrilling win over bottom club Norwich.

The forward netted a brilliant free-kick 14 minutes from time after Norwich had come back from two goals down at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo opened the scoring after seven minutes before heading in his second midway through the first half.

Kieran Dowell and Teemu Pukki scored for Norwich either side of half-time.
 
Ralf Rangnick critical of Manchester United: Nobody in Premier League concedes goals like this

Ralf Rangnick is losing patience with his Man Utd players, criticising their physicality and admitting nobody in the Premier League concedes goals like them.

Cristiano Ronaldo sealed his hat-trick with a stunning free-kick to rescue a 3-2 victory for Man Utd over Norwich but it was another shoddy showing for the team.

Norwich had created chances throughout the afternoon and scored more than one goal in an away game for just the third time this season. Kieran Dowell headed Teemu Pukki's cross past David de Gea on the stroke of half-time, and then the Finland striker beat the offside trap to level seven minutes into the second period.

Rangnick said: "If you look at the two goals we conceded, especially the first one, we had the ball on the sideline but we were just not physical enough. As soon as there is body contact we have to be more physical, more aggressive, but we weren't.

"It was, for me, too easy, and that's why we are probably the only team in the league who concedes goals like this."

He added: "We should have defended in a smarter way and not allowed them to have two or three transitional moments with playing three versus two or four versus two. To be honest, Norwich could have scored earlier than we did concede the first goal. We could have conceded a goal earlier than that and that's why I'm not really happy with our performance when we were not in possession of the ball."

Ronaldo's 25-yard thunderbolt free-kick winner with 15 minutes remaining restored some good feeling around the ground, and put the hosts right back in contention to finish fourth. They are just three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

Rangnick said: "If I just think about the games since I arrived, how many games we have been 1-0 and 2-0 up and in the end only got a point. I mean, this is easily six, eight points that we should have easily have had more. But this brings us back to the same situation that we just didn't defend well enough in moments like this. And [had it not been for] David de Gea with a brilliant save, we could have been 3-2 down and then probably even have lost the game and this should not happen.

"If you want to defend properly in this league, you just have to be physical, you shouldn't just allow them to go past ourselves and through our lines like that. That's what this team doesn't do well enough, and that's why we're still mathematically in the race but we should have easily had eight points more."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...man-utd-nobody-in-pl-concedes-goals-like-this
 
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes was in a car crash on Monday morning, reports have said.
The 27-year-old was involved in a collision on the eve of United's Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool, according to the PA news agency.

No parties involved are understood to have sustained serious injuries and the Portuguese international is expected to train with the rest of Ralf Rangnick's squad on Monday.
 
silentkiller187 said:
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes was in a car crash on Monday morning, reports have said.
The 27-year-old was involved in a collision on the eve of United's Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool, according to the PA news agency.

No parties involved are understood to have sustained serious injuries and the Portuguese international is expected to train with the rest of Ralf Rangnick's squad on Monday.
Click to expand...

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is unhurt after being involved in a car crash on Monday.

1.jpg
 
Manchester United will not repeat Liverpool's 30-year title wait - Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United will not repeat rival Liverpool's 30-year spell without a league title but must improve their recruitment to challenge, says interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

United, who have not won the Premier League since 2013, travel to Anfield as rank outsiders on Tuesday.

While Liverpool are chasing an unprecedented quadruple, United's only challenge is to finish in the top four.

"There needs to be a rebuild for the future," Rangnick said.

"I suppose this [30 years without a title] will not happen because it is pretty obvious what needs to change."

Liverpool, who beat United 5-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, won the Premier League in 2020 to end a three-decade wait for a top-flight title stretching back to 1990.

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag's appointment as the latest man to attempt to end United's sorry run could possibly be confirmed as early as this week.

He will be the fifth permanent manager since United's last title win under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"If you know what you are looking for it will take two or three windows," said Rangnick, who was appointed as United's interim manager in November.

"If you don't know what you are looking for it is a needle in a haystack.

"If you know what kind of football you want to play and what kind of profiles you want for each individual position, then it is about finding the players and convincing them to come."

Remarkably, Rangnick played a role in the careers of six current Liverpool players.

He worked with Roberto Firmino at Hoffenheim and Joel Matip at Schalke, in addition to Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Takumi Minamino, who were all signed while Rangnick was director of football at the Red Bull group of clubs.

"It is not complicated. It is not rocket science," said Rangnick.

"Liverpool finished eighth in the season Jurgen arrived. Then it took two transfer windows. They brought in the right players and got rid of the right players. That is why they are where they are."

Liverpool go into the match a bit behind leaders Manchester City with seven games remaining this season.

"We have to be angry in a good way, greedy all these kind of things, like you are if you have won nothing and would be with nil points and it's the most important three points in your life," said Klopp.

"That's the attitude we need for this game. If we let United do [what they want] they will cause us massive problems.

"We have to be in the right mood, the people have to be in the right mood to really be ready to fight for the three points and not want to show we are in a better moment than United."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61142369
 
Firebat said:
Manchester United will not repeat Liverpool's 30-year title wait - Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United will not repeat rival Liverpool's 30-year spell without a league title but must improve their recruitment to challenge, says interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

United, who have not won the Premier League since 2013, travel to Anfield as rank outsiders on Tuesday.

While Liverpool are chasing an unprecedented quadruple, United's only challenge is to finish in the top four.

"There needs to be a rebuild for the future," Rangnick said.

"I suppose this [30 years without a title] will not happen because it is pretty obvious what needs to change."

Liverpool, who beat United 5-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, won the Premier League in 2020 to end a three-decade wait for a top-flight title stretching back to 1990.

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag's appointment as the latest man to attempt to end United's sorry run could possibly be confirmed as early as this week.

He will be the fifth permanent manager since United's last title win under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"If you know what you are looking for it will take two or three windows," said Rangnick, who was appointed as United's interim manager in November.

"If you don't know what you are looking for it is a needle in a haystack.

"If you know what kind of football you want to play and what kind of profiles you want for each individual position, then it is about finding the players and convincing them to come."

Remarkably, Rangnick played a role in the careers of six current Liverpool players.

He worked with Roberto Firmino at Hoffenheim and Joel Matip at Schalke, in addition to Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Takumi Minamino, who were all signed while Rangnick was director of football at the Red Bull group of clubs.

"It is not complicated. It is not rocket science," said Rangnick.

"Liverpool finished eighth in the season Jurgen arrived. Then it took two transfer windows. They brought in the right players and got rid of the right players. That is why they are where they are."

Liverpool go into the match a bit behind leaders Manchester City with seven games remaining this season.

"We have to be angry in a good way, greedy all these kind of things, like you are if you have won nothing and would be with nil points and it's the most important three points in your life," said Klopp.

"That's the attitude we need for this game. If we let United do [what they want] they will cause us massive problems.

"We have to be in the right mood, the people have to be in the right mood to really be ready to fight for the three points and not want to show we are in a better moment than United."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61142369
Click to expand...
The way they are going it might took them a century to win another League just look at the league, their competitors are improving day by day and Utd are regressing and again with 10hag they've gone with wrong appointment
City Chelsea Liverpool Spurs are all a level above Utd atm
 
Sad situation for MUFC:

Liverpool 2-0 Man Utd

Liverpool stroking the ball around without a care in the world. United only get a look in when a home player makes a mistake and gets their radar a bit off.
 
One of the most depressing performances I've ever seen from a utd team. Basically gave up completely. Lost for words.
 
“We need to get rid of Ronaldo then we will win the league” :yk3
 
This united team is no match for the heavyweights, they get bruck up by the bottom 5 these days. It may be longer then a 30 year weight unfortunately. Humble yourselves bums.
 
Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United: Defeat 'humiliating', says Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick described his side's heavy Premier League defeat by Liverpool at Anfield as "humiliating".

Liverpool outclassed their bitter rivals in a 4-0 win on Tuesday to go top of the Premier League.

United, who missed the chance to move level with fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for a Champions League place, dropped to sixth.

"It's embarrassing, it's disappointing, maybe even humiliating," Rangnick said.

Asked how United can close the gap to Liverpool, he added: "We have to accept they are six years ahead of us now.

"When Jurgen Klopp came they changed at the club and lifted not just the team but the club and city to a new level. That is what needs to happen with us in the next transfer windows.

"There will be a rebuild for sure, that was obvious in the first three or four weeks for me. For us it is extremely embarrassing as a coaching staff to sit here and have a press conference like this. We just have to admit they are better than us."

Mohamed Salah scored twice - ending an eight-game goal drought for club and country - as the hosts once again thrashed United, following their 5-0 win at Old Trafford in October.

United remain three points behind Tottenham, having played one game more. They are level with upcoming opponents Arsenal, in fifth, though the Gunners have played two fewer games.

"The fans don't deserve us to play this way," United midfielder Bruno Fernandes told Sky Sports. "They deserve more from us. The way they stay and applaud us, they deserve more. We have to raise our level higher.

"Liverpool is ready for the title, we are not. I don't need to be here saying about the difference of the level.

"We have to look at ourselves from top to bottom and understand what is going wrong. We are competing until the end. Nobody can put down and think it is over. We have something to fight for."

During the match, supporters of both clubs joined in a minute's applause in support of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and his family following the death of his baby boy.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61154059
 
An appalling, cringeworthy, gutless performance.

Not for the first time this season.

And yet, they *still* might finish 4th.

This league has two world class / ATG sides in City and Liverpool, and a good one in Chelsea —

but, aside from that, it’s wide open, every match is eminently winnable, and all league placings are up for grabs.
 
Manchester United's Champions League hopes are over, says interim boss Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League are over, says interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal moved the fourth-placed Gunners six points clear of United, who are sixth.

Arsenal have five games to play while United - seeking a third straight year in Europe's premier club competition - have four and look like missing out.

"For me, even before the game it was not very likely, but after today's result it is gone, yes," said Rangnick.

Nuno Tavares' opener and a Bukayo Saka penalty put Arsenal 2-0 up, before Cristiano Ronaldo replied with his 100th Premier League goal.

Bruno Fernandes wasted the chance of a deserved equaliser as he dragged a second-half penalty against a post, before Granit Xhaka condemned United to their second loss in five days.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61202934
 
Man Utd out of Europe before August officially now they ve become a mid table club
 
I don’t like United for obvious reasons but I actually think they put in an improved performance yesterday and were unlucky with decisions.

After the first few disastrous minutes the players pulled their socks up and played with more heart than they have in a while. Arsenal scored their second goal when they were gifted a pathetically soft penalty and United were concurrently denied a blatant one of their own.

Rangnick had the right conversations at half time after which United were the better team. Ronaldo was also arguably onside for his second half “goal”. It was a mistake to not have Ronaldo taking the penalty.

United deserved to take at least a point home with them from this game imo.

Arsenal were superb against Chelsea in midweek and they will probably finish 4th in the end, but this one was a little bit of a fortuitous and fraudulent result.
 
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Manchester United have been fined £8,420 (€10,000) after fans threw objects at Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone following their recent Champions League defeat.

Simeone was pelted with missiles as he walked to the tunnel after United's 1-0 loss at OId Trafford.

Ralf Rangnick's side were knocked out the Champions League thanks to a 2-1 defeat on aggregate to Atletico.

Rangers (£38,900) and Liverpool (£8,420) were also fined by Uefa.

Rangers must pay a total of 46,250 euros after fans lit fireworks and the team was deemed responsible for a late kick-off in their 1-0 Europa League loss to Braga on 7 April.

Liverpool have been fined 10,000 euros for a late kick-off in the 3-1 Champions League win at Benfica on 5 April, with manager Jurgen Klopp given a warning.

Galatasaray received a partial stadium closure - subject to a probationary period of two years - after home fans threw bottles and plastic cups onto the pitch when Barcelona ran down the clock towards the end of their Europa League win in Istanbul last month.

The referee stopped the game for several minutes while the Galatasaray players tried to calm things down.

BBC
 
HT

Chelsea have come closer to a breakthrough but it's still goalless.

United have been very poor once again.

Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea
 
Another weak, timid and poor performance.

I don't envy the job of the new manager - shake up needed from top to bottom.
 

Manchester United vs. Chelsea result: Cristiano Ronaldo scores in draw, but Red Devils top-four hopes fade

If Manchester United were still making a run at a top four finish they didn't show any signs of it during a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. The Red Devils are now five points from fourth place with only three matches to play and they'll need a miracle to clinch a Champions League berth at this point.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an equalizer two minutes after Marcos Alonso put the visitors ahead with a wide-open volley in the box. Ronaldo pounced on a scoop pass from Nemanja Matic into the box and Ronaldo sent a searing rocket into the roof of the net for his 17th league goal.

The point allows Chelsea to maintain a stranglehold on the third place in the Premier League standings, six points ahead of the nearest team. The Blues' focus is now the May 14 FA Cup final against Liverpool and manager Thomas Tuchel will likely go away feeling that forward Kai Havertz should have done more with his chances. Havertz and compatriot Timo Werner often found Man United 'keeper David De Gea up to the task.

Man United are in a transition period as Dutchman Erik ten Hag prepares to take over from interim German manager Ralf Rangnick. They will play out the string with three matches left and they will hope to at least come away with a spot in next season's Europa League by finishing in fifth or sixth place.

MORE: Who is Erik ten Hag? Playing style, clubs managed & trophies

Manchester United vs. Chelsea final score
1H 2H Final
Man United 0 1 1
Chelsea 0 1 1
Goals:
CHE — Marcos Alonso — 60th min.
MUN — Cristiano Ronaldo (Nemanja Matic) — 62nd min.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soc...e-highlights-lineups/cbcxcoadvykl5jbuclqqcbpp
 
Lucky to escape with a draw from that.

They’d be firmly in the lower half of the table this season without Ronaldo’s goals and De Gea’s saves.

Rashford has become an embarrassment. He is playing like a League One striker.
 
Season couldn't finish soon enough it seems for MUFC.
 
Ralf Rangnick set to be announced as Austria manager but will continue Man Utd consultancy role until 2024

Ralf Rangnick is set to be announced as the next manager of Austria, but will continue in his Manchester United consultancy role until 2024.

Rangnick, 63, replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the club at the end of November, agreeing to take temporary charge of the team until the summer, before remaining in a consultancy role for two more years.

However, results have been disappointing under Rangnick, with United currently sixth in the Premier League, five points behind Arsenal in the fourth and final Champions League spot for next season as the campaign draws to a close.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag was recently announced as United's permanent boss for next season, although Rangnick will, as planned, still stay on as a consultant. That role will encompass six days a month for the next two years, meaning the German would be able to combine the work with his Austria duties.

"What I can tell you and confirm is I will definitely continue with my consultancy role at the end of the season and for the next two years," he told Sky Sports after Thursday's 1-1 home draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

"I'm very much looking forward to it. We haven't spoken, Erik and myself, we've spoken with the board about the contract and the profile of the job, the content of the consultancy role.

"That's why I can confirm I will continue at the end of the season."

Rangnick is Austria's preferred candidate but is yet to sign a contract, and the last few details are still being negotiated.

The Austrian FA (OFB) will hold an executive committee meeting on Friday morning, when Rangnick's potential appointment is expected to be given formal approval by board members, and an announcement could follow shortly after that.

At the beginning of the month, the OFB had to officially deny approaching Rangnick, who knows Austrian football well from his time as director of football for Red Bull Salzburg.

Austrian daily Kurier, which broke the news of Rangnick's imminent appointment on Thursday, said back then that sporting director Peter Schottel had travelled to Manchester to offer him the job.

"Clarification: There was no meeting between ÖFB sports director Peter Schottel and Ralf Rangnick, coach of Manchester United," the OFB wrote on their official Twitter feed at the time.

Austria are looking for a new boss after Franco Foda resigned from his position following their 2-0 defeat to Wales earlier this month which denied them a spot at the World Cup in Qatar.

United are yet to hold talks with Rangnick over what the 63-year-old's influence at the club might be going forward.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-continue-man-utd-consultancy-role-until-2024
 
Greater Manchester Police have requested a bail extension as they "continue to investigate a report", which led to the arrest of Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood.

The 20-year-old was arrested on Sunday 30 January on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman, and threats to kill and remains on bail, police said.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police added: "An application has been made to the courts to have his bail extended beyond Saturday 30 April, but the hearing isn't expected to be until mid-June.

"The suspect will remain on conditional bail until the date of the court hearing.

"Any update on the outcome of that hearing - or news before then - will be issued proactively by GMP press office."

The report made to police was in relation to "online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence".

The striker, from Bradford, made his debut in 2019 and has since made 129 appearances for Manchester United. He made his senior England debut in 2020.

SKY
 
Ralf Rangnick to take on new Manchester United recruitment focus with goal of finding the next Erling Haaland

Ralf Rangnick revealed recruitment will be the primary focus of his new Manchester United consultancy role as he explained the need to find and develop "future top, star players" such as Erling Haaland.

The 63-year-old is set to fail in his objective of leading the stuttering club to Champions League qualification but still hopes to leave a lasting legacy at Old Trafford.

Rangnick will switch from United's interim boss to a consultancy role in the summer - a job that will run in tandem with his new position as manager of Austria's national team.

The German has an impressive track record of developing teams, recently succeeding with RB Leipzig and sister club RB Salzburg, and believes transfers are key to providing incoming boss Erik ten Hag that platform to succeed.

"For me, the most important bit is recruitment now," Rangnick said when asked what he will be advising on.

"This is, for me, the most vital point, that we bring in the best possible players and speak about that, who could that be.

"It's not only identifying those players but meeting them, convincing them to join this club, even though we will not be playing in the Champions League.

"This is what I see as the most important bit. Again, also, with regard to top talented players for the academy, identifying those kind of players."

Asked if United can go back to buying players at the peak of their powers, Rangnick said: "My personal opinion is that the club should try to find future top star players and develop them.

"Again, on the other hand, just tell me five players that might be some of those players that you spoke about."

When Haaland and Kylan Mbappe were reeled off, Rangnick said: "Haaland is a young player. He's 21 or 22. This is one of those players I spoke about.

"But, on the other hand, he has developed in the last two years into one of probably the most expensive strikers in the world.

"But, yes, he could be, he would be one of those examples where I think the focus should be on to try and identify and find and then convince players who could be Manchester United players for the next couple of years."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-with-goal-of-finding-the-next-erling-haaland
 
Ralf Rangnick reiterates Manchester United rebuild job: 'I wouldn't put focus on special areas of the pitch - it should go through the whole team'

Ralf Rangnick feels Manchester United need to strengthen in every area of the pitch apart from goalkeeper, where they have "three excellent" options.

United stopped talk of a potential walk-out demonstration by beating Brentford 3-0 in Rangnick's final home game as interim manager.

Old Trafford had a feel-good environment for the game after a wretched season as it closed its doors for the summer with farewells to a host of first-team players who are out of contract. Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Edinson Cavani in all probability made their final Old Trafford appearances, while Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are also out of contract in the summer.

Rangnick told Sky Sports: "Apart from goalkeeping where we have three excellent goalkeepers in Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson and David de Gea, in all other areas there will be players leaving the club. I wouldn't put focus on special areas of the pitch - it should go through the whole team.

"So far we haven't been able to speak [to Ten Hag]. Erik's focus is on winning the Dutch league, our focus was on our games.

"It's obvious quite a few players will leave and there is a need for top-quality players. I strongly believe that if everyone works together we can bring Man Utd back to where we need to be.

"Other clubs only needed two or three transfer windows to challenge but from now on we need to bring in top-quality players who really help raise the level. If this happens then I don't think it should take too long."

One of the first players Erik ten Hag will need to talk to surrounding the future will be Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now scored nine of United's last 12 goals in the Premier League with a penalty in the 3-0 win.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner won the man-of-the-match award from Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville.

Ronaldo's future has been cast into doubt due to United's likely failure to qualify for the Champions League, but his current deal runs until the summer of 2023.

Rangnick believes if Ronaldo stays next season, he will need support in central striking positions as the player himself isn't fully comfortable at his age playing in the lone striking role.

He said: "Cristiano is not a central striker. He does not want to play in that position, in order to not play central, you have to play two strikers. If you look into international football, there are not many teams who play with two, you either have three or a false nine. It's not a question of a position, the club needs two new strikers who give this team more quality.

"Modern strikers do not have to be wingers if you look at Liverpool and Man City, they have top strikers. Gabriel Jesus has hardly played and now he's playing regularly. If you ask me if he's a central striker or a winger, is Grealish a striker, they can switch and rotate. We don't have that many. Mason Greenwood would have been those players, but he's no longer part of the squad. Martial went on loan at Seville, Cavani has been injured."

United were pretty comfortable against Brentford and - with Ronaldo at the forefront - looked fluid and creative in attack. The result looks to have almost guaranteed their qualification for the Europa League next term by finishing sixth or higher - instead of playing in the Europa Conference League.

"In the end I'm not happy with the results [overall], especially in the last four or five weeks," Rangnick added.

"Until the West Ham game we were still in the race in three competitions. We had good moments until that West Ham game, we conceded fewer goals but in the last few weeks performances have not been as good as they should have been. In general we have lacked consistency."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...the-pitch-it-should-go-through-the-whole-team
 
<b>Raphael Varane: Man Utd defender says 'next season will be better' for club</b>

Manchester United's form will improve next season following a disappointing 2021-22, says defender Raphael Varane.

United are sixth in the Premier League and set to miss out on Champions League qualification.

"Obviously, it's not the result what we expected but I'm still positive and I think that the next season will be better," said Varane.

Ajax's Erik ten Hag will take charge next season as interim boss Ralf Rangnick moves into a consultancy role.

Varane suffered a Champions League last-16 defeat by Ten Hag's Ajax in March 2019 while playing for former club Real Madrid and believes the Dutchman is the right appointment.

"They played very well. I'm very excited to work with him," said the France centre-back.

"I think he has good experience and he's a good person to work in this club."

The 29-year-old believes coaxing more consistency out of the expensively assembled squad will be the first priority for Ten Hag.

"We can be more in control during games. Sometimes we're able to play very well 20-30 minutes and then play bad 10 or 15 minutes. We lost a lot of points like this," he added.

"I think if we are consistent, we can improve a lot, so I think it's a collective work we have to do."

Injury has restricted Varane's appearances since his £34m arrival from the Bernabeu last summer. He has played in only 28 of United's 47 games this season.

"I think I need a full pre-season to be fit but I think next season will be better," he said of his own form.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61304478
 
Jesse Lingard is resigned to leaving Manchester United this summer after feeling let down over his treatment during the past 12 months.

Lingard's contract expires in June and Newcastle, AC Milan, Juventus and Paris St-Germain have already expressed an interest in the 29-year-old midfielder.

It has been suggested new United boss Erik Ten Hag is keen to speak with the England international about his future.

But BBC Sport understands Lingard has no interest in talking to the Dutchman.

There was significant interest in Lingard during the past two transfer windows.

However, United refused to let Lingard join a top-four rival and both former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his temporary replacement Ralf Rangnick told the forward he would get an opportunity to press his first-team claims.

But Lingard has started only two Premier League games this season and was left upset on Monday when Rangnick did not introduce him from the bench during the 3-0 win against Brentford, which would have been a farewell appearance at Old Trafford for a player who joined United when he was seven.

Lingard's brother posted a furious message on social media complaining that after "20 years of blood, sweat and tears, four domestic trophies and three cup final goals" there was "not even a farewell" for the midfielder.

Lingard feels he needs to resurrect his 32-cap England career, having featured in World Cup qualifiers in September and October 2021.

He came close to earning selection for Euro 2020 on the back of some outstanding performances on loan at West Ham.

Negotiations with two of the clubs interested in Lingard are said to be at an advanced stage.

Newcastle tried to sign Lingard in January but the player was not sure about committing himself to a club that, at the time, was in a relegation battle.

BBC
 
Lingard is still a promising footballer.

Feel a bit sorry for him on this one.
 
I want to see United back amongst the top clubs in England.

At the moment they are also rans and way behind Man City and Liverpool.

The biggest problem they have is that they are so far behind City and Liverpool that it could take several seasons before they catch their rivals.
 
Saj said:
The biggest problem they have is that they are so far behind City and Liverpool that it could take several seasons before they catch their rivals.
Click to expand...

Ralf Rangnick reckons that United are five seasons behind Liverpool.
 
Manchester United: Ralf Rangnick's plea for a striker in January snubbed by the club

Manchester United snubbed Ralf Rangnick's plea to bring in a new striker on January transfer deadline day, the German interim boss said.

United loaned Anthony Martial to Sevilla, Edinson Cavani was struggling with an injury and Mason Greenwood was unavailable for selection.

Rangnick has highlighted "a few" strikers who moved in the window.

"The answer at the time was no, there is no player on the market that can really help us," he said.

"I still believe we should have tried in those 48 hours," said Rangnick. "The board sees it the same way. They agreed. But they also spoke to the scouting department at the same time as me. The answer was no."

Martial moved to Sevilla on 25 January, while Greenwood has been absent since his arrest on 30 January. Greenwood, 20, is to remain on bail until mid-June over allegations he raped and assaulted a young woman.

Cavani, who signed a new one-year deal in May 2021, has made just 18 appearances for United this season.

Rangnick points to Luis Diaz, who joined Liverpool on 30 January, Dusan Vlahovic who moved to Juventus on 29 January and Julien Alvarez who will move to Manchester City in the summer after agreeing a deal on 31 January.

Asked if he could have signed those players, he said "I don't know. But as I said, maybe we should have at least internally discussed it."

At the time, United were still in the FA Cup and the Champions League and were favourites to secure a place in the top four.

Two years earlier, they had gone into the January market to sign Odion Ighalo on loan when then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his forward options restricted through injury.

"Maybe I should have pushed even more," said Rangnick.

"It would have been short notice but 48 hours is 48 hours. It might have been at least worth to try and internally discuss it. It might be necessary and important. We didn't. It was not done."

The decision has cost United financially given they are now virtually certain to finish outside the top four and - at best - find themselves in the Europa League next season.

However, privately, club sources say the option was resisted because anything spent in January would have come out of the forthcoming summer transfer budget.

At the time, no decision had been made over Solskjaer's replacement so it could not be certain whoever it was would agree with the new addition.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61354478
 
With that amount of spending on transfers - not much to show for that.

FSEMrB0XoAEZd_9
 
United absolutely disintegrating in Brighton, currently 4-0...
 
Oh my word, United.

Surely one of their worst teams ever.

Humiliating.
 
James said:
Oh my word, United.

Surely one of their worst teams ever.

Humiliating.
Click to expand...

Amazing to read the optimism ahead of this season from United fans, in this very thread too. Talk of a title challenge!

This will be their lowest ever points total in PL history. Has to be their worst team in this lifetime.
 
<b>Brighton 4-0 Manchester United: Ralf Rangnick's side thrashed in his penultimate match in charge</b>

"You're not fit to wear the shirt."

It is hard to imagine how Manchester United's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Brighton could have been more embarrassing - and even their own fans turned against them.

Brighton, a side who had not won at home in 2022, ran riot at the Amex Stadium in a barely believable 90 minutes of football in which United were humiliated, outplayed, out-thought and outworked.

The Seagulls had only ever won three times in 27 meetings with the 20-time English champions.

The fourth was a night Brighton, aiming to finish in the top half of the top flight for the first time in their 121-year history, will never forget.

Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella both scored their first Premier League goals, before Pascal Gross calmly added a third and Leandro Trossard bundled in a fourth with 30 minutes to go.

Meanwhile, United did not even register a shot on target until the 56th minute when already 2-0 down.


As that Trossard goal was being checked by a video assistant referee for a potential handball, the United fans showed their anger at their own players.

The "you're not fit to wear the shirt" chant was not aimed at one specific person, it indicated a collective anger and frustration at a side who are now guaranteed to score United's lowest points total since 1990-91.

The away fans did, though, stay in great numbers right to the end and created a memorable atmosphere after getting their point across. But there was no mistaking the fact the players had let the fans down.

Ralf Rangnick, in his penultimate game in charge in what has been a miserable six-month spell as interim boss after the club sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, looked ashamed of his team at the final whistle.

"It was a terrible performance," said the German, who was not allowed to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, while Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek left on loan.

"From the first until the last minute it was not enough; we can only apologise for this performance and a humiliating defeat.

"We were never in a position where we could stop them playing through our lines. We told the players to be as compact as they could but we couldn't stop it.

"I don't think they ignored the gameplan but we weren't able to stop them. We gave them too much space and if you do that against a technically good team like Brighton, you will get punished."

This season cannot end quickly enough for United. This result ended their slim hopes of Champions League football next term and even a Europa League spot is not guaranteed. Dropping into the third-tier Europa Conference League is a genuine possibility.

Erik ten Hag, who could win the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax on Sunday for what would be the third time in four years, is the man tasked with rebuilding the club.

As each day goes on, the job looks harder and harder.

Of their past 12 goals, 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has scored nine of them. But he cut a frustrated figure throughout, picked up a booking and had limited service on Saturday.

Will he be prepared to stay and maybe play in European football's third tier next season or will he fancy another crack at the Champions League, a trophy he has won on five occasions?

And will Ten Hag want to build his side around a player who turns 38 in February, no matter how talented? United are a side who need a complete rebuild. Rangnick almost said as much earlier this week when asked what positions they were strong enough in. "Goalkeeper" was the answer.

From finishing second last season, United's progress has not just stalled, but been slammed into reverse. Without Ronaldo's 18 Premier League goals, they would not be in any European competition next year, and maybe not even in the top half.

League leaders Manchester City have only dropped 19 points all season, a figure United matched in November on another humiliating day when they lost 4-1 at Watford - a result that cost Solskjaer his job.

In front of a record crowd at the Amex of 31,637, this defeat felt even more humiliating than that loss, or the 5-0 home demolition by Liverpool, the 4-0 thrashing in the return fixture at Anfield or the 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Brighton players were trying party tricks, a nutmeg from Cucurella on Diogo Dalot was cheered as loudly as each goal. Every touch of the ball from a blue and white shirt received an 'ole' from the crowd - and the winning margin could, and probably should, have been even wider.

Alexis Mac Allister shot against the outside of the post and Danny Welbeck, against his old club, was unlucky not to score a late fifth with a wonderful curled effort.

Stand-in United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted his side's fans were within their rights to shout out the 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' chant.

"What we did, what I did, was not enough to be in a Manchester United shirt and I accept it," said Fernandes.

"They outplayed us, they always had a solution, pressed us better and deserved the result.

"A little bit of everything [went wrong]. Quality. Mentality. They deserved to win and we deserve to be in the position we are in now.

"It's something we have to look at and be embarrassed about because that was not good enough from us and we have to do much better.

"I signed my contract because I think the future can be good, but obviously many things need to be fixed, as we have seen this season."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61365465
 
David Beckham welcomes Man Utd change but hopes Cristiano Ronaldo stays

David Beckham says he would welcome change at Manchester United ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but hopes Cristiano Ronaldo will remain part of the club's plans going forward.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Miami Grand Prix, the former United midfielder shared his views on the successor of his famous No 7 shirt at United, saying fans want the 37-year-old to see out his contract, which expires in 2023.

He also spoke of this season's struggles under interim head coach Ralf Rangnick, who will be replaced by Ajax boss Erik ten Hag this summer, explaining how he believes fans will be "thankful" the current season reaches its conclusion in two weeks' time.

"I think there are changes to be made and changes that are happening, we've seen that," Beckham said.

"It's been a tough end to the season. But it is the end of the season, I'm sure a lot of the fans are thankful of that because it's been a tough one - full of ups and downs.

"The players have done what they can do best, so has the manager. I turned up at the stadium a few months back and every seat was filled so the fans still believe, they support, they turn up for the team.

"It's what United fans do. There's not many teams to have gone through what they've gone through in the last few years and still filling out their stadium. There will be changes."

On the future of Ronaldo, he added: "Obviously Cristiano is one of the best players over the last 15 years, with Leo [Messi]. To see him stay on, hopefully at United, is important for the fans.

"It's important to him - we all know how much Man United means to him. He's still doing what he does best, scoring goals. That's what Cristiano does.

"To be doing what he's doing at his age is really incredible, so hopefully it continues for another year or two."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-utd-change-but-hopes-cristiano-ronaldo-stays
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "I've never EVER heard Manchester United fans resort to that chant."<br><br>Gary Neville says it is clear that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a>'s players have 'thrown the towel in' and believes they are damaging their reputations &#55357;&#56876;<a href="https://t.co/nbfKZkYHxq">pic.twitter.com/nbfKZkYHxq</a></p>— Sky Sports (@SkySports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1523713139052892160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Man Utd transfer news: Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong a midfield target for Erik ten Hag

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong is one of the midfielders Manchester United are interested in signing this summer, but no deal is imminent.

New United manager Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax between 2017 and 2019.

De Jong helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 before he moved to Barcelona in a £75m deal.

United are expected to sign at least one midfielder this summer, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata set to leave Old Trafford.

De Jong has two years left on his Barcelona contract and their financial problems may mean they are willing to sell this summer.

Talks have been held about a potential deal, but the failure to qualify for the Champions League will count against United if Barcelona decide to sell.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ie-de-jong-a-midfield-target-for-erik-ten-hag
 
Manchester United’s season reached a new low on this week when two senior players had to be separated in a training ground bust-up.

The Sun reports that incident happened on Thursday afternoon towards the end of their session at their Carrington base.

Rangnick was forced to end the session early after a scrap broke out among his senior players

While the players involved haven’t been named and arguments during competitive training sessions is nothing new, it is said this scrap left players ‘stunned’ and was severe enough that manager Ralf Rangnick chose to bring the session to a premature end before ordering the team back to the dressing room.

This comes after the squad were granted four days off following their 4-0 Premier League defeat against Brighton, with United not playing again until they face Crystal Palace on week on Sunday.

While fans are desperately waiting for this disastrous season to come to an end, there’s going to be plenty of work for incoming boss Erik ten Hag to do.

https://talksport.com/football/1109320/man-united-news-training-players-fight-ralf-rangnick/
 
MenInG said:
Manchester United’s season reached a new low on this week when two senior players had to be separated in a training ground bust-up.

The Sun reports that incident happened on Thursday afternoon towards the end of their session at their Carrington base.

Rangnick was forced to end the session early after a scrap broke out among his senior players

While the players involved haven’t been named and arguments during competitive training sessions is nothing new, it is said this scrap left players ‘stunned’ and was severe enough that manager Ralf Rangnick chose to bring the session to a premature end before ordering the team back to the dressing room.

This comes after the squad were granted four days off following their 4-0 Premier League defeat against Brighton, with United not playing again until they face Crystal Palace on week on Sunday.

While fans are desperately waiting for this disastrous season to come to an end, there’s going to be plenty of work for incoming boss Erik ten Hag to do.

https://talksport.com/football/1109320/man-united-news-training-players-fight-ralf-rangnick/
Click to expand...

Acutely embarrassing.
 
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is targeting France and Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, 31, as he looks to start an overhaul at Old Trafford. (Mirror)
 
Frenkie de Jong favours a move to Manchester City over Manchester United and would even be willing to take a huge financial hit to play for Pep Guardiola’s side, according to reports.

The Dutch midfielder appears increasingly likely to leave Camp Nou this summer as Barca look to raise transfer funds, with incoming United boss Erik ten Hag keen for a reunion with his former Ajax charge at Old Trafford.

De Jong has struggled somewhat to live up to his £67million price tag since moving to Spain and Barcelona would be begrudgingly willing to accept a fee in the region of what they paid three years ago.

City had also tried to sign the Netherlands international back in 2019 but were unable to match Barca’s £400,000-a-week salary offer.

But, according to The Sun, the Catalan club’s precarious financial situation means De Jong has since taken a significant salary reduction and his wages are now more in line with what City are prepared to pay.

Additionally, the midfielder – along with the rest of Barcelona’s squad – agreed to defer 40 per cent of his wages for a year and is due to receive around £6million in unpaid wages – a fee he would be prepared to waive if it meant joining City.

That sum could then be deducted from the transfer fee Barca are demanding, lowering the overall package and making De Jong significantly more appealing to City.

De Jong would be keen to make a move to the Etihad happen, though he is not expected to be as accommodating for United who will need to pull out all the stops to convince the midfielder to move to Old Trafford – particularly with no Champions League football on offer.

Barca boss Xavi has spoken glowingly about De Jong recently and would ideally like to keep him at Camp Nou, though he did suggest the matter could be taken out of his hands by the club’s financial issues.

Speaking at the weekend, he said: ‘I have said many times that Frenkie de Jong is very important. He has almost always been a starter under me and for me he is fundamental.

‘Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it will have to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, but in general.

‘In a few days we have to know what economic situation we are in to start planning. See who we can count on and see on who we cannot count, the economic level marks it for us.’

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/othe...cvid=0c8585977f6843999e29bee5c75fcf13#image=3
 
Manchester United have made a move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman as they attempt to beat AC Milan to the signature of the 22-year-old Dutchman. (Football Insider)

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is also a target for Manchester United, with talks believed to be taking place between the two clubs for the 20-year-old Netherlands international. (Mirror)
 
Patrice Evra believes Manchester United need to sign more players "with character" this summer - and claims a squad overhaul is required to get rid of players who are "sad" at Old Trafford.

United have missed out on Champions League football and will fight for sixth spot on the final day of the Premier League season, with the club going without a trophy for a fifth successive year.

Speaking after Man United's legends lost 3-1 to Liverpool's all-time greats at Old Trafford in a charity game, Evra believes the current crop of players should be feeling grateful that they play for the club, instead of unhappy, with Erik Ten Hag set to take charge next week.

"The current players have been here for so many years, the fans are on [top of] them so it brings a lot of negativity around the club. So we need fresh blood," the Frenchman told Sky Sports News.

"New players? What kind of players? Will these players come for the badge? Or will they come for the money or the fame? I'm more looking for players with character and [want to know] what their reason is for coming to United.

"Of course [we need an overhaul]. It's about time, we need a change. It will be like a dramatic change. I'm not saying 10 players leave and 10 players come in and this will be the solution. But it would be a good solution.

"When talking to the fans, it's almost like a déjà vu. It's the same players they're questioning [as to] why they're playing and why they're here. I think even those players don't want to be at United anymore because I can see those players are even feeling sad, when you should be feeling blessed and grateful wearing that jersey.

"So there's something wrong. I hope those players that don't want to stay just leave the club and the new players come in and fight for the badge."

New manager Ten Hag will watch his United squad in the flesh for the first time on Sunday when the club take on Crystal Palace in the last game under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Evra accepts that Ten Hag may struggle to get United back to the upper echelons of English football straight away, but believes the club need to make a collective effort to stop their recent rot.

"I don't [have] a lot of excitement about a new manager - I'm excited to see which team we're going to build," he added. "I'm going to be excited when we're fighting to win the league and going back into the Champions League.

"Ten Hag is not going to do everything, but he will have my full support. If you put the chef as Manchester United manager he is going to have my full support. But now it's about the board, the players, what we're going to do and a better structure."

Ten Hag is Manchester United's chosen candidate to lead the club into the new era and he must waste no time in tackling the pressing issues at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag has forgone his plans to be part of Ajax's post-season trip as he looks to tackle the mountainous task that awaits him at Old Trafford.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...td-to-sign-players-with-character-this-summer
 
Manchester United's season ended with a whimper as they were beaten at Crystal Palace in front of new manager Erik ten Hag.

Former United winger Wilfried Zaha scored the winning goal in the first half, latching onto a through ball and turning Diogo Dalot before drilling a low finish into the corner.

Despite the loss, United finish a disappointing campaign in sixth place to clinch a Europa League spot - as West Ham were beaten by Brighton - while Palace end in a respectable 12th place.

Zaha's goal proved to be enough against a rudderless United side playing in front of Ten Hag, who was in the stands at Selhurst Park. The Dutchman taking over a team from Ralf Rangnick which is bereft of sort any leadership or confidence.

The departing Edinson Cavani had a snapshot clawed out by Vicente Guaita and the Spanish keeper also brilliantly tipped over United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri's first-time effort from the edge of the box.

Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp both had low shots kept out by David de Gea but United's number one could do nothing about Zaha's 37th minute goal, which nestled into the bottom corner.

BBC
 
The BBC has apologised after a message appeared on the news channel saying "Manchester United are rubbish".

The text mistakenly popped up on the news ticker at the bottom of the screen during a tennis update just after 0930 on Tuesday.

Later in the morning, presenter Annita Mcveigh apologised to any Manchester United fans who may have been offended.

She said the mistake had occurred as someone was learning how to operate the ticker and was "writing random things".

Another message which appeared on the ticker read simply: "Weather rain everywhere."

Mcveigh told viewers: "A little earlier, some of you may have noticed something pretty unusual on the ticker that runs along the bottom of the screen with news making a comment about Manchester United, and I hope that Manchester United fans weren't offended by it.

"Let me just explain what was happening: behind the scenes, someone was training to learn how to use the ticker and to put text on the ticker, so they were just writing random things not in earnest and that comment appeared.

"So apologies if you saw that and you were offended and you're a fan of Manchester United.

"But certainly that was a mistake and it wasn't meant to appear on the screen. So that was what happened, we just thought we'd better explain that to you."

An official BBC statement added: "There was a technical glitch during training with our test ticker, which rolled over to live programming for a few seconds.

"We apologised for any offence caused on air."

BBC presenter and Manchester City fan Clive Myrie tweeted he "had nothing to do with this!!" with the hashtag MCFC, after City won the Premier League title on Sunday.

Manchester United have struggled by their standards in recent seasons and missed out on a Champions League spot, coming sixth in the table. Their new manager and former Ajax boss, Erik Ten Hag, is United's fifth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

BBC

gShRgLM.png
 
James said:
Yep, agreed.

Without the goals from Ronaldo they would have ended up 12th or so.

Miserable.
Click to expand...

Where will the finish next season?

They spend too much on select drama queens with massive ego’s
 
MUFC on the brink of signing £30m Ajax defender Jurrien Timber with Erik ten Hag set to raid old club
 
Realistic target for ManU Top 4 will be quite an achievement which looks unlikely as Liverpool and City are destined for top 2 and that leaves two places with 4 contenders not to mention any outsiders or one season wonder's
Chelsea, Spurs both in better position than Utd atm
 
Manchester United has increased its third quarter revenues by 29.2 per cent to £152.8m ($192.1m), largely driven by the return of full capacity crowds to the club’s Old Trafford stadium and an uptick in commercial income.
 
Manchester United have told Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 25, they will turn their attention elsewhere if he cannot decide whether he wants to come to Old Trafford this summer. (Sport)
 
Almost 10 years for them without the league title & 14 years without CL title. Enjoyed each & every moment of the misery they had to endure. LONG MAY IT CONTINUES.
 
Manchester United have revealed their third quarter finances with their net debt increasing by 11% to £495.7million under the Glazers.
 
MenInG said:
Manchester United have revealed their third quarter finances with their net debt increasing by 11% to £495.7million under the Glazers.
Click to expand...


still dont understand how clubs still end up spending a lot when thr debt increased
 
Manchester United are on the verge of making a final push to sign Wolves' Portuguese forward Ruben Neves, 25, although they face competition from Barcelona. (Sun)

The Red Devils fear being priced out of a move for Darwin Nunez with Benfica having told United it will cost them about £100m to sign the 22-year-old Uruguay international. (Star)

United have also consulted Erik ten Hag on the possibility of signing Villarreal's Spanish defender Pau Torres, 25, in the summer transfer window. (Manchester Evening News)
 
Manchester United are considering a bid for Chelsea and France midfielder N'Golo Kante, 31. (Guardian)

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, 35, says he has been left with a "bitter taste" in an open letter to Manchester United after departing the club. (Star)
 
Manchester United: Ralf Rangnick will not take up consultancy role

Former interim manager Ralf Rangnick will not take up his two-year consultancy role at Manchester United.

The 63-year-old German will instead concentrate on his new job in charge of Austria.

The consultancy role was agreed as part of Rangnick's arrival at Old Trafford in December. He was replaced by Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.

Asked this week about Rangnick's likely input, Ten Hag said the decision was United's.

Rangnick confirmed the news at his unveiling as Austria manager on Sunday.

A United statement read: "By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford."

Rangnick was appointed by United until the end of the season, taking over after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking.

United won only 38% of their games under Rangnick, the worst win percentage of any United manager in the Premier League era and the club's worst for 50 years.

They qualified for the Europa League by finishing sixth in the table.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61625695
 
What a pointless appointment Ralf was. I was alright with the poor results under him, as he was gonna go upstairs in a consultancy role afterwards and everyone knows that United need footballing people at the top. Now that he is gone, his appointment was a complete disaster.

I feel for Ten Hag. He comes to United as one of the highly rates coaches in world football. I suspect in a couple of years time, he will be gone and Man United will back to square one. As long as the Glazers are there, Man United won't ever win any of the major honours again, regardless of who they appoint as the manager.
 
I don’t know why they even bothered with a face-saving reason for Rangnick’s departure. Everyone knows that he was a bad hire, United don’t rate him, the fans think he has been a letdown of a manager with strange and ineffective methods, and that Ralf himself was not happy in the role at any discernible point. Should have just admitted that he skipped out on the consultancy role because nobody (including himself) wanted to do it. Back to the continent for him.
 
This was to be expected. Ralf failed miserably. Fair enough the team weren't capable of adapting to his playing style but a decent manager would have tried to make some modifications instead of flogging a dead horse.

Accepting the Austria gig was also a bit disrespectful. Man Utd may have have fallen a bit recently but they are still one of the biggest names in world football, it made no sense for the full time coach of a low tier country to be consulting at the club.

What will be interesting is if Ralf starts to name and shame some players and drop a few grenades now that he is going.
 
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