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Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag following two and a half years in charge of the club [Update@post #125]

Should Erik ten Hag be sacked as manager of Manchester United?

  • Total voters
    11
  • Poll closed .
Geordie Ahmed said:
Would you swap positions with Arsenal though?
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There is no doubt that Arsenal are ahead of Man United at this moment in time, but Arteta has been there longer than Ten Hag. Lets not forget that Arteta finished 8th in his first two seasons.

History books only remembers winners, not teams that finish second, third or fourth. History books will tell you that during the 2023/24 season, Man United won the FA Cup, while Arsenal won nothing.

To answer the question, I wouldn't swap positions with Arsenal. What have they won? I would swap positions with Man City, but not Arsenal.
 
The_KING said:
Arteta 1 trophy in 4.5 years. Ten Hag 2 trophies in 2 years. That is all I need to say.
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KingKhanWC said:
Ten Haag has won more trophies in 2 years than Arteta has in 4 years @Mamoon

I’d keep him for another season but I think utd want someone new . Poch is the fav imo
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For clubs like Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and City, winning domestic cups will not mask failure to compete for the Premier League. This why Ten Hag's future hangs in the balance in spite of winning two cups in two seasons because he has failed to compete for the Premier League title in two seasons.

In fact, it is not just about competing but the fact that they are not heading in the right direction. United are 5 places and 15 points worse off than last season which shows regression and a lack of plan and identity and winning an FA Cup will not mask the failures in the league just like winning 3 FA Cups in 4 years did not mask Wenger's failure in the league in his last few years.

Arne Slot can win the FA Cup for the 3 consecutive seasons but if he doesn't have Liverpool fighting for the Premier League title, he will be sacked.

Ten Hag would not have been in trouble if he had the exact same season as Arsenal had. Instead, the board and the fans would have been fully behind him and would have the trust in him that he will find the extra 5% that will help the club get over the line knowing that he has brought the team within a whisker of winning the Premier League.

This is why whether United fans admit or not, they would happily trade places with Arsenal.

Missing out on the league title by 2 points and not winning a cup >>>> finishing 8th and 31 points behind the champions and winning a cup. It is not even up for debate.

United knows that in spite of winning the FA Cup and regardless of whether they keep Ten Hag or not, they will need a major overhaul of the squad and change the culture and mindset to start fighting for the title. On the other hand, Arsenal knows that they are beautifully placed and don't need to change anything except making a few marginal improvements because they are on the right track while United clearly are not.
 
'Ten Hag has set out his position, Ratcliffe will soon outline his'

Senior figures at Manchester United have begun conducting an end of season review, with one item dominating the agenda – the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

The club never discovered whether they were right to sack Louis van Gaal after he won the FA Cup in 2016.

At 64, his best days in management were behind him. The only frontline job he did after leaving Old Trafford was to answer an SOS call from the Netherlands hierarchy to qualify the national team for the 2022 World Cup, where they lost to eventual winners Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The situation is different with his compatriot Ten Hag.

As he got himself on the front foot in the aftermath of a well-deserved 2-1 victory over last season’s Treble winners in Saturday's FA Cup final, Ten Hag made it perfectly clear what would happen if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided he didn’t want the 54-year-old to continue.

“If they don’t want me, then I will go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”

It was a bold statement, one to make even the most successful, decisive and clear-sighted businessmen take a moment to think, let alone a group who have assumed all the responsibility for football decisions at one of the world’s biggest clubs, with all the scrutiny and social media frenzy that entails.

Ratcliffe's Ineos group also presently has limited football experience at United, given their chief executive Omar Berrada and intended football director Dan Ashworth are yet to complete respective periods of gardening leave.

Ratcliffe will have known the day would come when his words alone would not placate the outside world, friend and foe alike.

Even on Saturday morning, the situation looked quite straightforward. He did not bring Ten Hag to the club. This season’s football has been dreadful. Injuries were an excuse but United have finished too low in the table and performed too badly, too often, for the manager to be excused. A Wembley meeting with Manchester City would underline the gulf in class. Ten Hag could be dismissed, a replacement installed and everyone moves on.

But the manager and his players shredded the script with their performance.

Ten Hag got his selection right, his players followed the gameplan, two youngsters of immense promise – straight out of the United tradition – scored and United won the FA Cup. It meant the Dutchman joined Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby and Ernest Mangnall as one of only four men who have won trophies in successive seasons at United.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans said he hoped Ten Hag would remain. “You want a manager who shows trust and belief,” said the Northern Ireland skipper.

“I’ve only got really good things to say about him.

“Over the last month, he has shown incredible tactical flexibility. Sitting off and counter-attacking is not the style he sees himself coaching but he has recognised the right time to do it and has done it.”

It is against that backdrop – and five trophies in four and a half years with Ajax – that Ratcliffe, directors Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, plus technical director Jason Wilcox must make their call.

When a story emerged in the Guardian on Friday that Ten Hag was to be sacked no matter what the outcome of the final, it committed to print rumours that were swirling round Manchester.

United offered no comment either way. There was no call to the manager or his representatives to assure them the report was wrong.

It was known the club intended to conduct an end of season review in the week after the City game, after which a decision on Ten Hag’s future would be made.

Whatever the decision taken, it is a massive call and there are competing arguments.


BBC
 
United are a poor team. They have no structure or the players to compete with the top teams. The FA Cup is worthless these days and all that matters is PL and CL and united were poor in both. Ten Haag has added nothing to United and whoever comes will add nothing unless he is radical in the Transfer market and playing style.
 
Mamoon said:
For clubs like Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and City, winning domestic cups will not mask failure to compete for the Premier League. This why Ten Hag's future hangs in the balance in spite of winning two cups in two seasons because he has failed to compete for the Premier League title in two seasons.

In fact, it is not just about competing but the fact that they are not heading in the right direction. United are 5 places and 15 points worse off than last season which shows regression and a lack of plan and identity and winning an FA Cup will not mask the failures in the league just like winning 3 FA Cups in 4 years did not mask Wenger's failure in the league in his last few years.

Arne Slot can win the FA Cup for the 3 consecutive seasons but if he doesn't have Liverpool fighting for the Premier League title, he will be sacked.

Ten Hag would not have been in trouble if he had the exact same season as Arsenal had. Instead, the board and the fans would have been fully behind him and would have the trust in him that he will find the extra 5% that will help the club get over the line knowing that he has brought the team within a whisker of winning the Premier League.

This is why whether United fans admit or not, they would happily trade places with Arsenal.

Missing out on the league title by 2 points and not winning a cup >>>> finishing 8th and 31 points behind the champions and winning a cup. It is not even up for debate.

United knows that in spite of winning the FA Cup and regardless of whether they keep Ten Hag or not, they will need a major overhaul of the squad and change the culture and mindset to start fighting for the title. On the other hand, Arsenal knows that they are beautifully placed and don't need to change anything except making a few marginal improvements because they are on the right track while United clearly are not.
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There is no doubt that Arsenal have significant progress under Arteta, but all of it will count for nothing if Arsenal don't win the league or the champions league.

No doubt that Ten Hag has done poorly in the league this season, but at least he has shown that he can win domestic cups. Arsenal haven't even reached a semi final of a domestic cup since they won the FA Cup in 2020.

Arsenal are better placed than Man United to win the league, but it took Arteta until his 4th season to assemble a team that was good enough to challenge for the league. Who is to say Ten Hag can't do the same if he is given more time and is allowed to overhaul the whole squad?

You make it seem like Arteta and Ten Hag have been at their respective clubs for same amount of time. Arteta has been at Arsenal for about 2.5 years more than Ten Hag has been at Man United. So Arsenal under Arteta should obviously be ahead of Man United in their development. It isn't rocket science.
 
Mamoon said:
For clubs like Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and City, winning domestic cups will not mask failure to compete for the Premier League. This why Ten Hag's future hangs in the balance in spite of winning two cups in two seasons because he has failed to compete for the Premier League title in two seasons.

In fact, it is not just about competing but the fact that they are not heading in the right direction. United are 5 places and 15 points worse off than last season which shows regression and a lack of plan and identity and winning an FA Cup will not mask the failures in the league just like winning 3 FA Cups in 4 years did not mask Wenger's failure in the league in his last few years.

Arne Slot can win the FA Cup for the 3 consecutive seasons but if he doesn't have Liverpool fighting for the Premier League title, he will be sacked.

Ten Hag would not have been in trouble if he had the exact same season as Arsenal had. Instead, the board and the fans would have been fully behind him and would have the trust in him that he will find the extra 5% that will help the club get over the line knowing that he has brought the team within a whisker of winning the Premier League.

This is why whether United fans admit or not, they would happily trade places with Arsenal.

Missing out on the league title by 2 points and not winning a cup >>>> finishing 8th and 31 points behind the champions and winning a cup. It is not even up for debate.

United knows that in spite of winning the FA Cup and regardless of whether they keep Ten Hag or not, they will need a major overhaul of the squad and change the culture and mindset to start fighting for the title. On the other hand, Arsenal knows that they are beautifully placed and don't need to change anything except making a few marginal improvements because they are on the right track while United clearly are not.
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You’re missing the time frame . After 2 years Artetas Arsenal couldn’t make top 4 either . I don’t think Utd can challenge for the title next season but sacking him now is a bit unfair . To beat City in any final is tough , meaning Ten Haag has something to offer .
 
KingKhanWC said:
You’re missing the time frame . After 2 years Artetas Arsenal couldn’t make top 4 either . I don’t think Utd can challenge for the title next season but sacking him now is a bit unfair . To beat City in any final is tough , meaning Ten Haag has something to offer .
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I agree.

Plus one thing that was clear was how much the players celebrated and rejoiced with him.

It seems like they really had his back when push came to shove.

He should be given another year but the club needs to take more control over the transfers and act more pragmatically in the transfer market rather than spank money on mid tier players again and again.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I agree.

Plus one thing that was clear was how much the players celebrated and rejoiced with him.

It seems like they really had his back when push came to shove.

He should be given another year but the club needs to take more control over the transfers and act more pragmatically in the transfer market rather than spank money on mid tier players again and again.
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It the Qatari took over , he promised to pay off debt & renovate the stadium . Ineos are already a shambles. Now they are saying we need a week to review manager’s position but Ten Haag has stated the review has taken place . I guess they never expected to win the cup .

If they stuck with Jose & backed him , his team now would be very good
 
KingKhanWC said:
You’re missing the time frame . After 2 years Artetas Arsenal couldn’t make top 4 either . I don’t think Utd can challenge for the title next season but sacking him now is a bit unfair . To beat City in any final is tough , meaning Ten Haag has something to offer .
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The_KING said:
There is no doubt that Arsenal have significant progress under Arteta, but all of it will count for nothing if Arsenal don't win the league or the champions league.

No doubt that Ten Hag has done poorly in the league this season, but at least he has shown that he can win domestic cups. Arsenal haven't even reached a semi final of a domestic cup since they won the FA Cup in 2020.

Arsenal are better placed than Man United to win the league, but it took Arteta until his 4th season to assemble a team that was good enough to challenge for the league. Who is to say Ten Hag can't do the same if he is given more time and is allowed to overhaul the whole squad?

You make it seem like Arteta and Ten Hag have been at their respective clubs for same amount of time. Arteta has been at Arsenal for about 2.5 years more than Ten Hag has been at Man United. So Arsenal under Arteta should obviously be ahead of Man United in their development. It isn't rocket science.
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Both of you are missing the key point.

What you are missing is that Arsenal never showed regression under Arteta. Every season, Arsenal accumulated more points than they did in the previous season.

First season (took over in December): 56 points
Second season: 61 points
Third season: 69 points
Fourth season: 84 points
Fifth season: 89 points

The progression is very obvious and it is also linear. Each and every season Arteta has improved the team. This is what top managers do. Yes there is no guarantee that Arsenal will end up with 90+ points next season but there is a better chance of that happening than Arsenal going backwards.

On the other hand,

Ten Hag first season: 75 points
Ten Hag second season: 60 points

There is no excuse for such regression. The direction of travel is very clear. United have gone backwards this season and that is never acceptable. If Arteta finished 15 points behind this season's tally next season, he will also be in trouble.

Ten Hag's regression and Arteta's progression shows that Ten Hag is an inferior manager both in terms of tactics and also in terms of identifying the right players to improve the squad. Arsenal's signings in the previous summer had a positive influence on the team while United's signings did nothing to make the team any stronger.

For the record, if I were United, I wouldn't replace Ten Hag this summer. He is a decent manager and there are not many viable alternatives available. However, he must accumulate 80+ points next season and fight for the title. If not, he should be gone.
 
Even whilst united are in the mud they still win trophies. In saying that is time for United to move on from Ten haag.

The club is being looked to change every part of its structure so that's got to include manager change.

I see when it comes to a manager discussion, a certain cheerleader has to turn into a Arteta worship feast. Its embarrassing. The discussion is Ten haag
 
Mamoon said:
Both of you are missing the key point.

What you are missing is that Arsenal never showed regression under Arteta. Every season, Arsenal accumulated more points than they did in the previous season.

First season (took over in December): 56 points
Second season: 61 points
Third season: 69 points
Fourth season: 84 points
Fifth season: 89 points

The progression is very obvious and it is also linear. Each and every season Arteta has improved the team. This is what top managers do. Yes there is no guarantee that Arsenal will end up with 90+ points next season but there is a better chance of that happening than Arsenal going backwards.

On the other hand,

Ten Hag first season: 75 points
Ten Hag second season: 60 points

There is no excuse for such regression. The direction of travel is very clear. United have gone backwards this season and that is never acceptable. If Arteta finished 15 points behind this season's tally next season, he will also be in trouble.

Ten Hag's regression and Arteta's progression shows that Ten Hag is an inferior manager both in terms of tactics and also in terms of identifying the right players to improve the squad. Arsenal's signings in the previous summer had a positive influence on the team while United's signings did nothing to make the team any stronger.

For the record, if I were United, I wouldn't replace Ten Hag this summer. He is a decent manager and there are not many viable alternatives available. However, he must accumulate 80+ points next season and fight for the title. If not, he should be gone.
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I understand your point , However there are various factors involved in a clubs success or lack of . Such include board , directors, squad inherited, back room staff , injuries etc

Eg. Ten Haag had to start Casimero as centre back .

Arteta has been fortunate with injuries over the last two seasons . losing Saliba previous season hurt .

Now if you lose both Gabriel & Saliba for a couple of months . You have no back up & suddenly it’s an average team .
 
KingKhanWC said:
I understand your point , However there are various factors involved in a clubs success or lack of . Such include board , directors, squad inherited, back room staff , injuries etc

Eg. Ten Haag had to start Casimero as centre back .

Arteta has been fortunate with injuries over the last two seasons . losing Saliba previous season hurt .

Now if you lose both Gabriel & Saliba for a couple of months . You have no back up & suddenly it’s an average team .
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Arsenal lost saliba last season in title race and Arteta had no plan B.

Doesn't matter if ten haag won back to back trebles. Certain fanatics would still be worshipping other losers.
 
Amjid Javed said:
Arsenal lost saliba last season in title race and Arteta had no plan B.

Doesn't matter if ten haag won back to back trebles. Certain fanatics would still be worshipping other losers.
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This is what could concern me if I was an Arsenal fan . Again first XI is very good but the overall squad is not . An injury hit season with 4/5 main players out for months & it’s not a team challenging for the title but a team challenging for top 4.

I’m the opposite of a Utd fan but have to say if Arteta was in charge of Utd v City in the final , I doubt he’d be able to pull off such a win . Remember he purposely played for 1 point away when Arsenal were in winning form ! A more attacking sense & the title may now be in London .
 
KingKhanWC said:
I understand your point , However there are various factors involved in a clubs success or lack of . Such include board , directors, squad inherited, back room staff , injuries etc

Eg. Ten Haag had to start Casimero as centre back .

Arteta has been fortunate with injuries over the last two seasons . losing Saliba previous season hurt .

Now if you lose both Gabriel & Saliba for a couple of months . You have no back up & suddenly it’s an average team .
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Ten Hag's recruitment has been poor.

You can't hide behind injuries forever.

Arsenal lost Timber for the whole season and he was supposed to be Arsenal's first choice LWB. Everyone has to work around injuries, not an an excuse.
 
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Erik ten Hag points finger for Man Utd transfer failures and refuses to take blame

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refuses to take the blame for blowing more than £400million in the transfer market.

Ten Hag insists he did not sanction bank-busting moves for players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

The Dutchman claimed he had nothing to do with valuations - suggesting that former chief executive Richard Arnold and ex-football director John Murtough sanctioned an investment that has failed to reap many rewards.

Ten Hag said: “The prices paid for players are indeed very high - but I am not responsible for that. The club did all the negotiations, including with very good potential players who didn't come in the end.

“So it is all a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the purchase policy is disastrous. It's all negative, but despite all the problems, the foundation at the club has grown stronger.

“That may not all be visible to the outside world now, but everyone internally will make that analysis.

“With talents like (Kobbie) Mainoo, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Hojlund and also someone like Amad Diallo, who has developed very strongly, the future looks bright.”

Ten Hag is keen to strengthen this summer with three new signings - a striker, centre-back and midfielder - and believes with those additions and keeping his players healthy - physio Jordan Reece is joining from Arsenal - they can challenge again at the top of the table.

“Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an eleven. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes," he added. “The plan last year was clear: we buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to shape the football from behind, and an extra midfielder.

“That was the approach and in theory we would then be stronger and be able to take the next step."

www.mirror.co.uk

Erik ten Hag points finger for transfer failures & insists 'I'm not responsible'

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insists he is not the man who sanctioned huge moves for the likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
www.mirror.co.uk www.mirror.co.uk
 

Ten Hag to remain Man Utd manager after review​

Erik Ten Hag will remain as manager of Manchester United following a post-season review by the club's board.

United instigated their review immediately after the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag went into the game against Manchester City at Wembley amid a backdrop of reports claiming he was going to be sacked no matter the outcome.

Instead, United's deserved 2-1 victory allowed the club hierarchy to approach the review in a more positive light.

It is understood what are being described as "constructive conversations" with Ten Hag have taken place around the outcome of the review.

All eventualities were considered and the clear preference was for the 54-year-old Dutchman to remain in charge.

Source: BBC
 
Not surprising. No one really wanted the job. And the remaining candidates are no better than Ten hag.
 
Man Utd have won 54% of their Premier league games under Erik ten Hag (41/76).

Only Sir Alex Ferguson (65%) has a higher win percentage
 
Erik ten Hag’s three demands before signing Man Utd contract revealed after shock Sir Jim Ratcliffe U-turn

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino pulled out of the running, while Gareth Southgate being with England at the Euros sidelined talks with him.

It left the club announcing Ten Hag “deserves a chance to show what more he is capable of”.

But the boss is not merely grateful to get more time and will lay down the rules for how things will go forward.

He will not cede control of transfers, which the new set-up wanted to take out of his hands.

The 54-year-old is not prepared to be dictated to by Jason Wilcox as to how the team should play — after the new technical director was credited with suggesting he start Bruno Fernandes as a false nine in the FA Cup final win.

And Ten Hag will not allow Jadon Sancho back into the first team squad unless the player apologises for labelling him a liar last term.

The boss also wants his first-team coach Benni McCarthy given a new contract with his current deal set to expire.

Ten Hag wants these assurances before he puts pen to paper on a new three-year deal with just one left on his current contract.

He remains angry and frustrated at his treatment and the lack of public support since Ratcliffe’s arrival.

Ten Hag faced the sack before shocking Manchester City in the FA Cup final to prompt a wave of support from United fans to keep him on, despite an all-time club worst Premier League finish of eighth.

After learning he will stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said he wants to take the “next step” on their pre-season tour.

The Red Devils face Rosenborg in Norway on July 15 and Rangers at Murrayfield five days later.

They then head to the US to face Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.

Ten Hag said: “Pre-season is for preparing and we have to make that our next step.

“It is one of the only times you have the team together and can work on structures and on standards.

“We’ll be as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved.”

SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/28467309/man-utd-erik-ten-hag-new-contract-demands/
 
BouncerGuy said:
Erik ten Hag’s three demands before signing Man Utd contract revealed after shock Sir Jim Ratcliffe U-turn

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino pulled out of the running, while Gareth Southgate being with England at the Euros sidelined talks with him.

It left the club announcing Ten Hag “deserves a chance to show what more he is capable of”.

But the boss is not merely grateful to get more time and will lay down the rules for how things will go forward.

He will not cede control of transfers, which the new set-up wanted to take out of his hands.

The 54-year-old is not prepared to be dictated to by Jason Wilcox as to how the team should play — after the new technical director was credited with suggesting he start Bruno Fernandes as a false nine in the FA Cup final win.

And Ten Hag will not allow Jadon Sancho back into the first team squad unless the player apologises for labelling him a liar last term.

The boss also wants his first-team coach Benni McCarthy given a new contract with his current deal set to expire.

Ten Hag wants these assurances before he puts pen to paper on a new three-year deal with just one left on his current contract.

He remains angry and frustrated at his treatment and the lack of public support since Ratcliffe’s arrival.

Ten Hag faced the sack before shocking Manchester City in the FA Cup final to prompt a wave of support from United fans to keep him on, despite an all-time club worst Premier League finish of eighth.

After learning he will stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said he wants to take the “next step” on their pre-season tour.

The Red Devils face Rosenborg in Norway on July 15 and Rangers at Murrayfield five days later.

They then head to the US to face Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.

Ten Hag said: “Pre-season is for preparing and we have to make that our next step.

“It is one of the only times you have the team together and can work on structures and on standards.

“We’ll be as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved.”

SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/28467309/man-utd-erik-ten-hag-new-contract-demands/
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Basically he's sceptical of being a YES man! Well then, don't sign the contract extension.
 
Erik ten Hag has extended his contract as Manchester United men’s first-team manager until June 2026

Erik ten Hag said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.

"In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together.”

Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.

"While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.

"This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently.

"With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club.”

www.manutd.com

Erik ten Hag extends Manchester United contract

Erik and sporting director Dan Ashworth discuss the manager's new deal.
www.manutd.com www.manutd.com
 
Ten Hag excited by Man Utd's future

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is excited about the club's future.

Ten Hag had to wait over two weeks for United to decide to retain him after guiding them to FA Cup final victory over Manchester City on 25 May.

On 4 July, following conversations with the Dutchman, the club confirmed they had triggered the additional year option in his contract, which now runs to 2026.

In his first interview since that was announced, Ten Hag told in-house channel MUTV he would not have agreed to extend his deal if he was not "very" excited about the future.

United have made significant structural change since Ineos' co-ownership was confirmed in December.

Jason Wilcox had already arrived at United before the victory over City, Dan Ashworth has since been installed as sporting director, and Omar Berrada is due to take over as chief executive on 13 July.

Rather than feeling that weakens his position, Ten Hag believes the changes leave the club in a better place.

"The new ownership coming in can help us," said the 54-year-old.

"We are so pleased that around the football, around the first team, we have a strong structure that will help us in many ways, like in scouting and recruitment and departments of medical and performance.

"They will be so supportive and that will raise the bar."

United's FA Cup success meant Ten Hag became the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win silverware for the club in successive seasons.

He can now become only the second in the club's history - after the illustrious Scot - to lift major a major trophy in three seasons in a row.

"I came here to win trophies," he said. "We won two trophies, after a dry [spell] of six years, so we are in a good direction.

"We've made a process, which we've constructed across the summer and we are in a very strong position to go and attack."

Ten Hag was not asked about £74m forward Jadon Sancho, who fell out with the manager in September over a social media post, or Tyrell Malacia, who missed all of last season through injury. Neither have appeared in any official club training images over the past two days.

Mason Greenwood was not mentioned either after club officials said the striker was working on finding a club, with French outfit Marseille most strongly linked with the 22-year-old.

And there has still been no confirmation former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and former Go Ahead Eagles coach Rene Hake have been granted the work permits needed to start their new roles as part of Ten Hag’s coaching team.


BBC
 
‘Below standards’: Ten Hag unhappy as Manchester United lose at Rosenborg

Erik ten Hag admits there is plenty of hard work to do after Manchester United opened their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 defeat away to Rosenborg.

The majority of the first-team squad were not involved in Trondheim, and Jadon Sancho – who has returned to training after resolving his differences with Ten Hag – was also not part of a travelling group mostly made up of youth players. Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, though, were in the starting lineup, along with the veteran defender Jonny Evans.

With Rosenborg already in league action, the hosts were far sharper than United, whose Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek was forced to make a string of saves. The Norwegian club’s winger Marius Broholm twice struck the woodwork.

Ten Hag made the expected sweeping changes for the second half, replacing all 10 outfield players with academy products. Rosenborg – having again hit a post – made the breakthrough when Noah Holm scored in stoppage time.

United are set to face Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday before heading to the United States to step up preparation. Ten Hag expects a much-improved display for their next run-out.

“The result is not secondary,” the manager told MUTV. “Of course, we play pre-season, but at Man United the standard is you win games and definitely don’t lose games. So if you can’t win, don’t lose the game, like we did in the last second of the game, but of course, the performance is more important and the performance was below standards.”

Ten Hag, who recently signed a contract extension until 2026, said: “We can talk [about] everything that is bad, but I am not that guy. I have seen and this is not the standard for top football. Top football, you have to achieve much higher standards, starts with any individual, make sure you are fit.

www.theguardian.com

‘Below standards’: Ten Hag unhappy as Manchester United lose at Rosenborg

Erik ten Hag admitted there was plenty of hard work to do after his side opened their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 defeat away to Rosenborg
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Rangnick was right about Man Utd problems - Ten Hag​


Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says former interim boss Ralf Rangnick was "absolutely right" about the club needing "open-heart" surgery.

Ten Hag, 54, was appointed manager in 2022 after Rangnick's seven months in charge.

The German, now in charge of Austria, guided United to sixth in the Premier League but won just 11 of his 29 matches.

Rangnick concluded that the club required "open-heart" surgery and their troubles could not be solved through "minor changes".

Ten Hag, who signed a one-year contract extension this month, says Rangnick's analysis was correct.

"Rangnick was absolutely right," Ten Hag said in an interview with Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld., external

"We have been working very hard on this for two years, but he said it exactly right: it is a thorough, very complex operation. And I knew when I started that it was going to be a tough job."

United have undergone major changes off the pitch since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club last December.

Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell have all joined in positions at board level this year, while the club have committed £50m to improving the training ground.

Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have joined from Bologna and Lille respectively in the past week, while Ten Hag has confirmed interest in Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt.

"It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come," said Ten Hag.

"Of course I know Matthijs well, I'm not going to deny that. I wanted to sign him two years ago, but he had already gone a long way with Bayern Munich."

Despite working with De Ligt at former club Ajax, Ten Hag says it was United's scouting department that suggested the centre-back as a transfer target.

Ten Hag also confirmed that Jadon Sancho, who last appeared for the club in August 2023 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund, is available again for selection.

"Everyone can make a mistake," said Ten Hag.

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Manchester United: Ralf Rangnick was 'absolutely right' about club's problems, says Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says former interim boss Ralf Rangnick was "absolutely right" about the club needing "open-heart" surgery.
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Erik ten Hag warns Manchester United need depth for ‘survival of the fittest’

Erik ten Hag is concerned that Manchester United need to “catch up on squad depth” with the manager worried that the 60-plus injuries his side suffered last season could happen again due to the load on players.

United have already signed the defender Leny Yoro and forward Joshua Zirkzee this summer. The manager is also pursuing a full-back – Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui is a target – plus a defensive midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte of interest.

United finished eighth last season, a Premier League-era low mark for the club, and Ten Hag stated that while his first XI is competitive, more quality is required to mitigate against injury.

“We already had very good two buys,” the Dutchman said. “So when everyone is fit we have a team who can beat everyone, but the squad depth we have to catch up because we had injuries.

“We are vulnerable and we have to avoid this by getting less injuries and second, our squad has to be that good,” Ten Hag added. “The quality we have in depth, we have to catch up, but even more because this season will be the survival of the fittest.”

Ten Hag also warned that the events of last season, where a high number of players were struck down by injury, could be repeated. “It can happen again,” he said. “I just mentioned it, it’s survival of the fittest. One of the important things is for you to cover medical [excellence] and performance . The players have to work in the right way because the standards are so high and you have to fulfil them, the highest standards, not only on game day but every day.


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Erik ten Hag warns Manchester United need depth for ‘survival of the fittest’

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United need more signings to match the depth of their rivals in Premier League’s ‘survival of the fittest’
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Erik ten Hag: ‘I don’t need a longer contract. I don’t need that security’

Erik ten Hag is sporting a white baseball cap and a red and blue club tracksuit while discoursing in a private room at UCLA, and his steady eye contact and composure under questioning augur well for Manchester United’s new season.

The Dutchman has proved a cool customer since signing on as the manager two years ago but after suffering the slings and arrows of Ineos’s beauty parade of potential replacements, a deeper confidence is evident.

After Sir Jim Ratliffe’s football department decided that, actually, Ten Hag remained the man for them, a new contract was agreed. Yet as this was for only two years it hardly suggested unequivocal backing.

“No, I wanted this,” the 54-year-old says. “So I think two years in football is already a long time and in two years we will see what we have built on top of what we have achieved now.”

Ten Hag smiles when pressed that four years would provide more financial certainty. “No, I don’t need that. I don’t need that security,” he says. “It’s important that we are together and that we are working together and when you work together you are in good moments together but also in bad moments. When it’s being questioned [his support] in the surrounding [externally] then of course that will flow into a team and is not helpful in achieving success. I don’t need this because I have enough security in my life and in my career and I have enough belief that I know when I have a team I will achieve success.”

Ratcliffe has employed Omar Berrada as his chief executive, Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Jason Wilcox as technical director, with Sir Dave Brailsford providing executive oversight. Because Berrada and Ashworth had not yet joined, Wilcox led the drive to assess who might replace Ten Hag.

A cute response is offered by Ten Hag when asked how it felt to know Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and others were sounded out.

He says: “I want to collaborate. So togetherness, because I know when you are together you achieve more success and I am here to win. But we want to win, so I have to feel this and when I feel this, we will win. We have good people. With highly competent people, they will contribute to more success and I don’t think negative. So regarding your question, I don’t think negatively. If this or if this.

“I feel positive and I feel very aligned. They are here, we are building those relationships and, as I said, we have to prove this point during the season and the next coming years: how strong we are.”

Is he confident the club’s support will remain if United endure a dip? “I feel that we built something and that the people who are around me are in the same boat. But of course it’s always a proven point when the case is there – but what I hope is that we avoid this [a dip].”

United’s 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City in May was a major factor in Ten Hag being retained. After claiming the previous year’s Carabao Cup, this was a second trophy in two years, and Ten Hag offers a bright assessment of where his team are compared with the champions and other rivals who include Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

“We caught up and we’re capable of competing with the best teams in England,” he says. “Then you are trying to compete with the best teams in the world – some teams like Real Madrid of course, who are very good team. But the Premier League is at a very high level and we are capable of competing with them, which is very good. But our challenge is now to do this more consistently. How we do it has a lot to do with culture – winning culture, to build this. I feel that we built a foundation now, with the new leadership group, with the coaching staff and with new players coming in.”

For United to rebound from last season’s dismal eighth place an A-list act such as Marcus Rashford has to rediscover his mojo after the club’s highest earner contributed a paltry eight goals. Ten Hag, in his way, concurs while also defending the player.

“Of course, but he has to prove his point,” he says. “We will set the conditions [give him all support] and [then] he is very capable of doing this. The season before he scored 30 goals, so when he is in the right vibe, then he has such a high potential. And when he is really in that mood, he [can] again score 30 or even more goals.”

The “vibe” comment requires challenging so Ten Hag is asked whether it is not Rashford’s job to always be in the “mood”. He says: “He should fight to be, but we are not robots. We are dealing with human beings. And everyone – you [for example] are not always at your best.”

After speaking Ten Hag and his squad jet to South Carolina to play Liverpool in Saturday’s final match of the US tour. In the trip opener, a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, Leny Yoro, the new £52m flagship signing, broke a foot, so the defender is out for three months, and Rasmus Højlund, the first-choice No 9, sustained a hamstring injury that excludes him for six weeks. Rashford then limped out of Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Real Betis, although Ten Hag says that injury is “not too bad” and he expects the forward to “progress quickly from this knock”.

After last season’s 66 injuries the setbacks for Yoro and Højlund are particular blows but Ten Hag, who thinks Tyrell Malacia may be available in two months, offers a shrug when quizzed about their impact. “I’m waiting for this question, of course,” he says. “But that’s part of football –top football especially – that you come into a game, you go to the edge; every player has to go to the edge and yeah, then injuries are not avoidable. We have to be ready as a club and as a team to cover this and the players are dealing very well with this setback. They are very positive, they are already recovering and they will return.”

Given the summer’s tight buy-to-sell budget no replacements will be bought. “No,” says Ten Hag. “This will not change anything. We have a plan and we stick to the plan – and we will execute the plan, how we have that in our minds.”

United’s other new recruit is Joshua Zirkzee, a £35.3m buy from Bologna, who as a centre-forward is Højlund’s obvious replacement for next Saturday’s Community Shield against City.

Ten Hag says: “We have to assess next week where we are. Joshua has played in the Euros [for the Netherlands], then had his break and now started training this week so next week we have to assess and pick a team that is capable of winning against Manchester City.”

Casemiro, whose salary is only marginally lower than Rashford’s approximately £365,000 a week, is one player United will sell for the right offer. Ten Hag dropped the defensive midfielder for the Cup final win.

“You have to make choices – what was needed for that particular game,” the 54-year-old says. “But he is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team. No one can play every game. It’s impossible.”

Regarding Casemiro’s future, Ten Hag says: “All the players who are here, if they want to play for us, want to play for the bench, and they have the quality, then I hope they keep contributing to our team. We have seen that Casimiro in his career is so successful.”

For United to be the same, patience is needed from Ratcliffe and his Ineos coterie, particularly as Højlund, and his fellow starlets, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Yoro, are a young core.

Ten Hag says: “They are really Man United players. Players who have an X factor but are young. They already have the experience of how to win a trophy and we have to build on that but with young players it will go with ups and downs and we have to realise that. Everyone has to realise this in this club internally but also you [the media] should realise this externally. Sometimes they will have a drop off and then it’s about: do they have the character to bounce back and to achieve against high levels?’

Last season Ten Hag did precisely this, so is a fine example and inspiration.

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ester-united-contract-ineos-rashford-injuries
 

Ten Hag insists ‘confident’ Manchester United can win Premier League​


Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s ambition is to win the Premier League, claiming they have only been second best to rivals Manchester City since his arrival in 2022.

The Dutchman has led the club to Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs in his first two seasons but they finished a disappointing eighth in May.

United begin their campaign at home to Fulham on Friday night with Ten Hag looking to improve on their worst Premier League finish. “We also won two trophies, which gave us belief that we are capable of winning,” Ten Hag said when asked if they can use last season’s league disappointment as motivation.

“With the two trophies we won more than any other club, apart from City, in England. We are confident, we have a good team, we have a good squad. We have to be more consistent and we want to win every competition in which we are taking part, definitely also the Premier League.”

The club were boosted this week by the arrival from Bayern Munich of the defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who both worked with Ten Hag at Ajax. The captain Bruno Fernandes also signed a contract extension at Old Trafford.

“He has fantastic potential,” Ten Hag said of De Ligt. “Matthijs turned 25 this week and he has almost 375 games for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich under the belt, that is incredible and now he is coming into his best years. He has great skills as a footballer and as a character and personality. I am really pleased to have him here.”

Like much of last season, United start the campaign without two left-backs after Luke Shaw was ruled out of the early weeks with a calf injury, while Tyrell Malacia remains unavailable after missing last season. Those absences may result in Mazraoui making his debut against Fulham.

Shaw missed the final four months of the 2023-24 campaign with a hamstring problem before playing for England at the Euros and returning to United, where he averages 19 league appearances a season over the decade he has been at Old Trafford. “First season when I was here he played many games so I am very confident we will get him back into shape,” Ten Hag said of Shaw. “He is only 29 years old, he’s already played many games for Manchester United already. When I talk to Luke, he is so committed, so united. I have a strong belief he will return quickly and contribute to our levels.”

Rasmus Højlund will be missing with a hamstring injury but Ten Hag is unlikely to start another new signing, Joshua Zirkzee. Fernandes began furthest forward against City in the Community Shield but Ten Hag could also pick Marcus Rashford as a central striker. “I am so happy I have those choices, that fits for all units, all positions, we need a number of players going into the season,” Ten Hag said. “We think about 60 games so it will be a survival of the fittest, we need squad depth. You have to make choices and you need rotation. No player can play all the games but also internal competition and you also need some weapons to use tactically.”

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Ten Hag insists ‘confident’ Manchester United can win Premier League

The Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, says the club’s ambition is to win the Premier League and ‘every competition’ this season
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Shearer's Rashford analysis 'stupid' - Ten Hag​


Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticised Alan Shearer's analysis of Marcus Rashford's performances so far this season, calling it "stupid".

Rashford, 26, is yet to score this term and was substituted after 65 minutes of the 2-1 defeat at Brighton on 24 August.

Analysing Rashford's form on Match of the Day following the loss on the south coast, Shearer said: "He's had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he's not had one shot at goal.

"Fifty-seven goals they [Manchester United] scored last season. That was the worst in the top half. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been brought into there. He's going to have to work his magic somehow."

Asked about the comments as he spoke to the media before his side's Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Old Trafford, Ten Hag was forceful in his response.

"Everyone gets criticism from you guys, it doesn't matter what we are doing, if we are winning or if we are losing," he said.

"If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him. But I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season, against Fulham [in the opening game] and also against Brighton.

"I didn't take him off because his performances or level were not right - no, we had to rotate because we have good players on the bench who bring new energy.

"There will be rotation. Then there is the conclusion the player is not performing. It can be sometimes but definitely it wasn't in this case. In this case, it was stupid analysis from the pundit."

Rashford's only goal during United's pre-season tour was a penalty in a win against Real Betis in San Diego.

He scored just eight times in all competitions last season, with his last competitive goal for the club coming during an FA Cup win against Liverpool on 17 March.

Rashford, who was left out of England's Euro 2024 squad, was omitted from Lee Carsley's first Three Lions squad as interim manager for Nations League fixtures in September.

Ten Hag clashed with Shearer at the end of last season when Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The Dutchman was under huge pressure following his team's eighth-placed finish in the Premier League, but they upset their neighbours to lift a much-needed trophy.

"If you had had that [sort of performance] every week you wouldn't have finished eighth, would you?" asked Shearer.

Ten Hag suggested the criticism was unfair as his squad was ravaged by injuries throughout the campaign.

United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday (16:00 BST kick-off) but will be without striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is still three weeks away from fitness following a hamstring injury.

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Man Utd: Erik ten Hag criticises Alan Shearer's 'stupid' analysis of Marcus Rashford

Erik ten Hag hits back at Alan Shearer's 'stupid' analysis of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.
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Ten Hag job at risk unless game model impresses underwhelmed Manchester United bosses

Erik ten Hag’s game model has to start impressing Manchester United’s Ineos-led football department or he is in danger of being removed, with the manager’s style of play so far this season viewed as underwhelming.

United entered the international break having won once and lost twice in the Premier League in a disappointing start. There is recognition inside the club that Ten Hag has been undermined by injuries and needs time to integrate his five summer signings, but also serious concern regarding how he sets up the side.

The Dutchman’s game model is being scrutinised by United’s football department, which is overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and led by Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, and Jason Wilcox, the technical director. A major part of Wilcox’s role is to monitor how the first team play.

United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday came in a display that featured Ten Hag’s team being vulnerable in midfield and defence, as they were in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. The 1-0 victory over Fulham in the opening game also failed to convince and derived from a late Joshua Zirzkee goal, United again lacking control.

Ten Hag has been strongly backed by Ashworth and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, in recent days and this support remains for the immediate future. Yet Ten Hag, who signed a contract extension in the summer after United considered other candidates, has to begin to show his team can dominate games and opponents.

In the summer Ten Hag signed Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. Yoro will be unavailable for at least another month owing to a foot injury sustained in pre-season and Ten Hag has stated that Ugarte requires time to attain match fitness after not featuring for Paris Saint-Germain before his £42m transfer.

Rasmus Højlund, Ten Hag’s first-choice No 9, has also yet to play. The Dane is back training after a hamstring injury so may return after the international break when Luke Shaw, the senior left-back, is expected back after a calf problem that has ruled him out so far this term.

Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s deputy, who has not played for United for more than a year because of a knee problem, is due to return in the next month. Victor Lindelöf has an unspecified issue that has made him unavailable all season.

In the space of almost six weeks after the break United have nine games: the league trip to Southampton, the Carabao Cup hosting of Barnsley, Crystal Palace (league, away), FC Twente (Europa League, home) and Tottenham (league, home), Porto (Europe League, away), Aston Villa (league, away), Brentford (league, home), and Fenerbahce (Europa League, away).

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-risk-manchester-united-game-model-style-play
 
Ronaldo criticises Ten Hag & says Man Utd must 'rebuild everything'

Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and said the club must "rebuild everything" in order to compete for football's biggest prizes again.

The Dutch boss is under pressure after United's eighth-placed finish last season - their lowest in Premier League history - and two defeats in their opening three games at the start of this campaign.

And Ronaldo, who had two spells at the club before leaving for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, questioned Ten Hag's mentality.

"The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League," he told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, external, which comes out on Thursday.

"As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.

"Mentally [you can] say maybe we don't have that potential, but I cannot say that. We're going to try, you have to try.

"What I wish for Manchester [United], it's what I wish for me - [to be] the best team they can.

"I love that club... I'm not that kind of guy that forgot the past."

In his six-year first spell at United, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup - as well as the Fifa Club World Cup and Community Shield - before transferring to Real Madrid in 2009.

He re-joined United from Juventus in August 2021 and scored a total of 145 goals in 346 appearances for the club before he moved to Al-Nassr in December 2022.

Just a month earlier, Ronaldo had told presenter Piers Morgan he was being "betrayed" and pushed out in a controversial television interview.

And speaking to former United team-mate Ferdinand on his podcast, the Portugal forward said there had been "no evolution" following former boss Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

United have not won a Premier League title since then, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to restore them to their former glories after purchasing a 25% stake in the club and his Ineos team taking over football operations.

Ronaldo added: "They need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.

"The club needs time to rebuild because it's still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that this is the only way.

"This is why they show, they start to change again, the structure of the club, the infrastructures and everything. The owners of the club are investing in the training ground so I'm happy [because things are changing].

"I believe that the future will be bright. I believe, but they don't depend only on the talents. They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible."

Ronaldo, however, has praised the club's decision to recruit another former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag's backroom staff.

"If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself]," he added.

"I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen [to] the guys who were there.

"You [Rio] or Roy Keane or Paul Scholes or Gary Neville [or] Sir Alex Ferguson. You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge - not guys who work in [the] office.

"The people who understand the football are the people who were there in the dressing room. They know how to deal with the players.

"So I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club, he knows the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve a little bit the club."

BBC
 

Ten Hag rejects Ronaldo criticism over ambition​


Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo's latest criticism and says the outside noise around the club does not bother him.

Speaking to former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast, Ronaldo said Ten Hag had been wrong to say in a pre-season interview in the manager's home country of the Netherlands that the club were "a long way away" from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013.

Although Ronaldo went on to say he also thought his old club could not win the championship, he felt, as manager, Ten Hag was sending out the wrong message.

Asked about the veteran forward's comments ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton, Ten Hag said Ronaldo had said the same thing.

"No, he said this, if you read the article very well," said Ten Hag.

"He is entitled to his opinion. It's OK. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester."

After successive defeats by Brighton and Liverpool, United head to Southampton knowing defeat will condemn them to their worst start since 1986-87, when Ron Atkinson was sacked and replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ten Hag confirmed full-back Luke Shaw, who has not featured for his club this season despite making three appearances for England during Euro 2024, is still not available.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund will also miss the game as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the summer tour of the United States.

New signing Manuel Ugarte is fit, although the £50.2m Uruguay midfielder only returned from international duty on Thursday.

The two-week break since the Liverpool defeat has seen Ten Hag's future widely discussed.

Many outside observers are convinced the 54-year-old will not survive the entire season as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe starts to make his presence felt.

Ten Hag, who returned home to take charge of old club FC Utrecht in a charity game earlier this week, said the outside "noise" does not bother him.

"It doesn't impact me," he said. "I know where we are in the process and what we have to do and where we are going.

"I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players in the team and still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team.

"Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that. The team knows that. It doesn't matter who is available."

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag rejects Ronaldo criticism

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest criticism and says the outside noise around the club does not bother him.
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Man Utd boss Ten Hag 'not thinking' about losing job​


Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he is "not thinking" about the club's owners opting for a change of manager and claims they are "all on one page".

The Old Trafford club were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham on Sunday, which left them 12th in the Premier League with seven points from their opening six league games.

United have already lost three top-flight games this season and their points tally is the club's joint-fewest after six games of a Premier League season.

Asked whether he thought United's hierarchy might think they need a different manager in charge after the defeat by Spurs, Ten Hag said: "I am not thinking about this.

"We all made the decision to stay together as ownership and a leadership group in the summer.

"We made the decision from after a clear review what we have to improve as an organisation and how we want to construct a squad.

"We knew it will take some time, because of how the [transfer] window went, some players late in like [Manuel] Ugarte, also we have to make some improvement in the organisation, we still have to deal with some injuries, also from some impact players.

"I think we will get better there. We need some time. We are all on one page or in one boat together, the ownership, the leadership group, the staff and the players' group as well. I don't have that concern."

United finished eighth last season in their worst top-flight finish since 1990 but they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final and a post-season review - conducted by a new football structure put in place by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - determined Ten Hag would keep a job he started in 2022.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth were not part of the review as they were not in their roles at the time but, prior to a 3-0 league defeat by Liverpool at Old Trafford on 1 September, Berrada said Ten Hag had "our full backing".

United went behind after three minutes against Spurs when Brennan Johnson scored and and captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before half-time.

Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke added to Tottenham's lead as many home fans left Old Trafford before the final whistle.

United travel to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday and then are at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday prior to the international break.

"Of course [we can bounce back]. There is always a new game, it will be a new day. It is obvious you have to learn as a team," said Ten Hag.

"It can't happen twice in four days a defender can dribble through the whole team twice. You can't make such mistakes in top football. But we will bounce back."

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Erik ten Hag: Man Utd boss 'not thinking' about losing job

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he is "not thinking" about the club's owners opting for a change of manager following a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham.
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Manchester United look set to stick with manager Erik ten Hag for matches against Porto and Aston Villa this week, despite their demoralising defeat against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday

Ten Hag has endured a poor start to the season, which has left United 12th in the Premier League.

A number of senior sources at Manchester United have told BBC Sport that it is business as usual and the club is focusing on the upcoming matches against Porto and Villa. No official comment has been made by the club.

Speaking after the 3-0 loss against Spurs Ten Hag said he was "not thinking" about losing his job, adding he and the owners are "on the same page".

Ten Hag signed a new contract in the summer and last month club chief executive Omar Berrada said he had the club's full backing.

While the pressure on Ten Hag is clearly mounting, on Monday morning BBC Sport was told the club's hierarchy will always consider such situations carefully, rather than making a decision immediately after a bad result.

Nevertheless, Ten Hag faces a potentially pivotal week with trips to Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League before the October international break.

Source: BBC
 
His days look numbered. The issue is, there's no outstanding alternative out there. There's talk of Potter , possibly Southgate, or maybe Van Nistleroy, all Managers who would not fill you with confidence
 
I
aboveandbeyond said:
His days look numbered. The issue is, there's no outstanding alternative out there. There's talk of Potter , possibly Southgate, or maybe Van Nistleroy, all Managers who would not fill you with confidence
Click to expand...
Wht about Michael Carrick? Long shot but with his reputation at the club.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I
Wht about Michael Carrick? Long shot but with his reputation at the club.
Click to expand...

Good call. He's learning his trade in the Championship and doing well. Unlike Ten hag, Carrick has a set phylosophy, I'd take him over the others mentioned, and he has a rich History at the club.
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Good call. He's learning his trade in the Championship and doing well. Unlike Ten hag, Carrick has a set phylosophy, I'd take him over the others mentioned, and he has a rich History at the club.
Click to expand...

Wayne "the legend" Rooney?
 
Nothing to panic about - Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insists he has nothing "to panic about" after a poor start to the season.

BBC Sport has been told the hierarchy are set to stick with Ten Hag for key games against Porto and Aston Villa.

Despite Sunday's demoralising 3-0 loss against Tottenham leaving them in 13th, Ten Hag is confident the season can be a "success".

"Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about," Ten Hag told Sky Sports on Monday.

"We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out."

United have won just three of their nine fixtures across all competitions in 2023-25, beating Fulham and Southampton in the league and League One Barnsley in the EFL Cup.

Ten Hag led the Red Devils to a third place in the Premier League during his maiden campaign in 2022-23, while they also lifted the EFL Cup and were runners-up in the FA Cup.

Last season United ended the term eighth - their lowest-ever Premier League finish - but signed off in style by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup.

The Dutchman was subsequently rewarded with a new contract, which runs until 2026, over the summer and last month club chief executive Omar Berrada said he had the club's full backing.

"We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership," Ten Hag said.

"We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.

"They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for."

United face a trip to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday and travel to Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, before the October international break.

'Stick to the plan'

After ending last season on a positive, Ten Hag was backed in the transfer market over the summer, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all added to the squad.

But performances since have been well below par.

United have scored five times in their opening six games - only in 2007-08 have they scored fewer at this stage of the season.

They have also lost consecutive Premier League matches without scoring at Old Trafford for the first time since November 2021, in what were Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last two home fixtures in charge before he was sacked.

"If you lose your faith, you lose everything," Ten Hag said. "We have to keep going and stick to the plan.

"For a long period, we are in transition at Manchester United. From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change. We had to replace some older players.

"Our choice was to bring young players in and that takes time to get the messages on board, to get a game model on board and to introduce a new culture. That takes time."

BBC
 
'We will fight' - Ten Hag still defiant but is Man Utd boss on brink?

As the clock ticked past 90 minutes at Estadio do Dragao, Erik ten Hag seemed to be staring into the abyss.

His Manchester United side had squandered a two-goal lead against Porto, Bruno Fernandes had been sent off again, and the team were heading to a morale-sapping defeat.

Such a defeat may not have confirmed the end of Ten Hag's time at Old Trafford but would certainly have left him teetering, closer than ever, to the edge.

But before that scenario could become a reality, Harry Maguire leapt to head an equaliser and ease the pressure, if only marginally, on his manager.

"We will get there," Ten Hag told TNT Sports. "Don't judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season.

"We are in the process, we will improve. We have had two seasons where we have reached finals, we will continue and fight."

With United currently 13th in the Premier League table, though, and speculation following a timid 3-0 home loss to Tottenham that Ten Hag had two games to save his job, the Dutchman's judgement is likely to arrive much sooner if there are not big improvements.

"You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team," Ten Hag added.

"The players are together, they have a strong spirit and they want to achieve. We have a good mentality but in some defending parts we have to step up.

"We had three clean sheets not a long time ago so we can defend very good, but we have to go back to those habits."

How bad is it? What the stats say about Ten Hag's tenure

Despite Ten Hag's continued belief in himself and his team, the numbers suggest the scepticism from elsewhere may be justified.

Since the Dutchman joined the club in 2022, no Premier League club have conceded three or more goals in a match more times in all competitions than United's 24.

Moreover, in the 62 games they have played since the start of last season, United have conceded twice on 31 occasions - the most of any current Premier League side.

They have kept four clean sheets so far this season; but for a team with aspirations of competing for the top honours at home and in Europe, letting in two goals or more every other game is suboptimal to say the least.

It means that despite achieving the impressive feat of scoring three goals in their last four European away games, United have lost two and won none.

The draw in Porto was also another example of another unwanted habit they have developed: throwing away leads.

On this occasion they had gone from 2-0 up to 3-2 down before captain Fernandes was dismissed in the 81st minute for a second high boot offence.

It was his second red card in two games, although the first in the trouncing by Tottenham was overturned on appeal.

The Red Devils have now gone five games without a win in European competitions despite leading by at least two goals in three of them.

In fact, United have failed to win on each of the last four occasions in which they have gone two goals up in Europe.

Having already faced questions over their ability to score goals this season, it really does not bode well that they are conceding with such frequency - and even when they do get themselves in front, they are liable to let their opponents back in.

'Ten Hag is walking a tightrope'

Even having avoided defeat in Portugal, Ten Hag remains under intense scrutiny before Sunday's return to league action at Aston Villa.

He stayed on in the summer, after the disappointment of an eighth-place finish was offset somewhat by winning the FA Cup.

But while a poor start to this campaign has seen the pressure on the 54-year-old ramped up again, Mark Ogden, senior writer for ESPN, does not expect Ten Hag to be sacked even if United lose at Villa Park.

"I'll be surprised if he lost his job," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "On the basis that the money is an issue.

"Manchester United are hoping he turns it round. He is obviously walking a tightrope."

But how long he remains if results do not significantly improve is another matter.

"The demeanour from the players is it's like they've just had a maths lesson with a teacher they don't like and they're all coming out confused," Ogden added.

"There's not really any kind of warmth from Erik ten Hag to the players. Ten Hag doesn't have the charisma to manage at a top club."

To overcome a Villa side buoyed by a famous win over Bayern Munich, Ten Hag will have to find a way to inspire his players or face succumbing to a fourth league defeat in seven games.

"Erik's resilient, he's shown that but Villa Park is going to be so tough," former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves told TNT Sports.

"It's a big test and he needs to find a way to bounce back.

"Before the game, we're highlighting they've got goalscoring issues. Today they had defensive issues. At times it looks like they get something sorted and then something else goes.

"There are a lot of issues, he's [Erik ten Hag] been there for quite a while. There'll be a lot of questions."

BBC
 
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused the media of making up "fairytales and lies" about his future

Ten Hag went into the international break under huge pressure after a run of five games without a win, which included the embarrassing 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham.

Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports after that Spurs loss that he felt Ten Hag was "out of his depth".

With United 14th in the Premier League, many felt the 54-year-old would be dismissed during the international break, particularly as members of the Glazer family attended a pre-planned United board meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other members of the club's hierarchy in London last week.

However, Ten Hag remains in post and says journalists have deliberately ignored his post-match comments after the goalless draw at Aston Villa on 6 October, when he said "we are on one page" about the backing he was receiving at Old Trafford.

"The noise is only coming from some of you, creating stories and fairytales and bringing lies," he said.

"I know we are on one page at this club. I said this before the break. I told several journalists. Probably the journalists didn't believe me because I saw the reports. But internally, it is quiet."

Source: BBC
 
Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag following two and a half years in charge of the club

The Dutchman was informed of the decision by the club's board on Monday morning, fewer than 24 hours after the club's defeat by West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag's assistant last summer, has been named as interim manager.

United's 2-1 defeat at West Ham left the club 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from their opening nine matches, while they are 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League table.

Source: BBC
 
Long overdue. Man Utd seemed to getting worse and worse despite significant sums spent with no clear identity. Not that I was complaining !

Not an easy market to find managers now so intrigued to see who they bring in.
 
Finally sane decision ,team never really took off under 10 hag, alot of $$$$ also wasted. Next appointment will be interesting
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Could be . Both won xxck All.
Click to expand...

Managers nowadays want to vary style of play . It’s difficult to maintain but Southgate has a distinct style , might be what Utd needs . But Utd way is attacking so won’t go down well with supporters. Who would you prefer?
 
KingKhanWC said:
Managers nowadays want to vary style of play . It’s difficult to maintain but Southgate has a distinct style , might be what Utd needs . But Utd way is attacking so won’t go down well with supporters. Who would you prefer?
Click to expand...

I was always a Jose guy. We treated him harshly, and ever since it's been like a sinking ship.

For me Ancelotti is the ideal guy. Experienced, and deals with big club mentality, players with egos, with ease.
So he would be my choice
 
How come Ten Hag got sacked when deluded United fans claimed that he was doing better than Arteta and only trophies matter? 🤡
 
aboveandbeyond said:
I was always a Jose guy. We treated him harshly, and ever since it's been like a sinking ship.

For me Ancelotti is the ideal guy. Experienced, and deals with big club mentality, players with egos, with ease.
So he would be my choice
Click to expand...
I don't know about his personal circumstances but can't see why any top level manager would want to leave a champions league club and take over at Utd. It's not an attractive job anymore.

I think someone like Southgate, Potter or Frank is most likely.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I don't know about his personal circumstances but can't see why any top level manager would want to leave a champions league club and take over at Utd. It's not an attractive job anymore.

I think someone like Southgate, Potter or Frank is most likely.
Click to expand...

I think he could be up for the challenge of waking up the sleeping Giant of World Football
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Lol. Maybe. But Ronaldo himself was no model Professional by refusing to come on as a sub, what kind of standard was he setting for the younger players.
Click to expand...

I think it was a lot deeper then that and Hag just failed to manage him, it’s sad it came to that because when Ronaldo did fire, United were great to watch and you just feel there was more, but the relationship was too sour
 
shaz619 said:
I think it was a lot deeper then that and Hag just failed to manage him, it’s sad it came to that because when Ronaldo did fire, United were great to watch and you just feel there was more, but the relationship was too sour
Click to expand...

Yes. It was more complex than it looked.
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Utd are top three biggest club in the world. There's levels .
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I would tell you when you would claim that Ten Hag is doing a great job because he is winning cups. Winning domestic cups mean nothing to United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, City etc. if it is not backed up by competing for the PL.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Man crush does not equal analysis of a manager.

At least Ten Haag won something. The next Utd manager will be bringing them back up the table.
Click to expand...
You have been educated on this numerous times but it appears that you don’t want to learn.

However, I will still try. Let me repeat myself: winning domestic cups mean nothing when there is league failure. This is the difference between Arteta and Ten Hag.

Ten Hag’s position would have been 100% secure and the whole fanbase and the board would have been behind him if his two seasons were exactly like Arteta’s last two seasons.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Man crush does not equal analysis of a manager.

At least Ten Haag won something. The next Utd manager will be bringing them back up the table.
Click to expand...
Lets be honest that's not hard. They can't go any further down it.

Sad day for football fans.

His Era came to an end before it started.... Poor lad. Hope we don't see an exit interview like we did with Ole. My heart can't bear it. I am devastated.
 
Mamoon said:
You have been educated on this numerous times but it appears that you don’t want to learn.

However, I will still try. Let me repeat myself: winning domestic cups mean nothing when there is league failure. This is the difference between Arteta and Ten Hag.

Ten Hag’s position would have been 100% secure and the whole fanbase and the board would have been behind him if his two seasons were exactly like Arteta’s last two seasons.
Click to expand...

Arteta is now fighting for top 4. But is now the 2nd most paid manager, he will remain even in Europa league next season. :)
 
KingKhanWC said:
Arteta is now fighting for top 4. But is now the 2nd most paid manager, he will remain even in Europa league next season. :)
Click to expand...
Who told you that he is fighting for top 4? Did he call you?

Arsenal is only 5 pts behind City and there are 29 matches to go. The title race is on.
 
Man United are in crisis since Mou Left , the Fear factor attached to playing against them is long gone. No doubt United is a huge club the buzz for Utd games a couple of decades ago was phenomenal.

Like Arsenal United decision makers need to be smart and understand the situation they are no more competitiors to City or Liverpool or even Arsenal.

And as Arsenal have rebuilded patiently by hedging on Arteta , Utd also need a Manager with good understanding of EPL and having long term prospects.
 
Mamoon said:
Who told you that he is fighting for top 4? Did he call you?

Arsenal is only 5 pts behind City and there are 29 matches to go. The title race is on.
Click to expand...

Yes 29 to go , It’s only 5 right now . .



Utd get Amorim , big step imo , one of the best young managers , having won titles . His style is play is great to watch . His problems too many players in long contracts, with little money to spend . A tough job
 
Man Utd in Amorim talks as Ten Hag successor sought

Manchester United are in talks about appointing Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's replacement.

Dutchman Ten Hag was sacked on Monday following the side's poor start to the season.

Amorim, 39, is a highly regarded coach who has won two Portuguese league titles with Sporting - including their first in 19 years - since joining in 2020.

The extent of the talks over Amorim are not known.

It is also not clear whether other alternatives remain in the frame to take the Old Trafford job.

However, Amorim is now becoming the leading candidate.


www.bbc.com

Ruben Amorim: Manchester United in talks over Erik ten Hag successor

Manchester United are in talks about appointing Sporting coach Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's replacement.
www.bbc.com
 
KingKhanWC said:
Yes 29 to go , It’s only 5 right now . .



Utd get Amorim , big step imo , one of the best young managers , having won titles . His style is play is great to watch . His problems too many players in long contracts, with little money to spend . A tough job
Click to expand...
He rejected Liverpool after Alonso rejected Liverpool so you would know all about him.
 
Amorim plays with 3 at the back so interested to see how Man Utd adjust to his style of play.

In fairness to them, he's a highly rated young manager who was not only linked to us but even Man City recently as a possible successor to Pep.
 
Markhor said:
Amorim plays with 3 at the back so interested to see how Man Utd adjust to his style of play.

In fairness to them, he's a highly rated young manager who was not only linked to us but even Man City recently as a possible successor to Pep.
Click to expand...

Yep. Great coup for us. Further hint that Pep will extend his contract.
 
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