Tag: Football

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Yesterday, Manchester United’s hierarchy held a committee meeting in London to discuss the club’s future.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada and others were in attendance.

One major point of discussion was whether Erik ten Hag will remain as manager of the club.

After Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park, United are winless in five games and have had their worst ever start to a Premier League season with eight points in seven games.

As the pressure increases on the Dutchman, many are speculating over when he will get the sack rather than if.

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Mick Brown, former assistant manager under Sir Alex Ferguson, has strong connections at the club and has revealed United’s plan to sack Erik ten Hag.

He told Football Insider that United aim to hire a new manager before the January transfer window opens.

“They’ve got a load of players who somebody’s got to come in and deal with.”

“I’m not so sure that the likes of Allegri and Tuchel, people like that, would want that lot.”

“So they’re governed by the transfer window and when they can make some changes”, he explained.

“I’ve heard the club would like to wait until closer to January before they pull the trigger on Ten Hag so any new boss can have the transfer window.”

However, Mick Brown highlighted that if United’s poor run of form continues, the Dutchman may leave earlier than expected.

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“Circumstances may be that they’re forced to pull the trigger early.”

“Ideally, it would be closer to January and around the Christmas period and if they wanted to make the call then the new manager could bring in his own players.”

“Results will need to pick up though because the pressure is on and they could be forced to make a decision earlier than that,” Brown said.

United’s owners are aware that finding a top manager mid-season is a tall order, which is why they plan to elect Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim if Ten Hag is sacked.

While Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann are permanent targets, United may have to wait until next summer to appoint them.

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This week has been a massive week for the Manchester United executive committee, with two meetings in two days. The first took place at Old Trafford and then at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Knightsbridge offices in London.

Whilst the meeting was a regular appointment for the board to discuss the operations of the club, a lot of ears were listening out for conversations about Erik ten Hag’s future.

The club are currently sat in 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League, the worst start to a campaign ever.

As a result, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s feelings are very much that “enough is enough” and change needs to happen.

However, we are yet to hear any word from the meetings regarding ten Hag’s future, suggesting he may be safe for the moment.

Despite this, reports are now coming out about a potential candidate to replace ten Hag who sits at the top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shortlist of successors.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s choice for new manager

Manchester Evening News have reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe still has his eyes firmly on Thomas Tuchel as an attractive option to take over at Old Trafford.

The pair met in Monaco for a meeting about the United managerial job when ten Hag’s future was uncertain at the start of the summer.

At the time, Tuchel walked away from the deal due to the level of control held by the executive committee over aspects of the club like transfers.

However, sources close to the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager have indicated that he’s not against considering t he job if it were to be offered to him again.

For now, no news about ten Hag being sacked would imply that the Dutchman is still at the helm, although an improvement in results is definitely needed to keep him there long-term.

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Manchester United has several former players in their coaching ranks, and look to extend one more as a permanent fitting.

The most high-profile return has to be that of Ruud van Nistelrooy, the legendary striker now returned as assistant manager.

Van Nistelrooy had an incredible run with United, grabbing five Golden Boot awards and four team trophies.

Working alongside him in the coaching staff is his former teammate Darren Fletcher who spent 14 years at the club after graduating from the academy.

During his time at Old Trafford, Fletcher lifted a total of 15 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

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However, it’s another former United star who has recently been granted an extension.

Phil Jones retains his coaching role at Carrington

Last season former defender Phil Jones joined the coaching staff for the Under-18s side while studying for his coaching qualifications.

Although he wasn’t employed by the club, the role was undertaken as mutually beneficial, with the club offering Jones coaching experience and the academy players getting to learn from the defender who’d spent 12 years at the club with 229 appearances, grabbing six goals and eight assists.

Jones left United in the summer of 2023 before working alongside the club as a coach, officially retiring this March.

Now, after a treble-winning season for the Under-18s side, Manchester Evening News has reported that Jones’ role with the academy has been extended, with much of the details remaining the same.

Although he’s not employed by the club, he is working alongside the Under-18s coaches, primarily being a part of matchdays and taking a few training sessions in this part-time role.

Jones comments on his new coaching role

Back in June, Jones was interviewed by Ladbrokes about his new role, saying: “I’ve matured as the years have gone on, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done since retiring,”

He continued: “You know, getting my A licence in coaching, I’ve loved getting involved, I’ve helped out with the U18s at United this year.

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“That’s been brilliant for me. I’ve really got that urge now to get back out there and make my own pathway for the next stage of my career. I certainly have my own aspirations of going into management. I’ve played under some incredible managers who have given me so much knowledge.

“I’ve learned so much from every one of them. It’s experience that you can’t buy. I enjoy working with players, working with young lads, being on the pitch, in and around the squad. I’m going to apply for my pro licence in the next few weeks, which hopefully I’ll be able to do soon.”

Adam Lawrence heaps praise on Jones

The Manchester Evening News interviewed Under-18s manager Adam Lawrence in December, with him praising Phil Jones, saying. “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly. He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy,”

He continued: “But for us, he’s been great. He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off-the-field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.

“Myself and Colin have really appreciated him being involved in the programme and he’s added some real value in a different way. Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.”

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Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have had their worst start to a Premier League season in history, with eight points in seven games.

This breaks the record set last season, where they managed just nine points in their opening seven fixtures.

United are winless in their last five games.

Ten Hag’s record in his last 10 games is worse than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s was prior to his sacking in 2021.

United’s ownership are meeting today in London to discuss the current state of the club.

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In this meeting will be Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and more.

Ten Hag’s potential sacking will be discussed, only a month after Berrada expressed his support for the Dutchman.

According to ESPN, Ten Hag is confident that the board will not sack him after today’s meeting.

He has flown out on holiday in the opening days of the international break and plans to continue his usual duties upon return.

Speaking last week, Sir Jim expressed his fondness of Ten Hag, but insisted that it is not his decision if he gets sacked.

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“I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call [if he is sacked].”

“It’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects”, he said.

However, news from The Athletic this morning has suggseted otherwise, as they have reported that Sir Jim will have the decisive say on the manager’s future.

Erik ten Hag has consistently had the public support of United’s ownership.

The only vocal doubts around his aptitude as manager have come from fans or pundits.

While United’s results arguably point towards a deserved sacking, the words from the board and Ten Hag himself suggest that he could remain in his job.

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This weekend saw Manchester United play out to a goalless draw with Aston Villa, with another one of their stars, Harry Maguire, coming off injured.

The defender was taken off at half-time after he was seen limping off the pitch with help of tthe physios.

Now, the centre-back is the latest United star to take to social media to provide an update on his injury.

Alejandro Garnacho provides an update on social media

Already this week, we’ve seen Alejandro Garnacho taking to Instagram to provide his own update for the fans on his injury situation.

The winger was ruled out of playing for the Argentina national squad this international break due to discomforts with his knee.

The Copa America winner said: “I had knee problems in the last two games and I will not be able to be with the national team but I hope to recover to be able to be with them next matchday.”

However, now Maguire appears to have followed in Garnacho’s footsteps by posting his own update of his injury situation.

Harry Maguire takes to social media

Posting an image of him being supported off the pitch by the United staff, Harry Maguire took to his Instagram story, saying: “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I’ll come back stronger.”

Although the full extent of the injury is still unknown, Maguire’s post has confirmed the worst, that he will in fact be side-lined for some time.

This injury will be affecting United in more than one way unfortunately. Not only does this mean another centre-back is out injured alongside Leny Yoro, however the club are also desperate to sell Maguire in the January transfer window.

With Maguire’s contract up next summer and The Red Devils having no interest in extending the deal, the club are keen to sell him in January so as to not lose out with the centre-back leaving on a free transfer this summer, especially after spending £80 million on the star.

As Maguire could be missing out on match time over the coming weeks or months, it could significantly affect United’s ability to sell the England international.

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Manchester United generated €141.45m in revenue from tranfser outgoings last summer (including potential add-ons).

With this figure, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS generated more sales in the last transfer window than any other in United’s history.

A staple of their business was to offload so-called ‘dead wood’ that exhausted United’s wage bill.

For example, Jadon Sancho was earning almost £300k per week at the club, while Anthony Martial received around £250k.

Next summer, six United players’ contracts expire: Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo.

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MilanLive report that AC Milan are interested in signing 30-year-old Lindelof.

Former United player Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an advisor to the Milan owners now that he has retired from football.

It is thought that he is encouraging the pursuit of Lindelof and wants the Swede at the San Siro “at all costs”.

Multiple clubs in Serie A are interested in Lindelof, including Inter Milan and Lazio.

United would hate to see Lindelof leaving on a free transfer after signing for €35m in June 2017.

For this reason, it would not be a surprise if the centre-back is transfer listed in January and that United look to offload him at a cut-price.

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Lindelof has made 260 appearances for the Red Devils and has won two trophies with the club.

His last appearance came on Sunday against Aston Villa after returning from injury.

He has only played three games this season and has struggled with hamstring and groin issues.

Transfermarkt value Lindelof at €15m, almost half of what United purchased him for seven years ago.

However, with his expiring contract and Lindelof on the wrong side of 30, the Red Devils would be lucky to get such money for the Swede.

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Behind Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir is Manchester United’s second goalkeeper, with Tom Heaton third in the pecking order.

Bayindir has only played two games for United and struggled with injuries since joining in September 2023.

Heaton signed a new contract in July and looks poised to continue his career in football as a coach in the near future.

“In addition to on the pitch, I’m learning so much off it for my next steps, whatever that may be”, he said in summer.

With the chance of Heaton retiring soon and Bayindir leaving Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football, United are tracking a young star to join their goalkeeping ranks.

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United are keeping tabs on in-form Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle, according to TeamTalk.

The 22-year-old is one of the best in his position in League One and has kept six consecutive clean sheets.

Tickle has the highest clean sheet percentage in the league (70%), with seven in 10 games.

He has featured for England’s U-21 side and has attracted interest from other Premier League teams.

Arsenal considered signing him in the summer transfer window to replace Aaron Ramsdale before settling with purchasing Neto on loan from Bournemouth.

Tickle reportedly turned down Arsenal’s approach, wanting to further his development as a starter in League One.

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Everton also expressed interest in him last November but negotiations were unsuccessful.

Transfermarkt value Sam Tickle at only €800k, which would be a steal for a goalkeeper of his ability and age.

However, Wigan are aware of the interest from top clubs and are prepared for approaches in January.

In the early stages of the INEOS era, United have made a habit of signing young players.

The average age of their summer signings was just 23 years old.

Tickle fits the mould of what the club want to build for the future and could be one to watch in the next transfer window.

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Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired back in 2013, bringing an end to his 27 years as Manchester United’s manager, The Red Devils have struggled to appoint a long-term successor.

Between 2013 and now, United have had a total of five permanent managers including the current boss, Erik ten Hag, with two more as caretaker managers in the form of Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick.

The club have gone through a run of names including David Moyes, Louis van Gall, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, the longest serving since Ferguson has been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who went from caretaker manager to permanent manager and lasted just under three years at the club with 168 games.

Ten Hag is slowly creeping up to Solskjaer with 125 matches played, although with United’s current form, much speculation suggests he may not have many more outings at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s board of executives met this week in their routine monthly operational meeting, however, it’s understood that a key part of the agenda is ten Hag’s future at the club.

Although no longer the manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson does still hold an important role at the club as a member of the board of directors. As such, the 82-year-old has now told the club what characteristics the next manager needs.

Sir Alex Ferguson advises on the next manager at Manchester United

Now, Sir Alex Ferguson has come out to say that the next manager of The Red Devils has to have two key characteristics; a good personality and communication skills.

Speaking on The Go Radio Business Show with Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey, Ferguson commented on the job of United manager, saying: “I think that the manager role has gone now.”

He continued: “I was lucky that I had a spell at United, where I was a manager and had control of most parts of the club because I immersed myself in it and also – which was really important – I had the personality and the communication skills to do that.

“And, also, the fans from all over the world, you have to be aware you have to deliver not just for your players, but for a massive fanbase.”

Speaking of his move from Aberdeen to Manchester United, Ferguson said: “I learned a lot taking that step from Aberdeen,”

He continued: “Aberdeen was comfortable, I controlled the club, it was a great little club, fantastic. But, to jump from there to United, it took me about two years to understand what made United the club that they were under Sir Matt Busby, and that was young players.

“There was no doubt about that. He created a situation where Manchester United were regarded and recognised as a club that would give young people a chance.”

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Over the last two days, the senior executives of Manchester United have held two committee meetings, both in Manchester and then in London, to discuss the operations of the club.

One key agenda item for the group has been Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford and whether the group will continue to stand by the Dutchman.

Whilst the timing of the meetings seems extraordinary given the state of play with the club, this was a pre-arranged meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting monthly meetings to remain on top of the club’s operations.

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Last month the group gathered in Barcelona at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup where Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Britannia was competing in sailing’s most prestigious competition.

Today however, the meeting was held at Ratcliffe’s Knightsbridge offices in Central London, ending shortly before 5 pm, with Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford emerging from a back door.

Result of the Manchester United executive meeting

It’s understood that as this was a standard meeting for the group, we’re unlikely to hear anything about the contents of the meeting unless a drastic decision was made, such as the sacking of ten Hag.

At this time multiple reports have expressed that there is no clarity emerging as of yet from the meeting regarding ten Hag’s future at the club. Whilst no correspondence has been made, indicating that the decision has not been made to sack ten Hag as of yet, he’s not out of the woods, as we could hear more over the coming days.

It was reported prior to the meetings that Ratcliffe feels that “enough is enough” at Manchester United, with the club currently sitting in 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.

However, an exclusive report by Centre Devils has revealed that the fate of ten Hag rests in the hands of sporting director Dan Ashworth. Despite Ratcliffe’s feelings, Ashworth has the final call on whether ten Hag is kept in the managerial role.

However, the heart of these decisions are whether ten Hag is the right man to get better results at Old Trafford.

Whilst The Red Devils are only six points from the top four, needing a finish in the top four to secure Champions League football next year, they’re actually closer to the relegations zone, being only five points above the cut-off 18th place.

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Erik ten Hag is currently under immense pressure to keep his job at Manchester United.

Manchester United have had a torrid start to the season, earning just 8 points from 7 games and currently sitting in 14th place.

This marks Manchester United’s worst start in the Premier League era, surpassing last season’s disappointing tally.

As pressure mounts, reports indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in favor of appointing a new manager.

However, INEOS may be hesitant to make a rash decision.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United has often moved on from managers too easily, a trend fostered by the Glazers’ ownership.

INEOS will likely want to avoid repeating these mistakes.

Despite the growing scrutiny, ten Hag remains confident about keeping his position, as reported by the Daily Mail, going on holiday at the beginning of the international break.

The question now is whether INEOS will pull the trigger or if there are enough compelling reasons for ten Hag to be given another chance.

Here are 4 reasons why Erik ten Hag will not be sacked in the international break.

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