MANCHESTER UNITED are set to sack Erik ten Hag after their FA Cup final against noisy neighbours City.
And the Red Devils are said to be lining up Mauricio Pochettino to potentially replace him.
Chelsea parted ways with the Argentine on Tuesday evening and now he could be in line for a move to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford has been dramatically snubbed by Gareth Southgate for England’s preliminary Euro 2024 sqaud.
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Erik ten Hag on the rumours
When asked about the intense speculation over his future at his pre-FA Cup final press conference Erik ten Hag was quick to change the topic.
He said: “I have nothing to say.
“I am just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first to win the game on Saturday and then keep going in the project. Every game I want to win and that is it.”
Then questioned on what his plans were for next season Ten Hag added: “Yes of course but my focus is on Saturday. I only think about this game.
“But every season we review and we will see where we are in the project and what we have to change. There are some very good things, with players coming up and developing.”
The rise of McKenna
Kieran McKenna, once Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Manchester United has become one of the most sought-after managers in England.
The 38-year-old Londoner retired from playing at 22 due to injury to pursue a managerial career having started with Northern Irish clubs before joining Tottenham.
Despite not making a senior appearance he excelled in coaching roles at Tottenham and Manchester United’s Under-18s.
After leading Ipswich Town to the top-flight in back-to-back promotions McKenna now faces his biggest managerial test – ensuring their Premier League survival or joining a larger club.
Next Man United manager odds
There hasn’t been too much change in the odds today, but Thomas Tuchel’s have shortened amid reports he is the ‘frontrunner’ should Erik ten Hag be sacked.
Kieran Mckenna is the favourite, however.
Here are the recent odds from Bet365:
- Kieran McKenna 11/8
- Mauricio Pochettino 7/4
- Thomas Tuchel 9/2
- Roberto De Zerbi 5/1
- Gareth Southgate 8/1
- Thomas Frank 12/1
FIVE-man shortlist drawn up
A five-man shortlist has been drawn up in the search for Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna are also said to be on their radar.
The Ipswich boss is also fielding interest from Brighton and Chelsea as he rethinks about his future.
Newly unemployed Mauricio Pochettino is also another contender as he is reportedly keen to move to the Old Trafford hotseat.
Ten Hag set to be sacked
Erik ten Hag is heading for the Old Trafford exit door after losing the faith of Manchester United fans.
The Man Utd boss is set to be sacked after the FA Cup final against Manchester City tomorrow.
The embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Palace, despite beating Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final, was the last straw for many.
Sancho should push to stay at Dortmund
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Paul Lambert has suggested the culture at Old Trafford could be a factor behind Jadon Sancho not fitting in at Manchester United.
Lambert told Betway: “At Dortmund, Sancho has gone into a really good dressing room, a good culture with good guys and he gets respect.
“At Man Utd it could have been an absolute nightmare for him. He may have not liked the way it was or it might not have been what he thought it would be.
“Being back at Dortmund, with some of the players that were there when he left.
“He’s playing with one of the biggest clubs in European football without a shadow of doubt.
“Why would he want to go back to United? He could be a Champions League winner.”
‘You can’t talk about Manchester’
Gary Neville has slammed Manchester City super-fan and Oasis star Noel Gallagher for commenting on Manchester when he lives in London.
Gallagher has been spotted at the Etihad but stuck out like a sore thumb when he was caught on camera refusing to do the Poznan on Sunday.
And United legend Neville decided to have a pop at the Rock ‘n’ Roll star.
Neville, 49, told the BBC: “He’s been a big part of Manchester’s history but he lives in London.
“Do you know what I mean, Noel? Don’t talk about Man… you live in London.
“You live in Knightsbridge, or wherever it is. Hampstead, wherever he lives, you know what I mean. You can’t start talking about Manchester.
“25 years he’s not been here.
“He comes once a year for that trophy parade! I saw him on Sunday, actually.”
Bruno Fernandes drops hint he could QUIT Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes has dropped a huge hint that he could leave Manchester United amid the club’s turmoil.
he insists Man Utd’s standards must be set much higher for him to stay.
In a piece for The Players’ Tribune, Fernandes wrote: “I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club.
“If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league.
“We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard.
“That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
Ten Hag handed Man Utd lifeline
Man Utd have reportedly been angered by suggestions that they have met with Erik ten Hag’s replacements.
Reports claimed on Thursday Omar Berrada – who takes over as chief executive on July 13 – and technical director Jason Wilcox held talks with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna earlier this month.
According to HITC, the club chiefs have been doing their own due diligence and background checks but such claims anger them as they have not met with anyone.
Marks the spot
Marcus Rashford modelled for the Euro 2024 Three Lions sponsors M&S – despite not making the cut in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
But it did not stop him from posing in a fashion shoot alongside Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher – both also picked.
Rashford modelled in a matching two piece beige jacket and trousers combination with a cream jumper on underneath worth £150 in total.
Explaining his decision not to pick the forward, Southgate said: “These are of course difficult calls. You are talking about players that are very important players.
“With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.”
Rashford responded online: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”
Maguire sends Luke a message
Harry Maguire put his Wembley heartbreak aside to lead the well-wishes to Manchester United-supporting darts sensation Luke Littler.
Maguire will miss the FA Cup final against Man City tomorrow due to injury.
But he was lifted up to see the 17-year-old win the Premier League darts last night.
After playing darts with each other in February the United defender jokingly put on his Instagram, “Ever since I shown him how to play he’s not done too bad.”
Credit: X/SkySportspl Stam of approval
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam is being lined up for a shock return to Old Trafford.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been in regular touch with Stam.
And Ratcliffe wants the legendary defender to work as a link between the club and technical staff.
However, the Dutchman has denied the claims despite telling the Daily Mail: “If they want me to help them in any way as well, then I’m always ready to do so.”
Thomas Tuchel situation
Thomas Tuchel is the leading candidate for the job at Manchester United.
According to The Guardian, Tuchel is the “frontrunner” for the manager’s role at United.
It’s said that the departing Bayern Munich boss fits the profile of manager that the Red Devils are searching for thanks to his vast experience and tactical nous.
SunSport understands the Manchester giants have not made contact with the German tactician about the role.
Two to tangle
Chelsea are ready to muscle in on Manchester United’s bid to lure one of Argentina’s most promising young defenders.
The Blues are looking to snare Boca Juniors star Aaron Anselmino from under the noses of United, who have been scouting the 19-year-old for many months.
The centre-back was first linked with the Red Devils and AC Milan earlier this year.
And rumours of the Manchester giants’ interest appeared to firm up in February when TyC Sports named the Argentine on a list of four talents the club was tracking.
Boca updated the teenager’s terms to include a $20million (£16m) release clause in January.
A bidding war between Prem clubs would suit the Argentinean giants down to the ground and journalist Fafi Perez has claimed Chelsea are Anselmino’s latest suitors.
Perez told DSports Radio listeners that United remain the most interested club in the uncapped teenager.
Wayne Rooney’s next role
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is closing in on a return to management with Plymouth.
Rooney was last in the dugout at Birmingham before he was sacked in January.
United’s record goalscorer had a horror time at St Andrew’s, having won just two of his 15 games in charge.
But the 38-year-old is now set for a comeback with the Pilgrims, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship on a thrilling last day of the season.
The EFL club are on the lookout for a new boss after the sacking of Ian Foster.
Plymouth chief Neil Dewsnip is driving the interest in the Everton great, according to The Telegraph.
Credit: Getty
More from Ten Hag
Manchester United boss is determined to do his best and land his team their second trophy in two years.
I came here to win trophies. Saturday is the next opportunity.
We earned this opportunity as a team and now we have to go for it.
In the last ten years, not so many trophies in this club but we have an opportunity to win two trophies in two years.
Erik ten Hag
Kieran McKenna bidding war
Manchester United are facing a possible bidding war with Chelsea over Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna.
That is according to Sky Sports, who claim both Premier League giants are prioritising McKenna.
The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino while United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the sack at Old Trafford.
The same source claims the Red Devils’ chiefs met with the Northern Irish tactician’s representatives in their bid to bring him back to Manchester this summer.
The 38-year-old previously worked with United as Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant coach.
Erik ten Hag’s project
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been has been speaking recently with club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe about a new project, which points to him possibly staying at Old Trafford.
There are some very good things, players coming through and on Saturday we have a big opportunity to win the next trophy.
After every season you review it and we will see where we are in the project, things we have to change.
Erik ten Hag
Diogo Dalot statement
Diogo Dalot wants this to be the last time Manchester United enter a cup final as the underdogs.
You shouldn’t be the underdog when you’re at Manchester United.
We want to be the team in the future that everyone thinks is going to win automatically.
So for me it gives me energy, because I don’t want to be in that position.
I’ve been at this club for a while now and I want to feel that feeling of dominance in every game and in every competition we play, everywhere we go.
Diogo Dalot
Credit: Getty The final word
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn on his future after being asked if Saturday’s FA Cup final will be his last game in charge.
Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel are all candidates to take Ten Hag’ job.
I have nothing to say.
I’m just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first win the game on Saturday and then the project, to keep going with the project.
Erik ten Hag
Diogo Dalot promise
Diogo Dalot has told Manchester United suffering supporters – we owe you the FA Cup.
I’m going to be really honest with you, after that game against [Crystal] Palace, the way the fans were supporting us, it was almost like a feeling that we didn’t deserve that.
After you concede four goals against Palace, a 4-0 defeat, they were still there, pushing us, after the awful game we had.
This is the type of thing that shows why these fans are special. Every time there is a Man Utd game, they always think something special will happen, and that’s the beautiful thing about this club.
There are always expecting something special so we’re going into the game on Saturday to try to give them a special afternoon and realise this special feeling that they always feel is going to happen.
Diogo Dalot
Maguire out of FA Cup final
Manchester United ace Harry Maguire is out of the FA Cup Final with injury.
Erik ten Hag looks set to gamble with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre-back against Manchester City despite their lack of game time.
Maguire has not played since April 27th when he suffered an unspecified muscle injury.
Argentine World Cup winner Martinez has started just one game since February while Varane’s last start was when he played the first half against Chelsea at the end of last month.
The injury to Maguire is not believed to be bad enough to keep him out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the up and coming Euros.
Why Rashford was snubbed
England boss Gareth Southgate revealed his decision to axe Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford from his Euro 2024 squad wasn’t easy.
These are of course difficult calls.
You are talking about players that are very important players.
With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.
Gareth Southgate
Credit: Getty Man Utd target Guehi
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is wanted by Manchester United this summer.
According to The Guardian, Guehi would cost United around £60million.
The centre-back is part of England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after returning from a knee injury.
The 23-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
Pochettino could replace Ten Hag
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the strong favourite to become Manchester United’s next manager after his shock departure from Chelsea.
United boss Erik ten Hag’s job might not be safe even if his team beats Manchester City on Saturday in the FA Cup final.
According to The Times, Pochettino would be interested in talking to the Red Devils if Ten Hag was sacked.
Departing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and ex-Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi are also well placed for the Old Trafford hotseat.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
