ERIC TEN HAG has come through his Man Utd interview “with flying colours”, according to reports.
The Ajax boss is the favourite to take over at Old Trafford just ahead of Mauricio Pochettino.
Ten Hag is also said to enjoy the support of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
On the transfer front, Man Utd are said to lead the race for Declan Rice. But West Ham reportedly want them to stump up a whopping £150m.
Part of that fee could be covered by the removal of Paul Pogba’s wages from the books.
The France star has admitted he hasn’t been satisfied at all during his five years at Old Trafford.
And it’s a huge evening for Cristiano Ronaldo tonight, as his side host Turkey in the World Cup play-offs.
Should they win, they may well have to beat European champions Italy to secure a spot in Qatar.
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Ferdinand slams Man United lies
Rio Ferdinand has shut down talks of him joining the Manchester United backroom staff by labelling the reports “mad lies”.
peaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, he said: “I’ve been online and I’m meant to be – I’ve put myself forward – for the assistant manager’s job at Man Utd. I don’t know who gets this mad news.
“When have you pressed the send button and thought that you’re not going to get me to come back and go ‘actually, no I ain’t, what are you chatting about?’
“So whoever has told you that you need to go back to your source and say ‘listen man’.
“But if I did go in there – woo – the whip would be getting cracked! Crack that whip.
“But no, no I’m not, man. I’m not going in there.”
Defoe on failed United transfer
Jermaine Defoe has opened up about his failed move to Man United but admits he tries not to regret it.
The veteran striker who’s called time on his playing career recalled to talkSPORT: “I remember speaking to Man Utd.
“I spoke to the Man Utd boys years later, they said they thought I was coming which would’ve been amazing given the trophies that were won with Sir Alex Ferguson.
“But I try not to regret it as everything happens for a reason.
“I remember my agent saying there was interest from Italy which would have been a great experience but I ended up going back to Tottenham.”
Ten Hag wants Dutch connections
Erik Ten Hag wants a Dutch coach with Manchester United connections if he takes the Old Trafford job, according to reports.
The Ajax boss, 52, is the new favourite to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor.
They would provide wisdom and understanding of what it means to be at the club – and have a “bond” with the squad, staff and fans.
The report names Dutchman Ten Hag’s compatriot trio Robin van Persie, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy as potential candidates.
Donny neglect ‘a mortal sin’
Yet another top coach has hit out at Manchester United’s mistreatment of Donny van de Beek – only this time it’s the Red Devils’ prospective boss, Erik ten Hag.
In an interview that has emerged from December, the Ajax boss spoke solemnly about the Dutchman’s situation at Old Trafford.
Speaking to de Volkskrant (via talkSPORT), Ten Hag said: “Donny, I find that hard. [It’s a] mortal sin.
“If you haven’t had a chance yet, then development will also stall.
Van de Beek started just four Premier League games in 17 months under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and then Ralf Rangnick.
Should Ten Hag take charge at United, it will be interesting to see whether Van de Beek features prominently following the return from his loan spell at Everton.
Up next for Red Devils
Here’s a reminder of the five Manchester United fixtures that await in April, which are likely to make or break their season.
The Red Devils return to action after the international break by hosting Leicester, and are then eased in to the challenge that follows with games against strugglers Everton and Norwich.
However, it’s back-to-back away games to end the month that will prove crucial.
United first travel the short distance to Anfield to face the old enemy, Liverpool, and then, four days later, go to their rivals for fourth spot, Arsenal.
Rudiger waiting on new United boss
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants to speak to the new Manchester United manager before deciding on his future.
BILD journalist Christian Falk believes the German international would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but first wants to hear from the club’s new coach on their vision for the coming seasons.
Rudiger is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of this season, and unlikely to sign a new deal while the club remains sanctioned and in the process of a takeover.
The news is likely to force United to speed up their decision on their incoming boss.
Erik wants a United favourite
Erik ten Hag will bring a former Manchester United star with him to Old Trafford if he lands the manager’s job.
The Daily Mail believe that the Ajax boss wants a Dutch coach with ‘strong connections to the club’ to join him at United.
The revelation has excited United fans, who are now dreaming of a return to club for either Robin van Persie, Jaap Stam or Ruud van Nistelrooy.
All three candidates went into coaching following their playing careers with Van Persie currently assistant to Arne Slot at Feyenoord.
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, has been in charge of PSV Eindhoven’s reserve team, and has recently been linked with the top job at the Philips Stadion.
Stam has managed a number of clubs including Reading between 2016 and 2018, but has been out of work since leaving FC Cincinnati last year.
United youngster trains with Messi
Manchester United’s 17-year-old sensation Alejandro Garnacho has spent the week living the dream – by training with Lionel Messi.
The teenager was handed a shock call-up to the Argentina national team this month despite having not yet played a senior club game.
The move is thought to be a shrewd one from the Argentine Football Association, who want to tie down the wonderkid with the winger also being eligible to represent Spain.
Garnarcho was born in Madrid, and joined United from Atletico’s academy two years ago.
Last night Garnacho shared a photograph on Instagram of him with Messi with the caption ‘Dreams really do come true.’
Credit: @garnacho7 Instagram Stam slams United’s Donny handling
Former Manchester United star Jaap Stam has criticised his former club for how they have treated Dutch international Donny van de Beek.
Van de Beek moved to Old Trafford for £40m in August 2020 but was repeatedly overlooked by Ole Gunner Solskjaer.
The midfielder made just four Premier League starts for the Red Devils in 18 months, and was eventually loaned out to Everton by Ralf Rangnick in January.
In conversation with bettingexpert, the legendary defender said: “Donny didn’t get enough chances to show himself. It’s not only about getting one game or a couple of minutes.
“You need several games and I’m not saying that the coach is to blame because there’s a lot of tension on the games, there’s a lot of tension on the coaches.
“However, you need to trust your players, you need to give confidence to players. Sometimes, of course, you need to give them a little bit more extra time to show themselves in what they can do and also maybe play a little bit more attacking.
“For some reason the coaches are not picking him. Maybe he’s too attack minded. He wants to go forward. The coaches have favoured two holding midfield players.”
United to double Araujo offer
Manchester United will offer Ronald Araujo a bumper contract in order to prize him away from Barcelona.
ABC (via Sport Witness) report that The Red Devils are ready to take advantage of the stall in talks between the Uruguayan centre-back and the Catalans.
Araujo has a year to run on his current deal at the Nou Camp, and Barca have been keen to tie him down for the long-term given his impressive performances for Xavi’s side.
However, the defender is unhappy by the LaLiga giants’ paltry €4m-per-year offer.
Officials at Old Trafford have learnt about Araujo’s displeasure, and are now preparing an offer at least double that of Barcelona’s.
Good morning Man United fans
Gary Neville has revealed he would pick Mauricio Pochettino over Erik ten Hag if he was in charge at Manchester United.
The former Red Devil tweeted: “Personally, I would go for Pochettino but Ten Hag is the massive favourite of United fans to take the club forward.
“That’s if it is a clear choice between the two.”
And Former Man United striker Robin Van Persie has reportedly been shortlisted as a candidate to join Ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford.
Stretty News reports that an ex-player is the ideal profile for an assistant manager at Man United.
Reports claim that Man United’s talks with Ten Hag were allowed to happen due to the club’s relations with former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, negotiations between the club and manager were allowed to take place during the season following approval from Van der Sar.
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has rubbished reports that he has put himself forward to become Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager at Manchester United.
However, the former England captain has responded to those claims by laughing them off on social media.
He replied: “Who’s feeding you this s**t! Put myself forward yanoooooo 😂😂.”
Elsewhere, Paul Pogba has revealed that he was depressed at Man United when Jose Mourinho was manager.
Pogba said to La Figaro: “I’ve experienced depression many times in my career, but you don’t talk about it.
“Sometimes, you don’t know you’re depressed, you only want to isolate yourself, be alone, and these are signs that don’t deceive.
“Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho in Manchester. You ask yourself questions, wonder if you’re at fault, because you have never lived moments like these in your life.”
And finally, the French ace has opened the door to a possible transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Pogba said to Le Figaro about a possible move to Paris: “Why not? It’s always nice to play with your team-mates in the national team and club.
“This year it is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it is with Manchester United or at another club, I want to win trophies.”
Newcastle and Villa want Pogba
Paul Pogba admits he has wasted the best years of his career at Manchester United.
The £89million star’s contract is up in the summer and he is set to walk away for free.
European giants Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to land Pogba — with Newcastle and Aston Villa monitoring the situation.
Kleberson tells United ‘sign Firminho’
Man United legend Kleberson has urged his old club to prise Robert Firminho away from rivals Liverpool in order to help Marcus Rashford rediscover his form.
Kleberson told Paddy Power: “Roberto Firmino’s style would suit Manchester United, especially the way he plays for Liverpool.
“If Manchester United wanted to make a change, he’s a good player that can help, especially with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the wings.
“Firmino can help those players create space when they’re on the attack.”
Man United target’s injury
Man United target Ruben Neves won’t play for Wolves again until May.
The Molineux midfielder suffered medial ligament damage to his right knee during Wolves’ home defeat to Leeds United on Friday and was forced to come off after 25 minutes.
The 25-year-old travelled to Portugal ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Turkey but was forced to withdraw.
Although Wolves confirmed Neves will remain in Portugal to provide moral support for his team-mates, he won’t play again until May.
Rice won’t be enough
Man United need atleast four players to challenge for the Prem title.
That’s the opinion of Ally McCoist who reckons acquiring Declan Rice won’t be enough for the Red Devils to compete for the top honours.
He told talkSPORT: “No chance, no chance. No chance. He’s good but he’s not a one-man team.
“Manchester United need four players. One in every area of the park at least.
“Certainly one in defence, one in the middle of the park and one at centre-forward, I think, at the very, very least.
“You know what I think of Declan Rice, he would make them better, but I don’t think he will make them title [contenders].”
Man United’s hall of famers
Man United could field an entire starting eleven of legends nominated for the Premier League Hall of fame.
Former Red Devils captain Wayne Rooney was the latest former Prem star to be recognised as one of the greats.
And Rooney could easily be joined by TEN other former Man Utd aces in the Hall of Fame.
Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra can all be voted for.
Midfield maestro Paul Scholes is another option for footy fans to vote for, as is journeyman Teddy Sheringham.
Attackers Robin van Persie, Andy Cole and Michael Owen have also been recognised and could also be inducted.
Stam on De Beek
Jaap Stam has suggested that Donny van de Beek needed more time to prove himself at Man United.
Stam told Bettingexpert: “I think for Donny, that he didn’t get enough chances to show himself, because it’s not only about getting one game or a couple of minutes.
“No, you need several games and I’m not saying that the coach is to blame, because there’s a lot of tension on the games, there’s a lot of tension on the coaches.
Pogba’s open to PSG transfer
Paul Pogba has opened the door to a transfer to PSG after expressing his frustration with Man United’s success over the past five years.
Pogba said to Le Figaro about a possible move to Paris: “Why not? It’s always nice to play with your team-mates in the national team and club.
“This year it is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it is with Manchester United or at another club, I want to win trophies.”
Tammy Abraham to Man United?
Man United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Roma ace Tammy Abraham.
The Red Devils reportedly view to former Chelsea hitman as the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo who may leave Old Trafford this summer.
And its also been claimed that United hope to lean on Jadon Sancho to lure Abraham to the club as the pair are good friends.
Mejbri’s hungry for success
Man United starlet Hannibal Mejbri has vowed to impress at Old Trafford as soon as he’s given the chance.
Speaking to TN Sports, he said: “All the experience to gain, I’ll take it, whether it be in training, on the bench or, even if I’ve not had the chance play yet, but maybe in the future.
“As soon as I get the chance, I’ll take the experience I have and I’ll show what I can do.”
McTominay’s wary of Lewandowski
Scott McTominay has warned his Scotland team-mates to be aware of the threat Poland’s Robert Lewandowski poses when the sides meet this week.
Poland are preparing for their World Cup play-off decider against either Sweden or Czech Republic.
Scotland won’t play their play-off tie against Ukraine until June but they’ll be keeping fit against the Poles.
And while comparing Lewandowski to Man United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, McTominay said: “If he plays, we have to be aware of him. Full credit to him, he’s had an amazing career and he’s still going. The longevity in which he has scored goals has been absolutely fantastic.
“Similar to Cristiano, every footballer in the world can look at the way he’s looked after himself. You get out of it what you put in. Hard work always pays off for these top players.”
Pogba on depression under Mourinho
Paul Pogba has revealed that he was depressed at Man United when Jose Mourinho was manager.
Pogba said to La Figaro: “I’ve experienced depression many times in my career, but you don’t talk about it.
“Sometimes, you don’t know you’re depressed, you only want to isolate yourself, be alone, and these are signs that don’t deceive.
“Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho in Manchester. You ask yourself questions, wonder if you’re at fault, because you have never lived moments like these in your life.”
Porto in shock Ronaldo hunt
Cristiano Ronaldo is the shock transfer target of FC Porto, reports claim.
The Portuguese giants are plotting a sensational summer swoop for Ronaldo, according to Football Insider.
The 37-year-old’s having a difficult time at Old Trafford upon his return and Porto reckon now’s the time to lure the attacker back to his homeland.
United keeper’s unfortunate early retirement
Man United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has been forced to retire at just 23 years old due to injury.
Woolston joined United from Newcastle in 2018 and represented the club’s Under-23 side.
The North Shields shot-stopper suffered an unknown injury that led him to undergo two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period but unfortunately he’s been unable to return to full fitness.
Woolston, who also trained with the senior squad, received messages of solidarity from team-mates with star goalkeeper David de Gea leading the way.
Ferdinand dismisses assistant manager rumours
Rio Ferdinand has rubbished reports that he has put himself forward to become Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager at Manchester United.
It was revealed on Wednesday that Man Utd have interviewed Ajax head coach Ten Hag for the vacancy.
Following this news, there were reports that Ferdinand had “put himself forward” to become the No2 to the Dutchman.
However, the former England captain has responded to those claims by laughing them off on social media.
He replied: “Who’s feeding you this s**t! Put myself forward yanoooooo 😂😂.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
