Soccer

ERIK TEN HAG’S future as Manchester United manager continues to be in serious doubt despite the Red Devil holding Aston Villa to a draw on Sunday afternoon.United have made a shocking start to the new season, winning just two of their opening seven Premier League games.The Red Devils are also winless in the Europa League after draws with FC Twente and Porto.United’s hierarchy will undergo crunch talks today amid growing uncertainty around Ten Hag’s position at the club.Should the Dutchman lose his job, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Graham Potter have been linked with the post.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeep up to date with the latest from Old Trafford below…Great ScottJust weeks after leaving Man Utd, Scott McTominay is already the talk of Italy.The ex-Utd midfielder has made a superb start to life with Napoli.So much so, he’s even being compared to Diego Maradona in the Italian press.Football agent Christian Bosco has now gone even further with his assessment of the Scotland international.Discussing McTominay, Bosco told Canale 8: “You can be a winner even if you have different DNA. This Napoli is a cynical Napoli.”McTominay will still have to prove himself in Italy, but he is potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli’s history.”Copy linkCopiedDepay on the move? Ex-United star Memphis Depay is at risk of having his Corinthians contract RIPPED UP just one month after joining the club.The winger joined the Brazilian outfit in September, having left Atletico Madrid in the summer.Depay, 30, signed a two-year contract with Corinthians but could see his time at the club come to an end 23 months early.He could leave the club and become a free agent due to doubts over his salary.This is down to his pay coming from one of Corinthian’s sponsors, a betting company called Esportes da Sorte.It has been reported that the company has been denied a state license, which would make their funding uncertain.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag suffers another blowMan Utd have been hit by injury crises often during Ten Hag’s tenure, and that is no different this season.Harry Maguire is the latest to be struck down and the defender could be out for four weeks.Maguire said: “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.”Copy linkCopiedSchmeichel weighs in on Ten HagPeter Schmeichel has urged Manchester United to ‘stick with’ under-fire manager Erik ten Hag but insists Thomas Tuchel ‘fits the bill’ as a possible replacement.Schmeichel said on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway: “I like Thomas Tuchel, I really I like him. “Being around the Champions League, talking to him and interviewing him, listening to him talk to his players in the technical area, he just looks like someone who would be a good manager for Manchester United.”I don’t think he got his way at Chelsea and I know for sure he didn’t get his way at Bayern Munich. I just think he’s got such a great aura around him that he fits the bill for United.”But, Erik ten Hag is still the manager and I will support him because I want the club to do well. I don’t want United to be the club that changes the manager all the time.”I hope they stick with Erik because we need consistency now. Let him have a fair go at this.”He’s been hampered by a lot of things over the last two years, now he’s got his own players, let him show us what the plan is and what he can do with the football club. If that doesn’t work then maybe then we talk about a change.”Copy linkCopiedRooney shows Ten Hag supportMan Utd legend has shared his belief in Ten Hag, praising his trophy record.He said of the under fire Red Devils boss: “Well that’s obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that. I’m sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.”He’s won trophies wherever he’s been and won trophies at Manchester United as well. So yes, he’s going through a difficult period and I think he’d probably say that himself.”But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it’s another rebuild with a different manager.”Copy linkCopiedCarragher shares Ten Hag verdictSky Sports pundit believes Ten Hag could be lucky to survive until the next international break next month.He told Sky Sports: “Probably find it tough to come out to the next international break.”Maybe he still is the manager. Listen, if the results turn, of course he will.”But with Man United, it’s not just about results actually. For a long time, it’s actually been about performances. A lot of the time, when they get results, it feels a bit fortunate in some ways.”Copy linkCopiedKeane speaks highly of TuchelRoy Keane has previously described Thomas Tuchel as a ‘top-quality manager’ as Manchester United line up the former Chelsea boss as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.He said in 2022: “There has obviously been loads of uncertainty over the club the last few months, that has been sorted out now obviously with the new ownership coming in.”I’m pretty sure again he (Tuchel) will be able to bring some players in. He is a top-quality manager, he has dealt with a lot of issues over the last few months.”Ultimately it was a disappointing end to the season for them. But he is a top-quality manager.”Copy linkCopiedOne candidate ruled outFabrizio Romano says Manchester United have no chance of replacing Erik ten Hag with Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi in the middle of the season, as the Italian tactician remains focused on his job in Serie A.He said: “We had reports on Simone Inzaghi but, guys, Inzaghi never had any concrete conversations with Man United, and there is never going to be any chance of Inzaghi leaving Inter during the season to sign for any other club, even for a top club like Manchester United.“Inzagi is not leaving Inter during the season, forget about that.“So all the stories about Inzaghi going to Man United now are completely out of context and completely impossible. Then, in the future, we will see.“But as of today, no contacts for Inzaghi to Man United now and full focus for Inzaghi on Inter.”Copy linkCopiedLatest betting oddsIf Ten Hag is sacked Man Utd have a number of candidates in mind to replace him.Here are the favourites to replace the Dutchman, according to BetMGM.Thomas Tuchel – 2/1Ruud van Nistelrooy – 2/1Gareth Southgate – 3/1Graham Potter – 8/1Michael Carrick – 10/1Kieran McKenna – 11/1Copy linkCopiedMoyes gives Ten Hag backingDavid Moyes has left Manchester United fans baffled after giving his thoughts on Erik ten Hag.That is because Moyes thinks that Ten Hag has been “brilliant” since arriving in Manchester.He told the BBC: “I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”I think he’s shown brilliant resilience in the situation that he’s in and I think he should be credited for how well he’s conducted himself.”As far as I know, I don’t see him ducking any questions or any media interviews that you people [the media] put forward to him.”I think you have to give him great credit for that, but it’s a job that is going to attract immense pressure, with people talking, so I have to say that I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”Copy linkCopiedTen Hag confident he’ll stayErik ten Hag has whisked himself off on holiday believing he will not be axed as Man Utd boss.It’s understood Ten Hag spoke with United’s top brass in the wake of the draw against Aston Villa, and has no fear they will sack him during the international break.He has now taken a holiday with the bulk of United’s players away on international duty.Copy linkCopied’Ten Hag not to blame’Erik ten Hag is not solely to blame for Manchester United’s current crisis – according to their former striker Andy Cole.Cole told Betfred: “Whatever the people in charge decide to do, it will be done with the best interests of the club in mind. “However you look at it, for an individual to win two cup competitions in their first two seasons at Manchester United, that’s not lucky. You can’t be lucky two seasons on the bounce.“The club will do whatever they decide to do, but if you look at the bigger picture, you can’t just blame the manager. The manager picks the players, but the players are the ones that have to go out there and win football matches. That’s the way it is.”Copy linkCopiedDoc to hit Old Trafford?Man Utd have been swamped with offers to make a behind-the-scenes documentary of the club’s planned revival under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, writes Matt Hughes.SunSport has learned that several production companies have made approaches on behalf of streaming giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.United have yet to enter serious negotiations, though, with their priority is improving performances on the pitch following another difficult start to the season.Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all made documentaries with Amazon in recent years.Meanwhile, Liverpool are in the process of selling a series on Jurgen Klopp’s final six months at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedTV chef has his sayIcon Ainsley Harriott was asked to compare Man Utd to a food and he came up with: Scrambled eggs.Harriott explained: “I think it would be overcooked scrambled eggs.”A bit too heavy, not moving. It needs to be…remade.”Copy linkCopiedUnited bosses will be “measured”Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will be measured in their approach to Ten Hag’s future during discussions with Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth, according to Sky Sports.Co-chairman Joel Glazer, chief operating officer Collette Roche and chief financial officer Roger Bell will also be present at the meeting.Technical director Jason Wilcox will also be there and he could have a big say in what happens to Ten Hag as he works closest with the United boss.The United hierarchy will assess the shortcomings and the reason behind Ten Hag’s failings – whether tactical or psychological.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag situation affecting squadThe scrutiny on Ten Hag is affecting the Man Utd squad, according to defender Jonny Evans.He said: “It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too. I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything to be ready and give everything I can to the team.“That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team. Everyone competed as much as they could. That’s a pleasing thing to see.”Copy linkCopiedCarragher has “sympathy” for Ten HagSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has expressed sympathy for Erik ten Hag over the way he was treated in the summer.He said: “I have sympathy for him, I think he’s been left to hang out to dry on the back of what happened over the summer with the ownership speaking to other managers.“I feel for him. No manager or anyone in employment would want his bosses publicly speaking to lots of different people within the game. It’s going to be tough for him to see out the season.”Copy linkCopiedThe cost of firing Ten HagSacking Ten Hag could cost Man Utd more than they paid out to the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.It would have cost the club £10million to get rid of Ten Hag in the summer, but his compensation package would now be worth around £15m after he penned a contract extension.Copy linkCopiedSupercomputer predicts Man Utd to have worst-ever finishManchester United have been tipped for their worst-ever Premier League finish by a supercomputer.The Red Devils have endured their worst start to the season after picking up just eight points from their opening seven games.They have broken the record they set only last year, and are 14th in the table following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure with United appearing to have got even worse after recording their worst-ever Prem finish last season.They finished eighth in the previous campaign with 60 points, yet look unlikely to even manage that this time around.A supercomputer run by Grosvenor Sport predicts United will be even worst this term and will end up ninth on just 55 points, behind the likes of Brentford.They are expected to lose an astonishing 15 games, managing just one win more to leave them a staggering 19 points off the top four.A predicted final goal difference of zero also reveals what a dire season United could be in for.Copy linkCopiedFlying DutchmanERIK TEN HAG has jetted off on holiday — as he is confident Manchester United will not sack him during the international break, writes Martin Blackburn.United are off to their worst start in 35 YEARS under the Dutchman, with just eight points from seven games to leave them 14th in the table.His future is certain to be discussed at the next meeting of United executives — including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — in London.But it is understood Ten Hag spoke to Old Trafford’s top brass following Sunday’s goalless draw at Aston Villa and did not get the impression he was facing the chop.Copy linkCopiedICYMI – ‘Tuchel would be perfect’BetMGM ambassador and renowned TV presenter Laura Woods believes Thomas Tuchel is the ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United choose to sack the Dutch coach.Woods said: “I don’t like calling for a manager’s head as we really don’t know what is going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford, but, if they did decide to move on from Ten Hag, then get Thomas Tuchel back in the Premier League!“It’s been too long. I love him as a coach and a character and I think he’d be perfect for Manchester United. “He’s a bit of a maverick and, although his appointment might not last more than a couple of seasons, I bet he’d get them closer to winning something than they currently are.”Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedICYMI – Ruud on ‘standby’Ruud van Nistelrooy is “on standby” to take over from Erik ten Hag as Man Utd caretaker boss, according to reports.The Dutchman, 48, joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff in the summer.According to The Guardian, Ten Hag’s fate will be decided at a routine board meeting in London later today.They add that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox will be present at the crucial meeting.Should they decide to sack Ten Hag, it’s claimed that Van Nistelrooy would be the prime candidate to take over as caretaker.Copy linkCopiedICYMI – United chiefs at OTManchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was spotted heading into Old Trafford with chairman Joel Glazer on Monday amid speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday in their final match before a two-week international break – with Ratcliffe and other Man Utd bosses watching on from the stands.He is set for showdown talks with club chiefs, including co-chairman Glazer, in London later today.SunSport understands their trip today is for various meetings, with Glazer attending one with the Fans’ Advisory Board.Copy linkCopiedMore on Mainoo injuryKobbie Mainoo Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from England’s upcoming Uefa Nations League squad.The Three Lions host Greece at Wembley on Thursday, before heading to Finland on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s second round of fixtures.The trio drop out after sustaining injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend in what is a triple injury blow for Carsley’s new-look side.Konsa, 26, suffered a hamstring injury and left the pitch just 12 minutes into Villa’s goalless draw with Manchester United.And Gibbs-White, 24, was removed after 76 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.But Mainoo played 85 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday before he was replaced by Casemiro.It comes as a further blow for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag who also lost the services of Harry Maguire, who left Villa Park in a plastic boot.Maguire was dropped from Carsley’s squad after featuring in September and Mainoo has been carrying a knock for some time.Copy linkCopiedNoussair Mazraoui latestAmid the speculation surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future, there has been an update on Noussair Mazraoui’s status.The full-back, 26, was withdrawn at half-time during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.After the game, Ten Hag admitted that’d be been forced to take the Moroccan off, and that there would be a further diagnosis on Monday.Following that diagnosis, Mazraoui has now withdrawn from the Morocco squad.He had been due to join up with his country for matches against the Central African Republic.United will now be sweating on Mazraoui’s fitness for their clash with Brentford after the international break.Copy linkCopied More