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    Erik ten Hag tipped to jump at ‘great Man Utd escape route’ with Old Trafford boss ‘at top of wanted list’

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag could be offered a sensational return to Ajax after a turblent campaign at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, joined United from the Dutch giants in 2022 and enjoyed a successful maiden campaign as he won the Carabao Cup, made it to the FA Cup Final and qualified for the Champions League.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could return to Ajax in the summerCredit: AlamyTen Hag is Ajax’s top target but talks won’t take place before the FA Cup FinalCredit: GettyHowever, this season has been completely different as the Red Devils finished last in their Champions League group and have officially missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League.The Dutch tactician has endured a raft of injuries woes and still managed to lead the Manchester giants to back-to-back FA Cup Finals but his future is still under immense doubt.According to transfer expert Marcel van der Kraan, there is a “great escape route” lined up for Ten Hag as he could go back to Ajax where he won six trophies in five years.However, no potential talks will take place before the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25.Read More on Man UtdVan der Kraan told the Trans Europe Express: “There is a great escape route for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.”Ajax have had a dreadful season – they’ve had three managers, they’ve sacked the technical director Sven Mislintat, they’ve sacked the CEO and brought him back… They’ve sacked almost everyone they can think of and it’s been really dire.”The CEO, the big man who was sacked only two weeks ago for suspected insider trading because he allegedly bought shares just before he was appointed is back on the scene as of on Friday afternoon.”Alex Kroes, who started SEG [Sports Entertainment Group], look after Erik ten Hag, they have done for many years. This Alex Kroes is the new technical director of Ajax.Most read in Football”Alex Kroes has got Erik ten Hag at the top of his wanted list. He is his man and will wait for him until the end of this month because by June 1st they have to appoint a manager or make a decision.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v Burnley”He’s prepared to wait another month to see if Erik ten Hag will take the job on June 1st. Why until the end of May? Because on May 25th it’s the FA Cup Final and Ten Hag will not want to be disturbed with that question.”But he knows about it, he knows there’s an open door at Ajax and he can be the manager of Ajax next season and try and win a title there again.”Van der Kraan is also confident money won’t pose as an issue during potential talks with Ajax.Instead, Ajax will have to sell a lucrative project to convince the United manager to return to Amsterdam and lead them back to success.Van der Kraan added: “If we remember why Ten Hag came to Manchester United, money was never his motivation.”Ten Hag comes from a family of millionaires, his father had a huge, huge empire in the east of Holland. “I don’t think he’s ever had to worry about money and I don’t think one or two million more or less will make a difference for Erik.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Man Utd ‘make three stars untouchable’ but will listen to offers for every other player in summer transfer window

    MANCHESTER UNITED will “listen to offers” for all but THREE of their squad in this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.New co-owners Ineos, headed up by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are assuming control of football operations at Old Trafford and have already brought Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in as chief executive and technical director.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, right, is now heading up football operations at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyOmar Berrada is leaving Manchester City to become Man Utd chief executiveCredit: AlamyDan Ashworth is also expected to become sporting director, though as it stands he remains on gardening leave at Newcastle.The fresh-looking set of Man Utd chiefs, which also includes Ineos Sport head Dave Brailsford, are set to employ a “sell to buy” transfer policy in the summer.And according to The Telegraph, they are prepared to adopt an “ultra-flexible approach” to incomings and outgoings.They are willing to listen to offers for almost everyone, with agents and rival clubs well aware of Man Utd’s pivoting transfer policy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the young trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho are the only stars that will not be sold under any circumstances.This is because they are deemed to be the future at Old Trafford.Man Utd are financially restricted when it comes to who they can bring through the door due to the £555million spent over the last three summer windows.They are also set to miss out on Champions League revenue, although they will make some of that money up as their players would take a 25 per cent pay cut as per the terms of their contracts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS(L-R) Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie MainooCredit: EPABut, providing they can stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules, Man Utd chiefs have identified three areas to strengthen – centre-forward, central midfield and right-sided centre-back.It is unlikely the Red Devils will be able to afford the likes of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz – who are expected to be available in the coming months.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v BurnleyMeanwhile, a number of Man Utd players are listed within the report as those who could face the axe at the end of the season.They include Marcus Rashford as the club is willing to consider a “credible” offer for the forward, although they are not actively looking to sell him.If the England man expressly indicates a desire to leave then that would make a deal even more likely.Other potential departures include Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Mason Greenwood, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Casemiro.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Premier League clubs agree to introduce spending cap but Man Utd one of three clubs to vote against new rule

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have agreed to push ahead with rules that would cap spending for the first time – despite opposition from Manchester United AND Manchester City.A two-hour “shareholder” meeting of the 20 clubs ended with an agreement that new regulations “anchoring” spending to the lowest earning Premier League side should be drafted ahead of the summer Annual General Meeting.Manchester United are one of three clubs to have opposed the changeCredit: GettyMan City and Man Utd were joined by Aston Villa in opposing the move, with Chelsea understood to have abstained.And the players’ union has now publicly voiced its concerns over the impact.The full measures remain to be confirmed by League legal experts.But it is likely that clubs will be restricted to spending between 4.5 and five times the TV revenue of the lowest-paid club from 2025-25 – bottom-placed Southampton bagged £104m last term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClubs agreed to move to a “legal and economic analysis” of the concept – signalling the arguments of some clubs that restricting spending might be illegal.The PFA has also stepped into the issue, with a warning that it would potentially fight the proposals.A spokesman said: “We will obviously wait to see further details of these specific proposals, but we have always been clear that we would oppose any measure that would place a ‘hard’ cap on player wages.“There is an established process in place to ensure that proposals like this, which would directly impact our members, have to be properly consulted on.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChampions City were the Prem’s biggest spenders last term, with a wage bill of £423m in addition to paying agents £51.5m and an “amortisation” sum of annual transfer instalments of £145m.A cap of 4.5 times the bottom club’s income might have imperilled City and Chelsea last term – although until the full determination of what spending is included in the calculations that does NOT mean a breach would have occurred.Erik ten Hag blasts FFP rules after Man Utd were forced to flog 13 players in January – and still couldn’t sign anyoneIf agreed – a formal vote is now likely at the Harrogate AGM in June – the new measures would be introduced in “shadow” form next term, alongside a “squad cost ratio” format that links expenditure on wages and transfers to a maximum of 85 per cent of club revenues.The sides playing in any of Uefa’s three competitions will be restricted to spending 70 per cent of their income from the start of 2025.But the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules – which allow clubs to lose a maximum £105m over three seasons – will remain in force next season.Some clubs urged that the limit – which has seen Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points and Leicester facing a similar punishment next season –  should be raised for next term but it was not widely supported. More

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    Why Man Utd flop Antony celebrated with photographer after scoring first Premier League goal of the season

    MANCHESTER UNITED big-money flop Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’.The Brazilian winger scored his first Premier League goal for the club this season and celebrated with the photographer behind the goal at Old Trafford.Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’Credit: RexNow it emerges he is regularly on-hand to collate a catalogue of Antony pictures for the player’s own private collection, for social media postings and endorsements or advertising.It is unclear whether the photographer has got through one roll of film this season given the players poor performances although there are apparently plenty of ‘stills’.Fans have grown increasingly angry with the £85million Brazilian winger’s performances this season which have resulted in him being axed from the United starting line-up.But he was in on Saturday for the home game against Burnley due to Marcus Rashford’s absence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe scored a cracking opener in the 65th minute before The Clarets went on to share the points with a late penalty.Antony celebrated with his teammates and put a spare ball under his shirt.He then went over to his friend the photographer and hugged him before lifting up a Sonic The Hedgehog toy which the snapper had brought along in case his employer scored.The Hedgehog had spent nearly the whole league season in hibernation but was finally brought out as Antony picked it up in celebration.Most read in FootballAntony, 24, said afterwards that the celebration was for his son who loves the Sonic character.The ball under his shirt was a show of affection to his wife who is expecting a daughter.Sky Sports pundit puts head in hand after Man Utd icon Roy Keane makes public U-turn over Erling Haaland live on TVAntony said: “Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon. He loves. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life, he makes me happy every day. “And we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne. A baby who is already very loved by everyone.”God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much.”It was his first Premier League goal since April of last season but he has scored twice in the FA Cup this season against Newport and Liverpool.Players having their own personal photographers at games is not unique to Antony with a number of other United players having them present.Stars at other clubs also have them and have gained access to the touchline at Old Trafford when their players visit.Sonic the Hedgehog is an action comedy which could describe United’s season.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir draw with Burnley on Saturday combined with Aston Villa taking a point at home to Chelsea means the Red Devils mathematically have no chance of reaching the top four this season.At best they can get into the Europa League either through staying in the top six or in the unlikely outcome of them beating Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.Antony celebrated with a Sonic The Hedgehog toy in a nod to his sonCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel turns back on Richard Keys in live TV interview and says ‘there’s no way’

    LEGENDARY goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel refused to weigh in on the Manchester United manager debate after praising Thomas Tuchel.Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is currently uncertain amid the club’s inconsistent form.Peter Schmeichel refused to weigh in on the manager debateCredit: bein sportsHe instead turned his back on Richard KeysCredit: bein sportsThomas Tuchel has been linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyThe Dutchman could be sacked this summer, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking at the possibilty of bringing in a new manager.Bayern Munich boss Tuchel has been one of the names linked with the Red Devils in recent months.United legend Schmeichel has insisted Tuchel – who is set to leave Bayern this summer after failing to win the Bundesliga title – is a good manager despite his rocky patch.Speaking on BeIN Sports, he said: “I like him. I like Thomas Tuchel. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him a couple of times. His football knowledge is fantastic.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He’s been a little bit unlucky with being at two big football clubs at the wrong time of their history, at times where things weren’t working on every level.”It’s not that he didn’t do well Chelsea, for instance. I mean, he won the Champions League didn’t he?”I just like him, there’s something about him. He projects an authority.”Never compare people but he’s got the same kind of thing that [Jurgen] Klopp has. You know he’s the boss and you know what he’s doing.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel’s managerial career
    Clubs:

    FC Augsburg II (2007-08)
    Mainz 05 (2009-2014)
    Borussia Dortmund (2015-2017)
    Paris Saint-Germain (2018-2020)
    Chelsea (2021-2022)
    Bayern Munich (2023-now)

    Honours:

    DFB Pokal
    Ligue 1 title x2
    Coupe de France
    Trophee des Champions
    UEFA Champions League title
    UEFA Supercup
    FIFA Club World Cup
    Bundesliga title
    FIFA The Best Football Coach 2021
    UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year 2020-21

    Schmeichel was then asked if he could see Tuchel replacing Ten Hag this summer.However, he refused to weigh in and instead turned his back on presenter Richard Keys.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v BurnleyThe ex-goalkeeper then continued: “I’m not going to go there! There’s no way. I know it’s speculative… no, I’m not.”If Manchester United were in the market for a manager then he should be somebody mentioned in that respect. He should be.”He has that kind of pedigree, he’s got the authority, he’s proven he can win which I think is really important.”He doesn’t come with a set system, ‘This is how our football is being played’… yeah, of course, he’s a big-club manager, isn’t he?”Man Utd currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, 13 points adrift of the top four.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Burnley fan charged with public order offence after ­’mocking Munich air disaster at Man Utd clash’

    A FOOTIE fan has been charged with a public order offence after ­allegedly mocking the Munich air disaster while celebrating a goal against Man United.Nathan Rawlinson, 44, was arrested over alleged “tragedy chanting” after Burnley’s late equaliser in Saturday’s clash. A Burnley supporter has been charged with a public order offence after ­allegedly mocking the Munich air disaster while celebrating a goal against Man UnitedVideos online show a man seemingly making plane gestures at Old Trafford fans — a reference to the 1958 disaster that killed 23, including eight Busby Babes.The fan also appeared to shout “Munich” after Zeki Amdouni’s 87th-minute penalty.Rawlinson, of Bacup, Lancs, has been bailed to face court at a later date.Burnley FC condemned the “offensive footage”.read more on footballBurnley previously condemned the “offensive footage” and vowed to work with Man United and police to identify and prosecute fans involved.The club said: “We are aware of offensive footage currently circulating on social media from the away end of today’s fixture at Old Trafford.“Tragedy-related gesturing and chanting is completely unacceptable, and Burnley Football Club take a zero-tolerance approach.“We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”Most read in FootballThe Premier League added in a statement: “There is no place for football tragedy abuse in our game.“We strongly condemn this behaviour and sanctions are in place to ensure anybody found guilty faces consequences.Man City fan appears to mock Man United over Munich air disaster with sick aeroplane gesture during derby clash”We continue to treat this as an unacceptable issue and fully support Burnley FC, Manchester United and the police in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.” More

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    New footage emerges of Rasmus Hojlund’s reaction as embattled Man Utd boss Ten Hag is booed for double substitution

    RASMUS HOJLUND’S perplexed reaction to Erik ten Hag’s controversial double substitution against Burnley has been spotted by eagle-eyed fans.New footage of the forward was shared on social media following Saturday’s draw.Rasmus Hojlund appeared bemused after being substituted against BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Manchester United boss’ decision to withdraw Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo was met with boos from the Old Trafford crowd.United were still chasing an opening goal when the pair were replaced by Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay in the 65th minute.A video of Hojlund walking around the pitch to the dugout has now been shared.It shows the Denmark international shaking his head with a bemused expression after Mainoo’s number went up on the fourth official’s board.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHis reaction was filmed from the crowd at Old Trafford, with both players taking their place on the bench after being withdrawn.United went on to take the lead through Antony before Zeki Amdouni’s late penalty denied the Red Devils all three points.The 1-1 draw leaves United sixth in the Premier League, just one point above Newcastle in the race for European qualification.Ten Hag defended his substitutions at full-time, explaining: “I am the manager and have to decide what the team needs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It was the right decision and totally logical to bring off very young players who are in their first year of the Premier League and feel some fatigue.”They [Mainoo and Hojlund] have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them.”Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v BurnleyOnly Bruno Fernandes has scored more than Hojlund for United during his debut season with the club.The 21-year-old has 14 goals this term despite going four league matches without scoring before his midweek strike against Sheffield United.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

    Meanwhile, Mainoo has emerged as a rare bright spark for the Red Devils after establishing himself in the team following his return from an ankle injury.He even made his senior England debut in March and has been tipped for a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.Erik ten Hag’s decision to take off Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo was met with boosCredit: EPA More

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    Fans fume ‘where is the consistency?’ as Ederson gets away with same challenge Man Utd’s Onana gave away penalty for

    EDERSON sparked a penalty row as fans compared an unpunished challenge from the Manchester City keeper to a costly blunder from Man United’s Andre Onana.Viewers were divided as some supporters blasted “inconsistent” decisions in two big Premier League matches in the space of 24 hours.Ederson collided with Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly in a major talking pointCredit: GettyFans took to social media to claim Forest should’ve had a penalty, though some felt Boly was the player at faultCredit: AFPMan Utd’s Andre Onana downed Zeki Amdouni to give away a spot-kickCredit: ReutersOnana clattered into Zeki Amdouni with both arms on Saturday, conceding a spot-kick from which the Burnley ace tucked a point-saver.Then with the scores still level in City’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Ederson and home defender Willy Boly tumbled after their aerial collision.One fan posted: “Onana legit conceded a penalty for this yesterday. Where’s the CONSISTENCY in this league?” – while another insisted it was the “same foul”.A few viewers claimed it was a “scam” in favour of Pep Guardiola’s men and suggested United have been unfairly targeted this season.READ MORE TOP STORIESA batch of Arsenal supporters were also upset by the decision.That’s not least because with victory City moved second, a point behind the Gunners and with a game in hand.A Josko Gvardiol header and a poacher’s finish from fit-again sub Erling Haaland clinched Sunday’s success – while defeat left Forest just a point above the drop zone.One angry fan reacted: “Checking Badge…. Confirmed. It’s Man City, not United. No penalty.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut many viewers seemed staggered by comparisons between the two incidents.In fact some reckoned if there was an offender, it was Boly.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v BurnleyOne fan wrote: “This is nowhere near the same… Boly completely throws himself at Ederson. Onana punched the Burnley player.”Even a Red Devils’ supporter argued: “Boly fouls Ederson here. We all hate City, but let’s get facts correct.”A third observer said of the two clashes: “Not even remotely the same thing.”The two disputes follow a pair of major big spot-kick debates involving handball sagas the previous weekend when City and United triumphed in their FA Cup semi-finals.Chelsea were infuriated when VAR cleared Jack Grealish of handball, despite his flailing arm making contact with a Cole Palmer free-kick as Pep Guardiola’s men won 1-0.Then pundits were split after United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka WAS penalised for handball as Coventry completed a 3-3 comeback from 3-0 down before the Red Devils sneaked through 4-2 in a shootout.Man Utd’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka was penalised for this handballCredit: Rex More