Man Utd transfer news

MANCHESTER UNITED played out a cagey goalless draw with Aston Villa – but Erik Ten Hag’s set up was miles ahead from the Spurs hammering.But avoiding defeat to Bayern conquerors Villa has not necessarily saved Ten Hag’s job with United’s forward play still dire.Erik ten Hag is still in danger of losing his jobCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was among the forward players who failed to penetrate VillaCredit: GettySunSport’s Dean Scoggins breaks down where it improved for UnitedIn a way, Ten Hag deserves his short holiday over the international break after avoiding the Unai Emery-inspired pasting that many thought was coming his way.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer are still set for showdown talks with club chiefs over Ten Hag’s future in London on Tuesday.The Dutchman’s set-up may have left United’s top brass and pundits applauding the defensive improvement, but the Red Devils still lacked a cutting edge going forward.Hojlund solves pressing issueMan Utd have somehow, for now, worked out their pressing conundrum – but Rasmus Hojlund must play.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHojlund’s first Prem start this term saw the striker lead a one man press – and he has a better understanding of when to chase than Joshua Zirkzee.The Red Devils were slaughtered for their poor 2 v 2 pressing up top against Spurs, where Rodrigo Bentancur had a field day.But this time Bruno Fernandes dropped back into his normal No10 role, having previously been asked to press alongside the striker.After playing a flat 4-4-2 press this season, Ten Hag switched things up with a 4-4-1-1 and it worked well as Fernandes was more disciplined.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKobbie Mainoo and surprise choice Christian Eriksen had a strong positional sense, and a tireless Alejandro Garnacho was more aware of his defensive role.The new pressing set-up did well to shut down the Villa midfield and was unrecognisable from the system that allowed Spurs the freedom of Old Trafford the week before.Rasmus Hojlund made a huge difference to United’s pressThe one-man press allowed Bruno Fernandes to drop into midfield with more disciplineMore worries for Erik ten Hag as Harry Maguire leaves Villa Park limping after Aston Villa vs Man Utd clash Selfish runners in attackWhile there were defensive improvements, Man Utd’s forward stars continued to perform as individuals against Villa.Hojlund, Fernandes, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford charged forward selfishly and failed to make runs that created space for their team-mates.Despite working hard, Garnacho’s efforts to get forward were often misguided runs at the penalty spot, which narrowed the space at the front post.The Argentine must make more back post runs, to force the opposing full-back to track him and get drawn away from the goal, thus opening space in the box for other players to attack.On one occasion, Rashford had the ball down the left wing, with five Villa defenders in front of him because his team-mates made selfish runs into a narrow space in the box.United need more sacrificial off-the-ball movement. It seems maybe they just don’t trust each other and would prefer to try to get on the end of every chance themselves.Selfish runs by United’s forward players hindered their attackBoth United wingers regularly made narrow runsOnana steps upAdopting more of a Pep Guardiola approach to playing out from the back, Andre Onana often stepped up into the back four.When the ball was on the left hand side, Diogo Dalot moved into midfield, a centre-half pulled wide and Onana went in as an extra centre-back.It gave United an extra man higher up the pitch in an almost 11 vs 10 scenario, with Emiliano Martinez stuck between the Villa sticks.This allowed United to play with more structure and confidence from the back, with Evans – who defended stoutly throughout – going on to win man of the match.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut fans need to see this on a more regular basis.Brighton have managed to adopt two distinct styles under two new managers since Ten Hag’s 2022 appointment – while the Dutchman’s identity is preferred way of playing is still impossible to fathom.Andre Onana was told to step up into the back lineOnana’s footwork was one of the main reasons he was brought to Old TraffordCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund’s return marks positive news for Ten Hag More

ERIK TEN HAG has jetted off on holiday — as he is confident Manchester United will not sack him during the international break.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. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has gone on holiday despite coming under fireCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of Man Utd’s executives are about to decide the manager’s fateCredit: PAHis 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.Sources stress the upcoming meeting is a regular monthly get-together and has not been arranged because of their recent poor form.Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer were both at the Theatre of Dreams and Carrington for meetings, along with club legend Gary Neville and also Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on Man UtdFormer Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel — who was approached by United in the summer — is still available.And Ten Hag’s new sidekick Ruud van Nistelrooy is a hero to fans and could be asked to hold the fort if United do decide to make a change.The 54-year-old tactician is due back from his jollies at the weekend and the Red Devils do not have a game until they host Brentford a week on Saturday.United’s 250-goal record scorer Wayne Rooney wants the club to stick with Ten Hag for the Bees’ visit — and beyond.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlymouth boss Rooney told talkSPORT: “I hope he’ll stay in charge. It’s been frustrating to see them 14th — that’s not where they want to be.”Ten Hag has defended his record by pointing to United lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under him.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa But Roo, 38, added: “Your season is the Prem, there’s no better feeling than winning it.“They have gone quite a few years without challenging. It’s important you don’t let that slide.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has added yet another award to his illustrious legacy.Wayne, 38, is United’s all-time record goalscorer and also held the same status for England when he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in 2015 before Harry Kane overtook him last year.Wayne Rooney attended an awards ceremony with his wife Coleen and son KaiCredit: GettyManchester United legend Rooney joins fellow winner Fara WilliamsCredit: GettyKai poses with his dad after he collected the prizeColeen looked like she was having a great night with her hubbyAnd now the legendary striker has been honoured by Legends of Football, an annual awards ceremony in conjunction with the Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity that sees the worlds of football and music come together to honour the greatest names in the game.The event has been described as the “best night in the football social calendar” by Sir Alex Ferguson and this year’s ceremony honours the ex-Everton star and England’s most capped women’s player Fara Williams.The Plymouth manager attended the gala at Grosvenor House in London alongside his wife Coleen and their son Kai, who is following in his dad’s footsteps at United’s academy.Wayne said before he was presented with the gong: “I am delighted to receive the 2024 Legends of Football award.Read More on Man Utd”The award has been previously awarded to some of the biggest names in the game, to be recognised alongside all of them including some of my team-mates, opponents and footballing icons means a lot.”Throughout my life and career, music has always been a massive influence and inspiration for me, and to see how Nordoff and Robbins use music to help people connect and communicate is truly special.”I’m really looking forward to celebrating with Fara for a great night of football, music and fundraising.”Other stars at the event, whch was hosted by Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves, included former England boss Roy Hodgson, Everton manager Sean Dyche and Lionesses star turned I’m A Celeb winner Jill Scott.Most read in FootballRooney amassed a total of 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 appearances during his 13-year stint at United before his departure in 2017.Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves are joined by Williams and RooneyCredit: GettyEverton legend Rooney is joined by current boss Sean DycheCredit: GettyRoy Hodgson and wife Sheila were among the guestsCredit: GettyEngland icon Jill Scott glammed it up on the red carpetCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe legendary forward also registered 53 goals in 120 England caps.And now Kai, 14, is winning over his dad’s fans after a series of impressive performances with the Red Devils’ youth sides.Watch Wayne Rooney’s son Kai score wondergoal as he nets eight in six games to win cup for Man Utd youth teamThe young forward is the eldest of Wayne’s four sons, with Klay, Kit and Cass his younger brothers. More

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly lining up Thomas Tuchel as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman’s job has come under threat in recent weeks amid a terrible run of results.Erik ten Hag’s future at Man Utd is in doubtCredit: GettyUnited allegedly want Thomas Tuchel to take overCredit: GettyUnited have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign with just eight points from seven games.And now Ten Hag finds himself under increasing pressure.Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to publicly back him last week.According to Manchester Evening News, the businessman is already scouting a potential replacement.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Tuchel has emerged as the priority target.Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in June.He previously spent 20 months in the Premier League managing Chelsea.But earlier this year he told Ratcliffe that he did NOT want the United job.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils had been seeking a new manager before Ten Hag’s FA Cup final triumph and considered Tuchel an option.But the German told officials that he instead wanted some time away from management.Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Player Ratings BreakdownIt is currently unclear whether or not his position has changed since then.Tuchel is yet to be contacted by United officials this season.Despite the ongoing speculation around his future, Ten Hag insists he would know if his job was at risk.Following United’s drab 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, he said: “I don’t have any idea that is different. Because they should have told me. We communicate very open, very transparent.”I speak continuously with them and just after the game I have to do my job, talk with the players, manage the players and answer questions from you.”We always talk. Every week, I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”I think you said it very good – external noise. Internal, we are disappointed, we know we have to do better, especially we need to score more, that is the moment in this area after this block of games where we are really short.”All the other areas we are doing really well: four clean sheets, so that tells something about the defending and about the organisation, the defending of defensive transitions.”We are doing really well, we are really improving on that point.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our build-up play is good, we are calm and composed. We are creating chances apart from today. Today we should have created more.”But that area in the box of the opponent, we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.”Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

MANCHESTER UNITED ace Jonny Evans admitted increasing fears about under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s future are affecting the players.United are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season having amassed a mere eight points in their first seven matches and saw their winless streak extend to five games.Manchester United ace Jonny Evans confessed fears about manager Erik ten Hag’s future have affected the playersCredit: GettyTen Hag is increasingly under pressure amid Man Utd’s worst ever Premier League startCredit: GettyThe Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa in front of club chief Sir Jim Radcliffe, which added pressure on Ten Hag’s volatile situation.And Evans, 36, confessed the uncertainty building up around the Dutch tactician’s future is affecting the dressing room.The experienced centre-back is adamant, however, that the players will have to find a way to shut the noise down.Evans told Sky Sports: “You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. Read More on Man Utd”They have supported the players massively over the years.“It was great for him [Ten Hag] to see that.”The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.”You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.Most read in Football”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 you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United.United have endured two miserable 3-0 losses at Old Trafford to Liverpool and Tottenham.The Manchester giants have also played out three hapless draws with Crystal Palace, Twente and Porto.United’s board are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss Ten Hag’s future going into the international break.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More