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      Former Premier League star names manager who could solve Man Utd’s problems but warns Zidane would reject club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to bring in Thomas Tuchel as their new manager as he is the “solution” to their problems.That is according to Premier League hero William Gallas, who suggested Tuchel, 51, could succeed at United just like he did at Chelsea.Zinedine Zidane won’t join Manchester United, insists William GallasCredit: GettyGallas claims Thomas Tuchel would be the ‘solution’ at Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag is already under fire after a poor startCredit: GettyGallas believes Tuchel would succeed at Man Utd like he did at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are off to a slow start, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire.Ten Hag barely managed to hold on to the top job last season thanks to his FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, but he revealed club chiefs informed him they looked for a replacement.The Dutchman even admitted that Tuchel was among his bosses’ top candidates.Gallas believes the German tactician would be able to turn things around at Old Trafford if he got at least two years in charge.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Bayern Munich boss, who is now a free agent, won the Champions League in his first season with the Blues in 2021 as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Thomas Tuchel could be the solution to Manchester United’s problems.”If he came into the club and was given time, given two years to create his team, the club would be in a completely different position to the one it is in now.”At Chelsea Tuchel was very organised, the players respected him and he won the Champions League as well as a couple of other trophies, you can see why he was a success and maybe he wasn’t given enough time to Chelsea to turn things around.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallas, though, is adamant that United should completely forget Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor to Ten Hag.The ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ace insists Zidane won’t be keen on the job because he can’t speak English and has his eyes fixed on France’s national team.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionGallas added: “Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won’t take the job and the main reason is that he doesn’t speak English.”He won’t want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that’s fair. “He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. “He won’t accept the job if an offer came in and I don’t think we will see him in the Premier League any time soon.”I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      How Angel Gomes’ stats compare with Man Utd midfielders after club lost him for FREE with England star linked to return

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      ANGEL GOMES impressed for England over the international break.Gomes, 24, stars for Lille in Ligue 1 after being let go by Manchester United in 2020.Angel Gomes impressed with England over the international breakCredit: GettyGomes, back right, was once a rising star at Man UtdCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was the club’s youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards but left for free in 2020Credit: PABut he has reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker at LilleCredit: GettyIt means United could have in theory had a Carrington-made partnership of Gomes and Mainoo that cost nothingCredit: GettyInstead, United have splashed out £121m on deep midfielders in the last two summersCredit: ReutersAt the time Gomes – then a winger or attacking midfielder – was not considered good enough to stay at Old Trafford.He was the first player born in the 2000s to feature in the Premier League, was United’s youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards at the age of 16 and, according to former coach Paul McGuinness, was the best player at every age group as he came through the ranks at United.But all of that was not enough to see him stick around, perhaps in part due to his small 5ft 6″ frame not being seen as suited to Premier League football.However, following the move to Lille and a loan transfer to Boavista, he has blossomed in a new position as a deep-lying playmaker after Paulo Fonseca spotted something not immediately obvious to others. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn Gomes, Fonseca – who coached him from 2022 to last season before moving to AC Milan – said: “Angel is maybe the most intelligent player I have in my team. “He understands faster than the others everything about the game; he loves the game.”The Red Devils have long held a need for a deep-lying conductor who can bring the ball up the pitch and pick a pass with ease.The irony is that on Gomes’ debut it was Michael Carrick performing that job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd with United failing to replace the cultured midfielder, in hindsight, it would have been a no-brainer to keep Gomes around for a potential Gomes-Mainoo midfield pairing costing nothing.Instead, the club forked out £70million – plus £375k a week – on Casemiro, whose performances last season and at the start of this have led to transfer chiefs splashing £51m on Manuel Ugarte.Lee Carsley gives glowing review of Angel Gomes and reveals England star’s staggering football knowledgeThe numbers from last season compared to the Red Devils midfield and Ugarte back this assessment too.Excluding club captain Bruno Fernandes, Gomes had the most assists per 90 minutes and the second-best chances created per 90 and passes played into the final third per 90 behind Christian Eriksen.Gomes was also better than all United stars for successful passes, with only ball-winning specialist Ugarte having more per 90 during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.Even for England, 123 passes against Finland with a success rate above 94 per cent further emphasises his ability on the ball.That being said, Gomes does not come up well in terms of defensive numbers, with duels, interceptions and tackles not being his speciality.However, the increased demand from clubs for security on the ball in deep areas which has led to the rise of more on-ball specialists over ball-winners, has spiked interest in Gomes’ services.SunSport exclusively revealed that Newcastle were plotting a January transfer for the midfielder.United have also been linked with bringing the star back home, an idea that Gomes has not ruled out in the future.In November 2022 he told L’Equipe: “Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home.”I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.”I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”Following his England performances, some fans also want to see Gomes return to his old stomping ground.One said: “Cannot wait for Angel Gomes to play for my club next season. “The deep-lying ball-playing midfielder we’ve been crying out for finally here. Mainoo – Angel – Ugarte. Now that’s a great midfield.”A second said: “Mainoo, Ugarte, Gomes and another signing for the pivot would be elite.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third said: “If Collyer can prove a good squad player and Mount can stay fit (unlikely) We should let Eriksen go for free, try sell Casemiro and bring Angel back for free.”What the future will likely hold is further Three Lions appearances – with or without Lee Carsley as boss – and a chance to show his stuff in the Champions League, including matches against Real Madrid and Liverpool.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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      Man Utd were chasing alternative to Joshua Zirkzee ‘right up until moment he signed’ in move for in-demand £25m striker’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly explored a £25million move for Jonathan David as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutch striker completed a £36m switch to United from Bologna after Euro 2024.Man Utd pursued a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David this summerCredit: GettyUnited only gave up the ghost after completing a move for Jonathan ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHe’s already made an impact after scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham.And the future looks bright for Zirkzee as he gets finishing tips off compatriot and Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, the ace almost didn’t join United this summer.ESPN claims the Red Devils explored several other options while they lined up a deal for Zirkzee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne of those was Ivan Toney, who eventually left Brentford for Al-Hilal on deadline day.But he was deemed too expensive by United’s hierarchy, despite his move to Saudi Arabia only ending up £4m more than Zirkzee’s switch.Another player in Ten Hag’s sights was Jonathan David, who was also linked with Chelsea.The Canadian was valued at £25m by Lille, making him a tempting option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd United reportedly explored a deal all the way until Zirkzee signed his Old Trafford contract.It remains to be seen if they return for David in January though.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashDavid vs Zirkzee – the statsJonathan DavidGames: 189International Games: 56International Goals: 29Trophies: Ligue 1, Champions TrophyJoshua ZirkzeeGames: 161International Games: 3International Goals: 1Trophies: Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup, German Super Cup x2, Uefa Super CupUnited offloaded Jadon Sancho to Chelsea before the transfer window slammed shut.While Antony is struggling for minutes and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to find full fitness.David is capable of playing across the entire front three.His contract also expires next summer.And it means David could be available for a bargain fee in January should any suitors come forward.Inter Milan and Juventus have already made contact, with the Italians giants ready to offer pre-contracts for a free transfer in 2025.But David could find it hard to resist the lure of the Premier League. More

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      ‘Crying’ Bruno Fernandes ‘acts like a diva’ says ex-Premier League star who says Man Utd should make youngster captain

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit slammed “diva” Bruno Fernandes because he “highlights” the problems at Manchester United.United’s woes have continued this season, with boss Erik ten Hag already under fire, after losing two of their three Premier League matches after their 1-0 opening win over Fulham.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was slammed as a ‘diva’Credit: GettyArsenal legend Emmanuel Petit claims Fernandes ‘highlights’ Man Utd’s problemsCredit: Getty – ContributorPetit believes Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag should make Kobbie Mainoo captainCredit: GettyPetit, however, insists Ten Hag shouldn’t be carrying all of the blame as senior players, such as Fernandes, are not rising to the occasion.The France legend criticised the playmaker’s behaviour on the pitch as he’s “always crying” when things get tough instead of motivating his team-mates.That is why Petit is adamant the Portugal international should be stripped of the captain’s armband and encouraged Ten Hag to hand it over to Kobbie Mainoo.The Arsenal hero understands Mainoo, 19, is very young but he’s already the “pride” of Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdPetit told topoffshoresportsbooks.com: “For me, Bruno Fernandes is a player that highlights the problems at Manchester United.”Most of the time, I don’t like the way he behaves on the pitch. He acts like a diva. “He doesn’t help or encourage his team-mates when the chips are down.”When Manchester United are suffering, he’s always crying; always showing his disappointment. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That is not what you expect from your captain. You’re expecting more encouragement, leadership. Someone that brings positivity.”United’s best players have been the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool”It would be a bold move, but If I’m Ten Hag, maybe I would make a strong decision and appoint the future of the club as my captain.‌”Mainoo is young, but he’s English. He’s establishing himself in the national team. He’s the pride of the fans at Old Trafford.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd star Garnacho ‘likes’ Cristiano Ronaldo criticism of Ten Hag as fans say he’ll ‘be out of the squad tomorrow’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Erik ten Hag will DROP Alejandro Garnacho after he gets wind of his recent social media activity.Eagle-eyed Red Devils supporters spotted that the winger liked an Instagram post including Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest scathing rant about his former manager.Cristiano Ronaldo launched a blistering attack on Erik ten Hag before leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPAlejandro Garnacho recently liked an Instagram post including Ronaldo’s latest criticism of Ten HagRed Devils fans reckon Ten Hag could punish Garnacho by dropping himCredit: REXAnd many of the Old Trafford faithful believe the Argentina international could be set for a stint on the sidelines once Ten Hag is informed of his antics.One United supporter wrote: “He wants problems.”Another said: “Boy’s getting benched indefinitely now.”And another said: “Hopefully Garnacho gets sold.”READ MORE UNITED NEWSOne remarked: Good, we’ll see more of [Amad] Diallo now.”Another chimed in: “Garnacho liked it. My brother will be out of the squad tomorrow.”Garnacho is no stranger to liking critical Ten Hag content, liking a number of posts slamming his gaffer after he was subbed in United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in April.But his liking of Ronaldo’s rant could land him in real hot water with the former Ajax manager.Most read in FootballRonaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford ended prematurely following a public bust-up with his former manager, who he slammed in a tell-all interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Portuguese has once again taken aim at the under-fire Dutchman, telling former team-mate Rio Ferdinand: “Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.Tactical analysis of Man Utd star Manuel Ugarte“[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League.“You have to be, to mentally say, ‘Listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that.'”We’re going to try. You have to try.'”Ronaldo, 39, reckons Ten Hag must heed the advice of former players, including new assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he’s to have any chance of turning the club’s fortunes around.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself].”I think it can help a lot because he knows the club and the club should listen (to) the guys who were there.“You [Rio] or Roy Keane or Paul Scholes or Gary Neville, whatever, Sir Alex Ferguson.Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in the wake of his explosive interview with Piers MorganCredit: TalkTV”You cannot, you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge. “Not guys who work in [the] office. They understand.“The people who understand the football, it was, 99 per cent is the people who were there in the dressing room.”They know how to deal with the players. It’s the people who understand these things.“So I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club. He knows the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve a little bit the club.”United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to St Mary’s to take on Southampton. More

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      ‘Proud’ David Beckham shares adorable school photos of daughter Harper and she looks unrecognisable

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      DAVID BECKHAM proudly showed off some incredible throwback photos of daughter Harper as he flaunted his Emmy.The former Manchester United and England captain received the prestigious gong this week for his hit “Beckham” documentary on Netflix.David Beckham’s hit Netflix documentary recently won an EmmyCredit: ALAMYBecks showed off the prestigious gong on his InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@DAVIDBECKHAMThe 49-year-old posed with the award in front of some incredible throwbacks of his familyCredit: INSTAGRAM@DAVIDBECKHAMThe four-part show won the Emmy for the best Documentary or Nonfiction Series.David, 49, was over the moon at the doc’s scooping of the award after it received five nominations.Along with a series of snaps of the gold gong, he wrote on Instagram: “Safely back in Office.”Still can’t believe we won an EMMY.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSA “proud” as punch Becks then shared a photo of himself posing with the award in front of framed pictures of his kids and wife Victoria to his Instagram story on Tuesday.And on display were some adorable school photos of Harper.The photos showed Harper throughout the years as she beamed in her annual school pictures.Harper, 13, was closer to a spitting image of her superstar dad when she was younger.Most read in FootballBut she’s started to look like her Spice Girl mum, Victoria, as she’s grown older.Just last week, fans of the Beckhams were blown away by Harper’s resemblance to her mum after she posted a snap of them on holiday to her Instagram.Incredible unseen footage from David and Victoria Beckham’s £1m weddingOne of Harper’s 163,000 followers wrote: “They look more like sisters than mother and daughter!”Another said: “She has Victoria’s face.”Harper looks unrecognisable to her old school photosCredit: Instagram @victoriabeckham More

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      ‘I’m not happy with what I see’, warns Dutch legend as he slams Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd transfers

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      RAFAEL VAN DER VAART has criticised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer business at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, has signed 21 players that cost a whopping total of £611million during his two-year stint as United manager.Rafael van der Vaart slammed Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United signingsCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Ten Hag has signed many Dutch players and former Ajax starsCredit: GettyVan der Vaart is concerned with Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Man UtdCredit: RexThe Dutchman has landed four compatriots in Tyrel Malacia, Wout Weghorst, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt who cost a total of £98.7m.He also brought in five players that used to compete under him at Ajax in Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Antony and De Ligt who cost a staggering 251.4m.Van der Vaart, 41, is “not the biggest fan” of that strategy because that brings even higher pressure to the manager when results don’t go his way.And United’s performances haven’t improved under the Dutch tactician, who already counts two losses in three Premier League matches this season after the opening victory over Fulham.Read More on Man UtdTen Hag has found himself under fire again and the ex-Tottenham star believes his compatriot will only “survive” at the helm if he gets on a winning run after the international break.Van der Vaart told SunSport: “Yes, it’s tough, I think, he’s been there a few years and really spent a lot of money for his own players, which I don’t really like. “When you as a coach, you bring a lot of Dutch people in or players, I am not the biggest fan of that because when you lose a few times then the pressure is even higher, and the football is also not really getting better. “I saw them against Liverpool, and that, of course, it’s a tough pill to swallow because it’s like the biggest game – like the North London Derby – and you lose without a chance. Most read in Football”Now he needs a lot of wins. Then he will survive but we will have to wait and see.”Van der Vaart is especially concerned with De Ligt’s move to Old Trafford as he is “disappointed” with recent performances.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedThe ex-Real Madrid star always thought the centre-back is a “top player” but also considered him to be a “wild” defender when he went for tackles during his time at Ajax under Ten Hag.After stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich, the Netherlands legend is “not happy” with De Ligt’s development as he still notices some similar flaws.Van der Vaart said when asked if De Ligt is the answer to United’s defensive woes: “A few years ago I would say 100 per cent but when he left Ajax , I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed in his development. “So I think he is quality. He’s fantastic. He’s a great guy. Works hard for your team, the best, top player but he makes too many mistakes. You also need a little bit of luck, and he is in the phase now that he’s really unlucky. And then he’s a little bit wild. “He was a little bit too wild [at Ajax]. So that means, going into tackles.And you think, ‘Hey, stay relaxed. Just look how the situation ends’. “And he went to Italy. Then I found out there he’s gonna learn how to defend. But I’m not happy with what I see.”Players ‘don’t look happy’Van der Vaart is adamant it is very hard for any manager to follow up Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden 27-year spell at United.However, the former midfielder insists there is still “no energy” at the Red Devils and players “don’t look happy” when they’re playing.Van der Vaart added: “Sometimes it’s difficult to replace the coach who really fits to the culture and everything. And Ferguson was, of course, there for so many years. And he’s also a lot of the times in the stadium, so he never left and that sometimes maybe is difficult. “And the manager struggles with the pressure. But they have good players. They spent a lot of money, but somehow, inside the team, inside the club, it doesn’t work and it’s difficult to say something about that from the outside. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, when they play they don’t look happy. It’s not like they are, ‘Oh, nice. We have another game. We’re gonna kill it’. No, it’s all, ‘Oh, s**t, we have to go again’. No energy.”Rafael van der Vaart was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsHere’s the full list of all the Manchester United signings that have taken place under manager Erik ten Hag:Antony – £85m Rasmus Hojlund – £72m Casemiro – £70m Mason Mount – £60m Lisandro Martinez – £57m (Further £2.2m in solidarity payments to Martinez’s former clubs)Leny Yoro – £52m (plus £6m in add-ons)Manuel Ugarte – £50.8Andre Onana – £47.2mMatthijs de Ligt – £43m Joshua Zirkzee – £36mNoussair Mazraoui – £17mTyrell Malacia – £14.6mAltay Bayindir – £4.3mChristian Eriksen – FreeJonny Evans – FreeSofyan Amrabat – Loan (£8.5m)Sergio Reguilon – Loan (No fee)Marcel Sabitzer – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee)Wout Weghorst – Loan (£2.5m compensation to cancel Besiktas loan, £2.6m fee to Burnley)Martin Dubravka – Loan (£2m)Jack Butland – Loan (Undisclosed or No fee) More

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      Marc Skinner says league title is the target for Manchester United Women and dismisses criticism of training facilities

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      MARC SKINNER hit back at critics calling on Manchester United “to do better” and insists his side’s aim is to win the league.And he dismissed controversy surrounding his women’s squad’s move into temporary buildings at Carrington.Marc Skinner says Man United are doing well “fantastically well” with their renovation of the club’s Carrington training complexCredit: GettySkinner says Man United are aiming to challenge for the title this season following their FA Cup win and fifth place finish last termCredit: GettyThe Red Devils will face West Ham at home in their opening game of the new WSL season which commences on September 20Credit: GettyTwo days ago Skinner, 41, shared his thoughts on Man United’s efforts last term and their pre-season preparations ahead of the Friday September 20th start of the new WSL season.His side are due to face West Ham at home in their first game of the 2024-24 Women’s Super League campaign.The Red Devils boss also reflected on the reaction to United’s women’s side’s move out of their £10m facility and into portable buildings.The temporary move in June was so their Premier League counterparts could use their site with United’s Carrington training complex undergoing a £50million renovation.Read More Football StoriesSkinner said: “You reported on it and it didn’t sound great. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.”Everyone in our club has moved. They have all moved to incorporate the growth of Carrington.”It wasn’t ready for Manchester United Women four years ago. “The club did fantastically well to spend on the new facility to get new pitches. You have to know that because it’s a historical thing.”Most read in FootballThis summer saw United’s WSL stars temporarily use England’s St George’s Park pitches for training in pre-season.This week the Red Devils’ WSL aces returned to Carrington. According to the club players will have access to refurbished dedicated women’s pitches and use of a gym previously used by the men’s side.Skinner adds: “We went to St George’s Park which was a brilliant experience as we got to gel together.”But our training pitches that we will have every day are better than St George’s Park.”Ours are newer. You would eat your breakfast off our pitches – they are incredible.”We are training in a facility that has been built on site for our players. “From my perspective, everything is growing from there.”We played Blackburn in a pre-season friendly and in the car park, Bruno Fernandes walks past.”They trained right in front of us while we ate so we got to see them as well.”He came back, asked if we had a game then he came to watch the second half after he had showered and got changed.”He spoke to all the players. We have a better relationship now because we’re all crossing over.”United’s return to training at Carrington, following a pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain, comes just over a week before their first game of the new season.Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside (Manchester United). We want to do better. We want to win the league.Marc Skinner Last term while they won the Women’s FA Cup for first time, they endured a difficult end to their league campaign. The team finished fifth for the first time in the top-flight after a 6-0 loss to Chelsea. This summer saw Mary Earps’ leave the club following her contract expiring with the England goalkeeper, 31, joining Paris Saint-Germain in July.And former skipper Katie Zelem, 28, left in June before joining Angel City as a free agent in August. However United have since reinforced their attacking, defensive and midfield ranks. Their summer signings include ex-Arsenal and Wolfsburg centre-back Dominique Janssen and Norway striker Elisabeth Terland who joined from Brighton. The Red Devils have also been boosted by Lioness Grace Clinton’s return following a standout spell on loan at Tottenham last term. This month the club signed Celin Bizet with the Norway forward joining from Tottenham on a three-year deal. Meanwhile full-back Gabby George has returned to fitness following her recovery from a knee ligament rupture sustained last October. And Skinner hopes George’s and Clinton’s return and his new signings can help Man United produce the form that saw them finish two points behind champions Chelsea last year. He said: “Making a negative story probably feels good for everyone outside. “They say ‘Manchester United needs to do better’.”We want to do better, we do. We want to win the league, that’s our aim.”We want to win trophies. We want to try to get into the Champions League but it’s not a given.”Following Zelem’s departure Skinner has handed the captain’s armband to Maya Le Tissier. And her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, has become the team’s new vice-skipper.Since her move from Brighton, Le Tissier has played 44 top-flight games for Man United – featuring in all their WSL matches in the past two years.Alongside Toone the defender, 22, has evolved into a senior figure in the side, with both players impressing in their team’s FA Cup final defeat of Tottenham in May.Skinner added: “When I look at the two captains, Maya literally breathes football.”She embodies this unforgiving, relentless nature I want in my time.”She wants to win at all costs and is all in. She plays every minute for us.Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone have been appointed as skipper and vice-captain of Man United’s women’s teamCredit: Getty”I wanted Tooney in there alongside her. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I felt if there is any girl or any boy that looks at Manchester United, then who better to represent it than a famous number seven that has grown up a Manchester United fan all her life.”I want this spirit so people believe in the people there and can grow with this team.” More