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      Erik ten Hag ‘on three-man shortlist to become next Bayern Munich manager’ as Man Utd line up his replacement

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      ERIK TEN HAG is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The Dutch manager may depart from Old Trafford at the end of the season amid rumours that Manchester United could sack him.Erik ten Hag is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the seasonCredit: PADespite the 54-year-old’s nightmare season at the Red Devils Ten Hag is still highly-rated enough to be linked with one of Europe’s biggest clubs.The United boss recently revealed that Ajax would like him to return and admitted in the future he would be interested.Tuchel is stepping down at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign that ended Bayern Munich’s 11-season Bundesliga winning streak.Ten Hag is one of three candidates for the leading role on the Bavarian side next term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to reporter Christian Falk “Bayern’s Head of Sport Max Eberl, is checking three, four candidates for the new Manager of FC Bayern.”And that list includes ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, Benfica’s Roger Schmidt and Ten Hag.Falk claims Roberto De Zerbi has snubbed the chance to take charge of Germany’s most famous side to stay at Brighton.However, should Ten Hag move to the Allianz Arena, United could see a direct exchange of managers, with Tuchel coming the other way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England gaffer Gareth Southgate are in the running to take over.Tuchel’s farewell is far from over in Germany and he can still end the season on a high as Bayern are a step away from the Champions League final, drawing 2-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi.Gary Neville reveals telltale signs Erik ten Hag is suffering Man Utd ‘breakdown’ as winless run goes onThe same goes for Ten Hag as United managed to secure a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City after a thrilling penalty shootout against Coventry in the semi-final.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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      Arsenal invite Invincibles to final game of the season in hope legendary squad watch Arteta’s men end 20-year drought

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      ARSENAL have invited the Invincibles to their final game of the season.The Gunners hope the legendary players who lifted the Premier League trophy without losing a game in 2003/04 will witness Mikel Arteta’s current side end the club’s 20-year wait to be champions.Arsenal won the title without losing a game in 2003/04Credit: ReutersMikel Arteta can bring the title back to North London for the first time in 20 yearsCredit: GettyIt is understood that boss Arsene Wenger and the whole first-team squad from that unique season have been asked to attend the last-day clash with Everton at the Emirates on May 19.And whatever happens on the day, there will also be a separate lunch to celebrate the first and so far only team to go unbeaten for an entire top-flight season in the modern era of English football.But the event in a fortnight’s time has the potential to be one of the biggest parties in Arsenal’s history – or a bittersweet occasion.Wenger and a team featuring Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires wrote their names into history when they came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 at Highbury on May 15, 2004, and so end the season with a record of P38 W26 D12 L0.READ MORE ON ARSENALIf the 2023/24 title race goes down to the last day, the presence of the club legends in the stands will only add to the sense of occasion – and perhaps to the pressure on Arteta and his team.Sporting director Edu was part of Wenger’s squad 20 seasons ago and helping the Gunners to their first title since would bring the former midfielder full circle.Arrangements and schedules for both the final-day event and the lunch are being finalised.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal’s Invincibles squad

      Jens Lehmann
      Ashley Cole
      Patrick Vieira
      Martin Keown
      Robert Pires
      Freddie Ljungberg
      Jose Antonio Reyes
      Dennis Bergkamp
      Sylvain Wiltord
      Lauren
      Thierry Henry
      Ray Parlour
      Edu
      Pascal Cygan
      Gilberto Silva
      Gael Clichy
      Sol Campbell
      Nwankwo Kanu
      Kolo Toure
      Jeremie Aliadiere

      But Arsenal were determined to mark the achievement.Most read in FootballOnly Preston North End had previously been crowned champions of England without losing a game, when they claimed the inaugural First Division title way back in 1888/89 with 18 win and four draws.Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successIt is believed the Premier League will also mark the 20-year anniversary with content on its media channels but has no separate celebration planned.As revealed by SunSport, Invincibles goalkeeper Jens Lehmann stole a march on Arsenal by registering “The Invincibles” as a trademark.Lehmann, fellow players, Wenger and other staff stand to benefit from the profits of a company being set up to exploit the name and achievement commercially.But on May 15, potential legal issues in the future will be set aside for what Arsenal hope will be a double celebration.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Newcastle legend calls on club to let Bruno Guimaraes LEAVE in £100m transfer… if it means keeping fellow star

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      SHAY GIVEN would keep Alexander Isak and sell Bruno Guimaraes to answer Newcastle’s £100million question.Yet while he knows he might be clutching, the former Toon keeper hopes both superstars are still strutting around St James’ Park next season.Shay Given believes Newcastle should let Bruno Guimaraes leave for £100millionCredit: RexThe Newcastle icon feels selling Guimaraes will allow the club to keep hold of Alexander IsakCredit: GettyMagpies chiefs have admitted one might have to be sold this summer to balance the books and reinvest elsewhere.  On one hand you have Bruno, the iconic Brazilian midfielder adored by the Toon Army more than any other.  The Samba star is the spiritual leader of Eddie Howe’s side, but a £100m release clause active for one month up to the end of July has Manchester City and Arsenal on red alert. Arsenal and a host of other top clubs are monitoring Isak, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the world’s deadliest marksmen.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Given, 48, told SunSport: “Bruno has been brilliant but if you had to make a choice, you’d want to keep Isak.  “He’s up there with the best strikers in the world and could play for any club out there, so that’s why there is so much noise. All the big clubs will be looking at him and could chance their arm with cheeky bids to see just how much Newcastle do need to sell him.  “They paid £60million for him and you see other clubs spending similar sums for forwards who are at panic stations when in goal, fluffing their lines.  “It’s the opposite with Isak, everything just slows down around him, and you wouldn’t want to lose someone of that calibre.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“However, who can afford him now? And if Newcastle sold him for let’s say £120m, they could spend £50m on someone else who might struggle.” As for Guimaraes, he was left in tears when he saw the giant Brazil-themed banner across the Gallowgate before last week’s 5-1 win over Sheffield United.Newcastle to snub new stadium and expand St James’ Park in ‘one of most ambitious rebuilds seen in UK’He’s recently bought a new house in the North East, and Given hopes that connection with the locals could prove decisive if someone triggers his release clause.  The ex-Republic of Ireland stopper added: “My only hope is that he is so iconic among the fans.  “I’m maybe clutching with my own black and white hat on but I’d love to build a team around both him and Isak.  “Bruno has got that relationship with the supporters and it’s not for the cameras. The display last week was special and, unless he’s moving to Hollywood to be an actor, his reaction was genuine.  “But it’s a bit like the Jack Grealish situation. He had a £100m release clause with Aston Villa and once that was hit by Man City, it was a done deal.  “If someone hits that number then it will be difficult to keep hold of him. Given hopes Newcastle can reinvest the money from potentially selling GuimaraesCredit: Getty“I just hope in six months’ time that Isak is banging the goals in, Bruno is bossing the midfield and the Saudi owners have backed the club again to add to the team.  “It’s just a shame we’re not talking about who Newcastle are going to buy this summer because of the wealth of the owners.“Instead we’re talking about who might be sold and that leaves a sour taste in the mouth of fans.”  Newcastle travel to Burnley today as they try and hunt down Manchester United to claim sixth and a Europa League spot.  Howe’s side sit one point behind the Red Devils but also have Chelsea chomping at their heels.  And given their horrendous luck with injuries as they’ve tried to balance the Champions League as well, on top of £55m midfielder Sandro Tonali’s 10-month bet ban, Given reckons sixth would be some achievement.  He said: “They’ve had 11 players out at various times this season. Eddie has had to put kids on the bench just to make up the numbers, which would concern the owners.  “The strength in depth hasn’t been there, so this year shows the squad needs improvement all over the pitch. “But it would be an amazing season if they get into the top six. They’ve been so unlucky with injuries, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.  READ MORE SUN STORIES“Others will say the same but I really do think Newcastle have had it worse than anyone else.”  Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com. More

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      Gary Neville reveals Man Utd stars would be ‘killed’ if they broke four unwritten rules in matches

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      GARY NEVILLE has revealed that Manchester United stars would be “killed” if they broke unwritten rules in matches.Neville, 49, was part of the famous ‘Class of ’92’ after coming up through the youth ranks at Old Trafford.Gary Neville has opened up on the unwritten rules at Manchester UnitedCredit: PANeville won the lot during his time at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd the right-back ended up staying at Manchester United for his entire career in 2011.Neville played 602 games for his boyhood team while winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.But he has now opened up over the discipline instilled in him by United’s no-nonsense coaches.Coming up alongside Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, Neville and brother Phil were both coached by some legendary names.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEric Harrison is credited with helping Sir Alex Ferguson develop those youngsters into world-famous stars.While former United and England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles also put the lads through their paces on the training ground.And Neville has now revealed the pair had unwritten rules that could never be broken.Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet  podcast, he explained: “I don’t think that I would have been anywhere near where I was without being driven. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Eric Harrison, he was tough as a youth team coach, and Nobby Stiles. You couldn’t lose a tackle, it was forbidden. “If you misplaced a pass, or if I didn’t throw it forward into a striker’s feet at Old Trafford on a Saturday and threw it back on my first throw in, I was getting killed. Roy Keane in touching moment with Gary Neville as he tells Man Utd pal ‘you deserve better’“You always had these voices around you, they’d step on you every single move, there was nowhere to go in terms of dropping in standard or work ethic.” Roy Keane was already in the first team when the Class of 92 joined in senior training.He added: “Players come across sometimes and train with the first team, and you just know that they’ll be gone [and won’t come back]. But when [Gary] Neville and them lot [Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Ryan Giggs] came across, they were brilliant players, and we knew that they could take it [the stick]. “The credit I would give those lads that came across is that I knew they were here to stay. “You’re talking about four or five players, [Ryan] Giggs was already ahead of the group, but I knew that they were here to stay. “I can only talk about my own experiences but when the players came across, they were no doubt talented because they were at Manchester United, but they had great habits and traits.” 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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      Erik ten Hag ‘assumes he will be Man Utd boss next year’ but reveals he’d like to return to Ajax

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      ERIK TEN HAG believes he will be in charge of Manchester United next season despite mounting pressure.The under-fire boss is in danger of losing his job as new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to overhaul the club.Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Man UtdCredit: ReutersHe is open to an Ajax return but doesn’t expect it this summerCredit: EPAA poor end to the Premier League season and defeat in the FA Cup final to Manchester City could reportedly spell the end for Ten Hag.He has been linked with a return to his former club Ajax, who are searching for a new manager this summer with John van’t Schip stepping down.And speaking to ViaPlay, Ten Hag refused to rule out a return to his former club.He said: “Contacts with Ajax? No. In the future, why not? It’s a fascinating club. I had great time there.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut the Dutchman is not expecting a move back to his homeland ahead of next season.Ten Hag added: “I assume that I will be Manchester United manager next year.“I signed a long-term deal consciously and I am not a person who walks away.”Ten Hag has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford – but Ratcliffe could axe him 12 months early.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport exclusively revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England gaffer Gareth Southgate are in the running to take over.Reports also suggest that Thomas Tuchel is a candidate as he is set to quit Bayern Munich.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?As for Ajax, they have supposedly held talks with Potter and approached Nice boss Francesco Farioli.But Ten Hag, who won three Eredivisie titles in five years at the club, is their first choice option.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 are on the brink of making most revolutionary change since it was founded 32 years ago

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are close to making the most revolutionary change since the competition was founded 32 years ago.For the majority  it may lead to leveling up.Karren Brady assessed the revolutionary new Premier League rulesCredit: GettyThe new rules can maintain competition between all Premier League clubsCredit: GettyThose who oppose the new measures are happy with the status quo  which, in reality, amounts to protecting the rich.I don’t blame them for wanting to maintain their competitive advantage, earned from being at the top and the humongous amounts of millions that come with being in the Champions League.Having that financial advantage is bound to influence where you finish in the league and if you have influence, you never want to lose it.The new proposal is that the spending of all 20 clubs should be anchored to the bottom side’s earnings from central Premier League revenue, made up mainly by broadcasting cash. Read More on FootballThis provides competitive balance while supporting aspiration and sustainability. As last season’s lowest figure was the £103.6million  Southampton pocketed, it appears very workable indeed in its application to wages, transfer fees and agents’ fees.However, the players’ union has always been adamantly opposed to a “hard cap” on the wages of their members so there will be much negotiating before a Prem vote in June.The proposal’s driving force is the concern of maintaining competitive balance. To wear the crown of Best League in the World we must maintain it.We cannot let a bigger cliff edge form between a few clubs at the top and the rest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOur appeal is that each game is exciting and entertaining and unpredictable. Who would have predicted Bournemouth to beat Manchester United 3-0 in December? Or that Everton, after a turbulent season, would defeat Liverpool 2-0? England World Cup ban threat explainedMost TV football fans, grannies, little lads and Prince William, too, know that most seasons the league champions are likely to be Manchester City, Liverpool or Arsenal . . . but there’s pressure from United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham.It’s the competitiveness at both ends of our table that ensures the Prem is the most watched league in the world — and that needs protecting.We do not want to replicate the German Bundesliga or Italy’s Serie A — where there is a 24-point gap between top spot and third.And frankly, the proposed cap is so high I would be staggered if it is reached!Most clubs believe anything that can slow down spending on players and agents makes clubs more sustainable — and that is a good thing. More

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      Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham players AND staff face axe – so who should stay and who should go?

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU warned players and even staff members could go in his bid to turn Spurs into title challengers.The Aussie already implemented an overhaul in his first two transfer windows but, after three straight defeats, revealed more change is on its way.Ange Postecoglou says he is ready to make big callsCredit: AlamyTimo Werner’s loan deal can be made permanent for £15mCredit: GettyPlaymaker James Maddison’s form for Spurs has dipped recentlyCredit: RexPostecoglou, whose Tottenham side’s Champions League hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, said: “We’ve already made tough decisions.“We let some experienced players leave the club at the beginning of the year, some by choice.“But I feel like if we’re really going to change, that means change. You have to make decisions.“Some of those decisions aren’t that tough because, whether it’s a player or a staff member, they realise it themselves.READ MORE TOP STORIES“But some of them you have to make just because of change, not necessarily because they don’t fit in the picture.“I’ve got to change this squad.  I’ve got to build a squad I think can play our football. For that to happen, there have to be exits.”Postecoglou witnessed the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution up close with a Boxing Day trip to Anfield in 2016.And just like the Reds board backed the German’s vision then — to great reward — Postecoglou feels he has the support of  Spurs’ hierarchy now to continue his own overhaul.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Aussie will head to Anfield on Sunday with some fans doubting him after three straight losses — including two painful London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea.Yet he is further ahead than Klopp was in his first Reds campaign, where he finished eighth, given the Spurs chief is on course to come fifth.Jamie Redknapp forced to apologise after ‘stealing Sky Sports host’s thunder’ in awkward moment on live TVPostecoglou recalled a visit to take in Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing of Stoke seven-and-a-half years ago in Klopp’s second season — which ended with the Reds finishing fourth — when discussing his own backing from Spurs bosses.The 58-year-old, a boyhood Liverpool fan, said: “In 2016 I came over with the family and  took my oldest son to Anfield to watch Liverpool.“It was just at the beginning of that building phase and, to be fair, they hadn’t done anything significant up until that point.“But there was just a real energy in the stadium around Jurgen.“The whole club, the supporters, everyone had bought into him, even though they hadn’t quite got to where they wanted to yet.“But I felt that in the stadium and that’s why I’ve always got drawn to managers like that.“You could see he could see things that others couldn’t in that time.“For the most part with the most successful clubs, that’s the  formula.“Part of that responsibility lies on me to make sure  I’m leading in a way that allows people to believe in me and support me because . . . it’s the only way I’m going to have success.“I’m not going to do it on my own, that’s for sure. I never have. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve had great support and right now I’ve all the support I need.“I really feel like the club has bought into the vision I have and it’s up to me to maintain that.”Some Spurs supporters questioned Postecoglou’s appointment in June from Celtic, arguing his success in Japan and Scotland was not enough to warrant a top Premier League job.Those worries soon vanished when he started the season like a house on fire, going unbeaten in his first ten games to send Tottenham top of the league.Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are under the microscopeCredit: GettyYet that old narrative has reared its head again after losses to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have now left Spurs’ Champions League chances almost in tatters.Thursday’s display in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was particularly concerning.Some fans are worried that though his open, attacking, uncompromising style won league titles with Yokohama and Celtic, it may not necessarily translate to the Premier League.And straight-talking Postecoglou understands he will have doubters until he delivers success.He explained: “What do you reckon they said when I got to Japan? [The same].“What do you reckon they said when I got to Scotland?“I get that. I understand that. It’s legitimate until success comes and then it doesn’t become legitimate.“My role is to navigate us to where I think we’ll be successful.“It’s not new to me. It’s not something I haven’t been asked before.“I’ve always just navigated it exactly the same way.“But that doesn’t mean those questions shouldn’t be there because until you achieve something, obviously people are just going to try and figure out if my ideas are going to work here.“That’s understandable. Until you have success, of course those questions are going to remain.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham is at doubtCredit: Rex“But do I have any doubts?  Absolutely none. I have clarity in terms of building us a club which will become successful.“I believe what I believe, down to my core. I’ll stand on the highest ground, die a noble death, believing in what I believe.”With Spurs’ hopes of a top-four finish seemingly wrecked, Ange Postecoglou knows he needs to overhaul his squad next season.Here, SunSport’s TOM BARCLAY runs the rule over who is likely to survive the cull — and who is in danger of going.FIVE TO STAYGUGLIELMO VICARIO: A little shaky from set-pieces but, overall, a big hit for just £16million.CRISTIAN ROMERO: Postecoglou hailed the World Cup winner as “outstanding”.MICKY VAN DE VEN: Dutch heir-apparent to Virgil van Dijk and lightning quick.DESTINY UDOGIE: Sensational in the first half of his maiden campaign and still so young.JAMES MADDISON: Tailed off recently but when he’s good, he’s perfect for Postecoglou.FIVE TO GOPIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG: Dependable but not a natural Ange fit. One year left on his deal.BRYAN GIL: Talented but looks too lightweight for the Premier League.RYAN SESSEGNON: Injury issues mean Spurs may let him go for nothing.OLIVER SKIPP: A rare home-grown player but Postecoglou has hardly given him a look-in.TANGUY NDOMBELE: Spurs’ biggest-ever flop will be back this summer — but surely not for long.FIVE IN DOUBTYVES BISSOUMA: Form has nosedived since electric start to the season.GIO LO CELSO: Has shown glimpses but rarely features and has only a year left.EMERSON ROYAL: Spurs rejected £25m Saudi offer in January but may rethink.READ MORE SUN STORIESTIMO WERNER: Club can make his loan permanent for just £15m — but jury is out as to whether it is worth it.MANOR SOLOMON: Injury has ruined Israeli’s first season, prompting durability concerns. More

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      Ten Hag is a gladiator taking shots for his team but he’s losing control – I can’t see him surviving Man Utd axe

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      I CANNOT picture a scenario where Erik ten Hag is Manchester United manager next season — and you know what, I think he would secretly agree.He has spent a lot of money on players that haven’t worked and as a result United are falling further and further behind their main rivals.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shown a lot of toughness this seasonCredit: ReutersTroy Deeney doesn’t expect Ten Hag to stay on as Man Utd managerCredit: RexSo, there is a part of me that actually respects what he is doing right now in his press conferences with the media — fighting back.He is putting on his gladiator armour, swinging his sword and taking some arrows to the chest trying to shield his stars like a protective dad.It is him against the world — and perhaps with one eye on his next job — he wants to make it clear the problems at United do not just stop with him.But in doing so, with  personal pride kicked around, he’s losing control.Read More on Man UtdHe has banned newspapers and outlets on several occasions. How is that a good thing? Tell me one positive that comes from that? It doesn’t make sense.I remember Sir Alex Ferguson using that tactic but he had won a lot and was a powerful figure in the game, not someone who has only just come to the Premier League.Is Ten Hag really sitting there and saying, “You’re all saying nasty things about me, so you’re banned?”He spoke at length after the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry about how harshly treated United were, calling the reports “embarrassing”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut you are Man United and you were 3-0 up against a Coventry team who haven’t made the play-offs this year — and you nearly lost it. How can it be reported in any other way? If you haven’t played well, just admit it, own it and move on.And you know how to take back control? Play well and win games.I know a few United fans who now just don’t believe a word Ten Hag says.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?It has all the hallmarks of a boss digging his heels in and saying: “Look, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I can be powerful if I want to. I can put my foot down.”There are times when this ploy works, it can galvanise a dressing room and show that their boss is fighting for them. But you’re taking a massive risk.There will always be a split of players who agree and disagree with what you’re doing.I reckon right now there is a 70-30 split in that dressing room, and even if that goes in your favour, that’s still a big chunk of your squad who believe that you don’t have a clue.And I would imagine the likes of Casemiro and Raphael Varane, who have played at a far superior level to any of their team-mates, are thinking: “What are we doing here?” They’ve played at the biggest club in the world in Real Madrid and that’s not how they conduct themselves.Have to control the narrativeUnited captain Bruno Fernandes has hinted in an interview recently he may leave and wants to feel loved. Who at Madrid would ever do that?Once you’ve lost people, you can bring them back a little bit but, at the first sign of another crack, it will all come back up.Look, I know how tough it can be to deal with the media when things aren’t going well, or people don’t know the full story of what is going on in the background.I experienced it with Forest Green. It takes a toll on you and your family.But he is an experienced boss. He should be able to control a narrative.And when you start banning the media, all it does is encourage players to read and take note of those reports.Focusing on the wrong thingsThe players  will be thinking: “Hang on, you tell us not to worry about external noises, yet you must read it because you’re banning media outlets.”Every player needs to be focused on their job, not what is being written.It ends up creating more of a divide.Ten Hag has the feel of a man who is paranoid about what is being said by others and where it is coming from, but that happens at every club.People like Ten Hag want to control everything, especially when bad things are being said.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf you use the media to your advantage, you can’t complain when it goes against you. That’s the way of the world.It is indicative of the issues at United right now — Ten Hag is focusing on all the wrong things.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