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      My dad’s a champion stone lifter famed for iconic photo, now I’m making my own way as a Premier League manager

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI grew up idolising his stone lifter dad who made headlines long before his son won over fans across the world.Jose Antonio Lopetegui, 94, reached fame in his craft and inspired Julen, 57, to carve his own path to greatness, but in a completely different sport.Julen Lopetegui’s father Jose Antonio was a famous stone lifterCredit: Paco MaríLopetegui learned a lot from his father and will be bringing his principles to West HamCredit: PAThere is also a famous photo showing the strongman hoisting both of his baby daughters, one on each hand, while his young son was standing next to them.The Spaniard, who seems set to take over at West Ham, was the only member of the family who ended up loving football but still absorbed his father’s values.Julen previously said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.”He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. Read More on Football”In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”Jose Antonio taught Julen the importance of hard work and dedication to one’s passion.Those were characteristics that the former goalkeeper needed after his acrimonious dismissals from Spain and Real Madrid.The Spaniard had his national team cruising to the 2018 World Cup with a 20-game unbeaten record that saw them winning a staggering 14 matches along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut higher-ups sacked Julen on the eve of the competition in Russia because he agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament and they didn’t take kindly to him negotiating ahead of the World Cup.And his return to Real, where he played before his retirement, didn’t work out as he was let go after just two months in charge because of a poor start to the campaign.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formHowever, Julen made the most out of the perseverance his father taught him and went on to succeed at Sevilla as well as Wolves.And now the ex-Porto boss is set to bring his same principles to West Ham with reports suggesting he has agreed terms with the club.The former Barcelona star is expected to replace outgoing manager David Moyes who will leave at the end of the season. More

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      Man Utd flops fighting for futures under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as they head for worst season ever – so who will be axed?

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      IF the Crystal Palace game last night, and indeed the entire season, revealed one thing more than any other, it is that Ralf Rangnick was right. Back in April 2022, the then Manchester United interim boss warned the club “needs open heart surgery” to return to its glory days.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos may finally give Man Utd the ‘open-heart surgery’ it needsCredit: GettyOnly three players, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are said to be untouchableCredit: EPASome players have serious question marks over their futures at the clubCredit: GettyFour transfer windows have passed since then, with 22 senior players leaving the club permanently.However, more misguided transfers, many of which are best summarised as either showing no long-term planning or handing too much power to the manager, have once again left the Red Devils with a huge rebuilding task.There is finally some faith such a task could be handled with appropriate care under new minority owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, who have complete sporting control of the club after buying a 27.7 per cent stake.Now sitting in eighth, Man Utd are on track for their worst-ever Premier League season after a game described by Erik ten Hag as his worst-ever defeat, so the job could not be more difficult.READ MORE ON MAN UTDReports suggest all but three – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – of the current squad are up for grabs providing there is sufficient interest.However, as SunSport’s Phil Thomas puts it: “Who would want them?” Below we take a look at each player in the senior men’s team and whether Ratcliffe and co should show leniency or swing the axe.Andre Onana – STAYAfter a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season.A restless defence in front of him has seen only two goalkeepers face more shots, while none have made more saves than the 28-year-old. Few are better with their feet as well, and getting a stable team in front of him should work wonders for Man Utd.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAltay Bayindir – GOReports in February suggested Altay Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.He was a relatively cheap purchase but if there is sufficient interest and a deal can be made which would yield some profit then a sale may be the best option for all parties. Jamie Carragher tells Casemiro ‘this needs to stop’ and Man Utd flop needs to quit club after Crystal Palace horror showTom Heaton – STAYVeteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.His character and experience can help nurture a younger goalkeeper – such as Under-18 League winner Tom Myles or Radek Vitek when he returns from loan as well.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GOWan-Bissaka, 26,has never managed to make the right-back position his own for one reason or another, and is certainly no longer the club’s starter there following Diogo Dalot’s rise.He has featured at left-back on a number of occasions this season but has appeared to be a fish out of water in all but a few games. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.Diogo Dalot – STAYDiogo Dalot is in with a shout for Man Utd’s Player of the SeasonCredit: APDalot, 26 – who came 16th in the Football Writers’ Association votes for Football of the Year – has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.While a full-back will be needed, there are more pressing concerns for the club to worry about, particularly when there are talented defenders such as Harry Amass waiting in the academy.Raphael Varane – GOVarane managed to get himself back into the starting XI after a rough patch of form before injury saw him sidelined again.If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep the 31-year-old for another year, but Ineos can ill afford passengers – especially those on huge wages like Varane – if they are to perform the open-heart surgery the club needs.Harry Maguire – GOHarry Maguire does not match the profile of centre-back Man Utd may look to bring inCredit: EPAAnother star who has worked his way back into the starting XI this season, 31-year-old Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd.Overall ability and desired profile are another matter however. His lack of pace has always been at odds with the high line Man Utd want to play, while on the ball the England regular has often struggled to play out.Lisandro Martinez – STAYWhat might have been if he was actually fit and healthy. Having just one left-footed player would do wonders in helping Man Utd build up, and Martinez, 26, is second to none in that regard.He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side – possibly Jean-Clair Todibo based on reports – and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season. But his immediate future at the club should be safe.Jonny Evans – GOJonny Evans has shown his age a number of times this seasonCredit: GettyVeteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player, but we have opted to move him on considering he is 36 years of age.He has generally been a steady player for the team this season but has shown his advanced years at times, such as in last night’s 4-0 hammering against Crystal Palace when Jean-Philippe Mateta ran him ragged.Victor Lindelof – GOLike Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career.He also has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him. That being said it would not be the worst move in the world to keep him for another year.Willy Kambwala – STAYLike Evans, Kambwala, 19, has stepped into the first team when needed and generally been solid.He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.Luke Shaw – GODespite his ability, Luke Shaw’s injury record is far from the best and it may be time to cash inCredit: GettyOne of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.Reports suggest United will consider a new left-back given their crisis in the area this season, and as rare as a player of 28-year-old Shaw’s quality is, there are many more who are simply available more.Tyrell Malacia – STAYMalacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.Hopefully he can return to full fitness over the summer and be an option for whoever is in charge.Sofyan Amrabat – GOAmrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. How much of a faux pas would it have been to sign him permanently?After an underwhelming season in England, Amrabat’s loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent, and nor should it based on the displays of this season.Casemiro – GOCasemiro looked out of his depth against Crystal Palace last nightCredit: GettyCasemiro’s disastrous performance against Crystal Palace was the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of there being any doubt as to whether he was still up to the standard to play for Man Utd. Needlessly diving into challenges, roaming miles from his position and giving away the ball time and time again, if a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old Brazilian – who has two more years on his contrcat – then United should snatch their hand off.Christian Eriksen – GOBrought in on a free transfer, Eriksen would represent pure profit from a Financial Fair Play perspective so making a sale to improve Man Utd’s position on that front means this is an easy one.The former Tottenham playmaker, 32, proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.Kobbie Mainoo – STAYKobbie Mainoo is young and raw but is showing promise as a Man Utd midfielder of the futureCredit: GettyThe first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.He is far from ready to lead the team, but with a proper structure around him, the 19-year-old can be moulded into a player who could dominate the Old Trafford engine for more than ten years.Mason Mount – STAYMount has seen his first season at Old Trafford riddled by injury.He has similar qualities to Eriksen with an added engine to boot, so the 25-year-old is another star who can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least.Scott McTominay – STAYMcTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.His goals have been vital to Man Utd and as a result he should be kept around and used as a superb super sub rather than being given the nod to start week in week out.Bruno Fernandes – STAYMan Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances.He is the club captain and his tenacity was sorely missed against Crystal Palace. He should have a spot in the team guaranteed for the next few years at the very least, even though his critics will tell you otherwise.Antony – GOMan Utd should cut their losses on stars such as Antony, who have underwhelmed at the clubCredit: GettyAt £85million, there’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history.Too often games pass him by, and when he is involved he is often not good enough. The price tag of a player originally marked at £25m doesn’t help, and despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.Anthony Martial – GOOut of contract in the summer, Martial has been a drain on club resources in the last couple of seasons.He has chipped in with the odd goal and his injury record means some sympathy can be handed to him, but ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer.Marcus Rashford – STAYAs easy as it would be to say Rashford, 26, should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.There are more pressing issues in the squad than at left wing, and he should be given the benefit of the doubt that he can good again next season unless a very strong bid comes to prompt a sale.We have tipped 12 players to leave Man Utd this summerAlejandro Garnacho – STAYAnother third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it and may even be the long-term solution there despite his preference to play on the left, where he is less effective.The 19-year-old remains a raw talent but his partnership with Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund has proven to be electric and one that can only get better with time.Rasmus Hojlund – STAYA slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.He needs a deputy to share the load of minutes with too, but Hojlund is an obvious keep and rightly the third star of the untouchables.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmad Diallo – STAYIn the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting.The 21-year-old was a big investment from Atalanta and should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season, possibly rotating with Garnacho on the right side.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      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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      Chelsea ‘set to make £65m transfer bid for Mudryk’s old team-mate’ but face battle with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City

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      CHELSEA are lining up a £65million bid for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, according to reports.Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been keeping tabs on the Ukrainian this season.Georgiy Sudakov is being linked with a host of top Premier League clubsCredit: GettySudakov, left, was team-mates with Mykhailo Mudryk, right, at Shakhtar DonetskCredit: AFPHe has scored eight goals for club and country in the 2023/24 campaign, one of which came in a 3-0 win on Sunday.Now The Mail understand Chelsea have held discussions with the player’s representatives as they prepare to make a suitable offer for the man who has a £125million release clause.Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin was also at Chelsea’s win over Everton last month and confirmed after the game that Sudakov will leave in the summer.He said: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.”He will definitely move to a top European club this summer.”When I was at Chelsea versus Everton, many people asked me about Sudakov.”Sudakov, who is under contract until 2028, played alongside Mykhailo Mudryk at Shakhtar before he left for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair are good friend, with Sudakov joking in the past that Mudryk is missing him in London.They are still team-mates for the Ukraine national team – where Sudakov has 14 caps.Ex-Chelsea and England wonderkid now unemployedMudryk has struggled since moving to England, scoring just six goals and assisting four in 56 appearances.But Mauricio Pochettino’s side are starting to show signs of improvement with a run of just one loss in their last 12 Premier League games.On Sunday, they thrashed West Ham 5-0 to move seventh in the table with three games remaining. More

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      Julen Lopetegui ‘SNUBS Bayern Munich’ as he closes in on West Ham jobs as baffled fans say ‘have I read this correctly?’

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      FOOTBALL fans are baffled after learning Julen Lopetegui reportedly turned down Bayern Munich because he wants to join West Ham.The ex-Real Madrid and Wolves boss, 57, has agreed terms to join the Hammers in the summer when David Moyes’ contract expires.Julen Lopetegui is poised to succeed David Moyes at West HamCredit: PAHe was understood to be in the frame for the Bayern Munich job as they search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel – who will depart at the end of the campaign.According to The Athletic, the Bundesliga giants enquired about Lopetegui on Monday.However, he is said to want to join West Ham over the Champions League semi-finalists.And a lot of people on social media cannot believe he is rejecting Bayern for the East London club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “I never thought I’d hear someone preferring West Ham over Bayern.”Another added: “Have I read this correctly?”A third replied: “Turning down Bayern for West Ham isn’t something I thought I’d ever read.”A fourth responded: “Everyone running away from Bayern Munich job, what is happening over there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.
      He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.
      Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.
      He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.
      The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.
      He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.
      Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.
      He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.

      And a fifth said: “He chose West Ham over Bayern Munich? 😭😭😭. I’m am laughing wayyyy too much. Bayern are an embarrassment.”Bayern have already had failed conversations with a number of managers including Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formBrighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is now the favourite for the vacancy, despite him insisting last week that he wants to stay with the South Coast side.He said: “We’re going to speak with Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner].”I think I would like to stay in Brighton because I love my players. I love this city. I love my club, my fans.”I said in the meeting with the fans, if I’m happy, there isn’t any club can bring myself to change a team but I want to keep my passion always. More

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      Darwin Nunez mysteriously deletes all his Liverpool photos off Instagram as misfiring star is linked with shock transfer

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      LIVERPOOL star Darwin Nunez has fuelled speculation about his future after deleting all pictures of him playing for the club from Instagram.Nunez, 24, joined the Reds two years ago following a club record £85million deal with Benfica and has amassed a total of 18 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances this season.Liverpool star Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move away this summerCredit: GettyNunez has deleted all Liverpool-related photos from his Instagram pageThe striker has often shown a lack of clinical edge with no player in Europe’s top five leagues missing more big chances.Despite that, he’s still much loved by Liverpool fans.The Merseysiders are set for a new era with Jurgen Klopp’s glittering nine-year stint coming to an end as the German tactician has decided to take some time off.Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is set to replace Klopp at the Kop and big changes could be on the horizon.Read More on FootballSunSport revealed that Nunez has attracted interest from Barcelona amid all that uncertainty.And as speculation continues to mount, the Uruguay international has deleted all photos of him playing in a Liverpool shirt off Instagram.Every snap, except his profile picture, show the Uruguayan enjoying some family time.The only football-related pics are from his time playing with Uruguay and Benfica.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere has been no explanation why he’s deleted his Liverpool pictures.Barca wish to bring Nunez to Catalonia to replace Robert Lewandowski as they prepare for a major summer fire-sale amid their growing financial woes.Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot snaps at reporters in press conference and threatens ‘this will be unpleasant’Lewandowski is the Blaugrana’s biggest earner while the Liverpool star makes about a quarter of the Poland international’s salary as he racks up around £140,000 per week at Anfield.The Premier League giants could be open for discussions with Barcelona, who are willing to meet the player’s release clause, as they will want to hand Slot a decent summer kitty.However, if Saudi Arabia interest in Mohamed Salah returns then Nunez’s situation will drastically change.Salah, 31, enjoys a hefty contract at Liverpool that runs out next year and was the subject of a record £150million bid from Al-Ittihad last summer. More

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      West Ham AGREE terms with Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes with manager facing axe after Chelsea thrashing

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has agreed terms to become the new West Ham manager.The former Wolves boss, 57, who is set to replace David Moyes, has not signed a contract yet, but both parties are happy with the proposed deal.Julen Lopetegui is reportedly set to become the next West Ham managerCredit: PADavid Moyes is expected to leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyThe news comes after West Ham were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Moyes, whose second stint in East London began in December 2019, has seen his side slip to ninth in the Premier League table.The Scot, who was offered a new deal at the end of last year but declined to sign it at the time, has insisted that no decision will be made on his future until after the final game of the season.However, the club have not won any of their last six games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes has also not helped his case by asking for director of football, Tim Steidten, to stay away from him and the first team squad at the stadium and training ground.Pressure is now growing on the club to announce the 61-year-old’s departure before their final home game of the season against Luton on Saturday so fans can give him a send off.Yet Moyes’ spell at West Ham has been a success as he led them to Europa Conference League glory, as well as back-to-back fifth-place finishes.His Hammers contract expires in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.
      He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.
      Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.
      He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.
      The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.
      He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.
      Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.
      He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.

      Spaniard Lopetegui left Wolves last summer over spending concerns after finishing 13th in his first season in the Premier League last year.But fans are not happy with the prospect of the former Real Madrid and Spain boss taking over, and would rather the club plumped for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.West Ham ban chief from dressing roomKey figures within the club have also pushed Amorim’s case.One supporter has even launched a petition on Change.org asking for 500 signatures, claiming Lopetegui is “not good enough, not ambitious enough”.However, Amorim is no long an option having confirmed he will remain in Portugal.He said: “I’m staying at Sporting. I’m under contract and it’s a special moment for me, for the club.”Now we will try to win the third title together. Let’s try to make it happen.”Hammers slumpThe switch of manager at West Ham comes after their campaign unravelled.Knocked out of the Europa League by German champs Bayer Leverkusen, Moyes has also seen their league form plummet. Their 5-0 loss to Chelsea was preceded by a 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, a recent home loss to Fulham and an embarrassing 6-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.They club also exited the FA Cup in the Third Round to Bristol City.Moyes has just two games left in charge should Lopetegui come in.READ MORE SUN STORIESWest Ham play Luton in their final home game this Saturday before closing out the season away at Man City.Pressure is now growing on the club to announce the 61-year-old’s departure before their final home game so fans can give him a send off. More

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      Bayern Munich ‘make contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent’ in shock bid to end Dutchman’s Man Utd misery

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      BAYERN MUNICH have “made contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent”, according to reports.The Dutchman, 54, is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag could be set to land another huge job if he is sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBut he could walk straight into another top job as Bundesliga giants Bayern consider him for their top job.It has already been revealed that Ten Hag is one of the names on a three-man shortlist alongside ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and Benfica’s Roger Schmidt.But now Sky Sports understand Bayern have “made contact” with Ten Hag’s agent, Kees Vos, to see if he would be open to the move.No formal talks have taken place, but the Man Utd boss is said to be aware of the interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after ex-Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick rejected Bayern last month to stay on as Austria head coach.The German side are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern drew 2-2 at home in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.If they make it through, it will be Tuchel’s third Champions League final in four years – after his defeat with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and triumph with Chelsea in 2021.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s final game as Man Utd boss could be the FA Cup final on May 25 if he is dismissed at the end of the season.He will be determined to avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. More

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      Man Utd have held meetings with Jadon Sancho in shock bid to bring him BACK to club next season despite Ten Hag fallout

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have met with Jadon Sancho in a bid to bring him back to Old Trafford next season.The £73million signing was farmed out on loan back to his previous club Borussia Dortmund after falling out with Erik ten Hag.Man Utd have met with Jadon Sancho over his return to the clubCredit: GettySancho was shipped out to Borussia Dortmund after a fallout with Erik ten HagCredit: PABut Ten Hag insists the meetings are to monitor his performancesCredit: ReutersBut the manager says that meetings have taken place with the winger and United staff have been in Germany monitoring his games.Ten Hag said: “We are close in that process. We are visiting games where Jadon was performing.“We had a visit with him, we talk with him and we will keep going with this process.”Meetings have taken place with now departed Director of Football John Murtough and Director of Player Negotiations Matt Hargreaves.READ MORE IN MAN UTDSancho fell out with Ten Hag last September after he was dropped for the away defeat at Arsenal.Afterwards the boss explained his absence for his poor attitude in training.The player later put out a social media posting effectively calling his manager a liar.While he took that post down, he refused to apologise to Ten Hag for what he did.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was banished from the first team and made to train on his own and with the academy players, before finally being allowed to leave on loan.His poor form at United has since been at odds with his performances back at Dortmund, where he made his name, not least in last weeks 1-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win over PSG.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon Sancho (2)Now Ten Hag wants to put their differences behind them after this season has finished.He said: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season so stay away from this issue, now it is not important.“He has the return of the semi-final, in the league it is not going that well for them and we have four important games in the league and the FA Cup final and then we will see.”Clearly Ten Hag is already looking ahead to what the make-up of his squad will be going into next season, believing he will still be the boss.He admits he needs greater depth after being left exposed by a raft of injuries this season.He said: “That is one of the issues in constructing the squad. We have to construct a squad better, with more depth.”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.”

      There is a certain type of player he is looking for, as well.He said: “I think every manager wants winning attitudes.“Great mentality big personalities to perform under stress is what every manager is looking for. In this club it is extremely important to perform under stress.”A player he most definitely wants to keep is captain Bruno Fernandes who hinted in an interview last week that he will consider his future at United after this summer’s Euros.He said: “That was taken out of context. I know he is Manchester United and he is very happy to be here.”Ten Hag says his skipper is an example to the other players particularly those not prepared to play through the pain barrier.He said: “Bruno is a real fighter. Last year for instance when we played Brighton in the FA Cup semi final, he played with an ankle that was so thick, unbelievable,“Bruno is a very good example for other players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited travel to take on Crystal Palace tonight without Harry Maguire.He has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out of the last three league games but could make the FA Cup Final and the England international will be ok for the Euros.Man Utd are ‘dynamic and entertaining’… but not in a good way, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      MUCH guffawing when Erik ten Hag proclaimed his Manchester United side as “one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams” in the Premier League after a 1-1 home draw with Burnley.
      But I agree with him.
      This season I’ve watched live as United beat Liverpool and Wolves 4-3, drew 3-3 with Coventry and Galatasaray and lost 4-3 at Bayern Munich and Copenhagen.
      I also watched on telly as they were beaten 4-3 at Chelsea.
      As a neutral, I can’t remember seeing any team involved in quite so many mental matches during the course of one season.
      The problem is Ten Hag isn’t there to produce chaotic entertainment for the likes of me, he’s there to make Manchester United successful and make their fans happy — which is an entirely different metric.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column here
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