Speculation is rampant over Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United following a disappointing second season in charge, but he could end things on a high by winning the FA Cup
Manchester United have five games left this season and will be hoping to end a disappointing campaign by winning the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City.
United have failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League and Erik ten Hag’s position as manager is in doubt, with the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe already ringing the changes after taking full control of football operations.
A number of managers have already been linked with the job, including Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. With all that in mind, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s defiant message
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Ten Hag has insisted he is not concerned about his job following the departures of John Murtough and Richard Arnold.
“No, I don’t have that feeling,” the Dutchman said when asked about losing two of his closest allies. “I work well with them, we are aligned, we communicate every day.
“There are already new people in a new structure and we communicate on a daily basis I don’t think in [terms of] danger. I think in opportunities. I never think in problems, I think ‘how do we solve those problems or avoid them?'”
Read Ten Hag’s full thoughts
Maguire swap deal
According to the Daily Star, United are planning to use Harry Maguire as part of their bid to try and sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
The defender is among United’s top transfer targets, with Ratcliffe desperate to strengthen his squad this summer. The report says United hope that including Maguire in the deal will help ‘swing the transfer race in their favour’.
Everton are said to value Branthwaite at £70million and the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and La Liga giants Real Madrid are also thought to be interested in the 21-year-old’s services.
Read more about the potential deal
Ten Hag makes Bruno demand
Ten Hag has urged his players to take a leaf out of Bruno Fernandes ‘ book, highlighting the skipper’s physical and mental resolve as something he wants to see from the rest of his squad.
“Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets nowadays that top footballers have to show and to deliver,” Ten Hag said. “Bruno always delivers, he’s always available, he never misses a game, always plays at a good level and is always giving energy to the team.
“Such assets are necessary to be successful. 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 it was unbelievable. He couldn’t run, but he was still on the pitch.”
Read Ten Hag’s full comments
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