All the latest news surrounding Manchester United as they prepare to make a big decision over Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United’s season has now officially drawn to a close, and they can begin preparations for next term knowing they will have European football after all, despite a disappointing Premier League campaign. The Red Devils stunned everyone by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and the Europa League awaits as a result.
Questions continue to hang over the head of Erik ten Hag, and that particular question will need to be answered before the club can truly plan for next season. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding Old Trafford.
Shearer on Ten Hag fallout
Alan Shearer has been speaking amid criticism of his interview with Ten Hag. Speaking on the latest Rest is Football podcast, he said: “He’s entitled to have a pop back because he’s been criticised at times and I think rightly so because his team have been miles off it for most of the times this season.
“They’ve been really poor, they’ve had a disastrous season in the Premier League and I don’t think any Man United fan would argue with that. To finish eighth in the table, to finish with the number of goals they’ve conceded and to have allowed so many shots against is embarrassing. So for all of those things, at times, we’ve had to criticise them this season. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs, but he’s entitled to have the hump with people who he feels have been unfair.
“I just felt I was well within my rights to say ‘ok, I understand you, but we have to do our job, as well you doing yours’. If we didn’t criticise you for all those points I’ve just made, we would look foolish, which is why I felt it was right I could come back at him to say hang on, you have been poor. I know they’ve had injuries, but everyone has, Chelsea have, Newcastle have and Liverpool have. Some of his signings have been really poor and I think it’s right we’ve been critical. “I did also make the point I thought his team were unbelievable in the FA Cup final. They were by far the best team, they won every tackle and had the right attitude. He played a blinder in terms of his tactics and I said all of those things, but yeah, the Man United fans [messaging me], it’s fine.”
Mainoo claim
Former United goalkeeper Tim Howard has backed Kobbie Mainoo to follow in Declan Rice’s footsteps as he continues to develop. “Mainoo is a product of the United academy, too. He has a similar stature. He’s young. So it is an interesting comparison. But I don’t necessarily see it,” Howard told the Daily Mail.
“For me, there is another midfielder that Kobbie should look to for a blueprint on how to develop his game: Declan Rice. He’s had a breakout season at Arsenal because he’s now been freed up to explore what it’s like in the other penalty area. Kobe has the ability to do that, too. Now it is up to his managers: can they allow him to do what he’s great at – breaking things up, using his energy – but then also encourage him to get further forward?
“I wouldn’t be afraid to give him more licence and to expect more from him – in a United shirt and in an England shirt. Could he be an asset for Gareth Southgate at this summer’s Euros? Sure. This could be a good chance for him to get on that stage.”
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