Ten Hag made himself 'hostage to fortune'published at 08:32 20 September
08:32 20 September
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has made himself a hostage to fortune with some brave talk ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.
The United boss is probably on safe ground with a literal interpretation of his "Saturday will be different" statement. Another 4-0 defeat is almost unthinkable.
But it was not just the scale of the defeat that grated earlier this year - it was the manner of it.
Until the past week, United have not looked completely at ease with themselves this season, or as though their summer arrivals have significantly strengthened them.
For a change, the noise around Ten Hag has abated.
If Saturday produces anything like a repeat of the last Palace debacle, it will rise again, and the fact he has promised it will not happen would make it even worse.
'Players need to be listened to'published at 08:05 20 September
08:05 20 September
Image source, Getty Images
The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.
First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.
I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.
From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.
The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.
We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.
None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Gossip: Mainoo set for bumper new contractpublished at 07:14 20 September
07:14 20 September
Manchester United are set to offer England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, a bumper new contract to reflect his status as a first-team star. (Fabrizio Romano on YouTube), external
Southampton's 18-year-old forward Tyler Dibling is on Manchester United's radar after impressing sporting director Dan Ashworth. (GiveMeSport), external
Manchester United could move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, 29, with the futures of 32-year-old duo Christian Eriksen and Casemiro still in doubt. (Manchester Evening News), external
'Saturday will be different'published at 17:54 19 September
17:54 19 September
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has promised his side will not suffer a repeat humiliation when they return to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
United lost 4-0 on their last visit to Selhurst Park at the beginning of May. Many outsiders assumed the result would signal the death knell for Ten Hag as United boss.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted to stick with the Dutchman, which means he has a chance to avenge that previous loss.
"It was a 4-0, totally deserved, but Saturday will be different," he said. "I don't compare [situations]. From February onwards, we had to find 11 players to construct a team. Now it is 18."
Ten Hag confirmed midfielder Mason Mount and striker Rasmus Hojlund had started training with the main group again but refused to say if either would be involved at the weekend.
"It is very good news they are back on the pitch. Now we have to decide if they are fit enough to start."
Ten Hag on Mount and Hojlund fitness, Rashford form and Palace rematchpublished at 17:12 19 September
17:12 19 September
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 17.30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Ten Hag said it is "very good news" Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund are back in training but they will have to "make the final call" on their availability on Friday.
On the fitness issues of players like Hojlund and Mount: "[In] top football, you always go to boundaries. When you have a full squad available it’s easier to manage the load. We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way."
On forward Antony, who scored in the 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley: "I think every player should give those reactions. You have to train hard, you have to perform in training, you have to earn a right to play and when the moment is your chance you have to take it."
He added: "But, the manager can only pick 11 players and make five substitutions. So make sure you have those players in every game and that on a consistent basis they perform. Most importantly, when the chance is there, you have to perform in a game and contribute to a winning team."
The United boss also said it is "very good" that Marcus Rashford is scoring goals "when the season is very young" as strikers "need that belief".
He added: "Now we have a couple of players on the scoring list, it is very good for the team. It strengthens their belief [and] they will go for more and go for more goals."
On facing the Eagles at Selhurst Park after losing 4-0 there in May: "We know it is always tough there, always aggressive but we also know the circumstances - you can't compare this. We didn’t have a fit squad - we had one or two players up to 20% and this time it is totally different."
United prepare for Selhurst Park returnpublished at 13:20 19 September
13:20 19 September
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
We are in a period of time when managers run out of new things to say about their team.
Most top-flight bosses are having to do six news conferences in the space of eight days, particularly if they are in charge of clubs who are qualified for Europe.
Manchester United's Erik ten Hag is one of them.
He had to deal with form issues before the win at Southampton and the importance of winning a trophy prior to the seven-goal hammering of Barnsley.
Now it is Crystal Palace away. Selhurst Park was the scene, just over four months ago, of one of the worst United performances in many years as they were outclassed and beaten 4-0 by the Eagles.
At the time, Sky Sports pundit and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher labelled United as one of the "worst coached sides" he had seen.
Later today, Ten Hag will likely be forced to revisit that game and be asked what has changed.
Gossip: Eriksen responds to exit talkpublished at 07:41 19 September
07:41 19 September
Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen was linked with leaving Manchester United in the summer but the 32-year-old - who has one year left on his contract - says he did not consider leaving the Old Trafford club. (Mail), external
Neville wants fans to have their say on Old Trafford futurepublished at 14:26 18 September
14:26 18 September
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester United skipper Gary Neville has urged the club’s fans to take part in a survey to be launched later this week, which it is said will ensure supporters remain at the core of regeneration plans around Old Trafford.
A decision about the future direction of the ambitious stadium project is due to be made at the end of the year.
Neville is part of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force that will advise on the decision.
A fan survey is due to be released by United on Friday. The club says it will cover their current matchday experience and what they want their future experience to include.
"Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it’s clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world-class stadium befitting the world’s greatest club and the world’s greatest fans," said Neville.
"Old Trafford should be a stadium that the Manchester United fanbase can take pride in, so I urge the fans to complete the survey, and participate in the wider consultation, to help shape the Task Force feasibility work and ultimately inform the club’s final decision on the stadium’s future."
United are also intending to speak to local residents.
Chief operating officer Collette Roche says this initial consultation will be followed by ‘a series of focus groups and town hall meetings’.
'I feel very good being at United'published at 14:05 18 September
14:05 18 September
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has been speaking about his future at the club following speculation about a summer exit and with his contract set to expire next June:
"I feel very good being at United. If they told me to leave I would leave, but I didn't hear that.
"I'm also a guy who likes being in a place where my family is settled and at the same time being in a place where I can benefit and play. That's always going to be my aim.
"There's one year left [on United contract] so my focus is going to be on this year, going full out and see what happens afterwards."
On the tally of 10 goals scored in consecutive wins over Southampton and Barnsley: "It's only two games and two wins. It's our aim now to keep this consistency - not about scoring goals a game [although] that would be nice.
"Just winning the games and getting a good feeling going into each game. I hope at the weekend we continue that. Big applause to this many fans showing up on a Tuesday night - it was nice to see."
'Give United the credit they deserve'published at 09:22 18 September
09:22 18 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game between Manchester United and Barnsley.
Here are some of your comments:
James: A brilliant performance from United. Yes we should be winning against Barnsley, but you can only beat what's in front of you and the manner of the victory was really pleasing. I was there and the crowd were really up for it. Some great goals and individual performances and it was clear to see the patterns of play Erik ten Hag is trying to implement.
Christine: Everyone will say it's only Barnsley but when you have hit rock bottom and your team is working its way back, games like this give so much confidence to those players that have been struggling. It's a start and as much as I was so pleased to see quality play there is a long road ahead.
Benjamin: Where did that come from? Get Marcus Rashford back in the England squad as soon as possible, especially if he carries on scoring the way he has been lately. My one reservation would be that Barnsley were easy opponents, any other team would’ve put up a good fight and all the other teams will most likely be meticulously studying their next few matches closely.
Simon: I hope United are given the credit they deserve here. A year ago, United might have won this 2-0 at the death but this was the slickest and most controlled game I have seen in years. Regardless of the opposition, because there are upsets every season, this was a dominant and professional performance. Great to see our forwards scoring plenty of goals!
Ethan: United were class in all areas. Some will say “it’s just Barnsley”, but in the past two games we’ve done what United are expected to do which is a massive turn around from last season. Rashford, Antony and Garnacho were all quality and the end product was mint. Casemiro however was my man of the match. Hopefully see more of it and we’re back.
'Ten Hag has started to talk about his game model'published at 08:42 18 September
08:42 18 September
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has started to talk about his "game model". He was at it again after last night's 7-0 win over League One Barnsley in the EFL Cup.
In the media, we assume he means tactics and a game plan, something Ten Hag has been criticised for not having during his time at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United boss was asked to clarify but his response was just as vague as the initial concept.
"It is a never-ending process," he said, before reeling off some positive aspects of his team and then saying his players need to work harder to get it all right.
United will not face many opponents more compliant than Barnsley, so the implementation of Ten Hag's game model, whatever it is, can only be measured against better opponents.
But there was certainly a lot of pointing going on in United's technical area last night and set-piece coach Andreas Georgson was making his presence felt.
Whatever the game model is, the former Lillestrom manager is a significant part of it.
Gossip: Man Utd face competition for Adeyemipublished at 07:51 18 September
07:51 18 September
Manchester United are interested in Borussia Dortmund's 22-year-old Germany forward Karim Adeyemi but could face competition from Newcastle and Liverpool. (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, United and West Ham are keen on 29-year-old Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is unhappy after losing his place at Bayern Munich. (Sun), external
Ten Hag on 'perfect night' and Rashford's doublepublished at 07:50 18 September
07:50 18 September
Image source, PA Media
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking after United's 7-0 win over League One club Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round:
"For the team, it's the perfect night. I think we [did] everything that we planned to do. How we won, [into the] next round, scored some great goals, entertained the fans... we are happy.
"I was not devastated after [the 3-0 Premier League loss to] Liverpool. I am not now celebrating.
"We are on a journey and we will see where we are in May because then we have to be good, and then you have to be at your best. In the meantime, every time progress the team."
On two goals for Marcus Rashford, having ended a long spell without scoring last weekend: "Confidence is a big part of it. It's not everything, there are also other parts, but confidence is a big part.
"I think Rashford is a big guy. He's scored so many goals and is one in the list of [current] United goalscorers.
"But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it.
"But I have even seen the biggest guys, the biggest football players, when they are not performing and when strikers are not scoring, then they drop in confidence. It doesn't matter who it is."
Man Utd 7-0 Barnsley - send us your thoughtspublished at 21:54 17 September
'In top football, it is about winning trophies'published at 11:09 17 September
11:09 17 September
Image source, Getty Images
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United will be taking their Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley "very seriously", with the Dutch manager setting his sights on "winning trophies" this season.
In his pre-match news conference, Ten Hag disagreed with former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's comments that trophies are an 'ego thing' and the league is 'most important'.
He added: "I think all the leagues are important. In top football, at the end of the day, it is about winning trophies and hitting targets.
"You set some targets in the season but also longer term ones which you want to grow into, therefore you have a strategy and follow the strategy. You develop and progress the team.
"When you win one of the five leagues then you hit some targets and you have done your job well."
Ten Hag added that he believes playing more games this season, and progressing through cup competitions, will be "very important" for his squad.
"We will see tomorrow what the line-up will be. We take it very seriously," he added.
"We have to get into the season and to do that you have to work on routines and patterns - it is very important. Many players didn't play together in pre-season, so we have to build those partnerships and we have to build those patterns and routines.
"That is the only way it is possible - is in games - because training time is also very limited when we have to cover so many games, every third day. Training is almost a recovery."
De Ligt's goal celebration should come as no surprisepublished at 09:03 17 September
09:03 17 September
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Matthijs de Ligt lived the life of a new Manchester United player throughout the international break.
He could have done with positive headlines after making his first United start in a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool. What transpired was the opposite.
Ronald Koeman hooked De Ligt at half-time in the Netherlands' draw against Germany after a misplaced pass led to an equaliser. He then could not prevent the cross that assisted Germany going in front.
The centre-back partner who lost the scorer for that second goal was happy to shift the blame, which did not soothe the criticism.
As soon as you don that famous red shirt, you inherit the pressure that has caused many before him to fumble and falter. United's new number four learned that the hard way across a difficult first month.
But De Ligt's exploits in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Southampton showcased the character and quality that bodes very well for his chances of succeeding after his £43m switch from Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old first came up with a pinpoint header to break the deadlock at St Mary's before playing a pivotal role in United’s second clean sheet of the campaign.
It was a performance so good it was easy to forget that Erik ten Hag has one of the world’s most exciting young defenders waiting in the wings to recover from a foot injury.
Once Leny Yoro is back in contention - expected to be by the end of 2024 - he will join De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire among the Premier League's strongest centre-back departments.
De Ligt is no stranger to adversity, considering he has also represented arguably the biggest clubs in the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.
Maybe for that reason, his reaction on the south coast should not be much of a surprise at all.
Gossip: Musiala contract situation on Man Utd's radarpublished at 07:42 17 September
07:42 17 September
Bayern Munich are having difficulties convincing attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala to renew his contract with the club, which could spark interest in the 21-year-old Germany international from Manchester United and Manchester City. (Mirror), external
Meanwhile, United are expected to offer winger Amad Diallo a new long-term contract in the coming months. His current deal runs out this summer. (Manchester Evening News), external
Image source, Getty Images
