Erik ten Hag previews Man Utd’s clash with Galatasaray in the Champions League
Things are looking up for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, overseeing five wins in the last six Premier League games, including four consecutive triumphs away from home. But that hasn’t stopped links to potential replacements under the incoming Sir Jim Ratcliffe regime.
The 71-year-old is expected to oversee significant changes to United’s football operations once his £1.4billion deal for a 25 per cent stake goes through.
Chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are two high-placed figures in the firing line, with the former already confirmed to have left. But Ten Hag may also be at risk if Sir Jim wants a fresh start with an Ineos-approved coach at the helm.
United have strongly disputed claims that they are considering replacing Ten Hag and batted away previous reports in Spain linking Carlo Ancelotti to Old Trafford.
But the Real Madrid boss’ name has emerged again this week as Sir Jim’s agreement with the Glazer family grows closer.
According to Spanish radio programme Tiempo de Juego on Cope, Ancelotti has received an offer from a Premier League club looking for a new coach next season.
The reporter with the information, Juanma Castano, dismissed suggestions of a potential return to Chelsea or Everton or succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
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He claimed United were the interested club in question ahead of Ancelotti’s contract expiry at the Santiago Bernabeu next year.
Castano added Casemiro – who worked with Ancelotti twice at Real – could have influence on Ancelotti taking over. Alejandro Garnacho is also said to be a huge admirer, with both ‘interested’ in the Italian’s arrival.
Ten Hag has had run-ins with both players during his tenure as United manager in his bid to drive up standards on and off the pitch.
In his first pre-season, the Dutchman included Garnacho in his squad for the club’s summer pre-season tour ahead of his breakthrough campaign.
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However, after reportedly turning up late for team meetings twice in Bangkok and Australia, the 19-year-old winger didn’t feature in any of United’s four games.
Ten Hag has also had problems with Casemiro’s form this season, with the experienced Brazilian failing to replicate last term’s impact.
After dragging Casemiro off at half-time while United trailed Brentford 1-0 at Old Trafford, Ten Hag explained he wanted his side to “play more football” before they went on to win 2-1 through Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time brace.
The Athletic reported that his comments didn’t go down well inside the United dressing room. Any remaining prickly aspects of Casemiro’s relationship with his boss could contribute to his reported desire to reunite with Ancelotti.
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