Manchester United under Erik ten Hag

[zudomiriku]

'It is UNACCEPTABLE... for everyone': Angry Erik ten Hag fumes at Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to leave Old Trafford before the end of Man United's last friendly, as the wantaway star pushes for an exit

* Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United's friendly against Rayo Vallecano early
* After initially refusing to comment, United said they had no issue with Ronaldo
* It's believed the 37-year-old star was one of a number of player to depart early
* But Erik ten Hag has since insisted he doesn't 'condone' player leaving early

Erik ten Hag has branded Cristiano Ronaldo's behaviour 'unacceptable' after the Manchester United star left Old Trafford before the end of Sunday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

Ronaldo was taken off at half-time and then walked out of the stadium 10 minutes before full-time without his manager's permission.

Despite suggestions that United didn't have a problem over Ronaldo's early exit, Ten Hag criticised the player's conduct in an interview with Dutch television.

Asked if he condoned it, the new United boss said: 'Definitely not - it's unacceptable for everybody.

'There were a lot more who went home. I tell them it's unacceptable and that we are a team and that we have to stay until the end.'

It is the first time Ten Hag has turned on Ronaldo in a summer that has seen the 37-year-old miss most of pre-season after asking to leave United.

The club insist Ronaldo is not for sale and Ten Hag says the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is part of his plans - but still needs to prove he is a top player.

'I think he can (fit in),' said Ten Hag. 'To start with he has to get fit. He's just started.

'He's a fantastic football player. He's proved it so many times, but you can always be judged on what you are now. The team and Cristiano by himself, have to prove it.'


Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United's friendly with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday early. Manager Erik ten Hag (left) has labelled the star's decision to depart early 'unacceptable'. United initially refused to comment but did clarify that the club has no issues with Ronaldo

Ronaldo was replaced at the break by Amad Diallo, who gave United the lead with a close-range rebound in the 48th minute.

But Rayo Vallecano drew level through Alvaro Garcia Rivera's finish nine minutes later.

Ronaldo's future has been one of the biggest stories of the summer with the 37-year-old making it clear he wants to leave to pursue Champions League football.

United have so far maintained that he is not for sale, the former Real Madrid man still having one year remaining on his contract.

It is understood the forward's agent has informed United of an offer and wants the Red Devils to name their price.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United coach Chris Armas has urged Ten Hag to take a hands-on approach to ensure Ronaldo remains at Old Trafford.

Armas served as assistant to Ralf Rangnick during the German's beleaguered six-month spell as interim manager last season.

The American said: 'He's a big part of the team and he's still a guy that produced so it would be my job to figure out how to get all that talent and all that fire and experience of winning and challenge him as much as I could.

'I think the most important thing is to engage with Cristiano. He's got so much to give, again his commitment to winning and scoring.

'Each guy has their different type of leadership - he can certainly be a leader in his way and my goal like everyone else on the roster was 'how can I get the best out of Cristiano?'

'So I do think that's a hands-on approach, it's speaking with him, it's bringing him into the office, it's asking him questions. So he's part of the solutions and part of the success.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11076501/This-UNACCEPTABLE-Erik-ten-Hag-fumes-Cristiano-Ronaldos-decision-leave-friendly-early.html

[zudomiriku]

New manager, new season, new hope… then the match began! Even by the wretched standards Man United have been setting over the past decade, this was a real kick in the guts

* Manchester United lost 2-1 to Brighton in their opening Premier League game
* Pascal Gross scored twice to hand Erik ten Hag the worst start possible
* The new Red Devils manager has a seriously tough task ahead of him
* This was a huge wake up call for Ten Hag, he knows the scale of the job now

Erik ten Hag marched back towards the tunnel, too angry and probably too embarrassed to raise his head towards the stands as the boos rang out around Old Trafford at half-time yesterday.

At least his decision to switch the home and away dug-outs here over the summer meant the walk of shame was a few metres shorter.

Forty-five minutes earlier, he had emerged into the afternoon sunshine to a carnival atmosphere. New manager, new season, new hope. A couple of new signings in the Manchester United line-up too.

Forty-five minutes earlier, he had emerged into the afternoon sunshine to a carnival atmosphere. New manager, new season, new hope. A couple of new signings in the Manchester United line-up too.

It is hard to put into words just how much the mood changed in the first half. Even by the wretched standards United have been setting over the past decade, this was quite the reality check.

One would have thought the fans would be used to it by now after so many false dawns. Yet each new managerial appointment seems to breathe new belief into this club, even though they must have an inkling of what happens next.

It usually takes a little longer than one half of football for the bubble to burst though. Of the seven previous managers — permanent, interim and caretaker — who have followed Sir Alex Ferguson into the job, only Louis van Gaal had lost his first match in charge. Maybe it is a Dutch thing.

Ferguson also lost his opening game, so let’s not rush to judgement just yet. Still, this must have felt like a kick to the guts for Ten Hag.


If Erik ten Hag didn't realise the size of the job at Manchester United, he does now. A carnival atmosphere quickly turned into a nightmare as United's crumbled in the season opener against Brighton. It's still early days for Ten Hag but this defeat must have felt like a kick in the guts for him

By the time, he made the return journey down the touchline at the interval, United were two goals down and well on their way to defeat. The new manager had taken the bold decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench and you could not blame him.

He had an obligation to put his trust in the players who had completed a full pre-season and gone on tour to Thailand and Australia. Ronaldo cannot pick himself.

But if the Portugal star and his agent Jorge Mendes wanted a demonstration of why he is justified in asking to leave a club they clearly feel cannot match his ambitions this season, then it was all in evidence at Old Trafford yesterday.

The decision to play Christian Eriksen as a false nine did not work but, then again, neither did Ronaldo’s arrival in the 52nd minute to mixture of cheers and boos.

Brighton scored a scruffy own goal to make things interesting but no grandstand finish came from it.

Ten Hag sent on another substitute, Donny van de Beek, with a handwritten note for captain Harry Maguire, and goodness knows what it said.

Three more replacements — Anthony Elanga, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho — followed at the death but Brighton could not have seen out the game more comfortably.

At the final whistle, Ten Hag strode on to the pitch to thank the match officials before turning towards the tunnel one more time.

He glanced over his shoulder at Ronaldo — who was standing with his hands on his hips in that familiar pose he does when United lose.

The one that says: ‘Whatever’s going wrong here isn’t my fault.’

If Ten Hag did not already appreciate the task he has taken on, he does now.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11090035/CHRIS-WHEELER-Erik-ten-Hag-didnt-realise-size-job-Man-United-does-now.html

[zudomiriku]

Manchester United should drop Scott McTominay AND Fred from midfield and play new centre back Lisandro Martinez in their place, claims club legend Rio Ferdinand as Erik ten Hag tries to find the right formula

* Rio Ferdinand has called on Erik ten Hag to drop Scott McTominay and Fred
* The United legend said new signing Lisandro Martinez should play in midfield
* Ten Hag wants to bring in a host of new central midfielders this summer
* Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is close to agreeing a deal to join the club

Rio Ferdinand has called on new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to drop both Fred and Scott McTominay following the club's opening Premier League weekend loss to Brighton.

United's engine room was overran in the shock defeat, with McTominay appearing to lose the ball with almost every second touch and Fred taking too long on the ball when they tried to play out from the back.

Neither offered the team's shaky defence the protection it desperately requires as Graham Potter guided Brighton to their first-ever win at Old Trafford with Ferdinand suggesting Ten Hag drops both midfielders for the upcoming trip to Brentford.

'I wouldn't pick McTominay or Fred,' said Ferdinand on his Vibe with Five Youtube show.

'Listen, whatever happens, Man United will improve from the first day against Brighton.

'Things can only get better.'

The legendary centre-back instead suggested that new marquee summer signing Lisandro Martinez should start in the defensive midfield position against Brentford.

Martinez started alongside club captain Harry Maguire for the Brighton loss while serial Champions League winner Raphael Varane was left to stew on the bench.


Rio Ferdinand has called on Manchester United to drop midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay. Fred and McTominay have become mainstays alongside each other in the United midfield. United boss Erik ten Hag played the 'McFred' duo for United's season-opening loss on Sunday

Now Ferdinand has suggested that Martinez should instead be deployed as a defensive midfielder.

'In my midfield, I'm going to play Martinez as the holding midfielder and take Fred out,' he said.

'I'm going to play Varane and Maguire [at centre-back].'

Central midfield has become a problem area for United that urgently needs fixing, with the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic leaving Donny van de Beek, Fred and McTominay as the only first-team midfielders available, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen playing further forward.


The legendary defenders has suggested that Lisandro Martinez is used in midfield instead. Ferdinand was speaking on his Youtube show 'Vibe with Five' as he made the claims

Academy product Zidane Iqbal could force his way into Ten Hag's plans after impressing in pre-season, but it would be a risky move to leave out three established internationals in favour of the 19-year-old, who is yet to make a Premier League appearance.

Ten Hag has been keen to bring in midfield reinforcements since taking the huge role at United, with the Dutchman highlighting Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as his top target.

However the planned move has now become the biggest summer transfer saga with De Jong reportedly refusing to negotiate with any clubs as Barcelona try to offload the 25-year-old.

Out-of-favour Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is, however, set to join United after a £15million fee was agreed with the Italian side.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11094891/Manchester-United-drop-Scott-McTominay-Fred-says-Rio-Ferdinand.html

[zudomiriku]

Disgusted Erik ten Hag rips into his Manchester United flops, then CANCELS their day off and orders them into training just hours after Brentford debacle - despite not playing again for eight days

* Erik ten Hag has cancelled his player's day off following yesterday's defeat
* Man United remain winless in the Premier League following 4-0 loss to Brentford
* The Dutchman has instead ordered his player's in for extra training sessions
* He has laid down the law despite his players not featuring again for eight days

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shown his under-performing players who’s boss by cancelling their day off following Saturday's humiliating 4-0 Premier League defeat away to Brentford.

Instead the Dutchman has hauled his flops into Carrington for extra training as they analyse how things went so wrong against Thomas Frank's side, as per the Sun.

Ten Hag's men were blown away by a Brentford side that scored four goals inside the opening 34 minutes, which has left Cristiano Ronaldo and Co rock bottom after defeats by Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games.

United players are expecting a dressing down by their new boss after their team full of international superstars were embarrassed on their visit to Brentford.

The Red Devils aren't set to play again for another eight days when they welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on August 22. But that hasn't stopped the ex-Ajax manager ripping up any plans for relaxation after their disastrous Saturday afternoon in London.


Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has cancelled his player's planned day off following Saturday's 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Brentford. Ten Hag has demanded his player's came in for extra training at the club's Carrington complex. Marcus Rashford and his United teammates have had their planned days off cancelled and now find themselves forced to train on Sunday

The 52-year-old has struggled to implement his new ideas, with his side producing extremely poor performances, boasting poor organisation and an easily-beaten defence at the source of their frustrations.

United have conceded six Premier League goals following 2-1 and 4-0 defeats, and their solitary league goal being scored by Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister who turned the ball into his own net.

His squad were blown away by a Brentford side that scored four times inside the opening 34 minutes to hand the United manager a second consecutive league defeat.

The struggling side found themselves behind at the Gtech Community Stadium after just 10 minutes as Spaniard David De Gea spilled Josh Dasilva's shot from range into his own net.

The United keeper helped the Bees double their lead just eight minutes later with his poor pass into the feet of ex-Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen on the edge of the United box see Mathias Jensen win possession back for the hosts before finishing from close-range.

Ben Mee and Bryan Mbeumo heaped further misery on Ten Hag's side lacking in confidence by scoring two more goals before half-time to give Brentford a 4-0 lead.

Speaking after their latest defeat the United manager branded his side as being 'rubbish'.

'It's rubbish, and it's poor. We need higher standards than that, that's clear,' he told BeIN Sports.

'We have to deliver and we didn't. We have to change, that's quite clear.

'35 minutes you concede four goals. It is not possible. The team has to take the responsibility. I feel really sorry for the fans. We let them down.'

The former Premier League champions remain winless in the Premier League and sit rock bottom of the league table following defeats to Brighton and Brentford.


Ten Hag branded his side as 'rubbish' following the loss. United showed off their new luminous green away kit at Brentford but it did them no favours in their daytime defeat. Ten Hag has now lost his opening two Premier League games a previous loss to Brighton

United supporters had high hopes heading into the new season following an impressive pre-season campaign under their new boss.

However the first foray into the Ten Hag era hasn't gone exactly as previously planned.

Club chiefs have so far failed in their attempts to hand their new coach the players he has asked for during the summer transfer window, with their hunt for Frenkie de Jong still ongoing.

Following their most recent humiliation, the Manchester side find themselves being mocked by both fans and pundits across the globe, just two games into the new season.

Manchester Evening News tear into United players with SCATHING ratings - including three ZEROS

Three Manchester United players received a score of zero in the Manchester Evening News' scathing player ratings after the team's disastrous 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Erik ten Hag's nightmare start to life as manager continued as his side trailed by four goals at half-time - only the third time that has happened to United in the Premier League.

It is the first time since 1992 that United have started the season with back-to-back defeats and they currently sit bottom of the table.

The Manchester Evening News gave all of Ten Hag's team a score of zero in their half-time player ratings, and the grades didn't get much better by full-time despite United at least managing to shut out Brentford after the break.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Fred - who were all substituted at the break after shambolic performances - unsurprisingly stayed on zero.

Describing Shaw in particular, the MEN said the left-back's attempts at defending were 'a disgrace'.

David De Gea, who accepted responsible for the defeat after errors for the first two goals, was graded a one - the same as Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

The publication wrote that captain Maguire had 'no leadership and no clue', while Rashford 'looks shot' mentally.

Wantaway forward Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest graded starting player with three, while substitutes Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane got the highest scores of the day with five.

Ten Hag, who is the first Manchester United manager since 1921 to lose his first two league matches, was scored a two. The MEN wrote that the Dutchman is 'managing as though he is still at Ajax'.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11110443/Embarrassed-Erik-ten-Hag-rips-Manchester-United-flops-CANCELS-day-off.html

[zudomiriku]

Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford 'among group of senior Manchester United players to tell the club's hierarchy that new signings are needed after disastrous start to the season'

* A group of Manchester United players have told the club signings are needed
* The group includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford
* Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes are also reportedly part of the group of players

Cristiano Ronaldo is among a group of Manchester United senior players who have reportedly told the club's hierarchy that new signings are required.

United have endured a nightmare start to the Premier League season under new manager Erik ten Hag and are currently bottom of the Premier League following defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

According to The Mirror, Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes have made it clear to the club that further signings are needed before the transfer window closes on September 1.

So far this summer United have brought in Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia.


Cristiano Ronaldo is among a group of Manchester United players to tell the club's hierarchy that new signings are needed. Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes have also expressed their concerns with the situation. Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw are also part of the group that have spoken to the club

However, further reinforcements are evidently required, especially in midfield, which has been a problem area for United for a considerable amount of time.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with United but a deal has yet to come to fruition.

Juventus' Adrien Rabiot has emerged as a target for ten Hag's side.

United have lost a host of players, including Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

The next task for United sees them host Liverpool, and another defeat would only add to the feelings of discontent surrounding the club.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11114601/Cristiano-Ronaldo-group-Manchester-United-players-tell-club-signings-needed.html

[zudomiriku]

Erik ten Hag JOINED Man United stars in gruelling 8.5mile run he ordered as punishment for Brentford thrashing - with the move helping him gain respect and win over players unconvinced by his methods ahead of surprise win over Liverpool

* Erik ten Hag set an example when he participated in an 8.5mile run for players
* The Manchester United manager dished out the gruelling run as punishment
* Ten Hag was furious after his side were outrun in a 4-0 defeat against Brentford
* But the Dutchman took part in the punishment himself - winning players' respect

Erik ten Hag set an example to his under-performing Manchester United stars when he himself participated in the 8.5mile run he dished out as punishment.

As Sportsmail reported, the Dutch coach ordered his players to do extra running the day after their embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Brentford on August 13.

Statistics from the game showed United had run 13.8km less than Brentford to compound their humiliation and Ten Hag ordered them to make up the distance as their scheduled Sunday off was cancelled and they were hauled in for extra training in blistering heat.


Manager Erik ten Hag set an example to his under-performing Manchester United stars when he himself participated in the 8.5mile run he dished out as punishment to them

United's players were far from happy but Ten Hag made the unusual step of undertaking the run himself to underline his message that everyone was responsible, from the coaching staff down.

Ten Hag underlined there had been 'too much talk' regarding what United's players should do and that 'it was time to act' with hard work and commitment.

It was his way of telling the players that he shared responsibility and was equally culpable for how he had set them up and the instructions he gave.

He told them that he was part of the team so should share the punishment, however, he subsequently struggled to get through the run.


United's players were hauled back into training after an embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Brentford - with Ten Hag ordering them to run the 13.8km they had ran less than the Bees. But the Dutchman took part himself - which led to him gaining respect from squad members

The move though is understood to have gone some way to Ten Hag gaining respect and winning over members of the squad who had yet to be convinced by the Dutch coach.

He is focusing heavily on changing attitudes and ethics which some players believe helped produce Monday night's display against Liverpool.

United returned to training on Tuesday in buoyant mood and Ten Hag is hoping to add more new faces this week to lift his squad further.

Ajax winger Antony, PSV's Cody Gakpo and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong remain on their wishlist plus an experienced goalkeeper.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11139587/Erik-ten-Hag-JOINED-Manchester-United-stars-gruelling-8-5mile-run-ordered-Brentford-loss.html

[zudomiriku]

Erik ten Hag admits Man United lacked 'attitude and team spirit' after losing their first two games of the season but hails his side for 'adapting and finding a way to win' to seal second straight victory against Southampton

* Manchester United beat Southampton in the early Saturday lunchtime fixture
* Bruno Fernandes' goal ensured United backed up their win over Liverpool
* Erik ten Hag his players adapted well to find a way to win the game on Saturday

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted his side suffered from a lack of 'attitude and team spirit' in their opening two fixtures.

Ten Hag watched his side fall to defeats to Brighton and Brentford in his first two games with many pundits and supporters questioning the mental fortitude and commitment of the United players.

Since then, United have beaten Liverpool at home before ending their abysmal run of form away from home in beating Southampton.

Speaking after Saturday's 1-0 win over Southampton, Ten Hag admitted to there having been an issue with the squad's attitude. The back-to-back wins suggest such problems could be behind them, however.

'You have to adapt and find a certain way to win games and that is what we did today,' Ten Hag said.

'That was the problem, especially in the second game. When you don’t give everything and you don’t have the attitude for 100 per cent and you don’t have right team spirit, you don’t have to talk about philosophy or game plan or whatever.


Erik ten Hag has said that his side lacked attitude and team spirit in their first two games. The Dutchman picked out the Brentford game as being a particularly bad example of his players lacking what it takes to win Premier League matches. Ten Hag praised the increase in application and attitude from his players following their two defeats in their first two games

'First it has to be a team and spirit and 100 per cent commitment.'

Meanwhile, Ten Hag left the door ajar for Cristiano Ronaldo to depart the club this summer admitting that he couldn't say for certain whether or not he would be at the club beyond September 1.

'I can't say that [Ronaldo will stay]. We will be alert until the last second in the transfer market,' he said.


Erik ten Hag admitted he could not say for certain whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo would stay

The Dutchman also said that he couldn't say for certain whether or not United would dip back into the market for a forward.

The club are currently engaged in a very high profile pursuit of Ajax forward Antony who has made a very public showing of his desire to depart the Dutch club.

'I cannot say that [whether United will be active before the deadline]' Ten Hag said.

'If there are players available, then we will strike.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11152547/Erik-ten-Hag-admits-Man-United-lacked-attitude-team-spirit.html

[zudomiriku]

Manchester United have recovered from a reality check at Brentford by rolling up their sleeves and beating Liverpool and Southampton... with Lisandro Martinez - deemed too small for English football - key to their newfound solidity

* Man United Lisandro Martinez was superb in the 1-0 victory over Southampton
* The defender was heavily criticised for his display in the 4-0 defeat to Brentford
* Red Devils earned their first clean sheet of the season at St. Mary's on Saturday
* The resilient defensive display was epitomised by midfielder Scott McTominay

The crushing defeat at Brentford left scars on Manchester United and figured prominently as Erik ten Hag’s appraisal of victory at Southampton revolved around strong foundations, solidity, organisation and spirit.

Lessons learned was the manager’s theme and, encouragingly for United, it had penetrated the minds of his players as they performed with their sleeves rolled up, ready for a hard shift at St Mary’s.

‘The Brentford game was a big reality check,’ said midfielder Scott McTominay, the epitome of this mentality. ‘It takes a lot of balls to come back from that as a team, with all the criticism every player gets.’

No one received more personal criticism after the 4-0 mauling at Brentford than Lisandro Martinez, swiftly written off as simply not tall enough to play in central defence in a competition with the aerial dimension of the Premier League.

Others will look to isolate and dominate him as Brentford forward Ivan Toney did to such great effect, although the top flight of English football is not nearly as aerial as it once was and what Martinez lacks in height he makes up for in aggression, tenacity and defensive acumen.

host png
Manchester United earned a 1-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday

There might be certain games when Ten Hag will opt to be without the Argentine but he is a fine footballer who understands his manager’s demands.

Even with the precision delivery of James Ward-Prowse, Southampton could not expose him in the air and supportive cries of ‘Argentina! Argentina!’ went up from travelling fans.

Under close scrutiny, United’s defensive unit had passed this test.

Raphael Varane and McTominay were strong in the air, appreciative of the need to support Martinez. The full backs operated with good sense and Diogo Dalot was an attacking threat on the right.

Lessons learned, as Ten Hag said afterwards. Evidence of United players playing for each other once more, united again. These were the most encouraging elements of this victory for those who have witnessed the post-Ferguson demise at Old Trafford.

‘We can’t have any dips again,’ said McTominay. ‘We needed to bounce back. We needed that fire inside. As soon as that fire goes out, we are in trouble. We have to keep that fire together.

‘Team spirit is the most important thing and if we have good team spirit, we will go far. If we don’t and it goes easy, and we are easy on each other then it might not go so far.’


The Red Devils' defender Lisandro Martinez put in an assured performance on the south coast. Martinez (left) was heavily criticised following Man United's 4-0 defeat to Brentford this month

Southampton peppered David de Gea’s goal with 17 shots over 90 minutes and thought they deserved a penalty for handball against McTominay as he contested a bouncing ball at close quarters with Che Adams.

‘Not once, three times,’ said Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, astonished because the ball had struck McTominay on one arm, rolled across his chest and struck his other arm.

Unsurprisingly, the Scotland midfielder saw it differently. ‘No way was it a penalty,’ said McTominay. ‘I spoke to Che and we were ducking and diving and no, it was not a penalty.’

The officials sided with McTominay and Southampton for all their energy and effort could not pierce a defensive unit reinforced from the bench by Brazilian enforcers Casemiro and Fred. For Casemiro, it was a debut after his high-profile £70million move from Real Madrid.



‘To learn off somebody like him, who has done pretty much everything, is amazing,’ added McTominay. ‘His mentality, the way he’s so firm with everything he does. Obviously, he’s an amazing footballer who can help us so much and be one of our main players. It’s great to have him.’

Ultimately, the game was decided by a stylish Bruno Fernandes volley, swept in from 18 yards early in the second half to the relief of Manchester United and their new boss, who admits he is still learning about the Premier League.

‘That’s the challenge,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It’s a great experience. I know that in the Premier League are the best coaches, the best players, the highest intensity and always in a different way. That is quite interesting.

‘You have to adapt and find a way to win games and that is what we did. That was the problem especially in the second game when you don’t give everything and you don’t have the attitude for 100 per cent and you don’t have the team spirit.

'You don’t have to talk about philosophy or gameplan or whatever. First, it has to be a team and spirit and 100 per cent commitment.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11154949/Man-United-bounced-reality-check-Brentford-byrediscovering-fire-inside.html

[zudomiriku]

Erik ten Hag claims Manchester United HAD to spend £170M to fight for the top four as the Dutchman reveals the club upped their budget to compete with Premier League rivals

* Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United adjusted their budget in the summer
* Dutch boss says the change in the market meant the club had to keep up
* The Man Utd boss believes the club had to spend to match their top four rivals
* United have spent £170m since losing their opening two games of the season

Erik Ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United's late surge in spending is a direct response to rising fees being paid across the Premier League.

The arrival of winger Antony from Ajax for £85.5million will see United's outlay since losing their opening two matches of the season pass £170m.

Casemiro quickly joined from Real Madrid and United are now ready to eclipse their summer spending record as Antony reunites with his old manager and becomes the club's second most expensive player of all time.

Ten Hag insisted there was always significant money at his disposal but admitted that United's budget had grown in recent weeks. The previous collective Premier League spending record of £1.5billion was broken last week.

'They made adaptations because of how the market (was) and I think the club did that well,' the Dutchman said. 'If you want to compete at the top, you don't have a choice. All the clubs spent this kind of money.

'If you want to fight for the top four positions, you have to do it. We have the ambition, especially in the long term, to play for trophies. We had to do this.

'All the top clubs spent a lot of money in the summer. That is how the market has developed. I can't do anything about it. Nobody can, it's the market, we have to accept it.


Erik ten Hag says Manchester United were forced to enhance their budget this summer. Manchester United's latest recruit will be the £84.4 million signing of Antony from Ajax. The Red Devils have splashed out £170million since losing their first two games of the season

'Last season, the benchmark was only five transfers above £60m and I don't know how many it is now. More parties are involved, there are many factors that make it complicated.'

Chelsea, a key rival in the battle for Champions League qualification, have committed to a major overhaul of Thomas Tuchel's squad and could end up spending nearly £300m should a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang come off.

United can edge two points clear of Chelsea tonight if they win at Leicester.

Antony will not be available, but Ten Hag confirmed that he envisages the 22-year-old eventually playing off the right and believes that he has the 'fighting spirit' to succeed at Old Trafford.

His signing offers the United boss strength in depth in attack as they embark on a hectic schedule, while Ten Hag is adamant Cristiano Ronaldo is receptive to his style of play after having 'several' talks with the 37-year-old. Ronaldo wanted to leave in search of Champions League football but is set to remain in Manchester.

'From the start we said we planned with him,' Ten Hag added. 'We are happy with him, he's happy to be here and we want to make the season a success together.

'We are all on one page. He knows what the demands are. He will fit in because… I don't have to explain. He's a great player. He will fit in every system or every style. You can see in training that it is clear he has the capabilities.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11166493/Erik-ten-Hag-says-Man-Utd-force-transfer-activity-rivals.html

[zudomiriku]

'The feel-good factor is BACK': Roy Keane hails Manchester United's 'personality' after their win over Arsenal and claims the 'hassle' around Cristiano Ronaldo's future being over will help Erik ten Hag to maintain momentum

* Club legend Roy Keane hailed Manchester United's personality in Arsenal win
* Erik ten Hag's team completed a 3-1 win over the Premier League leaders
* Keane said that the club's momentum has changed the Old Trafford atmosphere

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has hailed the club's performance as Erik ten Hag's team continued their dramatic turnaround with a win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.

United opened the scoring through £85.5million summer signing Antony, who latched onto a pass from Marcus Rashford and slid the ball past Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale before racing over to the Old Trafford faithful while kissing the club's badge.

Arsenal equalised through Bukayo Saka, but Ten Hag's revitalised squad maintained their composure and wrestled back the lead in the second half through a brace from Rashford.

Speaking following the win, Keane showered the team with praise: 'I think what I like about this team, is the spirit. The personality of the team. Obviously, second half they played on the counter attack. They were excellent, they could’ve scored a few more goals.


Roy Keane heaped praise on Manchester United's performance after they defeated Arsenal. Keane praised the personality of Erik ten Hag's team as they defeated the Premier League leaders

'Another big win for the club, I think the momentum’s coming back. The feel good factor’s there, the fans are buzzing, that’s a good day for them!' He added.

Today's result marked United fourth successive Premier League win, a benchmark that the club failed to achieve in the entirety of last season.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford could not have been more different than in United's opening weekend defeat to Brighton, and Keane professed his belief that the change in fortunes for the club has had an impact on the atmosphere at Old Trafford.

'It’s been a long time. There's been a lot of negativity. Last season and the start of this season, but when you win a few football matches everyone feels great, I've said it before. Arsenal taking all the plaudits, but it’s about the points.'

United began their recent run on form with an unlikely victory over last season's Champions League runners-up, and the former United captain maintained that the sense of certainty over Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club had boosted the team's morale.


Keane said that the newfound certainty over Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club has allowed United to continue their momentum

'They beat Liverpool a few weeks ago, you asked "can they back it up?" and that’s what they've done! And you look at the table and all of a sudden everyone's feeling better about themselves, the transfer markets over so there’s no hassle about Ronaldo leaving, they can just get on with it.'

With their win today United now sit fifth in the table, and are the only Premier League club to have recorded back-to-back wins in their last two outings.

United will look to continue their positive momentum when they play host to La Liga club Real Sociedad in their Europa League group stage opener on Tuesday.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11179087/Roy-Keane-hails-personality-Manchester-United-win-Arsenal-Old-Trafford.html