Cristiano Ronaldo slammed Erik ten Hag in a recent interview. (Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents / Getty)
The countdown to the Premier League’s return is well and truly on with Manchester United just two days away from taking to the pitch against Southampton.
Erik ten Hag is in desperate need of a strong showing on the south coast, given his side have already lost two Premier League matches so far this term.
They start the weekend down in 14th but could find themselves inside the bottom three by Sunday night, depending on how other results play out.
Alternatively, a win might be just what the Red Devils need to kick start their season and start climbing back up the Premier League table.
And ahead of the Premier League’s return this weekend, Express Sport brings you all the latest Man United news and stories.
Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd are in desperate need of a result this weekend. (Image: Getty)
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Man Utd targeting one of several free agents who could move this month
Adrien Rabiot is one of several free agents who could be on the move this month.
The Red Devils are rumoured to be in talks with the midfielder, who has been out of contract since leaving Juventus in the summer.
Clubs across Europe are believed to be interested in Rabiot, but no side is said to be close to securing his signature just yet.
Other notable free agents:
Sergio Ramos
Miralem Pjanic
Joel Matip
Serge Aurier
Anthony Martial
Davy Klaassen
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Grzegorz Krychowiak
Rafinha
READ MORE
Adrien Rabiot left Juventus in the summer and is still without a club. (Image: Getty)
Erik ten Hag gearing up for hectic September schedule
Erik ten Hag is gearing up for a hectic September schedule with matches across three different competitions.
It could prove a make-or-break month for the Dutchman, who is under increasing pressure to deliver results.
Man United’s September schedule:
14/09 – Southampton (A – Premier League)
17/09 – Barnsley (H – League Cup)
21/09 – Crystal Palace (A – Premier League)
25/09 – Twente (H – Europea League)
29/09 – Tottenham Hotspur (H – Premier League)
Man Utd need a response after a dismal start to the season. (Image: Getty)
Man Utd manager target mooted as Pep Guardiola replacement
One potential Erik ten Hag replacement is currently being tipped with a move to Manchester United’s rivals.
Roberto De Zerbi is among the favourites to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
It could cause problems for United down the line, given De Zerbi has been heralded as a future Red Devils boss.
Guardiola is out of contract at City in the summer with talk about a renewal currently ongoing.
READ MORE
Current Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been tipped for a Premier League return. (Image: Getty)
Matthijs de Ligt sent brutal message by Ronald Koeman
Matthijs de Ligt received a brutal reality check from Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman this week.
The under-fire defender was told: “Of course I would rather have kept [Matthijs de Ligt] on the pitch. It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished.
“I gave him a new chance today but eventually I protected him by taking him off.”
De Ligt will be hoping for a better showing if he plays for United this weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt’s performance for the Netherlands was blasted by the manager. (Image: Getty)
Man Utd told the best time to get rid of Erik ten Hag was two weeks ago
Man United will have to sack Erik ten Hag this season if they’re to achieve any of their goals.
That’s according to the majority of Express Sport readers, who voted in favour of INEOS pulling the plug on the Dutch manager.
Over 55 per cent of those who voted believe Ten Hag should’ve gone following United’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.
FULL STORY
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS verdict given
Manchester United women’s boss Marc Skinner has issued a glowing review of INEOS ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Skinner said: “Dan Ashworth [sporting director] and Omar Berrada [CEO] have been fantastic and have both come in with real energy to speak to the group.
“I cannot tell you how personable and authentic those conversations were. They genuinely love women’s football and have a real burning ambition for it to be in the forefront of their direction.”
United kick their WSL campaign off on September 21 at home to West Ham United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been handed a glowing review. (Image: Getty)
Cristiano Ronaldo shown up by Erik ten Hag comments
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left red-faced after commenting on Erik ten Hag’s ambition as Man United boss.
During an interview with Rio Ferdinand, the Portuguese ace said: “The coach [Erik ten Hag] says they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.
“As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League.”
However, speaking ahead of the Premier League season in August, Ten Hag commented: “With the two trophies we won more than any other club, apart from City, in England.
“We are confident, we have a good team, we have a good squad. We have to be more consistent and we want to win every competition in which we are taking part, definitely also the Premier League.”
Cristiano Ronaldo criticised Ten Hag’s ambition as Man Utd boss. (Image: Getty)
Good morning and happy Thursday!
Just two more days until the Premier League action returns… stick in there all!
It’s been a long international break but we’re almost there.
And the good news for those Man United fans struggling to wait to watch Erik ten Hag’s men, the Red Devils are first up.
Southampton await in the midday kick-off this Saturday afternoon.
Man United will make the journey to Southampton this weekend. (Image: Getty)
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1947473/man-utd-news-live-erik-ten-hag-ineos-cristiano-ronaldo