- Man United manager Erik ten Hag enraged by speculation over first-team liquidation
- The Dutchman said the reports were “a joke” and criticized United transfer gossip
- Were Jude Bellingham’s antics at Allianz out of line? Listen to the It’s all starting! podcast
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been angered by media reports that the club is about to put the entire team up for sale, with the exception of three players, and said constant transfer gossip about the team were “a joke.”
The Red Devils have come under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks after a series of poor results, most recently a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley, to continue their dismal campaign that has seen them fall to within 13 points of bottom place. among the top four.
Ten Hag has found himself under immense pressure after one win in his last six league games and there has been widespread speculation that he will be replaced by new boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer.
There have also been ongoing rumors and reports regarding the future of United’s underperforming players, after a recent story claimed that United and Ratcliffe were preparing a major squad revamp at the end of the season.
That Telegraph report claimed that only three players, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, have escaped the chopping block.
Man United manager Erik ten Hag has described reports that the club are putting most of its players up for sale as a “joke”.
Speculation has increased this week that the club is willing to cash in on its entire squad, with the exception of three players.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) is said to be making preparations for next season.
And after those rumors continued after Ratcliffe and his manager Sir Dave Brailsford were spotted at a “working dinner” in Manchester this week, Ten Hag hit back at journalists for circulating speculation about his players’ futures.
He called the story a “joke” and questioned why it was constantly linked to United stars, sarcastically saying the club “sells all our players every summer”.
“It’s a joke,” he said ahead of United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Monday. “Since I have worked here, every summer, every window, I think 200 players are arousing the interest of Manchester United. We do a little research. False.
“And also every summer we sell all the players in our squad, so you (in the media) are in all the headlines, which is not true.”
The media have been highly critical of United this season after a disastrous campaign that left them sixth in the table.
“I think you have to be calm and also take some responsibility when a headline like that appears. Think, find a good source if there is some truth to it and this is totally bullshit.”
Marcus Rashford was reported to be among those for sale and the failed striker will again be absent when United return to Premier League action at Crystal Palace on Monday.
“I can’t say (when he’ll be back),” Ten Hag said. “So it was the absence last week against Sheffield, after Coventry, so far his problem hasn’t healed.”
This is not the first time Ten Hag has gone to war with journalists.
Last month he banned three newspapers from asking questions at a United press conference after attacking “disrespectful” journalists who had criticized the club following their nervous penalty shoot-out victory over Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals.
He called ongoing stories criticizing United and speculating about their future “shameful” and “a disgrace.”
Ten Hag previously banned three newspapers from asking questions after harsh criticism.
Asked if he understood the reaction to the Coventry win, the United manager said: “Of course not.” You asked (asked) the question: “Is it embarrassing?” No, your reaction was embarrassing. They are the comments.
‘High level football is about results. We reached a final and we deserved it not only for this match but also for the others. We lost control for 20 minutes, we were also unlucky, 3-2, 3-3.
‘The penalties were very good and we reached the final, it is a great achievement. Twice in two years is magnificent. For me, as a coach, four cup finals in four years (two KNVB Cups with Ajax and two FA Cups with United). The comments are a disgrace.”
Earlier in the season, a number of high-profile journalists from Sky Sports, Manchester Evening News and ESPN were excluded from Ten Hag press conferences after failing to contact the club before publication, as well as writing that several players were losing faith. in the manager.
