Reports claim that most of Man Utd’s squad are up for sale this summer. Erik ten Hague called the reports “a joke” and “false”. Ten Hague remains upbeat about Jadon Sancho’s future, but insists the transfer target will still want to play for the club even if there is no Champions League football.
23:11, UK, Thursday 02 May 2024
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hague has described reports that much of his squad is up for sale as a “joke” and “false” as he claims he has “the core of his squad”. Which is very good.”
Media reports this week have claimed that the majority of United’s squad is up for sale this summer, including forward Marcus Rashford, as new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS are approached by Ten Hague. The first summer transfer window under the group is underway.
Speaking ahead of United’s game with Crystal Palace, Ten Hague played down the rumours, although he admits the squad needs to improve this summer.
Responding to the rumours, Ten Hague said: “It’s a joke! Every summer since I’ve worked here, 200 players from Manchester United have been interested, which is wrong. We did some research. .
“Every summer, we sell every player in our squad. Which is wrong. When you get a headline like that, keep calm and take responsibility. It’s complete c**p.”
Asked what needed to be done this summer, the Dutchman replied: “There’s always a lot of work. It’s normal when you go into the transfer window. Those injuries. [United have had this season] had a big impact.
“We are still below Manchester United’s expectations. So we have to catch up.
“I’m going into my fifth window now, two windows were good, two windows we missed. We’ve got to improve in the summer. There’s a base in this squad that’s great. Injuries have had a big impact on our season. had an effect.”
Ten Hague on Sancho: His value is high for Man Utd.
Rumors are also swirling about the future of Jadon Sancho, who impressed in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League semi-final win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
Sancho was frozen out by The Hague earlier this season for disciplinary reasons before rejoining former club Dortmund in the January transfer window.
In a 1–0 victory over PSG, Sancho won the Player of the Match award and almost finished with a hat-trick of assists, prompting many to question whether he would be able to return to the club this summer. The England international will return after his loan ends.
“He played very well yesterday. He talked about it more, he’s a very good player,” said Sancho’s ten Hague.
“He showed why Manchester United bought him, he showed why he represents a high value for Manchester United. It’s good, I’m happy for Jadon with his performance yesterday, see. What happens in the future.”
‘Many players still want to play for Man United’
Dortmund’s win over PSG means United cannot mathematically qualify for next season’s Champions League as fifth place in the Premier League will not be in contention next term.
United now have two chances to qualify for the Europa League – by finishing fifth or sixth in the Premier League or by winning this month’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Ten Hague still believes that despite the lack of Champions League football, United have tremendous power in the transfer market.
“This [missing out on Champions League football] It will have an impact on the budget, but I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive team to play for, many players will be very happy and happy to play for Manchester United, I’m sure.
Neville: It’s impossible for every player to be sold.
“You know that’s not true. The menu is not for sale, so not every player can be for sale – it’s impossible. There’s no way Manchester United can sell their best young players – Rasmus Hojlund Not going to be for sale.
“Manchester United will make changes, but there is a lack of stability. There are a lot of changes at the club and with that comes the headlines as we have seen in the last few days.
“I’m not surprised that Ten Hague called it a joke, it doesn’t seem right at all. I can understand why, a lot of players will be under pressure and leave and possibly be sold, but I believe It can’t be every player or anywhere near it.”
“In some ways, it’s about fitting each player. Getting the likes [Luke] Shaw et al [Lisandro] Back to Martinez, those are massive losses.
“Retaining players who have promise and potential. You look at Højlund’s front line and [Alejandro] Garnacho, Mino in midfield, there’s real potential there. They need one more season.
“The goalkeeper has settled down in the second half of the season, so let him stay for another year.
“How do Manchester United sign the best players in the world?” There are elements of, which is not going to happen at this time.
“But signing two or three really good players to put around experienced players to support them, then let the young players grow for another year and try to keep people fit as well.
“They’re not going to win the title next year, Ten Hague has already said that himself, but they have to get back into the top four, they seem to be progressing and improving the level of performance.
“The immediate challenge for Manchester United is to think how they can get close to Manchester City in this. [the FA Cup] Get into the game with the final and 10 or 15 minutes to go so they can potentially win the FA Cup this season. It will still be a great season to win the trophy.”
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