Ten Hag passes up responsibility for transfer failings
Erik ten Hag insists he is NOT guilty of blowing £400million of Manchester United’s cash.
The Dutch boss, who remains in limbo over his future, claims he did not sanction the big-money signings of Antony, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
He said: “The prices paid are indeed very high but I’m not responsible for that.
“The club did all the negotiations, including for players with good potential who didn’t come in the end.
“So it is a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the club’s purchasing policy was disastrous.
“It’s all negative but despite all the problems the club’s foundation has grown stronger.
“That may not be visible to the outside world but internally everyone will make that analysis.”
Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic remained coy on Jadon Sancho's future following their Champions League final loss, but insists the forward is "happy" in Germany.
Sancho, 24, is set to return to parent club Manchester United this summer despite enjoying a positive loan spell back at Dortmund.
Speaking after his side's Wembley loss, Terzic said: "We haven’t spoken about the future because we’ve spoken about the present, which was playing in the Champions League final in his hometown.
"I’m happy he’s with us, and I think you can feel the joy he feels and brings.
"We don’t know what the future will bring him, but for sure it is going to bring him another Champions League final."
Arsenal icon says United have ruined 3 stars’ careers
Cesc Fabregas says “it’s no coincidence” three players have had their careers ruined playing at Manchester United.
The Arsenal and Chelsea icon believes Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Sofyan Amrabat have all taken a nose-dive in form since moving to Old Trafford.
Credit: Getty
And Fabregas insists the common factor is that they all play for United under Erik ten Hag and the Glazers.
Casemiro, 32, enjoyed a fine debut season at the Theatre of Dreams after joining from Real Madrid in 2022.
But the recent campaign saw his form collapse, with Casemiro playing 20 less matches while appearing constantly demotivated.
As for Amrabat, 27, he failed to live up to billing after a loan move from Fiorentina last summer. While Sancho, 24, was shipped off on loan to Dortmund in January after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag for an off-field bust-up.
Fabregas believes the trio have all fallen victim to the way United had been run under the Glazers, with Ten Hag’s tactics also to blame. But he reckons the Red Devils can come good again with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm.
Boss Erik ten Hag insists high fees for Manchester United’s under-achievers are not his fault.
Players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Andre Onana have so far struggled to justify their combined £400million cost in transfers.
But Ten Hag said the fees were not his remit.
That implies the finger should be pointed at ex-chief executive Richard Arnold and former football director John Murtough.
Ten Hag said: “The prices paid for players are indeed very high – but I am not responsible for that.
“The club did all the negotiations, including with very good potential players who didn’t come in the end.
“So it is all a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the purchase policy is disastrous.
It’s all negative, but despite all the problems, the foundation at the club has grown stronger.”
But now the West London club, who are preparing to welcome Enzo Maresca as their new manager, are set to land the ex-Manchester City man – who is out of contract this summer.
Sky Sports claim the 6ft 4in defender will have a medical next week after deciding on Chelsea.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Tosin prepares to become Maresca’s first signing following his move from Leicester.
Chelsea are said to be the “clear favourites” to sign Tosin but are remaining “cautious” until the deal is completed.
Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.
Pep Guardiola could break one of his unwritten transfer rules as Manchester City are linked to Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Guardiola has always been reluctant to sign players from his previous clubs Barcelona and Bayern - although he did recruit Barca's Thiago Alcantara for the Bundesliga giants and then Claudio Bravo for City from the Spaniards.
Out-of-favour goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been tipped to potentially join Liverpool.
Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider: “I don’t think Aaron Ramsdale will move abroad, I think there’s a move for him in the Premier League.
“The one that stands out is Chelsea. Petrovic and Sanchez don’t seem to be at the level you want. That’s where Chelsea are at.
“You look at other teams in the Premier League and he’d fit into most teams.
Credit: Getty
“I can’t see Newcastle happening with Pope there. Would Brighton be interested?
“If Kelleher leaves Liverpool, there’s an opportunity for him to go and be a number one with Alisson.
“Look at the amount of games Kelleher has played this year, compared to Ramsdale, there’s an opportunity there to have more game time and prove himself.
“Aaron Ramsdale has got to go somewhere and he’s got to play. He’s been harshly treated at Arsenal."
Manchester United will splash out this summer - if Erik ten Hag gets his way.
The FA Cup-winning manager is uncertain to stay - despite suggestions the Red Devils have had a change of heart since Wembley victory over Man City last Saturday.
Ten Hag has not revealed where he would hope to strengthen his squad.
But he said: “The plan last year was clear - we buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to shape the football from behind, and an extra midfielder.
“That was the approach and we would then be stronger and be able to take the next step.”
EXCLUSIVE: GRAHAM POTTER is in no rush to get back into management — because he is waiting on the England job, writes ALAN NIXON.
Potter, 49, has been linked with several teams since being sacked 14 months ago by Chelsea and is on the hit list at old club Brighton and Leicester.
Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea in April last yearCredit: PA
Despite being well paid during gardening leave from the Blues, his main reason for delaying a return is the possibility of succeeding Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.
Albion want Potter back while Foxes would like to speak to him as they pick a boss to replace Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca, with Steve Cooper and Carlos Corberan among the options.
Potter was also a possible option for the gaffer’s role at Manchester United, where the new regime are fans and previously tried to take him to French side Nice.
Close pals say Potter would take the Old Trafford post if asked — but his sights are more on England. He looks ideal as a replacement for Southgate, with experience of working abroad and in jobs at different levels in Britain.
The tactically-aware coach does not have any financial worries following his time at Chelsea, where he had a lucrative long-term deal, so he can gamble by waiting for the right move.
Friends have also revealed that Potter has spoken to many clubs recently to gather information, rather than actively pushing for the posts. Nice were among the first to try to tempt him back while Napoli also shortlisted him — and Ajax also had a go recently.
Manchester United target Gleison Bremer could finally leave Juventus this summer.
The Brazil centre-back, 27, reportedly has an agreement with the Italian giants allowing him to consider a move in the current transfer window.
Jarrad Branthwaite is still regarded as United's top option.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes Bremer has an understanding with Juventus that means he could leave this summer - subject to a suitable bid, probably of around £50million.
Pep Guardiola could break one of his unwritten transfer rules as Manchester City are linked to Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Guardiola has always been reluctant to sign players from his previous clubs Barcelona and Bayern - although he did recruit Barca's Thiago Alcantara for the Bundesliga giants and then Claudio Bravo for City from the Spaniards.