Man Utd news LIVE: Ten Hag ‘sack’ message, Ronaldo demand sent, Guardiola defends Onana
Manchester United face their noisy neighbours in the Manchester derby at the weekend, but there’s plenty going on behind the scenes ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown at Old Trafford
KEY EVENTS
Souness’ brutal question to ‘inconsistent’ Rashford before Manchester derby07:16
Guardiola defends Onana06:51
By Josh O’Brien, Daniel Orme
UPDATED22:35, 28 Oct 2023
Manchester United meet local rivals Manchester City in just over 24 hours – but preparations for the derby clash have been overshadowed by several developments behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Chief executive Richard Arnold is now expected to leave United pending Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion proposal for a 25 per cent stake in the club is approved in the coming weeks, with the Ineos chief set to overhaul the entire footballing structure around manager Erik ten Hag.
While it’s seemingly goodbye to Arnold, club stalwart David de Gea could be welcomed back with open arms in a shocking turn of events. The veteran goalkeeper has been sounded out about the possibility of returning to the club who gave him the boot back in July on a short-term basis to cover for Andre Onana, who is expected to be part of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations at the turn of the year.
There are also questions over manager Erik ten Hag, who has been sent a message over his job after an inconsistent start to the campaign.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford has been labelled as “inconsistent” by Graeme Souness, who hit with United No.10 with a particularly brutal question – ‘Why does he look so unhappy?’
“I remember last season, before we played Liverpool at home early in the season, we weren’t at our best before then but we responded in a big game,” he told the club’s website. “We’ll be looking for that type of performance again. If we can get that and get the win, then we’ll be happy.”
United Academy go top
Whatever happens in the Manchester derby, it has still been a good weekend for Manchester United Under 18s. They beat Sunderland 6-0 to go top of the table.
Guardiola responds to Pellistri
Pep Guardiola has responded to Facundo Pellistri’s jibe that “Manchester is all about United.” The Uruguayan said him and his girlfriend only saw red shirts and scarves in the city.
In his pre-match press conference, the City boss was informed of the comments and said: “I will speak with the department and ask what happened. It’s okay. If this guy and his girlfriend believe that, it’s fine.”
Man Utd face Arsenal competition
Man Utd are reportedly facing competition from Arsenal for wonderkid Dino Klapija.
According to Mail Online, both Premier League giants are interested in signing the NK Kustosija youngster, who could cost around £5 million.
Chelsea, Red Bull Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in a swoop.
Ratcliffe hailed
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be “creative” for the Red Devils should he invest in the club.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix, he said: “He’s a Manchester boy. He has the resources that are needed, the heart in the right place for this team and I’m sure that he can be very creative for Manchester United.
“With us he’s been a fantastic shareholder and a good sounding board for myself.”
Sherwood makes Hojlund claim
Speaking of Tim Sherwood, he has also claimed that Eddie Nketiah is an ‘upgrade’ on Rasmus Hojlund after his hat-trick for Arsenal today.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “You’re telling me this boy couldn’t play for Man United at the moment, instead of Hojlund? He’s an upgrade on Hojlund.
“They spent an awful lot of money on him. For me, he’s top drawer. I think he warrants playing for Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.”
Man Utd ‘gone backwards’
Tim Sherwood claims Erik ten Hag has taken Manchester United “backwards”.
He said on Sky Sports: “There’s no cohesion, there’s no plan, there’s no direction of how they want to play. They all play off the cuff, the manager is relying on moments from superstars to win games. They’ve been outplayed by the likes of Wolves. Sheffield United they got lucky, Brentford.”
Sancho ‘reluctant’ over exit
Jadon Sancho is reportedly ‘reluctant’ to leave Man United amid his falling out with Erik tehn Hag.
The winger is expected to leave the club sooner rather than later after being banished from first-team training. Juventus were linked with a move to Juventus.
However, according to tuttomercatoweb, he still believes that he has a future at Old Trafford.
Stam issues Ten Hag verdict
Jaap Stam has told Erik ten Hag to make his mind up as he attempts to end the Red Devils’ inconsistent form.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “You want to see United play – I won’t say like [Manchester] City – dominating, having the ball, free-flowing, going forwards, taking players on, going past players, getting crosses in, finishing these crosses, winning the second ball and then going again. And that’s not there.
“It’s a bit due to Ten Hag because he needs to make the choices. He has already over a season had time to work with a lot of these players. But I still think he’s a good manager and needs more time to finally get that into his way of playing.”
Premier League full-times
And we’ve got more Premier League scores rolling in. The Red Devils stay in eighth after today’s 3pm kick-offs.
Arsenal have brushed aside Sheffield United 5-0, with Bournemouth overcoming Burnley 2-1 amid more VAR drama.
Official accounts released
Erik ten Hag’s transfer ambitions are set to be scuppered by the news that Manchester United still owe more than £300million on a host of previous signings.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently pursuing a 25 percent stake in the club, that would leave the Glazer family as majority owners. But regardless as to whether that deal goes through in time for the January transfer window, the club seemingly still need to address existing debts as well as strengthening the squad.
Mullin responds to horror collision
Paul Mullin has revealed he thought he was “in trouble” after his summer collision with former Man United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.
Speaking through the incident that occured in the summer’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham, he said: “Ten minutes in, the ball goes behind Jonny Evans and I run after it. The goalkeeper comes out, makes a bit of a hash of it, and cleans me out instead of the ball.
“Next thing, I couldn’t breathe for a couple of minutes on the floor and at that point I started fearing the worst. All the medical staff rushed on and I remember seeing faces above me and after it they tell me my lips were turning blue so judging by their facial expressions that was when I was like: ‘Oh dear, I am in trouble here.’
Rashford sends clinical message
Marcus Rashford has called on his teammates to take their chances during Sunday’s Manchester derby.
He said: “You have to be confident. You have to trust your own abilities. But you also have to pay them respect. We have to be ready for when the little moments arrive in games such as this. We need to take those moments.”
Chelsea fall to defeat
We’ve already had a full-time score from elsewhere in the Premier League, with Chelsea losing 2-0 to Brentford.
The Bees had taken the lead through Ethan Pinnock, with Bryan Mbeumo securing victory at Stamford Bridge.
That result follows Tottenham’s 2-1 success against fellow London side Crystal Palace last night.
Bowen reveals Red Devils support
West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen has revealed that he was a boyhood Man United fan, with David Beckham his idol.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I loved David Beckham growing up. I used to go to games after school, I remember I used to leave at about 4pm from Hereford and then go to the games.”
Walker highlights Rashford concern
Kyle Walker is adamant Marcus Rashford remains a lethal opponent Manchester City should fear despite the striker’s poor form.
“I think Marcus has shown over the years that he’s the sort of player who can create problems for any side if they don’t match him,” the right-back explained. “He’s been important for both United and England since he was a teenager because of the threat he offers to any team he’s in.”
Ferdinand has Hojlund suggestion
Rio Ferdinand has demanded that Manchester United cross the ball more in order to get Rasmus Hojlund firing at Old Trafford.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, the former defender said: “I think we need to get to a place where we’re actually playing to our players’ strengths.
“You look at Hojlund, he wants the ball crossed. You saw the header he scored in the Champions League, you see the way he attacks crosses.”
Casemiro fitness update
Erik ten Hag has said Casemiro faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“Case is a race against the clock. He’s not 100 per cent,” Ten Hag told reporters. “He will do everything he can to be part of it, to start the game, but we have to see. We have some hours to go.
Ten Hag outlines one thing holding Man Utd back ahead of Manchester derby
Erik ten Hag has told his goal-shy Manchester United strikers to be more ruthless.
United face the ultimate challenge in neighbours and Treble winners Manchester City tomorrow and Erling Haaland ’s 11 goals this season is more than the entire Reds’ attack.
The United boss explained: “The co-operation has to click and we showed this week some examples where we have many overload positions and going to the opponents’ goal and we don’t net or even hit the target. We should do better. I’m convinced that with the qualities of our players, they will go and score more goals.
ICYMI – Mainoo could feature vs City
Kobbie Mainoo was notably omitted from Manchester United’s under-21 squad on Friday evening.
The talented midfielder played 45 minutes in midweek, marking his return from a serious ankle injury which he sustained on United’s pre-season tour.
Mainoo, 18, is liked by Erik ten Hag and his absence tonight suggests that the Red Devils boss plans to use him against Manchester City on Sunday, whether that be as a surprsie starter or, more likely, from the bench.
Carragher blames Ten Hag for four transfers that have taken Man Utd ‘backwards’
Jamie Carragher insists Erik ten Hag – not the Glazers – must take responsibility for signing Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.
“Ten Hag realises he does not have the profile of midfielders required to build from the back as he did at Ajax,” Carragher told The Telegraph. “Nor does he have the personnel for a pressing game. The fact he cannot do this in his second year at Old Trafford is on him.”
Carragher believes Casemiro “no longer has the legs for the job” after series of underwhelming performances this season, with the Liverpool icon criticising the Brazilian’s “big contract”. His deal doesn’t expire until June 2026, with the option of a further year.
Manchester United were urged to keep David de Gea at the club by former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson.
It was Steele who suggested to Ferguson that the club should pursue a deal for a young De Gea, who was then at Atletico Madrid. The Scot took his advice and paid just shy of £20m to land the Spaniard, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford before leaving in the summer.
De Gea won numerous personal accolades, but mistakes became all too regular and his limitations saw Ten Hag green light his exit when his contract expired. Now, as the club plans for the Africa Cup of Nations period, which will see Andre Onana head off, a shock return is being considered.
And it is time to face down the practice of Black footballers defending their teammates’ racially offensive conduct in the belief that everyone else will then be too scared to pursue it any further. Onana believes no action should be taken against his Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho for using two gorilla emojis above a picture of him.
It followed the Cameroon keeper’s heroic, injury-time penalty against Copenhagen to keep United’s Champions League hopes alive on Tuesday night. Social media users posted their disapproval of the post on X, formerly Twitter – and Garnacho deleted it, presumably once he’d been made aware of the racial connotations.
Guardiola’s sarcastic Pellistri message
Pep Guardiola has shrugged off Facundo Pellistri’s suggestions that Manchester United are more popular than Manchester City.
Guardiola, who has helped City win five of the last six league titles, and never finished below United during his time in England, responded: “I will speak with the department and ask what happened. It’s ok. If this guy and his girlfriend believe that, it’s fine.”
Carragher criticises Ten Hag
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes United’s style of play under Ten Hag is “stale” and claimed they are currently “in an unfulfilling holding pattern”.
“Manchester United resemble a team reaching the end of a cycle, not one still rebuilding under a relatively new manager,” Carragher said in a column for the Telegraph. “Despite winning their last three games, the football is stale and the symptoms of regression are visible; there is a lack of style and panache, few of Erik Ten Hag’s signings are consistently performing, and players such as Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay – who the manager was willing to discard last summer for the right price – are back in favour.
“United are in an unfulfilling holding pattern, seeking to eke out results and get by before their next refresh. Watching United’s victory against Copenhagen in midweek, the game reminded me of Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez’s final year at Liverpool, where it felt we were trying to find ways to win despite our general lack of quality, relying on ‘moments’ rather than brilliantly choreographed team patterns.”
Berbatov makes Casemiro claim
Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov has urged Ten Hag to start planning for life after Casemiro following reports from Spain that the midfielder is regretting his decision to join the club.
“I hope this is just a bad rumour because it’s going to bring unwanted heat towards him in a moment where he’s not playing how he used to play,” Berbatov told Betfair. “So, I hope it’s nothing but a rumour and that there’s nothing to it.
“Time is going by, and he’s getting older, so he needs to be smarter in how he plays the game, how he approaches games, how he reads the game. If United are going for a younger midfielder, who they’re going to build as a replacement, that’s not a problem. You can buy someone who is 21, take him in the team, try to slowly adjust them to English football, and you need this because Casemiro is 31.”
Arsenal legend says Erik ten Hag is ‘out of his depth’ at Man Utd and makes sack prediction
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told Erik ten Hag to brace himself for the sack if Manchester United’s form drops off again in the near future.
“I don’t see convincing performances from United at the moment, I see scrambling, over-the-line wins,” Keown told talkSPORT ahead of Sunday’s Manchester Derby.
“We’ve just talked about Sheffield United and their plight and how difficult it’s been for them, well United really struggled to win that game with a late goal in the 80th minute from a full-back.”
Souness’ brutal question to ‘inconsistent’ Rashford before Manchester derby
Graeme Souness has attempted to unravel the reasons behind Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s slow start to the season, brutally asking: ‘Why does he look so unhappy?’
In his column for the Daily Mail ahead this Sunday’s Manchester Derby, the former Liverpool captain and manager wrote: “For whatever reason, Rashford still doesn’t look a happy bunny.
“It’s hard to know why, given that he’s playing for one of the world’s great football clubs, is approaching his prime years and earns a shedload of money. I know the first question I’d ask if I ever bump into him: ‘Why do you look so unhappy, son?’
Guardiola defends Onana
City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Andre Onana, insisting he has a “high opinion” of the United goalkeeper despite his struggles following a summer move from Inter Milan.
“I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. “He’s an exceptional player and now at United.
“Everyone needs time [to adapt to the Premier League], not just the managers but players, keepers. Everyone. Sometimes people are quicker but I have a high opinion of him as a keeper.”
Graeme Souness has attempted to unravel the reasons behind Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s slow start to the season, brutally asking: ‘Why does he look so unhappy?’
Rashford, who turns 26 next week, has only scored one goal this term after signing a new five-year contract in July worth £325,000 per week. Like many of his United teammates, the England international is going through a rough patch, as the Red Devils struggle to put together a run of positive performances under increasingly-criticised manager Erik ten Hag.
Liverpool legend Souness has been left bemused by Rashford’s slump, branding him ‘inconsistent’ following a 30-goal campaign last season which he’s yet to build on. In his column for the Daily Mail ahead this Sunday’s Manchester Derby, the former Liverpool captain and manager wrote: “For whatever reason, Rashford still doesn’t look a happy bunny.
“It’s hard to know why, given that he’s playing for one of the world’s great football clubs, is approaching his prime years and earns a shedload of money. I know the first question I’d ask if I ever bump into him: ‘Why do you look so unhappy, son?'”
Mainoo could feature vs City
Kobbie Mainoo was notably omitted from Manchester United’s under-21 squad this evening.
The talented midfielder played 45 minutes in midweek, marking his return from a serious ankle injury which he sustained on United’s pre-season tour.
Mainoo, 18, is liked by Erik ten Hag and his absence tonight suggests that the Red Devils boss plans to use him against Manchester City on Sunday, whether that be as a surprsie starter or, more likely, from the bench.
ICYMI: Ten Hag issues Casemiro update
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said Casemiro faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The Brazil midfielder returned injured following the international break, missing the victory over Sheffield United as a result. He was never in contention to feature against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday as he was serving a one-match Champions League ban for the red card he picked up in the defeat to Galatasaray.
United are already without first-team regulars Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw for the meeting with Manchester City, while other senior players including Tyrell Malacia and Amad are not yet fit to return. Ten Hag is still hopeful over Casemiro, though, as United chase a fourth straight win in all competitions.
“Case is a race against the clock. He’s not 100 per cent,” Ten Hag told reporters. “He will do everything he can to be part of it, to start the game, but we have to see. We have some hours to go.”
Police charge boy, 17, over vile Charlton chants
Police have charged a 17-year-old boy over his involvement in sickening chants about Sir Bobby Charlton which were filmed during a Manchester City game.
It was half-time during City’s Premier League match at home to Brighton last Saturday when it was announced that Manchester United legend Charlton had passed away aged 86. Footage soon emerged of vile chants being sung about the England great, who had battled dementia since 2020.
Greater Manchester Police said it had investigated footage from the Etihad stadium and have charged the 17-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, with a public order offence. He’s been bailed to appear before Manchester magistrates in November.
GMP added that the boy had been released on bail with conditions to not appear at “any regulated football matches”. The force also noted that another boy, 14, had been “voluntarily interviewed” in connection with the chants and would be “dealt with out of court.”
Souness questions Rashford’s happiness
Graeme Souness has revealed what he’d ask Marcus Rashford if he bumped into him in the street, having seen how the Manchester United forward is struggling this season.
“I know the first question I’d ask if I ever bump into him: ‘Why do you look so unhappy, son?'” Liverpool legend Souness wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
“The word you associate with all great players is ‘consistency’. Consistency to perform at the highest level and make a big contribution to your team almost every week. But too often during his career, Rashford has not managed that.”
(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
19:58Nathan Ridley
Blow for top-four rivals
There’s bad news for Manchester United’s top-four rivals, Newcastle…
Star Sandro Tonali won’t face Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday after FIFA confirmed that his 10-month ban from football for breaching gambling rules in Italy will begin immediately.
FIFA on Friday upheld the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)’s request for Tonali to be banned immediately, ruling him out of competitive action until August 2024. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had hoped that the 23-year-old would be available for the trip to Molineux but is now officially suspended after FIFA ratified the ban.
The FIGC confirmed the details of Tonali’s sanction on Thursday. On top of 10 months out, which will see him miss Euro 2024 if Italy qualify, it was announced that the midfielder must go through a further eight months’ rehabilitation period, including therapy.
United tipped for £34m Reijnders transfer
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders ahead of a potential January swoop.
The 25-year-old Netherlands international would cost around €40million (£34m) according to Calciomercato, who report United’s interest.
United are targeting a new midfielder in 2024.
After watching United open their Champions League account with a fortunate 1-0 win against Copenhagen, where they were second-best for long periods of the game, I am none the wiser. Anything can happen in a derby, or course, but in the Premier League era no team has won more often at Old Trafford than Manchester City.
And if the champions play anywhere near their best, United will struggle to stop them, whatever shape or system Ten Hag may have in store this weekend.
FULL STORY: Ten Hag responds to Garnacho ban concerns
Erik ten Hag insisted Manchester United are “together” amid controversy around a social media post from winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Argentina international Garnacho shared a post on social media celebrating Onana’s contribution to United’s 1-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen in midweek. Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty from Copenhagen substitute Jordan Larsson to ensure Harry Maguire’s goal was enough to give the English side a narrow 1-0 win.
Garnacho used two gorilla emojis in his post, later deleting the content after some pointed out racial connotations. The FA have now stepped in over the matter, and Ten Hag confirmed the club has been in contact with the governing body.
Ten Hag warned about the sack by Arsenal legend
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told Erik ten Hag to brace himself for the sack if Manchester United’s form drops off again in the near future.
Ten Hag has guided the Red Devils to three wins in a row but every performance during that run has been ‘unconvincing’, according to Keown, who doesn’t rate their chances against bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday. The former Arsenal defender has also suggested that Ten Hag, who ended United’s six-year trophy drought last season, could be “out of his depth” and will be axed if his team slump to the kind of results which recently got them off to their worst start to a campaign in 34 years.
“I don’t see convincing performances from United at the moment, I see scrambling, over-the-line wins,” Keown told talkSPORT ahead of Sunday’s Manchester Derby. “We’ve just talked about Sheffield United and their plight and how difficult it’s been for them, well United really struggled to win that game with a late goal in the 80th minute from a full-back.”
OPINION: Onana is dangerously wrong about Garnacho stance
Andre Onana is wrong. Dangerously so.
And it is time to face down the practice of Black footballers defending their teammates’ racially offensive conduct in the belief that everyone else will then be too scared to pursue it any further. Onana believes no action should be taken against his Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho for using two gorilla emojis above a picture of him.
It followed the Cameroon keeper’s heroic, injury-time penalty against Copenhagen to keep United’s Champions League hopes alive on Tuesday night. Social media users posted their disapproval of the post on X, formerly Twitter – and Garnacho deleted it, presumably once he’d been made aware of the racial connotations.
Ten Hag’s response to Garnacho’s tweet and Onana’s plea
Erik ten Hag has reponsded after Andre Onana pleaded for the FA not to punish Alejandro Garnacho for an alleged racist tweet.
Garnacho used two gorilla emojis to caption a picture of him and his Manchester United teammates celebrating with Onana after the goalkeeper’s penalty save Copenhagen.
Speaking at his press conference today, Ten Hag said: “We are talking with the FA, I can confirm that and I want to emphasise we are together, we are united. You saw that with the post from Andre.”
ICYMI: De Gea responds to return claims
David de Gea has responded to reports claiming he has been offered a sensational return to Manchester United with a cryptic social media post.
De Gea, 32, is still a free agent after leaving the Red Devils in the summer after 12 years of service. The Spaniard clocked up 535 appearances during that time and was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford prior to his departure.
After months of speculation, it was eventually agreed between United and De Gea that he would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract back in July. His replacement, Andre Onana, has failed to convince so far, though – and it now seems as though De Gea could be offered an unlikely olive branch by the same club who gave him the boot.
Ten Hag on Casemiro
Erik ten Hag could potenially be without Brazil star Casemiro for this weekend’s Manchester derby.
Guardiola sends Pellistri message
Pep Guardiola has shrugged off Facundo Pellistri’s suggestions that Manchester United are more popular than Manchester City.
Guardiola, who has helped City win five of the last six league titles, and never finished below United during his time in England, responded: “I will speak with the department and ask what happened. It’s ok. If this guy and his girlfriend believe that, it’s fine.”
Ten Hag shares injury update
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Casemiro faces a race against time to be fit for this weekend’s clash against Man City.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Red Devils boss said: “Aaron [Wan Bissaka] was training, Casemiro has a race against the clock.”.
Guardiola gives Onana verdict
Pep Guardiola insists he has a “high opinion” of Manchester United’s Andre Onana, who has struggled following his summer move.
He said: “I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam. He’s an exceptional player and now at United. Everyone needs time [to adapt to PL], not just the managers but players, keepers. Everyone. Some times people are quicker but I have a high opinion of him as a keeper.”