Manchester United has decided to keep Erik ten Hag as their manager for the next season. The Dutchman was given another chance after a two-week season review. The club considered replacing him and even spoke with Thomas Tuchel about the position. However, after Tuchel declined, they opted to stick with Ten Hag, the FA Cup-winning manager. Despite an eighth-place finish in the league, ten Hag is confident he can win trophies. While this decision relieves some, it spells trouble for several players.
1. Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain under ten Hag. The two have not seen eye-to-eye since Sancho was dropped from the squad for a match against Arsenal last September. Ten Hag claimed the decision was due to Sancho’s lack of effort in training, which Sancho denied, accusing the manager of making him a scapegoat. Sancho spent the latter half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and is now available for transfer at £40 million. The relationship between Sancho and Ten Hag appears strained, making it likely that Sancho will look for opportunities elsewhere, especially if he wants more consistent playing time and a supportive environment to reignite his career.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had limited opportunities under ten Hag. Since the Dutchman’s arrival, the former £50 million right-back has started less than half of Manchester United’s Premier League matches. The 26-year-old has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order and, with one year left on his contract, could be sold. Inter Milan has shown interest, and United might accept a £10 million offer, resulting in a significant loss on their investment. Wan-Bissaka’s future at Old Trafford seems bleak as he struggles to fit into ten Hag’s tactical plans, which favor more attack-minded full-backs like Dalot.
3. Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s position at Manchester United has weakened significantly. Although he managed to get back into the team due to injuries last season, he was stripped of the captaincy last summer. With Raphael Varane leaving, United plans to find a new starting center-back to partner Lisandro Martinez, pushing Maguire out of the preferred starting lineup again. This situation leaves Maguire’s future at the club in doubt. Despite his efforts to reclaim a regular spot, Maguire’s chances seem slim as ten Hag looks to strengthen the defense with fresh talent, making the England international’s tenure at United increasingly uncertain.
4. Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen had a strong first season at United but was on the sidelines last season. The 32-year-old midfielder expressed frustration over limited playing time during international duty in March. He has fallen behind young talent Kobbie Mainoo in the lineup. There are reports that Eriksen could return to Ajax if United agrees to pay off the last year of his £150,000-a-week contract. This move would give Eriksen a chance to play more regularly. Eriksen’s creative abilities are undeniable, but ten Hag’s preference for younger players and dynamic playmakers means the Danish international might be better suited to a team where he can play a central role.
5. Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof is likely to remain a backup option under ten Hag. The Swedish defender, 29, started just 14 Premier League games last season, often filling in as an emergency left-back during an injury crisis. With one year left on his contract, United might let him go to cut their losses. Lindelof, who has been with the club since 2017, seems set for a secondary role if he stays. Lindelof faces stiff competition from new signings and emerging talents despite his reliability, making his long-term prospects at United uncertain.
Aside from the highlighted players, Manchester United’s squad could see more changes as Ten Hag looks to shape the team according to his vision. The club’s new co-owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, are cautious about spending and keen to avoid the club’s previous habit of overpaying for players. This approach could mean more strategic signings and potentially more exits for players who do not fit into Ten Hag’s plans.
Manchester United’s pre-season preparations
Erik ten Hag and his team will start their pre-season preparations towards the end of July. Manchester United is set to travel to the United States, where they will face strong opponents such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Betis. These matches will be crucial for Ten Hag to assess his squad and make final decisions on player roles and potential transfers. The pre-season will also allow fringe players to prove their worth and secure their place in the upcoming season.
Ten Hag’s continued tenure at Manchester United brings mixed feelings within the squad. While the manager’s confidence in his ability to win trophies remains high, several players face uncertain futures. Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelof are all at risk of being sidelined or sold. As Manchester United prepares for the new season, these players must navigate their roles and prospects under Ten Hag’s leadership. The coming months will be crucial in determining these players’ future and the team’s overall direction.
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