INEOS Archives - Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person

Video: "If I start to talk about that..." - Gareth Southgate responds to reports linking him to United

Darragh Fox — Mon, 13 May 2024 13:00:16 +0000

Gareth Southgate has described links between him and Manchester United as a “complete irrelevance” with his sole focus being the European Championship this summer in Germany, but did not fully rule out a return to club football in the future.

In an interview with ITV News, the England manager was asked about him being one of the bookmakers’ favourites to take over from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. “I’m not a big gambling man, but bookies can make their odds. It’s not a conversation that’s been had with me,” he replied.

'I've got one thing to focus on… Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me.'

Gareth Southgate played down speculation linking him to Manchester United and told @stevescott_itv his aim is to win #Euro2024 with England. https://t.co/xSKFOzL6WR pic.twitter.com/yAxMuf44hZ

— ITV News (@itvnews) May 13, 2024

Southgate has been strongly linked with the United job since it emerged the club was actively pursuing Dan Ashworth to be the new sporting director at Old Trafford.

Ashworth, currently on gardening leave with Newcastle as the two clubs have been unable to agree a compensation package, has previously worked with Southgate in the England national set-up as a technical director. When Southgate was made manager of the Three Lions, following his work for the U21 side, Ashworth described him as the “outstanding candidate” for the role.

It appears to be a sentiment shared by INEOS – the new leaders of the football department at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ratification as co-owner in February – who have made Ashworth a key part of their vision for transforming United.

The INEOS Sport team is headed by Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been conducting a comprehensive audit of the club in a bid to streamline and improve the sporting operation. Brailsford is a close friend and colleague of Ashworth who describes the INEOS Director as the “best in the world” at what he does.

Brailsford also holds a long-term connections with Southgate having worked as an advisor with the FA, with the England manager even being invited to his 60th birthday in March.

The links between all three man are, therefore, obvious; the type the rumour mill of football will always seek to play on if given the opportunity to do so. And United’s performances on the pitch this year have given ample ammunition for this to happen.

At the beginning of the year, Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford was the strongest of any manager since Sir Alex Ferguson. He had guided the club back into the Champions League with a comfortable 3rd place finish in his debut season in English football. He had delivered the first trophy in six years with a Carabao Cup triumph. He’d even appeared to have successfully healed the wounds between the players and fans inflicted during the painful 2021/22 season.

In return, the club had fully backed the Dutchman, committing to another summer of huge spending at his behest. Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were all signed for large fees while United spent the entire summer chasing Sofyan Amrabat to reunite the Moroccan with Ten Hag in a costly loan deal. United officials were more than happy to be guided by their manager.

In short, he was the Manchester United manager for the present and the future. But, nine months on, it feels almost a foregone conclusion he is a relic of the past; a dead man walking who will not be in charge beyond this month.

8th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -4 and fourteen losses. The most goals conceded in a season since 1971. A calamitous early exit from both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. A string of performances which border on a team in the bottom three rather than hoping to be in the top four.

It’s been a truly awful season.

The prospect, however remote, of a successful FA Cup campaign by beating Manchester City in the final on May 25 is this year’s only saving grace. An embarrassing defeat is the far more likely result, however.

INEOS have refused to provide a definitive answer on Ten Hag’s long-term future at the club, instead choosing to make a decision once the season has finished. This lack of clarity off the pitch has undoubtedly produced a negative effect on the pitch, with United’s form absolutely torpedoing over the final few months of an abysmal year.

This does not exculpate Ten Hag of his role in these woes, with the Dutchman’s bizarre system – a completely contradictory high-press, low bock structure – as much of a contributing factor as the unrelenting injury list which has besieged his squad, but he has been forced to manage an almost unmanageable situation at times.

Nonetheless, an historically poor season for United will always result in the rumour mill going into overdrive on the manager not being long for this world. When you couple that with EURO 2024 being potentially Southgate’s last tournament, and his long-standing ties to two executive heavyweights (or soon to be in the case of Ashworth) at Old Trafford, you’re left with an easy narrative for the rumour mill and bookies to push.

It’s not a narrative Southgate is remotely interested in, however.

The England manager is adamant his only focus at present is having “as successful a tournament with England as possible”. Everything else outside of that, including links to Old Trafford, are described as a “complete irrelevance” to him.

When the interviewer questioned if he would rule out a return to club football further down the line, Southgate reiterated where his attention lies. “If I start talking about that, then I’m already distracted from what I’m doing. So I think the country would expect that my focus is on England, and rightly so,” he replied.

Perhaps most interestingly was Southgate’s response that he has had no “conversation” with United officials over the prospect of joining the club. You would expect the number one favourite for the role to have had some level of dialogue with his prospective new employers and Southgate is renowned for his honest approach.

Whether the links between England’s manager and England’s biggest club are genuine or simply the product of the rumour mill putting two and two together remains to be seen, but there feels little doubt there will be a vacant managerial position at Old Trafford come the end of the season should Southgate be interested in the job.

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"No one strong enough": How Ten Hag's dictatorial approach has led to increase in injuries - report

Ayantan Chowdhury — Sun, 12 May 2024 13:30:20 +0000

Manchester United have suffered over 60 separate instances of injury this season with the Red Devils currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s flawed chaos ball has been a huge factor behind this drop-off in form but the Dutchman has kept on publicly claiming that injuries have been the biggest mitigating factor behind his style of play not working.

While there is certainly some truth to this statement, it is the former Ajax coach’s methods in training that have come under the scanner as the injury crisis threatens to derail the season finale.

Harry Maguire is sidelined for three weeks while for the first time since joining United, skipper Bruno Fernandes ended up missing a game. The manager announced that Mason Mount has once again picked up a minor knock.

Injury issues at the club

United are already missing their first-choice back four and the game against Arsenal is expected to be another mishap waiting to happen with Ten Hag asking for his ‘walking wounded’ to step up and play through the pain barrier.

This is exactly how Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane picked up knocks so soon after regaining fitness with new co-owners INEOS conducting a probe into the Dutch boss’ training regimen.

PL Brasil have revealed that with no proper hierarchy before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment, Ten Hag was free to run things as he wanted and that has caused further injury issues.

Players have complained about the manager’s training methods as well as running demands and the report claims that Ten Hag has never adjusted the training workload as per the schedule.

Players keep training like they were for the first game of the season even though fatigue has built up during the course of so many games.

EtH’s methods under the scanner

Players have even had their off days cancelled and despite airing their concerns to the coaching staff, nobody has managed to overrule the manager.

“Although the bloated English calendar is also to blame, internally, many athletes cite Erik Ten Hag’s training for the excess number of injuries.

“According to some, he makes the mistake of maintaining the same training load throughout the season, even if the accumulated fatigue is much greater in the final stretch.

“Exhausting sessions, canceling days off and complaining about training have been pertinent topics at United for some time.

“But if Ten Hag makes so many mistakes, is no one capable of correcting it? There are two main problems that go beyond the Dutchman. The first is that United are going through a transition and they do not have a sporting director.

“Without a director, Ten Hag commands and dismantles. The club made a deal with Dan Ashworth of Newcastle United, but the target is still spending his last few weeks at the club in the north of England. This means that there is no one strong enough to prune Ten Hag in the football hierarchy.

“And the second involves a structural problem at the club. The new owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has already given interviews about the precariousness he found in United’s facilities. The medical department is no exception.”

Medical team needs a revamp

The less said about the medical department the better. Players have even preferred going to their personal doctors for diagnosis or advice due to the inferior quality on offer at Carrington.

The medical team failed to spot Casemiro’s injury on time while they also allowed Varane and Jonny Evans to play on despite concerns which eventually saw them suffer long-term injuries.

INEOS are trying to fix things by getting the backroom staff in place ahead of the new season while the medical department is in the middle of an overhaul.

As for Ten Hag, the new co-owners have a huge call to make once the season ends. And player power is also certainly rampant that leads to extra criticism for any manager and that also needs to be pruned immediately.

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INEOS' United investment throws Nice into chaos in latest major development - report

Derick Kinoti — Sat, 11 May 2024 18:00:02 +0000

OGC Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has reportedly told INEOS that he wishes to leave the club as he believes their focus is now primarily on Manchester United.

INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into United in February and since then, all attention has been on identifying areas of improvement.

Ratcliffe and his associates have been on a mission to implement a “best-in-class” structure at Old Trafford with an eye on the upcoming transfer window.

During the takeover process as well as since Ratcliffe officially walked through the door at United, there have been fears in France that Nice would take a backseat and assume a secondary role in his eyes.

Ratcliffe is of course a majority shareholder at the Ligue 1 outfit, who are currently in fifth position in the standings and just one point adrift of Lille above them.

According to Foot Mercato, Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has seemingly acted on these concerns and has informed the club’s owners that he wishes to leave in favour of pursuing a fresh challenge.

It’s understood that Ghisolfi feels INEOS’ priorities have changed and all their energy is currently being directed towards restoring United back to their past glories.

Foot Mercato reports, “After spending time at RC Lens, then at Nice for a little less than two years, the 39-year-old sports director now wants to look beyond the borders and join AS Roma.”

“According to our information, Ghisolfi has even already informed Nice of his desire to leave the club.”

The news outlet adds, “Arriving at the GYM in October 2022, the native of Aubagne believes that the Champions League project that he was sold at the time has now changed.”

It’s further relayed that Ghisolfi is now making arrangements with INEOS to facilitate his departure from The Allianz Riviera.

Meanwhile, United return to action on Sunday when they host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Old Trafford.

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This trusted Ten Hag lieutenant set to be spared the axe as INEOS prepare to end Dutchman’s tenure - report

Derick Kinoti — Sat, 11 May 2024 17:30:55 +0000

Manchester United coach Steve McClaren is reportedly set to be retained at the club even if Erik ten Hag were to be sacked at the end of the season.

Pressure on Ten Hag is now more intense than ever after United’s devastating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace earlier this week.

On yet another occasion, United were thoroughly outplayed and dominated in almost every aspect of play by perceived inferior opponents.

It doesn’t get easier for the Red Devils, who face Arsenal next before clashes against Newcastle and then Brighton on the final day of the season. There is then the small matter of an FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month.

It’s a very realistic prospect that United could end the campaign without any win to their name, considering the poor form they’re currently in.

It has been repeatedly stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will defer a final decision on whether or not to keep Ten Hag until the end of the season, with the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford hanging in the balance.

However, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that if things get really bad, the 54-year-old coach would be immediately sacked even before the campaign concludes and his assistant, McClaren, appointed interim boss.

Ex-United forward Michael Owen spoke after the final whistle at Selhurst Park and insisted that McClaren – who is a “top operator” that’s naturally inclined to play positive and attacking football – has no input on the team and is just a bystander.

McClaren himself spoke to the media and admitted that over the last two years under Ten Hag, United have at times fallen firmly below the standards expected of the club.

According to The Mirror, the 63-year-old has earned the admiration of the top brass and will likely be kept for a bit longer, even if Ten Hag is relieved of his duties.

The newspaper reveals, “Steve McClaren is set to escape the Manchester United cull that is expected to claim Erik ten Hag and the rest of his backroom staff at the end of the season.”

“‌The former England coach, who was brought back to Old Trafford when Ten Hag became United boss in the summer of 2022, has a long-standing professional relationship with INEOS chief Dave Brailsford.‌”

“Brailsford will play a key role in the decision on whether new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to allow Ten Hag to complete the final year of his contract in the summer after a calamitous campaign at Old Trafford.”

Simon Mullock points out, “The Dutchman’s extensive coaching staff would also pay the price for failure – but McClaren is regarded as someone who INEOS can continue to work with in any new managerial regime.‌”

It’s believed that McClaren and Brailsford grew close when the former invited the cycling chief when he was in charge of Derby to give a talk on his marginal gains philosophy.

Apparently, the two agreed on most things and have been friends since.

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United gain huge advantage over Newcastle that could finally land them Dan Ashworth

Derick Kinoti — Sat, 11 May 2024 11:00:48 +0000

Manchester United reportedly feel that they’ve gained an advantage over Newcastle in their bid to appoint Dan Ashworth, amidst the Magpies’ Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into United in February, all focus has been on implementing the right football structure to lead the club into its new era.

As part of Ratcliffe’s vision to have a “best-in-class” structure, Ashworth was identified as the perfect man to assume a maiden sporting director role at Old Trafford. Ashworth proceeded to inform Newcastle of his desire to join the INEOS billionaire’s project – an act that angered the Tyneside outfit, who responded by placing him on immediate gardening leave.

Newcastle are thought to want an unrealistic compensation package worth around £20m to let their executive circumvent his notice period and start work at United immediately. On their part, INEOS have made it very clear they’re not willing to fork out such an amount on non-playing personnel.

Both clubs have since dug in their heels and have shown no signs whatsoever of compromising. This led to Ashworth taking Eddie Howe’s side to arbitration in an effort to unlock the stalemate.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils will cover all the legal costs associated with the matter.

It seemed very unlikely that Ashworth would be in place at Old Trafford before the summer window commences but in a slight update provided by The Independent, it appears there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for United.

The newspaper states that the standoff – having evolved from farcical to now resembling a “game of chicken,” might be resolved in the next few weeks.

This is because Newcastle need the money they’d receive from parting ways with Ashworth to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

“Newcastle are insistent on compensation of £25m, which has completely stalled the move of the highly rated sporting director.”

“However, Manchester United feel their leverage on the deal is starting to increase as Newcastle’s preference is to have the situation sorted in the next six weeks so that the income counts towards this cycle’s PSR rules.”

PSR regulations permit clubs to only lose up to £105m over three seasons. This term, the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest have been subjected to points deductions for breaching the rules.

Meanwhile, United also have to be careful not to fall on the wrong side of PSR. As pointed out by the Independent, this is one of the factors that will be considered when a decision on whether or not to part ways with Erik ten Hag is made.

The Dutchman and his coaching staff would be in line for considerable compensation and their replacements would also command hefty wages.

On United and Newcastle’s negotiations for Ashworth, the Independent add, “While the situation suggests that both clubs will come to a deal before the June cut-off, there is currently extreme intransigence on both sides due to how much it can influence future recruitment decisions.”

United return to action on Sunday when they take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

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Ratcliffe orders “fresh investigation” as Ten Hag’s methods suspected to be cause of huge problem - report

Ayantan Chowdhury — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:00:59 +0000

It has been a dismal season for Manchester United on the field with the club languishing in eighth place in the Premier League table.

While manager Erik ten Hag’s tactics are partly to blame for this mess, the injury crisis is another major contributing factor with the team suffering 60 separate cases of injury or illness this season.

When INEOS came on board, they ordered an internal audit to find out the reason behind such an alarming rise but things have just gotten worse during the business-end of the campaign.

Harry Maguire was sidelined for three weeks while skipper Bruno Fernandes missed his first-ever game due to injury since moving to Old Trafford, the 0-4 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday.

Injuries galore

Currently, the entire first-choice backline is out of commission, which has meant the Dutchman has had to reshuffle his pack constantly and that has not helped the team settle down.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is incensed with the situation and as per The Daily Star, he has ordered a “root-and-branch” investigation into the problem.

With the British billionaire hoping to guide the club back to the top of the English footballing pyramid, he is keen to get to the bottom of this mess.

He has handed the responsibility to Sir Dave Brailsford, who will monitor the manager’s training sessions to understand the workload being put on the players before games.

Players have complained about the intensity of training including the constant running and INEOS will pay heed to those warnings and conduct a thorough investigation.

Another audit on the cards

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a fresh investigation into what has caused the injury crisis at Manchester United this season

“He believes more can be done to prevent injuries from happening – and will commission a ‘root-and-branch’ investigation into the problem that will involve INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford.

“This will include scrutinising Ten Hag’s training methods, schedules and how intense his sessions have been.

“The running distances of the players will also be looked into, along with data relating to how much pressure is put on them before, during and after matches.”

While the manager’s methods will be evaluated, player power remains rampant at the club which the Glazers have allowed to fester and already reports have emerged which state that the players have no motivation left and are set to lose all remaining games.

Lot to figure out for INEOS

Players taking the easy way out needs to be investigated as well while the club’s focus on commercial activities saw the team travel throughout USA and Europe during pre-season, which players spoke out against.

There is also a question mark surrounding the medical department which has not spotted injuries in time or have not thoroughly analysed injuries, leading to more mishaps.

The congested international calendar is another issue with the players playing in a winter World Cup in 2022, and are set to play in the Euros and Copa America this summer.

A lot of things to figure out for INEOS quite soon in their regime and the size of the task they have taken on is slowly dawning on them.

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"Miserable" end to the season awaits as United stars feel "they will not win another game this season" - report

Ayantan Chowdhury — Thu, 09 May 2024 15:00:42 +0000

Manchester United lost their 13th game of the Premier League season, a record since the competition’s inception, a 0-4 annihilation at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Not even the most ardent fan would have expected too much but still the manner of the capitulation was another stark reminder of Erik ten Hag’s loosening grip on the squad.

Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro had the worst night of his United career and it seemed he had almost given up, like so many of his teammates in recent weeks.

When the chance to secure a Champions League spot was lost, there were fears that motivation levels would drop and that is exactly what has transpired with The Daily Star claiming United’s beleaguered stars feel the remaining campaign could turn out to be humiliating.

EtH & players both to blame

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, player power has run rampant and many-a-times, big-name stars have downed tools to ensure the manager gets sacked.

The Dutchman is also to blame for this mess with the former Ajax coach refusing to compromise on his flawed style despite a mounting injury crisis, which in turn, is leading to bigger and bigger losses.

United have conceded three or more goals 15 times this season, while Monday’s result was the fourth time they have conceded four times in a game this season.

INEOS’ refusal to address the managerial situation with any real conviction is not helping with players feeling Ten Hag is a goner and that has led to players not putting in the hard yards for him any longer.

United are still to play Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton before their all-important FA Cup final and still have the chance to secure European football for next season.

Players giving up

But players do not envisage a single win and that surely is concerning for INEOS and could lead to their lowest-ever league finish and the team will have no European football next season which will certainly impact their finances and their ability to recruit top stars in the summer.

“Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United flops fear they will not win another game this season.

“The news is a huge blow to Ten Hag as he battles to save himself from the sack. Morale and confidence is so low among the United squad that there is a feeling among many of the players that their season could be all but over.

“United’s confidence is said to be shot to pieces, with the players starting to think there is nothing they can do to spare Ten Hag from the sack.

“A club insider described the mood among United’s squad as ‘miserable’, with many of the players convinced Ten Hag will be on his way this summer after such a dismal season.”

INEOS’ big call

Ten Hag sounds deluded during post-match interactions which is adding further fuel to the fire with critics vociferous in their appeals to sack the Dutchman.

Ten Hag’s refusal to back away from playing this flawed style despite so many injuries will ultimately let him down while the players he has signed have mostly been huge disappointments.

Fans are already worried about what the scoreline will be against the Gunners and are fearing a rout at Wembley. Should INEOS pull the plug now and bring in an interim coach?

Currently, the management have no such plans and they want Ten Hag to lead the team out for the Cup final. With Thomas Tuchel making a strong case for his appointment, INEOS have a huge call to make regarding the managerial situation.

But players believing no turnaround if possible is concerning. A difficult end to a dismal campaign awaits.

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"Bottom of the list": United superstar is reportedly off the table in INEOS' summer clearout - report

Alex Browne — Thu, 09 May 2024 08:00:16 +0000

Bruno Fernandes is one of the last players INEOS want to sell this summer from the Manchester United squad.

It had been reported the club’s new rulers were open to selling every player except youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund in an effort to regenerate the squad and escape the Premier League’s profits and sustainability (PSR) restrictions.

It was then suggested that this meant that the club would accept an offer for their talismanic captain, with fuels added to the fire when Fernandes gave an interview explaining that his future doesn’t just depend on him and that he wasn’t thinking about it due to focusing on the FA Cup final and the Euros.

The Portuguese international has enjoyed an outstanding end of the season and won the club’s Player of the Month award for April. He is the team’s top scorer and assist maker and also leads his side in numerous other categories.

Fernandes’ absence on Monday night was felt throughout the team as they put in one of their most abject performances of the season in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace without their captain.

GIVEMESPORT have now reported that United are far from interested in parting ways with the creative midfielder.

The Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal were thought to be interested in the player in the winter window and they are thought to be willing to come back in the summer with an £87 million to test United’s resolve.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports “Bruno Fernandes is Manchester United’s captain, and is low on the list – if not right at the bottom of the list – of names that Manchester United want to sell this summer, even if funds are required both to stay in line with PSR and to move in the market.”

Referring to Fernandes’ aforementioned interview he claimed, “we should note that Bruno Fernandes’ comments can be taken out of context because he doesn’t close the door entirely to an exit. But he also stresses that when a club and a player are aligned, they tend to move forward together.”

“And he states quite clearly off the back of maybe opening the door slightly that at the moment, he believes that Manchester United and him are on the same page. So you can kind of interpret the comments both ways.”

Whilst it is true that Fernandes would be one of the few current United players who could generate a large sale price, it would be nonsensical to do so. He lays claims to being one of the only signings in the post-Ferguson era to have been a significant success, amid a sea of disappointment.

He is not the perfect player but he is the beating heart of this team and it is not unrealistic to suggest that a Bruno-less United might actually have finished the season in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Red Devil fans across the globe will be delighted that INEOS also seem to appreciate the importance of the midfielder’s future at Old Trafford.

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"Meltdown...": United staff believe club legend could be primed to take over from Ten Hag - report

Darragh Fox — Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:30 +0000

Manchester United staff believe Steve McClaren “could step in as caretaker” should Erik ten Hag’s position as manager become untenable before the end of the season.

The INEOS Sport team – who gained full control over the sporting operation at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ratification as co-owner of the club in February – are content with the Dutchman remaining in charge until after the pivotal FA Cup final against Manchester City at the end of the month.

However, there has been zero indication from the club’s new rulers over their long-term support of Ten Hag, with the manner in which United finished the season – both in terms of results as well as performances – thought to be pivotal to any decision.

Which is why Monday night’s defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park will likely prove a death knell for the 54-year-old manager’s time at Old Trafford.

United were completely outplayed by a rampant Palace side who cut through a makeshift backline, comprised of an out-of-position Casemiro and an injured Jonny Evans, with ease, en route to a 4-0 demolition. Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta were imperious, but will not have faced an easier evening’s work this season.

While this disjointed defensive partnership offers some respite to criticism of Ten Hag’s team, it does not begin to excuse what an abject performance they produced as a collective. Yet it’s the type of match which has become customary this season.

If Monday night existed in isolation then it could conceivably be excused or dismissed as an off day, but it doesn’t.

There was little difference between the performance at Selhurst Park and the one six weeks ago at the Gtech Community Stadium, outside of clinical finishing.

Brentford were desperately unlucky to only come away with a point in a 1-1 draw, having hit the woodwork four times. With more care in front of goal, the Bees would have produced an even more dominant result over Ten Hag’s side than Palace, with the xG (expected goals) for both games underscoring this.

Brentford (3.11) 1-1 (0.51) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) March 30, 2024

xG – Brentford (3.11) 1-1 (0.51) Man Utd

Crystal Palace (1.63) 4-0 (0.41) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) May 6, 2024

xG – Crystal Palace (1.63) 4-0 (0.41) Man United

In the aftermath of the match at Selhurst Park, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen were apoplectic in their rage at Ten Hag, believing the result had to the straw which broke the camel’s back.

Owen was adamant the Dutchman “simply cannot manager the team next season” while Scholes revealed the match “felt very similar” to the 4-1 defeat away to Watford which marked the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure as United manager.

Interestingly, both former United stars supported the possibility of assistant coach McClaren taking over on an interim basis, believing Ten Hag was not “letting him touch that team” because McClaren was too good of a coach for a side under his stewardship to look as dismal as they did.

“We’ve played under Steve. He’s coached us. There’s no way his fingerprints are anywhere near that team. He’s a brilliant coach. And that team is not being coached at all. No way,” Owen revealed, with Scholes in full agreement.

And, according to Chris Wheeler (Daily Mail), the idea of McClaren taking over is one shared by staff at Old Trafford: “Ineos will let him stay in charge for the rest of the season, although it has been suggested among staff that Steve McClaren could step in as caretaker if the situation goes into meltdown.”

With the prospect of Arsenal and Newcastle in the next week and a final day trip away to Brighton, there are three separate opportunities for a United “meltdown” before the season-defining FA Cup final at Wembley on May 25. It’s perfectly conceivable, based on the continuation of (or lack thereof) performances against Brentford and Palace, that United lose all three remaining games in resounding fashion.

If that happens, INEOS may be forced to react earlier than planned, but they would not have to look outside of the Old Trafford dressing room for a short-term alternative.

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Bombshell report claims top Ineos chief is set to take a step back from United

Derick Kinoti — Tue, 07 May 2024 22:59:32 +0000

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ally and close confidant Sir Dave Brailsford is reportedly ready to take a step back from Manchester United as he aims to get back to some of his previous duties and responsibilities.

Ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into United, Brailsford has been leading INEOS’ thorough audit of the club in an effort to identify areas of improvement.

Brailsford has been mentioned to be Ratcliffe’s “eyes and ears” at United since the Oldham-born billionaire assumed full control of the Red Devils’ sporting operations.

Already, INEOS have made some progress at Old Trafford. In addition to securing the services of Omar Berrada who is set to come in as the next CEO and Richard Arnold’s long-term successor, United also got a deal for new technical director Jason Wilcox over the line.

Talks remain ongoing with Newcastle over Dan Ashworth, who took the Magpies to arbitration to force through a switch to United.

According to The Daily Mail, Brailsford’s influence at United is set to reduce with others who have been appointed to key positions shouldering more work.

The newspaper reports, “Sir Dave Brailsford has been at the forefront of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford revolution since the Ineos billionaire invested in United, but Confidential understands that the former Great Britain cycling supremo is preparing to take a more withdrawn role.”

“The 60-year-old Ineos sporting director has made it clear that he plans to return to his base in Monaco in September which will enable him to have more involvement with Nice, the French club also owned by Ratcliffe.”

“It’s understood the timing could depend on Dan Ashworth’s arbitration battle with Newcastle which will determine how soon he can start work as United’s new sporting director.”

The Mail add, “Brailsford has been largely filling that role, in much the same way that Ineos chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc is acting as the club’s CEO until Omar Berrada begins his new job on July 13.”

It’s understood that Brailsford held multiple one-on-one conversations with the United players, who have been left impressed with his approach.

Brailsford is regarded as a “good listener” who is intent on fostering a positive environment at the club that allows everyone to produce at their very best.

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