Things are looking up for Manchester United on the pitch, but there are plenty of things to take care of off it.
Erik ten Hag’s team has started to build up a head of steam in the league, winning three games on the spin to breathe new life into their top-four hopes. They can make up even more ground on the Champions League spots this weekend as they aim to make up for their early elimination from this season’s edition of the competition.
Off the field, the impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe is beginning to be felt. New CEO Omar Berrada has already been appointed, while their is interest in Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth.
With a lot going on around Old Trafford, Mirror Football has been keeping tabs on all the big developments. Here are the latest news lines surrounding the Manchester club.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has reported to attract interest from Real Madrid after finding form in front of goal, but has described his current club as the perfect match. Hojlund’s goal at Aston Villa on Sunday was his fifth in as many games, bringing his tally for the season up to 11 in all competitions.
“It’s about dreaming big and daring to dream big,” Hojlund told TV reporters in his native Denmark over the summer. “Otherwise, you will not reach your goals. It’s rare you get everything in one package, but I’d say everything has just come together with me and Manchester United. It’s a perfect match.
“Right now the club is going through a process, and I would very much like to be a part of it. This is also why I have chosen to come here now, because I feel I can grow with the club, and hopefully we can win a lot of trophies together.”
It would cost Manchester United a seven-figure sum to bring over Dan Ashworth from Newcastle. According to the Newcastle Chronicle, the million-plus sum wouldn’t even bring an immediate appointment, as the 52-year-old would need to go on gardening leave.
Ashworth has been Newcastle’s sporting director since 2022, having previously held similar roles with Brighton and West Brom. During his time at St James’ Park, he has overseen the arrival of signings such as club-record recruit Alexander Isak.
Back in November, he indicated he had no plans to leave the north-east. “I’m really happy, it’s a brilliant city, club and project. I’m thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge,” he said.
Alan Brazil hasn’t been won over by Manchester United’s recent turnaround in form, saying he believes Erik ten Hag will be out of a job by the end of the season. The former Ajax boss has been able to ride out speculation over his future, but his man-management skills have been questioned.
“Unless Manchester United go on a remarkable run, I still think Erik ten Hag will be gone by the end of the season,” Brazil told talkSPORT BET. “I honestly don’t think that the players are having him. There’s always a chance that winning silverware, maybe the FA Cup could be enough to keep him in the job though.