Uncertainty at Man Utd
Some Manchester United players are delaying decisions on their futures “due to uncertainty over whether Erik ten Hag will still be at the club next season”.
That’s according to a report in the Manchester Evening News which suggests “a number of United players are convinced Ten Hag will not remain in charge beyond the current season”.
The outlet continues: “Seven senior players are out of contract in the summer while there is uncertainty over the futures of several other squad members amid the upheaval following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment.
“United have won one of their past seven league games and fourth-placed Aston Villa are now a near-unassailable 13 points clear of Ten Hag’s side. United’s plight is so severe they have four points fewer than they had at the same stage under David Moyes in 2013-14 – their worst season in the Premier League era.
“New co-owner Ratcliffe has declined to give public assurances Ten Hag will be in situ next season and the Ineos Group have assessed prospective replacements.”
United in ‘concrete’ talks with Leverkusen
One player who could be at Manchester United next season is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, suggests a report.
The Sun writes: “However, despite Alonso committing to the club for next season amid managerial links to Liverpool and Bayern Munich, he is braced for a mass exodus of talent as financial juggernauts lurk.
“Among them is Man Utd, who are struggling to pick up Premier League wins, let alone the trophy.
“And according to reporter Christian Falk’s fact file on CaughtOffside, Frimpong’s management are discussing the possibility of a transfer to Old Trafford.
“Frimpong has an exit clause in his contract running until 2028 that stands at £40m.
“Although any club after the right-back will need to move quickly, with the clause only active until the start of the European Championships in June.
“Man Utd, who are going into the summer under the sporting direction of new minority owners Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will face competition from Real Madrid and Bayern.
“Like The Red Devils, the toppled Bavarian giants are said to be in “concrete” talks with Frimpong’s management over a deal.”
Lampard turns down Canada opportunity
Frank Lampard has turned down the opportunity to become the new head coach of the Canada national team, according to the Telegraph.
Perhaps surprisingly, Lampard had been linked with the role, but according to the outlet, the former Everton boss “has now decided that the Canada job does not represent the right opportunity for him to return to management”.
The article continues: “Lampard has been out of work since a spell as interim manager of Chelsea finished at the end of last season and Canada had placed him on a shortlist of coaches to take over and lead the national team into the 2026 World Cup, which they are co-hosting.
“The former Chelsea midfielder was spotted watching England training ahead of last month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, and wants to return to management.
“But he is willing to wait for the right opportunity and Canada will now have to focus their attention elsewhere.”
Leeds want Phillips reunion
Championship side Leeds want to bring Kalvin Phillips back to the club if they can secure promotion to the Premier League.
Phillips rose to fame playing in midfield for Leeds, landing himself a move to Manchester City in 2022. However, he has struggled to establish himself in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI and joined West Ham on a loan deal in January.
The Mail states: “Phillips has deep-rooted emotional ties to Leeds, who would be interested in re-signing the 28-year-old provided they are back in the top-flight next season.
“Leeds will look to strengthen their squad in the summer if they can clinch a return to the top division and are open to bringing Phillips back to club given his top-flight and international pedigree.
“But there would be a reluctance to meet City’s £30 million asking price, particularly as a newly promoted club, while the issue of Phillips’ £150,000-per-week salary provides another financial consideration.
“Phillips will have other options, although it is unlikely West Ham will look to pursue any permanent deal for him following his difficult spell in London. Newcastle were interested in Phillips in January.”
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