Erik ten Hag blocked two Manchester United stars from leaving on Deadline Day - Reports
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly blocked the exits of two stars on Deadline Day of the summer transfer window (August 30). He denied loan offers for Antony and Christian Eriksen.
The Red Devils were one of the most active clubs in the transfer window this summer. They signed a number of players and also parted ways with some stars like Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Anthony Martial (free agent). They could've seen two more players leave if not for Ten Hag's rejection.
As per Daily Mail (via Metro), Real Betis made an offer to sign both Antony and Christian Eriksen on loan this summer. However, Manchester United rejected the offer. The Spanish side eventually signed Giovani Lo Celso permanently from Tottenham Hotspur.
Antony, meanwhile, has faced a lot of criticism since his over £80 million move to Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022. He's scored just 11 goals and provided five assists in 83 games for United and has played just one minute this season.
Eriksen, meanwhile, joined Manchester United as a free agent after leaving Brentford in the summer of 2022. He's made 72 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists. He has yet to make an appearance this season.
With Kobbie Mainoo's rise and Manuel Ugarte's signing, Eriksen's playing time is expected to significantly reduce this season.
Manuel Ugarte reacts after completing Manchester United move
Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee of €60 million, including add-ons. The Uruguayan arrives at Old Trafford after just one season with the Parisians, where he made 37 appearances, providing three assists.
After joining the Red Devils, he told the club's website (via manutd.com):
“It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Ugarte was United's fifth senior signing of the summer after Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.