INEOS considering significant changes to backroom staff at Manchester United, 2 assistant coaches' jobs at risk - Reports
Manchester United co-owners INEOS are reportedly considering significant changes to the club's backroom staff, which could see two assistant coaches get sacked. According to The Times, the names of the coaches are Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag, both of whom work under Erik ten Hag.
This comes after the Old Trafford hierarchy decided to retain the Dutch manager, following a review of an unimpressive season by United standards. Erik ten Hag led the team to their lowest-ever eighth-placed finish in the Premier League last season. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage, finishing at the bottom. They won the FA Cup though.
Ten Hag notably brought in Van der Gaag, who had been with him at Ajax in the past, while also opting for McCarthy, who had worked under Sir Alex Ferguson. If the duo are indeed sacked, there are already replacements in place, according to the report.
Go Ahead Eagles head coach Rene Hake looks set to join Manchester United as an assistant coach under Erik ten Hag next month. The duo notably worked together while in the Netherlands. Another replacement is Red Devils' legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will likely be an exciting addition, especially where the fans are concerned.
In the meantime, though, there are no certainties that McCarthy or Van der Gaag will be fired. However, the club hierarchy are looking to improve on the backroom staff ahead of the next season.
Manchester United in conversation with French giants, according to Fabrizio Romano
There have been rumors that Manchester United are interested in signing Manuel Ugarte from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer. This comes after the midfielder's very recent move to Paris from Sporting CP in Portugal last summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano explained that both clubs are already having conversations around Ugarte and other players. He wrote (via Give Me Sport):
"I spoke yesterday about Manchester United and PSG having contacts to discuss Manuel Ugarte and other players. Ugarte has chances to leave PSG this summer, so let’s see what happens with that one, but I don't have any guaranteed info on the other players discussed, so at the moment I’m not in a position to mention specific names."
He further went on, explaining that no formal offer had been sent in by the Red Devils for Ugarte or any other player:
“No bid has been sent yet, but interest is genuine. The relationship between the two clubs is very good, so let’s see what happens with Ugarte and if any other players get involved too.”
The Old Trafford giants will hope to begin their summer transfer business in some earnest, following a rather sub-par season by their standards.