Erik ten Hag hopes one or two of the Manchester United youngsters travelling with the senior side for pre-season can break into his squad for the new season, but he warned it will not be easy.
Ten Hag was appointed as successor to interim manager Ralf Rangnick in May after the German and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him presided over a dreadful season that culminated in United finishing sixth.
Their points total of 58 was the worst United have ever recorded in the Premier League, while the 2021-22 campaign saw them fail to finish a league campaign with a positive goal difference for the first time in over 30 years.
That haul of 58 points was six fewer than David Moyes – and Ryan Giggs as his caretaker replacement – managed in the 2013-14 season, which was the …
Luciano Spalletti is confident Napoli will bounce back when they face Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, having seen his side suffer a crushing 4-0 defeat against the Rossoneri.
The Serie A leaders collapsed at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, as the outstanding Rafael Leao scored twice for Stefano Pioli s rampant visitors.
While Napoli remain 16 points clear of their closest rivals Lazio, the defeat is their heaviest in Serie A since a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Atalanta in December 2007.
With Napoli looking certain to end a 33-year wait to win the Scudetto, their upcoming Champions League tie with Milan represents their most important assignment remaining this season, and Spalletti expects the Partenopei to improve for those games.
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Best Odds: 8/11
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Looking to spring a Europa League upset at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, Bayer Leverkusen will make the trip to Roma when both sides open their Europa League semi-final adventure.
Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have returned from March’s international break with their sights set on punching a lucrative top-four finish in Serie A, Jose Mourinho’s side have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against Inter Milan, the former Manchester United boss does find some growing pressure on his shoulders. With their recent wobble highlighted by a 3-1 defeat away at Atalanta on April 24th, Roma have also r…
Pep Guardiola has described coaching Gerard Pique as an honour after the Spain international announced his decision to retire from football.
Pique revealed in a video on social media on Thursday that he will make his final appearance for Barcelona against Almeria at Camp Nou on Saturday before hanging up his boots.
The 35-year-old played under Guardiola for four seasons at Barca between 2008 and 2012.
It was surprising news, Guardiola admitted at a press conference ahead of Manchester City s Premier League clash with Fulham.
After making an incredible career in Barcelona, I wish him personally all the best for him and his family.
He was a player for the big games, never once missing or behave [badly] or have a performance not in the highest lev…
Wales had talisman Gareth Bale to thank once again as their captain won and scored a penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw with the United States at the World Cup.
The USA bossed the first half of Monday s encounter at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, but Bale – Wales record goalscorer and leading marksman in major tournaments – stepped up when it mattered to ensure the Dragons first World Cup match since 1958 did not end in defeat.
Timothy Weah had put the USA deservedly ahead in the first half, scoring in a World Cup when his illustrious father – 1995 Ballon d Or winner George – was never able to play in one.
But Bale, largely anonymous before his late show, drew a rash tackle from Walker Zimmerman and duly smashed home the resulting spot-kick to seal a share of the spoi…
What the papers say
Manchester City are looking to fend off Real Madrid to keep hold of striker Erling Haaland, according to The Daily Telegraph. The double winners – who aim to complete the treble in Saturday’s Champions League final – are hoping the 22-year-old Norwegian signs a new deal.
City’s rivals Manchester United believe landing Tottenham striker Harry Kane is “unlikely”, says The Daily Telegraph. But they are on the brink of a £50million offer to Chelsea for midfielder Mason Mount.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have edged ahead of Paris St Germain in the pursuit of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Sporting. The Daily Mirror says the proposed deal for the 22-year-old Uruguayan would include buying a minority stake in the Portuguese club.
Crystal Palace …
With the European Championship qualifiers reaching the final stretch, top spot in Group D still remains up for grabs.
While Wales might still have their sights set on punching another major tournament ticket, it appears that Croatia and Turkey are battling it out in a two-horse race to be declared Group D winners.
Ahead of what looks set to be a defining fortnight of action from Group D, we have taken an in-depth look at what could unfold and some of the most intriguing EURO 24 betting tips that are available this month.
Who is leading the chase in Group D?
While Croatia might still be in a battle to find a route out of Group D this year, the Blazers mark their return with just their goal difference keeping them ahead of the chasing pack.
However, while…
´Ronaldo to Atletico, why not?´ – Guti believes Real Madrid legend could make controversial LaLiga r
Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid would make a good pairing despite his Real Madrid past, according to Los Blancos great Guti.
Ronaldo began Manchester United s Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion on the bench on Sunday, having missed the majority of the Red Devils pre-season campaign after reportedly expressing his desire to join a Champions League side.
With the likes of Bayern Munich quickly ruling out a move for the 37-year-old, Atletico were touted as a potential destination for Ronaldo, who leads Madrid s all-time goalscoring charts after netting 450 times for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2018.
Those reports were not well received by Atletico supporters, however, some of whom unveiled a banner reading CR7 not welcome during a pre-se…
Germany captain Michael Ballack has been dropped by national coach Joachim Loew for next month s Euro 2012 qualifiers.
The 33-year-old midifelder s name was conspicuous by its absence from Loew s squad released Friday for the games against Belgium in Brussels on September 3 and Azerbaijan in Cologne four days later.
Ballack is still working his way back to fitness after suffering an ankle injury in May which ruled him out of last month s World Cup.
Loew said in a statement: Michael is going the right way after his injury and everyone is satisfied with the healing process. The important thing is that he rediscovers his best form at Leverkusen.
According to the German Football Association Loew told Ballack of his decision by telephone.
With Ballac…
Connor Roberts hopes the “power of the tash” can help Wales to Euro 2024 play-off glory against Poland.
Roberts has embarked on long unbeaten Championship runs at Burnley and Leeds over the last two seasons after putting his razor away and growing a moustache.
The 28-year-old wing-back is now determined to avoid a close shave on the international stage and show off his new look in Germany this summer as Wales host Poland on Tuesday for a place at Euro 2024.
Creating moments as a country
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