Erik ten Hag is touted to be ‘planning a ruthless squad clear-out’ this summer to kick off the next phase of his Manchester United project.
United are currently fourth in the Premier League after their 2-0 loss to Newcastle, as their season seems to be a bit shaky after only a few solid months.
In what was an especially damaging result for the Red Devils, the Magpies scored twice in the second half through Joe Willock and Callum Wilson and proceeded to dominate the game as United recorded just one shot on target.
Newcastle have now leapfrogged Man United into third place and there’s even a possibility of Tottenham pushing them into fifth place with a draw against Everton on Monday, although they will have played two extra games.
It looks as if Ten Hag is aiming to refresh his squad as a solution to his side’s recent struggle, with the Manchester Evening News claiming that the likes of Alex Telles, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Dean Henderson and Anthony Martial are also all being prepped to be made available for transfer.
It has also been reported that Ten Hag has already begun to lose patience with Jadon Sancho amid his struggles with fitness, and may actually be willing to sacrifice the England international. The former Borussia Dortmund star made an appearance off the bench against Newcastle over the weekend yet was unable to make much of an impact as the Red Devils only managed to record just one shot on target.
Post-match Ten Hag elaborated on his reasons for wanting dramatic squad changes, as he said: “[Newcastle] were more determined, had more aggression and more desire.
“I was surprised that we couldn’t match the determination and passion of the opponent. If you want to win big games, you have to be mature, and I didn’t see that.”
The Red Devils finally have one trophy already in the bag this season and have also reached the last eight of the Europa League and will be pitted against Sevilla in a quarter final next week, while also advancing to the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, the real concern is their questionable form in the Premier League. United are now goal-less in seven weeks in the Premier League and despite the possibility of them somehow clinging on to fourth place, it is evident they are being outplayed by the teams around them.
The Red Devils will next face Brentford on Wednesday, a fixture casting a long shadow over United after they lost 4-0 to the Bees in ten Hag’s second game in charge.
After that would be a game against Everton on Saturday.