Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has acknowledged that the team has fallen short of expectations in certain moments over the past two years. The Red Devils have had a forgettable season, currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, a staggering 13 points behind the top four. This disappointing performance has left fans furious, with some calling for the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag. However, McClaren believes that the recent investment from new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group will help turn things around for the club.
Attending the premiere of a new club docu-series, McClaren expressed his optimism to BBC Sport, stating, “Arsenal have managed to bounce back after a difficult period, and I believe Manchester United will do the same.” He emphasized the positive impact that INEOS can have on the club, highlighting their commitment to identifying and upholding high standards.
McClaren further revealed that there have been instances in the past two years where Manchester United met those standards, but also acknowledged that there have been times when they fell short. He drew confidence from conversations he had with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, who are focused on bringing in the best people to ensure the club’s success. McClaren cited INEOS’ track record of success in other sports and businesses, expressing his belief that they will replicate it with Manchester United.
Speculation surrounds ten Hag’s future at the club, with Ratcliffe yet to publicly support him. However, recent reports suggest that Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and England manager Gareth Southgate are all potential candidates for the job. While Potter recently turned down an offer to manage Ajax as he waits for the perfect opportunity, Tuchel is expected to leave Bayern Munich this summer after failing to win a trophy.
In addition to discussing the team’s performance, there have been suggestions about potential changes to the squad. SunSport has given its verdict on which players should stay or go. Some notable recommendations include keeping Tom Heaton as a reliable backup goalkeeper on a relatively small wage and retaining Diogo Dalot, who has been consistent this season. On the other hand, it is suggested that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be sold to cash in on his contract, and Harry Maguire might not have the desired profile to fit into a high line defense.
The article also highlights the potential departures of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw, while mentioning the need for a long-term defensive partner for Lisandro Martinez to overcome his injury issues. The evaluations continue with players like Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen, whose performances have been underwhelming. The analysis concludes with recommendations to keep Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo due to their potential and impact on the team.
In conclusion, Steve McClaren’s belief in INEOS’ ability to restore Manchester United’s standards provides hope for fans. The speculation surrounding the next manager and potential squad changes adds further intrigue to the club’s future. With the right decisions and investments, United can aim to regain their former glory and compete at the highest level once again.