Man Utd players expect Erik ten Hag summer sacking, Chelsea and Liverpool target same coach – Paper Round

Many players within Manchester United’s squad expect the club’s new co-owners Ineos to sack Erik ten Hag before the start of next season, the Daily Mail reports. The derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday was their 11th loss in the Premier League this season, leaving them sixth and 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth.

The manner of the defeat to City – United had just three shots to their rivals’ 27 – has irked some fans, although it is said Ten Hag still has the overall support of the dressing room. Nevertheless, a summer change could be afoot.

The Mail adds: “There is discontent among some players over the intensity of the training sessions and a hard-line approach from the manager and his No. 2 Mitchell van der Gaag.

“Some players were unhappy that they were not given an extra day off after the Luton game despite United having no midweek fixture.

“There is a belief that Ten Hag needs to freshen up the sessions and go easier on the players to keep them fit for the rest of the campaign.”

Chelsea are considering Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino but remain intent on not making any change until the summer, the Guardian reports. Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League, with some fans turning on Pochettino in the 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Pochettino, the former Spurs boss, has struggled to endear himself to Chelsea’s supporters, and though the club’s hierarchy are reluctant to make a hasty decision, they are still looking at their options.

The Guardian writes: “Chelsea are taking a long-term view and hope to be ready should they decide to go in a different direction. They are assessing both Amorim, who has impressed at Sporting, and De Zerbi, who could leave Brighton at the end of the season. De Zerbi is on Liverpool’s shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp and is of interest to Manchester United should they sack Erik ten Hag.

“Liverpool are also looking at Amorim. The 39-year-old led Sporting to the Portuguese title in 2021 and he hopes to help them win the league again this season. Chelsea considered Amorim before appointing Pochettino last year.”

Staying with Amorim, Liverpool have sent scouts to assess the Sporting boss in recent weeks, according to the Daily Mail. Xabi Alonso remains a leading contender but Liverpool will be aware of Bayern Munich’s interest in a manager who has represented both sides as a player.

Liverpool are therefore mulling over other options, too, with Amorim potentially paving the way for defender Ousmane Diomande to join from Sporting as well.

The Mail adds: “Liverpool underwent a data-led recruitment drive once Klopp told owners Fenway Sports Group of his departure in November. Number-crunching head of research Will Spearman was crucial in that process and it is understood Amorim scored highly.

“The Reds want an up-and-coming manager, with both Alonso and Amorim ticking that box.”

Arsenal are set to sign 16-year-old Brayden Clarke from Wolves. Other Premier League clubs had been interested in signing the centre-back, who is the son of former Scotland international Nigel Quashie.

The Standard adds: “He has represented Wales at under-17 level and last year helped them to qualify for the European Championship, becoming the first Welsh men's age-group side to reach a major finals since 1981.

“Arsenal have a history of bringing through young players and they are determined to keep doing so, even as they fight for major honours.

“The club are constantly on the lookout for the best young talent around and they fight hard to keep hold of their own, too.

“Ethan Nwaneri, who made his Premier League debut at the age of just 15 last season, was attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester City last summer - but Arsenal persuaded him to stay.”

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