Erik ten Hag ‘on trial’ but won’t be sacked by Man Utd yet, West Ham want Liverpool target Ruben Amorim – Paper Round

Erik ten Hag is effectively on a one-month trial at Manchester United, according to the Telegraph, as new technical director Jason Wilcox analyses the Dutchman’s credentials and attempts to gauge the mood of the dressing room.

No final decision on Ten Hag’s future will be made until the end of the season, as reported by the Guardian, although the manner of their victory in the FA Cup semi-finals over Coventry has only increased the club’s chances of searching elsewhere.

The Telegraph writes: “United have tasked Wilcox with providing a detailed assessment of Ten Hag’s strengths and weaknesses and relationship with the squad to better determine whether his approach can fit with the overarching style of play and philosophy they intend to pursue - or if a change of manager is necessary.

“One complicating factor is the feeling that there is no stand-out candidate available to replace Ten Hag should they decide a change is needed.”

The Guardian adds: “United have been unconvincing all season and, following their near-humiliation on Sunday, the feeling that Ten Hag could be on his way out of Old Trafford with immediate effect has grown. But with the Dutchman having led the team to a second FA Cup final in his second season at the club, Ratcliffe, who now controls United’s football policy, has decided to stick with the manager for the time being.

“It is understood that the high number of injuries and illnesses Ten Hag has had to contend with is accepted by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a factor in United’s performances this campaign, one that could end with a trophy but almost certainly not with qualification for the Champions League given United are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points behind Aston Villa in fourth with only six fixtures remaining.”

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has flown to the UK for talks over his future as the Guardian report of West Ham’s interest in the Liverpool target.

Amorim is seen as a possible candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer, but Liverpool are not alone in their interest, with West Ham launching an audacious bid to land the 39-year-old. West Ham also have other targets.

The Guardian adds: “Julen Lopetegui is an early frontrunner for the job and is understood to have attended at least one game at the London Stadium this season. However, sources have cautioned that the former Wolves manager is yet to convince David Sullivan, the co-owner. Reports that Lopetegui has been offered a three-year deal have been strongly denied. The 57-year-old Spaniard is also believed to have had an offer from Milan.

“It remains to be seen who will make the final decision on the next manager. [Tim] Steidten has ideas on who to hire and Sullivan, whose voice still carries the most weight, has been running the rule over candidates. A clear favourite is yet to emerge.

“West Ham have also looked at Lille’s Paulo Fonseca and Fulham’s Marco Silva.”

Barcelona will look to rival Arsenal for the signing of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak this summer, The Sun reports. Barca are said to view the Swede as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

However, they face competition from Arsenal, who want a striker this summer, while the asking price could be an issue despite Newcastle’s temptation to sell amid FFP concerns.

The Sun adds: “It’s believed Isak, 24, would cost around £90m - but Barcelona would be prepared to try and strike a deal.

“Our source said: ‘Isak is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe, and Barcelona have been scouting him since Christmas. They see him as a player who could come in and lead their line for the next three or four years and be a massive success.'"

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