Erik ten Hag still in Manchester United plans for next season despite intense speculation over job - Paper Round

The Mirror suggests that current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may now stay at the club into next season.

The Dutchman has been under pressure this season, but the club reportedly do not want to make any decision without prospective sporting director, Dan Ashworth.

The paper states: “Erik ten Hag is set to remain in his post beyond this season - even though it was previously claimed some Manchester United players were expecting him to be sacked.

“The Dutchman, 54, has endured a difficult second year at the helm after winning the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League last term. His future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, particularly since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took charge of sporting operations at Old Trafford.

“A whole host of high-profile names have been touted as potential successors to Ten Hag, with Champions League qualification for next year still far from certain. However, it now seems likely that the former Ajax chief will be granted a stay of execution beyond the summer by the club's new hierarchy.

“Manchester United are including Ten Hag in their plans for next season following the recent win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The club are keen to have their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, in place before making a final decision over Ten Hag, who is contracted until the summer of 2025.”

Another figure who could stay on at Old Trafford is defender Jonny Evans.

The 36-year-old Northern Ireland international could be kept on depending on other transfers in and out of the club in the summer.

The Daily Mail claims: “Reports of Jonny Evans’ impending retirement may prove to be greatly exaggerated.

“Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill dismissed the latest speculation on social media ahead of his team’s game against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, and United sources have also cast doubt over the prospect of Evans calling it a day at the end of the season when he will be halfway towards his 37th birthday.

“Whether the veteran defender will get a contract extension at United or have to look for a new club remains to be seen.

“Evans earned a one-year deal when he returned to Old Trafford on a short-term basis last summer, but a new 12-month offer will be dependent on new signings and United’s other centre-backs.”

The Sun reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon’s centre-back, Ousmane Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international has impressed in Portugal in front of Arsenal scouts, and he has a release clause of £68.6 million.

The paper writes: “Arsenal are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.

“SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.

“The main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.

“However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.

“Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.”

Philip Otele has made his name at Romanian side CFR Cluj, and he could move to Brighton in the summer.

However, the Evening Standard believes that he may first be loaned out to Union St Gilloise to gain experience.

The paper reports: “Brighton are tracking CFR Cluj winger Philip Otele, who is one of the stars of Romania’s top-flight.

“The 24-year-old has 13 goals and six assists in 30 league matches, having embarked on a unique pathway that has taken him from the lower leagues of English football to across Europe.

“The Seagulls’s impressive data-driven approach has surfaced Otele as one of Europe’s hidden gems, valued by Cluj at around £3million.

“But the right-footed attacker, who plays on the left wing, would initially spend time on loan at partner club Union St Gilloise in Belgium before getting a chance in the Premier League.”

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