Ten Hag safe for next two Man Utd games – Paper Round

Ten Hag to keep job for this week

Erik ten Hag will remain Manchester United head coach for the next two matches, with the club’s hierarchy still backing the Dutchman despite their 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, multiple outlets are reporting.

United are reluctant to make a change but will consider their options if the club lose to FC Porto and Aston Villa in the coming week, on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

The Guardian writes: “The mood was characterised as calm, though there is an acceptance that this is a ‘big week’ for Ten Hag as he attempts to turn around his side’s form. That suggests defeat in one or both games may lead to his removal, particularly if the manner of loss is again alarming.”

The Telegraph adds: “United spoke to half a dozen managers, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Marco Silva, at the end of last season before deciding to keep faith with Ten Hag following their FA Cup triumph and a two-and-a-half week internal review.

“The club ended up triggering an option in Ten Hag’s contract to extend his deal by a further 12 months to June 2026 but United’s torrid start to the new campaign has raised fresh doubts about his future and this could yet prove to be a defining week for the former Ajax coach.”

Inzaghi a Man Utd target?

Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Ten Hag at United, the Daily Star reports. Inzaghi has won six trophies since taking charge of Inter, winning Serie A last season.

The Star adds: “Inzaghi also led Inter to their first Champions League final in 13 years in 2023, before losing 1-0 to Manchester City in Istanbul. Inzaghi has made Inter hard to beat, but would be encouraged to introduce a more attacking stye to his management if he was to take charge of United.

“The 48-year-old signed a new deal with Inter earlier this year, and it remains to be seen if he could be persuaded to accept the challenge of making United serial winners again.”

Arsenal and Real Madrid want Reis

Arsenal and Real Madrid are among the teams looking at signing Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis, The Athletic reports. Both Arsenal and Madrid have approached the Brazilian club about signing the 18-year-old.

Other top European clubs are also interested in the player, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona.

The Athletic adds: “The centre-back renewed his contract this summer until December 2028, with his previous deal expiring in February 2027. His termination clause is €100m and Palmeiras have not set an asking price as the intention is to keep him until after the 2025 Club World Cup.

“Arsenal are not short of defenders, having added Riccardo Calafiori to an already impressive list of defensive options. That said, a talent like Reis is always going to be of interest to them.

“The difficulty will be in persuading a young prospect to choose a club where, in Gabriel and William Saliba, Arsenal already have a pair of outstanding central defenders in their prime.

“Real Madrid need a centre-back after failing to sign Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United in July.”