Brimming with confidence after hoisting the Carabao Cup and defeating West Ham in the FA Cup, Manchester United roll up to Anfield to take on old foes Liverpool.
The Red Devils could yet clinch three more trophies this season, having advanced to the Europa League last 16 and the FA Cup quarter-finals. But Erik ten Hag’s immediate focus is on securing a second Premier League victory of the season over Liverpool to keep pace in the title race.
The Dutchman is hoping his players are met with a hostile reception at Anfield, while the summer transfer speculation is beginning to hot up. Here are the latest headlines from around Old Trafford.
Gary Neville has no doubt that the time is right for Manchester United to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham.
The Red Devils are expected to prioritise buying a centre-forward this summer, with Kane and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen at the top of their shortlist. The former has just over a year remaining on his Spurs contract and, given he will turn 30 this July, time is running out for him to win the first major trophy of his career.
Neville believes Old Trafford is the “most likely” destination for Kane as Manchester City, who were formerly linked with the England captain, signed Erling Haaland last summer.
VI Images via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag is ready to pursue Frenkie de Jong again this summer after missing out on a reunion with his former Ajax midfielder last year.
The Dutch manager pushed to sign his compatriot from Barcelona but failed to convince him to swap Camp Nou for Old Trafford. While De Jong has previously declared Barca are his dream club, his chances of staying put may have been dealt a blow due to the Catalans’ financial woes.
Blaugrana chiefs have been told by La Liga that they must raise £178million to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play rules, meaning sales could be a necessity at the end of the season. This is good news for Ten Hag and Manchester United, who have placed De Jong on a six-man transfer shortlist ahead of the summer window.
Ten Hag wants hostile Anfield
Erik ten Hag has declared his Manchester United players are relishing the prospect of a vitriolic reception from Liverpool fans when they travel to Anfield on Sunday.
The rivalry between the North-West giants – the two most successful teams in English football – is one of the fiercest in the country. This weekend’s derby will have added bite as Liverpool will be desperate to inflict defeat on the Red Devils and deal them a setback in the Premier League title race.
But Ten Hag insists the more hostile the atmosphere for his players, the better. The Dutchman wants boos and jeers to spur United on as they look to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City.
