Manchester United can’t seem to take a break from any controversy this season. The Premier League giants have seen many players get suspended for various issues and many other issues off the pitch, including the delay of their takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Furthermore, their performances under Erik Ten Hag have been disappointing and they are just 7th in the league. Many fans have called for his departure, and there are rumors of instability within the team. And the club has decided to finally take action regarding a recent situation.
Manchester United come down hard on several media outlets
After losing yet another game to Newcastle United, many rumors regarding the dressing room started to circulate. Many reputed journalists started to report that Erik Ten Hag had lost the support of the dressing room.
They reported that players were not satisfied with his tactics and transfer policy, and some were angry at him for not allowing Jadon Sancho to return to the squad. There were also reports that he was too authoritarian and made the players work too much in training.
Following the widespread circulation of the news, Manchester United decided to take action. The Manchester Evening News, ESPN, the Mirror and Sky Sports—the four media outlets that first spread the rumors have all been barred from the press conference ahead of the Chelsea game. The banned journalists from these 4 networks previously worked closely with the club.
A spokesperson for the club said that the main reason of the ban was not the news articles, but because the club wasn’t contacted for any comments. They said, “We’re taking action against a number of news organisations today, not for publishing stories we don’t like, but for doing so without contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise. We believe this is an important principle to defend and we hope it can lead to a re-set in the way we work together.”
Manchester United to face Chelsea in midweek clash
Erik Ten Hag will now have to work things on from his end, after the massive support the club has given him. He will have to make sure his side gets a win over Chelsea in the next league game. The Blues themselves have been struggling in recent weeks, though look much better than before. They are also fresh off a 3-1 win against Brighton.
While United languish in 7th position with 24 points, Chelsea are three places behind at 10th with 19 points. Both teams will therefore be desperate for a win in order to advance further in the Premier League. Considering the strength and form of the two teams, a draw is very likely, though goals can be very much expected.
Manchester United could start with this staring lineup consisting of Andre Onana in goal, and Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw as the defenders. Meanwhile the midfield will consist of new teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, captain Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay. Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will be the forwards.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino could start Chelsea with Robert Sanchez behind the goal posts, and Reece James, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, and Levi Colwill as the defensive line. Meanwhile Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will be the midfield. Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson will be the forwards.
The game will take place at Old Trafford tomorrow night, and Ten Hag and Manchester United will hope to prove wrong the recent rumors.
