MANCHESTER, England (AP) – It’s been a memorable week for Manchester United.
After an epic encounter with Barcelona and at least two takeover bids, a 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday kept Erik ten Hag’s side firmly in contention for the Premier League title.
It’s fair to say that there’s a lot going on both on and off the pitch at a club that’s at the dawn of a new era.
With bids from Qatar and billionaire fan Jim Ratcliffe confirmed after the initial bid deadline on Friday, Old Trafford was already in a celebratory mood, with many fans eagerly awaiting the departure of the unpopular current American owners, the Glazer family.
But Ten Hag also gives them plenty to cheer about with the impact he’s had on a team that’s been 10 years since they last won the league title under legendary former manager Alex Ferguson.
No wonder a leading fan group insisted ahead of kick-off that the Dutchman must be included in any new owner’s plans.
“After the frustrations of the last decade it is clear that tremendous progress is being made,” said United’s Supporters’ Trust on Sunday. “Any potential bidder must make a strong commitment to support Erik and his plans to bring United back to glory.”
Both Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ratcliffe have vowed to restore United to their former glory and it is not yet known how many other bids have been submitted to commercial bank Raine Group by Friday’s deadline.
But Ten Hag is doing an impressive job of turning the club’s fortunes around even without the help of new owners, as his team continue to struggle to win four trophies in his first season in charge.
The win against Leicester kept the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table and Ten Hag says the takeover must not become a distraction.
“We are committed to this club, it’s our club, in our hearts, but it’s not our job (to talk about the sale),” he said. “We’re focused on football and performing and that’s what the players and staff have to do.”
Whether Ten Hag likes it or not, the topic of United’s next owner isn’t going to go away.
“We want Glazers out” was repeatedly chanted during the Leicester game and one fan had a message of opposition to Sheikh Jassim with a sign that simply read “No to Qatar”.
On the pitch, Ten Hag’s side are on the mend and face a difficult week that includes Thursday’s Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford and three days later the League Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.
The 2-2 draw with Barca at the Nou Camp was the latest indication that United are ready to challenge the European elite again and Ten Hag was thinking of the second leg as he addressed fans on the way to the dressing room after Leicester .
“I say come Thursday. It’s a big game, make sure you’re there and together we beat Barcelona,” he said afterwards.
If Rashford continues his current form there’s every chance the fans will celebrate again after this game.
The forward has scored 16 goals in his last 17 games and a career-best 24 this season.
Jadon Sancho also showed signs he is on his way back to peak form, coming off the bench to seal the win that leaves United three points behind second-placed Manchester City and five behind leaders Arsenal.
Not that Ten Hag was happy with his side’s performance in the first half, where Leicester twice came close to taking the lead before Rashford scored.
“We have to stick to the rules and principles of our way of playing. If you don’t, it becomes a mess,” Ten Hag said. “When you come up against a good opponent like Leicester, you will concede chances. The fact that we didn’t concede a goal was only due to David de Gea. We were really lucky to be up by a goal at half-time – great pass from Bruno (Fernandes), great finish from Rashy. But the rest is garbage.”
FIGHT FOR THE TOP FOUR
Newcastle’s recent slump is proving costly and Tottenham took full advantage on Sunday by moving up to fourth in the table.
It looks set to be an uphill battle for the final Champions League qualifying spot, but Spurs hold the lead after Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham.
The Londoners are now a point ahead of Newcastle after playing one more game.
Liverpool can also be considered serious contenders after beating Newcastle 2-0 on Saturday.
Newcastle have now failed to win any of their last four league games.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are seven points clear of Tottenham with two games and appear to be regaining confidence after a difficult season.
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