MANCHESTER UNITED 2023/24 SEASON RATINGS: Injuries undoubtedly hit United’s season and they only relented in the final weeks. There were highs - winning the FA Cup - and lows - elimination from the Champions League with one win from six was abysmal and United were so poor to watch for much of the season. If the Dutchman keeps his job – and most fans would like him too - he’s still got a tough one on his hands. PA
Erik ten Hag 6/10
MANCHESTER UNITED 2023/24 SEASON RATINGS: Injuries undoubtedly hit United’s season and they only relented in the final weeks. There were highs - winning the FA Cup - and lows - elimination from the Champions League with one win from six was abysmal and United were so poor to watch for much of the season. If the Dutchman keeps his job – and most fans would like him too - he’s still got a tough one on his hands. PA
MANCHESTER UNITED 2023/24 SEASON RATINGS: Injuries undoubtedly hit United’s season and they only relented in the final weeks. There were highs - winning the FA Cup - and lows - elimination from the Ch
A wretched start, a major reason why United went out of the Champions League with only one win from six, but how the Cameroonian turned it around. That was in spite of the players changing in front of him most weeks. 4/10 for the first half of the season, 8/10 for the second. PA
Andre Onana 7/10
A wretched start, a major reason why United went out of the Champions League with only one win from six, but how the Cameroonian turned it around. That was in spite of the players changing in front of him most weeks. 4/10 for the first half of the season, 8/10 for the second. PA
A wretched start, a major reason why United went out of the Champions League with only one win from six, but how the Cameroonian turned it around. That was in spite of the players changing in front of
Named club's player’s player of the season, the Portuguese was one of the few players who improved as the team underachieved. Inspired daily by Cristiano Ronaldo, the full-back reckons he’s fitter, more focused and doing everything he can to improve. While his defensive positioning can still raise eyebrows, Dalot is a danger going forward. Getty Images
Diogo Dalot 8/10
Named club's player’s player of the season, the Portuguese was one of the few players who improved as the team underachieved. Inspired daily by Cristiano Ronaldo, the full-back reckons he’s fitter, more focused and doing everything he can to improve. While his defensive positioning can still raise eyebrows, Dalot is a danger going forward. Getty Images
Named club's player’s player of the season, the Portuguese was one of the few players who improved as the team underachieved. Inspired daily by Cristiano Ronaldo, the full-back reckons he’s fitter, mo
Managed just 1,180 minutes (Dalot on the opposite flank managed 4,364) because of muscle injuries. He was back in the team when United won 4/4 February league games, then injured for the next one v Fulham – which United lost at home. His absences, and those of his deputy Tyrell Malacia, cost United dearly. (* indicates season badly hit by injury). Getty Images
Luke Shaw 4/10*
Managed just 1,180 minutes (Dalot on the opposite flank managed 4,364) because of muscle injuries. He was back in the team when United won 4/4 February league games, then injured for the next one v Fulham – which United lost at home. His absences, and those of his deputy Tyrell Malacia, cost United dearly. (* indicates season badly hit by injury). Getty Images
Managed just 1,180 minutes (Dalot on the opposite flank managed 4,364) because of muscle injuries. He was back in the team when United won 4/4 February league games, then injured for the next one v Fu
A world-class defender on world-class wages who showed his quality in the FA Cup final and left on a high, but injuries, which pockmarked his time at United meant he started only 16 of 38 league games and that’s the issue. Great sides have a stable defence. United’s defence was never close to that in ’23/24. Action Images
Raphael Varane 6/10
A world-class defender on world-class wages who showed his quality in the FA Cup final and left on a high, but injuries, which pockmarked his time at United meant he started only 16 of 38 league games and that’s the issue. Great sides have a stable defence. United’s defence was never close to that in ’23/24. Action Images
A world-class defender on world-class wages who showed his quality in the FA Cup final and left on a high, but injuries, which pockmarked his time at United meant he started only 16 of 38 league games
Top defender who, like Varane, proved that in the Cup final where he was disciplined, aggressive, motivated and passed through City’s lines. Yet he suffered from three serious injuries to his foot, knee and calf, which decimated his season. Potential to have a great United career if he stays fit. Getty Images
Lisandro Martinez 5/10*
Top defender who, like Varane, proved that in the Cup final where he was disciplined, aggressive, motivated and passed through City’s lines. Yet he suffered from three serious injuries to his foot, knee and calf, which decimated his season. Potential to have a great United career if he stays fit. Getty Images
Top defender who, like Varane, proved that in the Cup final where he was disciplined, aggressive, motivated and passed through City’s lines. Yet he suffered from three serious injuries to his foot, kn
Out of the squad at the start of the season when he was linked with a move away from United, but ended up playing more minutes than any of United’s central defenders, despite having injuries himself. Rightly praised for the way he came through a difficult couple of years. AFP
Harry Maguire 7/10
Out of the squad at the start of the season when he was linked with a move away from United, but ended up playing more minutes than any of United’s central defenders, despite having injuries himself. Rightly praised for the way he came through a difficult couple of years. AFP
Out of the squad at the start of the season when he was linked with a move away from United, but ended up playing more minutes than any of United’s central defenders, despite having injuries himself.
Was paid the minimum wage before he signed and when he did he barely expected to feature, yet injuries meant Evans ended up playing 1,593 minutes. Epic under siege at Anfield, devasated to miss Liverpool returning to Old Trafford for the FA Cup quarter-final. Experienced, reads games so well, this lifelong fan would be happy to stay another year. Action Images
Jonny Evans 8/10
Was paid the minimum wage before he signed and when he did he barely expected to feature, yet injuries meant Evans ended up playing 1,593 minutes. Epic under siege at Anfield, devasated to miss Liverpool returning to Old Trafford for the FA Cup quarter-final. Experienced, reads games so well, this lifelong fan would be happy to stay another year. Action Images
Was paid the minimum wage before he signed and when he did he barely expected to feature, yet injuries meant Evans ended up playing 1,593 minutes. Epic under siege at Anfield, devasated to miss Liverp
Another central defender beset by injuries, first a groin and then a hamstring, he missed two big chunks of the season where he’d started in 12/15 opening league games. Scored the only goal in a 1-0 win home to Luton. AP
Victor Lindelof 5/10
Another central defender beset by injuries, first a groin and then a hamstring, he missed two big chunks of the season where he’d started in 12/15 opening league games. Scored the only goal in a 1-0 win home to Luton. AP
Another central defender beset by injuries, first a groin and then a hamstring, he missed two big chunks of the season where he’d started in 12/15 opening league games. Scored the only goal in a 1-0 w
Missed two significant blocks of the season to injury, but finished by starting the last 10 league games playing either left-back or right-back. Better on the right. A fine defender on his day, which is not often enough. Top game in the FA Cup final. PA
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 5/10*
Missed two significant blocks of the season to injury, but finished by starting the last 10 league games playing either left-back or right-back. Better on the right. A fine defender on his day, which is not often enough. Top game in the FA Cup final. PA
Missed two significant blocks of the season to injury, but finished by starting the last 10 league games playing either left-back or right-back. Better on the right. A fine defender on his day, which
Outstanding for the first half-hour in Munich – and that was about as good as it got for the on loan Spaniard who spent the first half of the season at Old Trafford. EPA
Sergio Reguilon 5/10
Outstanding for the first half-hour in Munich – and that was about as good as it got for the on loan Spaniard who spent the first half of the season at Old Trafford. EPA
Outstanding for the first half-hour in Munich – and that was about as good as it got for the on loan Spaniard who spent the first half of the season at Old Trafford. EPA
If Bournemouth away was the low point, then several decent home games showed that the youngster can play Premier League football. Injuries meant he got chances, talent should mean he’ll get more. AFP
Willy Kambwala 6/10
If Bournemouth away was the low point, then several decent home games showed that the youngster can play Premier League football. Injuries meant he got chances, talent should mean he’ll get more. AFP
If Bournemouth away was the low point, then several decent home games showed that the youngster can play Premier League football. Injuries meant he got chances, talent should mean he’ll get more. AFP
A huge disappointment after last season when he was one of United’s best players. The Brazilian blamed injuries and being asked to play out of position, which he did not shirk. Fans are more circumspect about whether this player, long a world-class performer, has a future at the club. EPA
Casemiro 5/10*
A huge disappointment after last season when he was one of United’s best players. The Brazilian blamed injuries and being asked to play out of position, which he did not shirk. Fans are more circumspect about whether this player, long a world-class performer, has a future at the club. EPA
A huge disappointment after last season when he was one of United’s best players. The Brazilian blamed injuries and being asked to play out of position, which he did not shirk. Fans are more circumspe
A revelation of a breakthrough season from the academy graduate from Greater Manchester. He would have played much more had he not been injured pre-season, but his first Premier League start at Everton in November was stunning. It became a cliche that he looked like he’d played hundreds of games for the club at the top level. His winner at Wolves was one of the season’s best moments. AFP
Kobbie Mainoo 9/10
A revelation of a breakthrough season from the academy graduate from Greater Manchester. He would have played much more had he not been injured pre-season, but his first Premier League start at Everton in November was stunning. It became a cliche that he looked like he’d played hundreds of games for the club at the top level. His winner at Wolves was one of the season’s best moments. AFP
A revelation of a breakthrough season from the academy graduate from Greater Manchester. He would have played much more had he not been injured pre-season, but his first Premier League start at Everto
A season of regression from the Dane who struggled to get off the bench after a 2-2 home draw against his former club Spurs in January. PA
Christian Eriksen 5/10
A season of regression from the Dane who struggled to get off the bench after a 2-2 home draw against his former club Spurs in January. PA
A season of regression from the Dane who struggled to get off the bench after a 2-2 home draw against his former club Spurs in January. PA
Scored 10 goals in a low-scoring team, including key matchwinners. One of the most important starting players in a team that only finished eighth but beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. AP
Scott McTominay 7/10
Scored 10 goals in a low-scoring team, including key matchwinners. One of the most important starting players in a team that only finished eighth but beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. AP
Scored 10 goals in a low-scoring team, including key matchwinners. One of the most important starting players in a team that only finished eighth but beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup. AP
Arrived late on loan following Mainoo’s injury and he selflessly played out of position when asked – at one point that meant as a left-back, but didn’t convince until the last five weeks of the season when he played his best football in a more pragmatic formation that was tighter off the ball in midfield, including in the FA Cup final. PA
Sofyan Amrabat 5/10
Arrived late on loan following Mainoo’s injury and he selflessly played out of position when asked – at one point that meant as a left-back, but didn’t convince until the last five weeks of the season when he played his best football in a more pragmatic formation that was tighter off the ball in midfield, including in the FA Cup final. PA
Arrived late on loan following Mainoo’s injury and he selflessly played out of position when asked – at one point that meant as a left-back, but didn’t convince until the last five weeks of the season
Optimism when he signed from Chelsea, yet he was a big, injury-hit, disappointment in his first season. A late goal back in West London at Brentford brought brief smiles, but he started only five league games. Action Images
Mason Mount 4/10*
Optimism when he signed from Chelsea, yet he was a big, injury-hit, disappointment in his first season. A late goal back in West London at Brentford brought brief smiles, but he started only five league games. Action Images
Optimism when he signed from Chelsea, yet he was a big, injury-hit, disappointment in his first season. A late goal back in West London at Brentford brought brief smiles, but he started only five leag
His importance to Manchester United was shown when he was injured for late-season games, particularly at Crystal Palace. The captain scored 15 times and made 13 assists, winning the fans’ player of the year. EPA
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
His importance to Manchester United was shown when he was injured for late-season games, particularly at Crystal Palace. The captain scored 15 times and made 13 assists, winning the fans’ player of the year. EPA
His importance to Manchester United was shown when he was injured for late-season games, particularly at Crystal Palace. The captain scored 15 times and made 13 assists, winning the fans’ player of th
Encouraging cameos for the young wide man, notably against Liverpool where he got the winner in an FA Cup match. That was the highlight of United’s season until the FA Cup final. Showed his skills against Newcastle in the final home game, too. Will hope for more minutes next season. Getty Images
Amad Diallo 6/10
Encouraging cameos for the young wide man, notably against Liverpool where he got the winner in an FA Cup match. That was the highlight of United’s season until the FA Cup final. Showed his skills against Newcastle in the final home game, too. Will hope for more minutes next season. Getty Images
Encouraging cameos for the young wide man, notably against Liverpool where he got the winner in an FA Cup match. That was the highlight of United’s season until the FA Cup final. Showed his skills aga
Disappointing, especially given his huge fee. Best player on the pitch at Chelsea away and did well against Liverpool when he scored the key cup equaliser, but that’s nowhere near enough. EPA
Antony 5/10
Disappointing, especially given his huge fee. Best player on the pitch at Chelsea away and did well against Liverpool when he scored the key cup equaliser, but that’s nowhere near enough. EPA
Disappointing, especially given his huge fee. Best player on the pitch at Chelsea away and did well against Liverpool when he scored the key cup equaliser, but that’s nowhere near enough. EPA
What a season for the young winger. His overhead kick goal at Everton was the best of the season in the entire league, he played week in, week out - 50 times in total, with 39 consecutive starts - and seldom failed to get fans off their seats when he got the ball. Scored a creditable 10 goals. AFP
Alejandro Garnacho 8/10
What a season for the young winger. His overhead kick goal at Everton was the best of the season in the entire league, he played week in, week out - 50 times in total, with 39 consecutive starts - and seldom failed to get fans off their seats when he got the ball. Scored a creditable 10 goals. AFP
What a season for the young winger. His overhead kick goal at Everton was the best of the season in the entire league, he played week in, week out - 50 times in total, with 39 consecutive starts - and
Poor, by his standards. He scored 30 times last season and only eight this. Fans finally lost patience with him after his off-field indiscipline, yet he remains on a long and large contract. Excellent in the cup final. Reuters
Marcus Rashford 5/10
Poor, by his standards. He scored 30 times last season and only eight this. Fans finally lost patience with him after his off-field indiscipline, yet he remains on a long and large contract. Excellent in the cup final. Reuters
Poor, by his standards. He scored 30 times last season and only eight this. Fans finally lost patience with him after his off-field indiscipline, yet he remains on a long and large contract. Excellent
A complete drain on United’s wage bill, he left the club after nine years this week. He didn’t ask to be injured, but United really needed help up front. PA
Anthony Martial 2/10*
A complete drain on United’s wage bill, he left the club after nine years this week. He didn’t ask to be injured, but United really needed help up front. PA
A complete drain on United’s wage bill, he left the club after nine years this week. He didn’t ask to be injured, but United really needed help up front. PA
Sixteen goals in his first season in English football is impressive for a young striker. He had weeks and even months where he had little service, but his attitude remained first-class and he’ll surely improve with more support, experience and confidence. Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund 7/10
Sixteen goals in his first season in English football is impressive for a young striker. He had weeks and even months where he had little service, but his attitude remained first-class and he’ll surely improve with more support, experience and confidence. Getty Images
Sixteen goals in his first season in English football is impressive for a young striker. He had weeks and even months where he had little service, but his attitude remained first-class and he’ll surel

Sport

Football

Erik ten Hag has found 'complete unity' with Manchester United as he signs new deal

Dutch coach agrees contract extension until 2026 despite underwhelming Premier League campaign

The National

July 04, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future has finally been resolved after he signed a contract extension until 2026 with the Premier League club.

The Dutch manager's future had been under scrutiny after United finished eighth in the league and failed to make it through to the Champions League knockout stage – even missing out on the consolation of Europa League football after finishing bottom of their group.

Reports in the UK suggested Ten Hag was set to be sacked in the summer with a year left on his contract, but United defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, denying their local rivals a double, which has proven vital to the 54-year-old keeping his job.

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“I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together,” Ten Hag told the club’s website. “Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

“However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.

“In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together.”

Ten Hag moved to the Old Trafford club from Dutch side Ajax and guided United to victory in the League Cup final over Newcastle United – the Red Devils first trophy in six years – and a third-place finish in the Premier League.

His second campaign proved far more problematic as United fell to their lowest league position since 1990 but a performance review – led by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe following the British billionaire's investment last December – took place at the end of the campaign and, in light of the FA Cup triumph, it was determined Ten Hag should remain in charge.

The new deal is not a full refresh of Ten Hag's contract terms but extends his existing agreement by 12 months.

Confirmation comes in the same week that Dan Ashworth was finally appointed as United’s new sporting director after months of negotiations with his previous employers Newcastle, with Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Dave Brailsford having already joined in senior roles.

Reports suggest former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to Old Trafford as part of a revamped coaching set-up alongside Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake.

“With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football,” said Ashworth.

“While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.

“This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level – now we need to do it more consistently.

“With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club.”

Ten Hag is United's fifth permanent manager since the end of the Alex Ferguson era in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ten Hag's men face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10 before starting their 2024/25 Premier League campaign at home to Fulham six days later. They take on fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on August 31.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1 
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’

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From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

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