![Icon: EPL Index](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=96&dpr=2&image=https://filebucket.onefootball.com/2019/11/1574083684860-13_Eplindex.png)
EPL Index
·16 July 2024
Goldbridge on Ten Hag’s Frustrations and Transfer Targets
![Article image:Goldbridge on Ten Hag’s Frustrations and Transfer Targets](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=210&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Feplindex.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimago1038323521h-scaled.jpg)
EPL Index
·16 July 2024
Manchester United’s transfer activities have been a whirlwind of speculation, bids, and rejections, with the club making significant efforts to secure top talent ahead of the new season. Recent updates from The United Stand’s Mark Goldbridge shed light on the ongoing sagas surrounding Lenny Yoro and Jonathan Tah. Here’s a detailed look at the latest developments and what they mean for United’s transfer strategy.
Photo: IMAGO
Manchester United’s pursuit of Lenny Yoro has been met with persistent resistance, primarily due to Yoro’s preference for Real Madrid. Goldbridge reported, “Yoro’s future depends again on the player’s decision. His preference remains Real Madrid, and it’s only up to the player.” This has been a constant hurdle for United, as Real Madrid’s allure continues to overshadow the club’s efforts.
Despite United’s official bid being accepted by Lille, Yoro’s desire to join Real Madrid seems unwavering. Goldbridge elaborated, “There is no change in the position of Lenny Yoro. He is not very motivated to join Manchester United at the moment.” This stalemate has left United in a precarious position, trying to persuade a player whose heart is set on another club.
As the Yoro deal stalls, United have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. According to Goldbridge, “Manchester United have inquired about Jonathan Tah in the last few days. Man United are aware that there’s no agreement yet between Bayern Munich and Leverkusen, and they see an opportunity.”
Photo IMAGO
The move for Tah could be seen as a tactical maneuver to expedite other deals, particularly with Bayern Munich over Matthijs de Ligt. Goldbridge speculated, “Are we playing games? Is it mind games to force Bayern Munich to hurry up with de Ligt so we get de Ligt and they get Tah?”
Manchester United’s preseason performance under Erik ten Hag has also come under scrutiny. Following a lackluster game against Rosenborg, Ten Hag was candid in his assessment. Goldbridge quoted him saying, “The result today is not secondary. The performance was below our standard. This is not the standard for top football.”
This no-nonsense approach from Ten Hag highlights the high expectations at United. Despite it being the first preseason game, the manager’s dissatisfaction with the team’s performance is a clear message that standards must improve.
The broader context of these transfer sagas reveals a club in transition, striving to regain its position among Europe’s elite. The failed attempts to secure Yoro and the strategic pivot towards Tah and possibly de Ligt underscore the complexities of high-stakes transfers.
Goldbridge noted the potential impact on Lille, stating, “Lille are the biggest victim here. If I’m Lille’s president, I’m losing £15 million because the player won’t do a deal that’s good for the club.” This illustrates the intricate web of interests and negotiations that define modern football transfers.
Manchester United’s transfer window has been marked by ambitious bids and strategic plays. The club’s pursuit of Yoro, despite his inclination towards Real Madrid, demonstrates a bold approach, while the interest in Tah suggests a willingness to adapt and maneuver in a challenging market.
As the new season approaches, the coming weeks will be crucial for United. Securing key targets and meeting Ten Hag’s high standards will be essential for a successful campaign. With the right moves, United can navigate this period of uncertainty with purpose and ambition.
Live
Live
Live
Live