Man Utd news: Jim Ratcliffe told to make Erik ten Hag decision 'now' as Jose Mourinho plots return

Manchester United are desperate to find some momentum to finish their season as Erik ten Hag and his squad come under increasing pressure ahead of the summer transfer window

Manchester United are set for an intense end to the season.

The 4-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace left the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League and with the possibility of missing out on Europa League football. United dropped below Chelsea and Newcastle but could still earn a spot in the competition if they overcome Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Erik ten Hag's job will not be made any easier with Arsenal the next side to arrive at Old Trafford. The Gunners remain in the Premier League title race and have tasted defeat just once in the division in 2024.

There will be scrutiny from in and outside of the club for United's final four matches of of this term and it remains to be seen if the side can respond. With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the news surrounding the club.

Jose Mourinho's United stance

Jose Mourinho is keen on a return to Manchester United but does not believe the club want him back.

Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Roma earlier this year and has told those around him that he has a fanciful desire to engage a second attempt at Old Trafford after being sacked by United in December 2018. The former Chelsea boss considers Sir Jim Ratcliffe a friend but does not expect to be approached if Ten Hag is sacked.

Manchester Evening News report that Mourinho would be willing to 'walk' back to Old Trafford. The 61-year-old recently claimed that Ten Hag has been given considerably more support than he received during his time at United.

Owen demands Man Utd change

Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen does not believe that Erik ten Hag is making use of the talents of assistant coach Steve McClaren and suggested the Dutchman needs depart immediately from Old Trafford. The Ex-England striker spoke highly of the former Middlesbrough boss amidst United's struggles.

“We’ve played under Steve McClaren. There’s no way his fingerprints are anywhere near that team," said Owen. "He is a brilliant coach and that team is not being coached at all. No way.

“There is no way on earth he has got anything to do with that team. It’s impossible. That team is absolutely clueless, right the way through it. Steve McClaren is a top operator and I can only think other people are coaching the first team and he’s a bystander.”

Image: Michael Regan/The FA) Michael Regan/The FA)

Owen think it is in the best interests of the club to bring a new boss in now.

"For four games, yeah, anything," he added. "Something has got to change now. We know its got to change in the summer, there are too many big games, there’s European football next year, there’s a trophy at the end of the year [to play for]."

Teddy Sheringham has also provided his verdict

Greenwood interest

Getafe President Angel Torres has revealed that one club has already asked him about on-loan forward Mason Greenwood. The Man United forward signed for Getafe last summer as he looked to get his career back on track after charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped in 2023.

Greenwood has managed 10 goals and six assists in 32 appearances for the La Liga side and his Old Trafford future remains up in the air. Getafe are in talks to land the forward on loan for a second season, but also negotiated themselves a 20 per cent sell-on clause with United.

The Red Devils would prefer a permanent move, but only one side thus far have approached Getafa for information - Barcelona.

Torres said on Radio Marca: “Atletico have not asked me, the only one who has asked me was Laporta when he was here. I spoke with him and Deco and they asked me because they like the player.”

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