Pochettino shocked at Man Utd actions, as Ten Hag appointment causes stir; Villa close to summer deal

TEN HAG TO MAN SURPRISES POCHETTINO UTD

Mauricio Pochettino is said to be confused by Manchester United’s appointment of Erik ten Hag after learning the Dutchman was the preferred candidate.

Following weeks of debate, United introduced Ten Hag as their new manager on Thursday morning. The Red Devils were interested in the 52-year-old because of his outstanding performance at Ajax.

He will depart the Eredivisie club at the end of the season with the possibility of three league titles. In 2019, he also led Ajax to the Champions League quarter-finals.

However, Pochettino, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, was also a major candidate for the Manchester United post. In fact, before going after interim coach Ralf Rangnick, United reportedly inquired about hiring him on a permanent basis.

According to The Athletic, the timing of the revelation that Ten Hag was United’s favored candidate was ‘awkward’ for Pochettino.

Indeed, he was completely oblivious of such happenings and had been plotting how he would turn around the Old Trafford club. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager was allegedly researching player profiles, the club’s structure, and Manchester as a city.

But none of that mattered when the Red Devils advanced on Ten Hag, much to Pochettino’s surprise.

Darren Fletcher and Richard Arnold traveled to Amsterdam at the end of March to see Ten Hag.

Their opinion of the manager grew stronger after one of several “straight” conversations.

Likewise, Ten Hag’s sentiments for United got stronger.

He next met with the Glazers, who own Manchester United, and that went well as well. However, according to reports, the club never informed Pochettino of their plans.

DEAL ON VILLA EYE PERMANENT OLSEN

According to reports, Aston Villa is in advanced talks with goalkeeper Robin Olsen about a permanent transfer.

In the January transfer window, the 32-year-old joined Villa Park on loan from Roma.

Indeed, his most recent departure from Roma is one of numerous since joining the Serie A club in 2018.

However, this time he might be able to gain a permanent stay. According to Football Insider, Villa is in advanced talks with him about a long-term contract.

Boss Steven Gerrard has been impressed by Olsen’s approach, despite the fact that he has yet to play during his term.

Nonetheless, he earned Premier League experience at Everton on loan last season.

ON BURNLEY RADAR, ROBERT PAGE

According to a source, Burnley is considering appointing Wales manager Robert Page as their new manager.

The Clarets sacked Sean Dyche earlier this month, despite the club’s relegation battle.

While Dyche has proven his ability to maintain Burnley in the Premier League several times during his tenure, club executives sought a different approach this time.

Caretaker manager Mike Jackson is still in charge, and he has stated that he has no idea when his last game will be.

Burnley, on the other hand, has its sights set on Page as the permanent successor to Dyche at Turf Moor, according to 90min.

Wales’ 47-year-old manager took over in November 2020 and has led the team to within one game of the World Cup. This summer, they will face either Ukraine or Scotland in the play-off final.

Page’s contract with the national team expires after the end of the World Cup. This might happen either in the play-offs or during the tournament itself.

Importantly, he has not been approached about a new contract. 90min reports that senior players in the Wales camp are pressing for Page to be given a new contract.

Burnley is also interested in Middlesbrough’s Chris Wilder, in addition to the former Port Vale manager.