The “Northern Notebook” is i‘s weekly look inside the biggest football clubs in the north of England, providing insight, analysis and news on the burning issues of the day
Erik ten Hag’s trusted head of performance Alessandro Schoenmaker is potentially in line to join his backroom staff when he takes over at Manchester United.
The Ajax manager’s move to Old Trafford is expected to be confirmed before the end of the season after United decided he was the man to entrust with a substantial rebuild.
The Dutchman is yet to sign a contract with United but all parties expect a deal to be signed and the 52-year-old has already started investigating potential backroom team solutions. The expectation is that he will lean heavily on coaches with experience of English football to compensate for his lack of Premier League experience.
More from Football
Brazilian Schoenmaker is currently head of performance at Ajax but has substantial experience of English football, having worked at Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Derby County in a variety of roles related to performance, fitness and conditioning.
Highly-rated at injury prevention and sports science he was described by Steve McClaren as “very good at what he does” and was credited with reducing the number of soft tissue injuries at Palace and Newcastle. He has plenty of background with Ten Hag, with the pair having worked together at FC Twente when McClaren was in charge.
Improving the players’ conditioning and recruiting players able to stand up the physical battles of the Premier League is an important part of Ten Hag’s rebuild.
He is understood to have pinpointed the physical condition of some of the players as an area that can be improved under his tenure and Ralf Rangnick talked extensively about recruiting players with the “right DNA” after Manchester United’s disappointing draw with Leicester.
The finer details of Ten Hag’s backroom team and structures are yet to be finalised but he will have room to bring in his own men.
Rangnick made three backroom additions during his interim tenure – Chris Armas, Sascha Lense and Ewan Sharp – and all three will depart at the end of their short-term contracts.
Haaland ‘has decided’ on his future
Erling Haaland has made a call on his future – at least according to Ian Harte, who has spoken to his father Alfe.
As i reported a fortnight ago, Haaland has commissioned in-depth data research to see where the he will best fit in. Real Madrid and Manchester City are the two front runners for his signature, with both willing to meet his contract demands.
Harte, a former Leeds teammate of Alfe’s who is now an agent himself, says a decision has been made but they are “holding their tongues”.
More on Northern Notebook
Newcastle summer will be 'different', Man Utd target Benfica star and Everton bullish on future31 March, 2022
Erling Haaland prefers Man City deal, Newcastle target three and Leeds NFL stadium plans24 March, 2022
Newcastle make second bid for Lingard, Leeds hit by Brexit and Ashley monitors events at Derby20 January, 2022“I speak to Alfe, and they know already where he’s going. They’re biting their tongues at the moment before they release where he’s going,” he said.
Sources close to the player continue to insist he is yet to make his mind up. But Harte hopes he joins a Premier League club.
“I’d hope he comes to the Premier League over a team in Spain,” Harte added.
“Don’t get me wrong I used to love watching Real Madrid and Barcelona playing, I used to play over there myself, but I don’t think Spanish football is the same as what it used to be.
“The Premier League is vitally important for top players and the Premier League would be delighted to have someone like Haaland playing in it.”
Newcastle target Leeds star Phillips
Newcastle are one of the clubs ready to make a move for Kalvin Phillips – although Leeds are preparing a new contract offer they hope encourages him to stay.
Manchester United and Aston Villa are also interested in Phillips, who has a contract that runs until 2024. He would cost around £60m but is holding out for a new deal that reflects his status as an England regular.
Related Stories
Director of football Victor Orta is anticipating the club will have work to do to restructure in the summer. Barcelona believe they will be able to sign Raphinha, with Leeds set to reinvest in new attacking talent.
from Football | News and analysis from the Premier League and beyond | iNews https://ift.tt/PD1rcCO
Post a Comment