Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that all of his players, and himself, are fighting for their futures at the club amid talk of a mega summer clearout.
As many as 15 players are rumoured to be up for the chop when the season ends following Thursday night’s dismal exit from the Europa League at the hands of Sevilla.
Among those names are Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay but Ten Hag has stated that nothing is decided with his full focus on facing Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
He told reporters: “I think we are always playing for our future, as professionals.
“Every game is a test, every season is a test, you have to earn the right to wear the shirt. It’s the same for me as a manager. We are in the same boat.
“During the season we’ve made huge progress. We have the experience but we have a way to go. A good thing is Sunday is a huge opportunity, the semi-final of the FA Cup, a better event you can’t imagine.
“After that, a lot of great games to go. We have to prove it and this group of players has to prove it.”
Ten Hag added that he “doesn’t think” about the summer at this moment as he backed club captain Maguire, who is suspended on Sunday, to bounce back from his error in Seville.
The manager stated: “[Maguire] has an important role.
“He is the captain, he leads and he communicates with the manager, motivates the team, he’s the example at the training ground.”
