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Ten Hag replacement option uses Alonso example to respond to Man Utd rumours

04 May 2024 , 11:27
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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Thiago Motta (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Thiago Motta (Image: Getty Images)

Bologna boss Thiago Motta has opened up about his future amid rumours linking him with Manchester United.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has impressed since moving into manager following his retirement in 2018. Bologna currently sit fourth in Serie A and are on track to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 22 years.

And reports from Italy have claimed that United are considering a move for Motta, with Erik ten Hag's future in doubt after a disappointing campaign which has seen the Red Devils miss out on Champions League qualification.

Motta has been repeatedly asked about his future in recent weeks and the 41-year-old has cited Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen despite heavy interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

"Xabi Alonso made his choice, he had his reasons," Motta told reporters. "We reached a moment where I have to underline we achieved something unexpected and unimaginable. We want to go all the way and qualify for the Champions League.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow qhidddiqziruprwWorld Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

"That is the primary issue, my future or the future of individual players is irrelevant. At the right moment, we will sit down and see if we have the conditions to continue together or not continue together, but I will always do what is right for the club."

Despite the rumours surrounding Ten Hag's future and the fact that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to give him his public backing, the Dutchman remains confident he will still be in the dugout next season.

Ten Hag replacement option uses Alonso example to respond to Man Utd rumoursErik ten Hag is under serious pressure (Getty Images)

"I'm here, I'm under contract for three seasons, so I don't care," Ten Hag said earlier this year. "I am in this process, I'm only focusing on the process, so I don't care what's going on around me. I have had many talks with Sir Jim Radcliffe, also with Sir Dave Brailsford and others in that group.

"So I know where we are talking about and I have a strong belief and I feel that they believe in me. But I'm not focusing about my personal circumstances. I'm just focusing on the team and I have to find solutions for this team so that they perform the best way they can.

"It's all about focusing on that and not getting distracted by any noise or whatever. I know what I'm doing. Consistently, we have had talks and we're talking about the future together."

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Matthew Cooper

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