Alejandro Garnacho is hugged by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
- Erik ten Hag downplayed the team's split after Alejandro Garnacho's social media incident and emphasized unity.
- Casemiro defended Ten Hag amid the criticism and highlighted the midfielder's winning mentality.
- Jason Wilcox joins United as Technical Director, bringing expertise in talent development and recruitment.
- For more soccer news, click here. news 24 sports Dedicated section.
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Alejandro Garnacho has apologized for liking a social media post criticizing the manager's treatment of the Argentine forward, saying Manchester United's squad is not divided. he claimed.
Garnacho 'liked' two messages on X condemning Ten Hag's decision to substitute him at half-time in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old was quick to dislike either post and apologized to Ten Hag, saying Garnacho would still feature in United's FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry on Sunday.
Asked whether the incident with Garnacho was evidence of a rift between players and Ten Hag, the Dutchman, who has faced criticism, replied: “I'm not going to point that out.
“Alejandro is a young player and has a lot to learn. He apologized for that and then we move on.”
Ten Hag's reaction to Garnacho suggests he has learned from the rift following his clash with Jadon Sancho earlier this season.
Sancho criticized Ten Hag during the defeat to Arsenal in September and was exiled for several months to train away from the rest of the United squad.
England winger Sancho has since improved on loan at Borussia Dortmund, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals this week.
“We know that Jadon Sancho is a great footballer, so it's not a surprise to us and it doesn't matter,” Ten Hag said.
“Of course I follow international football and I also follow players who are on loan to other clubs.
“It was a great game, Dortmund vs. Atlético Madrid, a great performance from Dortmund, good news for Jadon. He contributed to Dortmund's result.”
Ten Hag cannot afford a shock defeat to second-tier Coventry at Wembley as they fight to keep their jobs in the midst of a turbulent season.
United midfielder Casemiro, who has come under criticism for his recent performances, will need to improve.
Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp said Casemiro's lethargic display against Bournemouth last week was like playing in a charity match.
However, Ten Hag backed the Brazilian's value at United, saying: “I think when I came here we needed a six (position) and Casemiro was great last season.
“This season he suffered the most serious injury he has ever had in his career, but he is such a winner. He has always won in his career and will be successful wherever he is.”
“He's a fighter and that's why he won big trophies too. He's a character and a very important player who will bring us success.”
Meanwhile, United began planning for next season after it was announced late on Friday that Jason Wilcox would be leaving second-tier Southampton to become Old Trafford's new technical director with immediate effect.
Wilcox, 53, joined Southampton last summer as director of football, joining from Manchester City, where he built a reputation for developing young talent and recruiting top talent.
“Jason Wilcox will join Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect,” United said in a statement.
“He will collaborate with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.”
