Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admits close friends attempted to talk him out of taking the top job at Old Trafford - but the Dutchman told them he was ready to embrace the challenge.
'I was at rock bottom' - Manchester United FA Youth Cup winner wants to help others avoid what he went through
20.11.2023 - 12:49 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It was a disparate group of former Manchester United youngsters who gathered at Carrington last week for the first unofficial meeting of an alumni scheme that academy bosses hope will offer up a vital support network for players.
There were teenagers released by United within the last 18 months, a winger once dubbed the next Ryan Giggs who is now rediscovering his love for the game in non-league, an EFL professional without a club thanks to a badly-timed injury and a 30-year-old who left the game for five years and fell into a severe depression.
But the benefits of the project were there in bringing together Tom Thorpe and Callum Gribbin. Thorpe was the veteran of the group at 30, while Gribbin was the star of the academy whose release four years ago was a sign of a player who had lost his way.
ALSO READ: Inside the United training camp for former players as club starts alumni project
ALSO READ: 'It got me down' - The United title-winner labelled next Scholes but criticised by fans
Six years separate them and their paths wouldn't usually cross, but for their association with United and their presence at the club last week. They share a common thread this year, however. In March, just as the joy was returning to his football, Gribbin suffered a knee injury that badly affected his anterior cruciate ligament, as well as his medial and posterior ligaments. He is still on the road to recovery.
Two weeks ago, in his first game for Stalybridge, Thorpe suffered a similar injury. As he contemplates a long road of rehab, he used the week at Carrington to pick Gribbin's brains on what lies in wait. It was a real-life example of what United hope this network, which will launch officially in January, can be.
The presence of
The website celebfans.org is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Popular Celebs
Popular Tags
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
06.12.2023 / 10:53
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to do something they struggle with vs Chelsea
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged his team to dominate possession this evening when they host Chelsea in the Premier League.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
05.12.2023 / 19:21
Premier League's £6.7bn TV deal isn't quite what it seems for Manchester United and Man City
The new £6.7billion TV deal will provide Manchester United and Man City with a cash boost and a financial confidence as both clubs seek to grow already impressive revenues.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
03.12.2023 / 08:41
Manchester United 'target' £95m Bundesliga starlet and other transfer rumours
Manchester United are favourites to sign Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz next summer - according to reports.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
02.12.2023 / 23:21
Harry Maguire names what Manchester United must improve after defeat against Newcastle
Harry Maguire said Manchester United must start winning more duels and play at a higher tempo following the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
02.12.2023 / 15:29
Manchester United under investigation after claims raw chicken was served at Old Trafford
Manchester United are under investigation after allegations that raw chicken was served at an event staged at Old Trafford for 275 people. Several people made complaints after the event which was staged last week.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
01.12.2023 / 22:45
Manchester United give update on Mason Mount as Erik ten Hag makes bold Andre Onana claim
Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Saturday night as they face Newcastle at St James' Park.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
30.11.2023 / 04:27
Erik ten Hag explains what Altay Bayindir has to do to start for Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has assured Altay Bayindir he will get his chance in goal for Manchester United.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
27.11.2023 / 10:29
Bruno Fernandes names Manchester United unsung heroes after Everton win
Bruno Fernandes hailed the unsung heroics of a number of Manchester United players in their 3-0 win away at Everton on Sunday afternoon.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
22.11.2023 / 20:45
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'to fund Manchester United transfer window with sale' and other rumours
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to fund Manchester United's January transfer window with the sale of Jadon Sancho.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
21.11.2023 / 14:47
'My late wife would kill me!' - Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson jokes about £650,000 spend
Sir Alex Ferguson joked that his late wife Lady Cathy would have killed him for recently spending £650,000 on two horses, following his excellent win in the Bahrain International Trophy last week.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
20.11.2023 / 19:01
'I discovered Manchester United wanted to sign me in a chip shop and thought it was a prank'
Alexander Buttner has admitted he was in a local chip shop with a group of friends when he discovered Manchester United wanted to sign him, confessing that he thought it was a prank.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
20.11.2023 / 15:27
What Erik ten Hag can and can't do during his Manchester United touchline ban vs Everton
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will not take up his usual touchline position this weekend when the Reds travel to Everton in the Premier League.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
20.11.2023 / 12:49
Inside the Manchester United training camp for former players as club launches alumni scheme
Tuesday afternoon last week at Carrington. On one of the smaller pitches at Manchester United's training ground, coach Neil Harris is putting Matthew Olosunde, Oli Kilner and Eric Hanbury through their paces. On the side of the pitch, Tom Thorpe and Callum Gribbin are in conversation. Joe Thompson floats between groups, the glue holding it all together.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
19.11.2023 / 13:45
Former Nice boss gives Manchester United an insight into life under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Former OGC Nice manager Adrian Ursea has offered an insight into INEOS' ownership of a football club, explaining that impending Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unlikely to get in the way of manager Erik ten Hag.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
14.11.2023 / 14:47
Killer who murdered son of Manchester United title winner dies in prison
A murderer who killed the son of a former Manchester United star has died in a Lancashire prison.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
13.11.2023 / 16:25
'I burst into tears when I heard about Sir Bobby Charlton's passing, he was devoted to Manchester United'
“Sir Bobby, the legacy you left us with. History, dignity & integrity. Our promise to you. We will protect that legacy and keep the red flag flying high" - the words on a banner erected outside Old Trafford today. Manchester United invited supporters to gather for Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral procession and they turned out in their droves.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
12.11.2023 / 05:21
Manchester United's next six Premier League fixtures compared with Newcastle, Spurs and rivals
Manchester United signed off for the November international break with a narrow 1-0 win over Luton Town at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
08.11.2023 / 19:43
'What was the point?' - Manchester United fans baffled by Erik ten Hag decision vs Copenhagen
Erik ten Hag has named his starting line-up for Manchester United's Champions League group stage clash with FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium this evening.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
07.11.2023 / 16:53
Football governance bill explained and what it means for Manchester United
Football's new independent regulator could bring big changes for Premier League clubs.