Erik ten Hag has caused quite the stir with his post-match interview following the disappointing result against Burnley, as he went out on a limb to label his Manchester United side “one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league”.
Pretty big words, to say the least.
With just one win in their last five league games, six draws and a dozen defeats this season, ten Hag‘s sophomore season at Old Trafford is looking like it could end up being one of the worst campaigns in the club’s history in terms of points, still four shy of the lowest-ever tally of 58 posted in 2022/22.
Moreover, much of the criticisms levelled at ten Hag is that it’s been difficult to see any distinct style or patterns of play from his squad, leaving many with a raised eyebrow when he decided to praise them as “one the most dynamic” in the Premier League after drawing at home to a side likely to be relegated.
ten Hag believes they can’t be compared to the United of 04/05 but that they’re still ‘one of the most dynamic and entertaining’.
Unsurprisingly, the reaction online from supporters, Red or otherwise, has been one of disbelief and plenty of amusement – and that’s putting it mildly.
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Responses from United fan accounts included: “Thought it was a fake quote, I’m speechless”, “He does not see what us fans see, delusional”; “Nah, he’s taking the p*ss now” and “Nurse, he’s got out of bed again!”. Another simply wrote, “WTF”.
As for other fans and those speaking from a more neutral point of view, they weren’t much more impartial or any less shocked, remarking “People have been sectioned for less”, “Honestly, how are all Man Utd fans not sick of him? This would drive me nuts.”, and many joking that he was either drunk or high.
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On the other hand, plenty jumped to quip that they are indeed entertaining – just maybe not quite in the way the Dutchman might have intended, with one account commenting: “To be honest, I’ve watched United play more this season than any other. I just love watching them take a hiding.”
United have certainly created plenty of drama and memorable scorelines this season, not least of all the 19-minute collapse against Coventry City where they gave away a 3-0 lead and had to scrape through to the FA Cup final on penalties.
The only problem is that they can end up being on either side of them; one week they’re celebrating an iconic 4-3 derby win over Liverpool to take them to a semi-final, and the next they lose by the same scoreline to Chelsea in the 101st minute.
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The phrase ‘never a dull moment’ has been thrown around plenty in regards to the Red Devils this season – albeit mostly among non-United fans – but the truth is that between those bursts of excitement, chaos and unpredictability, they often look out of ideas and are regularly labelled as ‘boring’.
The proof appears to be in the stats as well. Not only did they make their worst start to a season since 1962 this year, with ten Hag breaking all manner of unwanted records in the process, but they also looked to be a fair way off the pace in terms of the dynamism and creativity that he claims:
Ten Hag. 'We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment. We are creating loads of chances by playing good football.'
The single point against second-from-bottom Burnley and the other results around them have now confirmed that Manchester United cannot qualify for the Champions League next season.
It remains to be seen where they’ll finish in the table and whether a Europa or Conference League place is on the cards, but it’s fair to say that the pressure on ten Hag to make sure that ‘dynamic and entertaining’ version of United he sees turns up against Man City for the FA Cup final next month.
It’ll be a tall order for the faltering side to make it past their fierce and still high-flying rivals but it would make it two trophies in his first two seasons and could be the lifeline the divisive manager needs to keep his job as the club’s rebuild continues.
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Where do you stand on it, United fans: would you keep him in the job or does it all depend on whether they lift that trophy come 25 May?
Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Manchester City are offering North West kids the chance to win a team training session
Danny Jones
Manchester City are offering kids across the North West a chance to win a free team training session as part of their latest grassroots competition.
Teaming up with their official sleep partners and well-known British mattress brand, Silentnight, Man City are once again giving children throughout the region the opportunity to train at the Etihad Campus itself.
Better still, all the kids have to do is what they already live and breathe to do: play footy.
Alongside the competition, they’re dishing out free advice for parents to help ensure their children get the proper rest and recovery they need through a good night’s sleep.
Continuing to promote how a good sleep in a proper bed can do wonders when it comes not only to fitness and staying active but overall health, this is part of their wider ‘Dream Big’ campaign.
Put in the simplest terms, as part of this initiative, young football teams across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and beyond are able to be nominated by coaches, parents, guardians or club representatives for this special scheme.
The exclusive coaching session, for whoever is fortunate enough to earn it, will be delivered directly by a professional MCFC coach at The City Football Academy.
Even better still, the winning team will also receive free Man City kits, not to mention Silentnight Healthy Growth Kids mattresses.
Speaking ahead of the event, Manchester City’s Vice President of Partnerships, Marketing and Operations, Mark Lambert, said in a statement: “Our partnership with Silentnight is built on a shared commitment to supporting healthier, more active lives, so it’s great to come together on Dream Big.
“Grassroots football plays a vital role in inspiring young players and bringing communities together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the winning team to the City Football Academy for what we hope will be a memorable experience.”
It’s not the only big thing they’re doing to help promote grassroots football in the local area, either.
Kathryn Pinkham, sleep expert at Silentnight, went on to add: “When children are busy with school, training, matches and everything else that comes with family life, sleep can sometimes slip down the priority list.
“But for young footballers, getting enough good-quality rest can make such a difference – helping them recover after games, concentrate at school and enjoy their sport. The 10-Step Sleep Guide is designed to give families simple, practical tips they can actually use at home.”
Man City’s kids’ coaching sessions will take place on Wednesday, 19 August from 1-3pm, and applications are already live; the window closes at 11:59pm this coming Monday (3 Aug).
To find out more and put a team name forward – made up of players aged seven and over, with no more than a two-year age gap between the youngest and oldest player – you can do so HERE.
Danny Jones -
28th April 2024 
