Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag continues to endear himself to the players and the fans as a recent speech he gave Alejandro Garnacho in front of his family has left Reds surer than ever that they’ve got the right man in charge.
Garnacho signed a new five-year contract on 28 April, meaning that his future at United is now secured until June 2028, and the Dutch coach looks to be just as chuffed about the deal as supporters are.
Shooting a behind the scenes day surrounding the contract renewal, the 18-year-old was filmed heading into Carrignton to pen to paper along with some family, and what came after was a lovely moment between him and the manager.
Insisting to his loved ones that he “deserved this” new contract and “fought his way into the team”, ten Hag explained how this isn’t just a reward for his efforts so far but an expectation of what’s to come.
🎥 You have to watch this!
A day in the life of @AGarnacho7 signing his new contract, including a powerful speech from Erik to the family ❤️#MUFC
Erik ten Hag gives his Alejandro Garnacho a rousing speech after signing a new contract.
ten Hag goes on to say that Garnacho “has improved a lot” and has been “magnificent” since breaking into the first-team but that this is just the start and that, for all of his talent, he has to “work to go far”.
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Having previously been kept on the fringes of the team following reports of “attitude problems” earlier in the season, Garnacho looks to have come along way to being one of the most exciting and beloved players and, judging by ten Hag’s speech, he is clearly convinced he can go much further.
The 53-year-old goes on to say that he believes this new deal will be “an inspiration, a motivation to do even better”, adding that the club “needs players who can do incredible things” if they want to win games and trophies, as well as “win in a certain way” like he is trying to instil.
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No wonder United fans are loving this video: it isn’t just about showing faith in young talent as he did so well at Ajax, but he also intimates that he wants the team to play a certain type of football and it’s one that the supporters are already starting to see come together and enjoy.
Reacting to the clip, fans commented, “Finally we have the right manager, “hope the youth team see this as motivation/inspiration” and “this has Cristiano [Ronaldo]/Sir Alex [Ferguson] vibe written all over.”
Fresh from learning that he will soon be having a baby boy with his partner, Eva, it was clear that the recognition of his progress felt like a significant moment for his family too, as they all joined in with embracing the young Argentine and celebrating his new contract.
Born in Coventry and having come through the Birmingham City youth academy system, he was loaned to Crawley Town from 2019-20, before joining Tranmere Rovers on a permanent transfer in 2021.
The wing-back became a Wanderer a year later, spending nearly three campaigns at the Toughsheet Stadium, serving largely as a first-team regular.
Known for bombing down the flanks, he went on to make 126 appearances for the fellow Greater Manchester club.
Registering seven assists last season and a further four this term, despite playing a reduced 18 times amid a change of manager.
Now set to embark on his next chapter at Edgeley Park, he will wear the number two shirt – a fitting choice for a fullback, especially on the right.
Commenting on his newest recruit, who should bolster not only the defensive line but also add attacking width, County manager Dave Challinor said in an official club statement: “We are delighted to welcome Josh to the club.
“He’s been a player that’s been on our radar for some time, but I think it’s fair to say that we didn’t think he’d be available – so to add him to our group is great.
“He has brilliant experience at the level, at a club with expectation, and he’s the perfect profile for what we want as a right-back or wing-back. I know he’s excited about the challenge ahead of him, and we’re really looking forward to working with him and being successful together.”
What do you make of your latest County signing, Stockport fans?
You can see Josh Dacres-Cogley’s first interview as a Stockport County player in full down below.
The Tour de France is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Greater Manchester and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s another big sporting landmark for us Mancs.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race and the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be passing through our region next summer.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
With Greater Manchester boasting not only the National Cycling Centre, but having already hosted the Tour of Britain – which has passed through Altrincham on multiple ocassions – we’re well-versed when it comes to the sport.
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
Not only are we buzzing that the racing will be returning to our friends in Leeds and Sheffield, but also nice to see other Northern regions lending their roads and stunning landscapes, such as the Lake District and wider parts of Cumbria.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Danny Jones -
3rd May 2023 
