06 February 2024 , 03:00
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Manchester United secured a third win within a week as they saw off West Ham on Sunday.
That victory wasn't without its pitfalls though as Lisandro Martinez hobbled off injured with doubts over his fitness, just as he returned to the first-team. United's win does close the gap on fifth spot, which could yet result in Champions League football next season.
Erik ten Hag is looking to get a tune out of his side following an inconsistent season thus far. That would not only aid the club, but also the Dutchman himself as he looks to retain his role beyond this season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival has seen some question whether he'll retain Ten Hag in the dugout. Here's the latest from Manchester.
Fans face season ticket price hike
United season ticket holders will have to pay more for their seats next season, with reports stating the decision was made before Ratcliffe's stake in the club was confirmed.
The Glazer family remain the club's majority owners and their lack of popularity is only set to increase. While future decisions are expected to be made with the input of the new investor, Ratcliffe, the Old Trafford plans are understood to predate his arrival.
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The relationship between the Glazers and some fans hasn't been the best even when the club were flying high. Now, a rise of five per cent across the board on season ticket prices are unlikely to improve that situation, especially with the team struggling for any consistency.
Read more here.
Fans already want the Glazers out of Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)Ferdinand concerned by Martinez injury
Rio Ferdinand feels as though Martinez's injury could "kill" his former side's season. The Argentine has been out for the majority of the season but his return has coincided with an upturn in form for the Red Devils. Martinez proved to be a hit in his debut term at Old Trafford but without him, the team have struggled to hit the heights expected.
Since Martinez has come back into the fold Erik ten Hag's side have won three on the bounce. But in Sunday's victory over West Ham, the centre-half went down clutching his knee in the second half before coming off in obvious pain.
Ferdinand said: "So, listen, if he’s out, it kills it. You can see with him and Luke Shaw on that side, when they’re together, they look so dominant, they look so confident, they look so composed with the ball. And those two are really good with the ball in terms of setting up attacks, the ball generally comes from that side."
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Lisandro Martinez was forced off in Sunday's win (Getty Images)Hojlund's dressing room relationship
Rasmus Hojlund look to have finally settled into life in Manchester, scoring again in Sunday's win. The striker admitted post-match that he is part of a "little group" in the dressing room.
The Dane has become close friends with Kobbie Mainoo, who has made a huge impact in the United first-team this season, with the pair forming a group within the dressing room.
Hojlund said: “We enjoy spending time together. The young guys have a little group where we're chatting to each other and it's very cool to have other young players around the team. Hopefully we can set an era for the club and be here many years together."
Read more here.
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