10 February 2023 , 14:06
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is not against a European Super League, provided it "makes football better".
The organisers behind the breakaway league announced a revamped format for the highly-controversial competition on Thursday, with 60-80 teams competing in a “multi-divisional competition”, based, it’s claimed, only on “sporting performance”.
That is a far cry to the original Super League, which was announced in April 2021, but collapsed within 48 hours of its shock unveiling amid widespread opposition. United, along with the other members of the Premier League's so-called ‘Big Six’, where initially at the centre of plans, before pulling their interest before its collapse.
Now that it’s returned, questions have been asked over whether any Premier League clubs will potentially be involved with the project - although the aforementioned sextet have, so far, kept their distance.
And speaking the day after the group overseeing the Super League, A22 Sports Management, launched its list of "10 principles" that it insists will underpin everything, United chief Ten Hag gave his opinion.
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Asked for his opinion, Ten Hag said: “I’m aware of the dynamic of what’s going on but if I see they’re coming up with new ideas I have to have a look at it and I will make an opinion. So I’m not aware because we are playing so many games in this moment.
Erik ten Hag of Manchester United (Manchester United via Getty Images)“We have to develop this team, we have some problems with new players to bring in, so that’s where my focus point is, therefore I need all my energy.
“About new European competitions; other people at the club will have a look at it and inform me if the time is there and we have to make decisions, but the decision is up to the club.
“I think the current structure is good but there will always be initiatives to make it better, to make the football better and that is what life is; people always want to construct better, which is a good thing because if it is in favour of the football, it is always good.”
Ten Hag's side face Leeds United on Sunday, currently sitting third in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Elland Road.