Everton's board of directors will not attend Saturday's Premier League fixture with fellow strugglers Southampton due to a "real and credible threat to their safety and security".

The Toffees are mired in a relegation battle and those running the club have come in for significant criticism from disgruntled fans.

Members of the club's hierarchy have now been advised by security professionals to not attend the visit of Southampton to Goodison Park in order to preserve their safety following "malicious and unacceptable threatening correspondence received by the club".

The club also claim there have been "increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour – including targeted physical aggression – at recent home matches".

An Everton statement, which quoted a security and safety advisor, read: "Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the club and intelligence we have gathered, the club's board members have been told they must not attend today's fixture."

A club spokesperson added: "This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – never before has our entire board of directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds.

"It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians."

A run of one win from their last seven Premier League matches has left Everton in the bottom three heading into Saturday's game.

Sections of the Everton fanbase are planning a coach welcome before kick-off, but are also set for a 'sit-in' as part of a protest against how the club has been run.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has reiterated his support for Frank Lampard as he appeared to disregard fan requests for change within the club's hierarchy. 

A run of one win from their last seven Premier League matches has left Everton in the bottom three heading into a crucial clash with fellow strugglers Southampton on Saturday.

Sections of the Everton fanbase are planning a coach welcome prior to that match, but are also set for a 'sit-in' as part of a protest against how the club has been run.

Since Moshiri became the majority shareholder in 2016, Everton have spent over £500million in the transfer market and had seven permanent managers, and now look set for a second relegation battle in as many seasons.

Everton were forced to sell Richarlison to appease Premier League profit and sustainability rules last year, but are yet to act in the January window despite a lack of quality attacking options.

Lampard received the public backing of Moshiri in an open letter to Everton's fans on Wednesday. However, much of the ire has been directed at chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale and the owner himself, who believes he deserves the faith of the fanbase.

"I hope so, I put my money where my mouth is," he said on TalkSPORT. "That's the most an owner can do and I've done that."

Moshiri suggested Everton's supporters must also take responsibility for the managerial merry-go-round.

"Some of the decisions we have taken have been together with the fans. All the managers that have left, they have been driven by the fans, not by me initially.

"You've got to stay with a manager to get the systems going, the players that he buys. I have a lot of faith in Frank, he'll get it right."

Moshiri has no issue with the planned protests but stressed "we are communicating".

However, he does not feel change is needed, as he emphasised the strain put on Everton by the construction of the club's new stadium on Liverpool's waterfront, which is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Of Everton's board, Moshiri said: "They've been there for a long time. They're long-standing, dedicated, local. It's so important to keep the roots of the club in Liverpool and those are the roots – they love the club.

"Building a £760million stadium – one of the best in the country – is an enormous challenge for a club. [The fans] need to acknowledge that they're going through a transformation and they are working extremely hard.

"You can't just take rash decisions. We have two big games – on Saturday and on the 21st [against West Ham]. That's the only focus."

Frank Lampard retains the backing of Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who expressed his support for the struggling manager in an open letter to disgruntled supporters.

Having staved off the threat of relegation from the Premier League last term, Everton are mired in the drop zone with 18 games of the season gone, putting Lampard under severe pressure.

Last week's dismal 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion provoked a furious reaction from the Goodison Park crowd, while Friday's FA Cup loss at Manchester United made it eight games without a win for the Toffees.

With Everton not winning a game in any competition since beating Crystal Palace on October 22, Lampard's position has appeared increasingly perilous. 

Lampard said he was not seeking assurances about his future after the Brighton loss, but he received them on Wednesday as Moshiri publicly backed his under-fire manager.

"As the majority shareholder and proud custodian of Everton, I have the utmost respect for the support of Evertonians. I am also fully aware and understand the concerns that fans may have," Moshiri wrote in an open response to a letter from the Everton Fans' Forum, expressing concern about the club's position.

"We regularly review our performance and initiate change where we feel the club falls short of standards. 

"This has meant that we have seen turnover in managers, directors of football and several board members, but we have always striven to achieve success.

"I have faith in the work being done not only by our manager, but by our director of football [Kevin Thelwell] and our board of directors. 

"That faith is based on my knowledge of the depth and quality of work being done at Finch Farm – and of the plan that is in place. 

"I am confident that we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club. We are all agreed that our current league position must and will improve."

Despite Everton's woeful run of form, they are only behind 17th-placed West Ham due to goal difference ahead of Saturday's huge clash with bottom club Southampton.

Real Madrid have reportedly made Tottenham's Harry Kane their top priority up forward after failed pursuits of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Kane, 29, is a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, and is showing no signs of slowing down, with his 15 goals in 18 league games this season trailing only Manchester City's Haaland (21 in 16 appearances).

He is only 10 league goals away from tying Wayne Rooney for the second-most in Premier League history, while he is also tied with Rooney for England's all-time record and is one goal away from tying Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time leader.

With his individual legacy in England already secured, Kane is said to be ready to take the next step in his career and join a team capable of competing consistently for trophies.

 

TOP STORY – MADRID SET THEIR SIGHTS ON ENGLAND'S NUMBER NINE

According to Todofichajes, Kane is now Madrid's favourite option for a new marquee striker, and the belief is that he does not plan on extending his contract with Tottenham beyond 2024.

With 18 months remaining on his contract and still yet to turn 30, Kane's transfer value will likely never be higher than it is right now, but a mid-season sale while also trying to convince Antonio Conte to remain long-term appears out of the question.

If Kane does not indicate that he will sign a new deal, Tottenham will be forced to sell him at the end of the season, or risk forgoing a transfer fee in the range of €100million and letting him walk for free.

 

ROUND-UP

– Mediafoot is reporting Arsenal are contemplating a move for out-of-favour 32-year-old Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard

– According to 90min, Chelsea have joined Tottenham in the hunt for 23-year-old Sporting right-back Pedro Porro, but also have reservations about meeting his €45m release clause.

Real Madrid have identified 22-year-old Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich and Benfica 27-year-old Alejandro Grimaldo as their top options to replace left-back Ferland Mendy, per Fichajes.

– SportItalia is reporting Atletico Madrid view 28-year-old Barcelona winger Memphis Depay as a potential replacement for Joao Felix, who will spend the rest of the season on loan at Chelsea.

Everton and Nottingham Forest are both interested in a loan deal for 25-year-old Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, per Sky Sports.

Negotiations are continuing as Manchester United seek to secure out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a loan deal this month.

Joao Felix became Atletico's club-record signing back in 2019 when they purchased him from Benfica for €126million, but he has failed to live up to his potential under Diego Simeone.

The Portuguese international with 28 senior caps has only started seven of the 15 LaLiga fixtures he has been available for this campaign, but has recently hit some form, scoring four goals in his past three appearances prior to Sunday's 1-0 loss to Barcelona.

Joao Felix's performances at the World Cup, coupled with his rediscovered nose for goal, have begun to rehabilitate a depressed transfer value – and he is said to be United's for the taking.

 

TOP STORY – UNITED IN THE BOX SEAT FOR JOAO FELIX

According to the Mirror, United have been given the "first option" on any Joao Felix deal, meaning they will have 48 hours to match any bid Atletico perceive to be acceptable.

United are understood to have submitted a loan offer, inclusive of a £3m (€3.4m) fee, while also covering the 23-year-old's wages, but this was rejected.

As a counter, Atletico proposed a £9.5m (€10.8m) loan fee as well as a commitment to a mandatory £70.5m (€80.2m) transfer fee at the end of the season.

The report also included information that the Spanish side are expecting a bid from Arsenal, while Fichajes add the Rojiblancos have strong interest in United youngster Alejandro Garnacho – a former member of Atletico's youth academy.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will turn to versatile RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk

Tottenham have locked in on Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as their desired replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, per the Mirror.

– ESPN is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea, United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Milan are all competing for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram as he enters the final six months of his contract.

– According to Sky Sports Germany, Leeds United are taking a close look at Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter. The Bundesliga club have confirmed there is Premier League interest, having elected to leave Rutter out of their upcoming friendly against Servette. 

– Diario Sport is reporting Arsenal and Newcastle are the two main sides monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who could become available at the end of the season if he decides to not extend his contract beyond 2024.

Chelsea's struggles and riches mean they are going to be busy during the January transfer window.

The Blues, who face Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday, are currently 10th in the Premier League as they continue to adjust to head coach Graham Potter.

Chelsea have already signed Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos this month, while also being heavily linked with Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but they may have another World Cup finalist in their sights.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA KEEN ON THURAM IN JANUARY

Chelsea have commenced discussions with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach about a move for French forward Marcus Thuram, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Thuram's Gladbach contract expires at the end of this season and he is not planning on extending the deal.

Chelsea and Gladbach will hold further talks in the coming days to discuss conditions and a price tag for the 25-year-old in January.


ROUND-UP

– Negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United on a Joao Felix loan deal are ramping up, with the Spanish club demanding a £9.5million (€10.8m) loan fee and a commitment to buy for £70m (€79.4m), according to the Sunday Mirror.

– FootMercato claims Manchester United are exploring a deal to sign Wout Weghorst on loan. The 30-year-old Dutch striker is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, with an £8.8m (€10m) buy option in the deal.

Tottenham are interested in signing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a long-term replacement for veteran Hugo Lloris, claims the Sunday Mirror.

Napoli have made an opening bid worth €15m plus add-ons for Azzedine Ounahi from French club Angers, claims 90min. Ounahi impressed with Morocco at the World Cup and has also been linked with Leicester City .

– The Sun reports that Crystal Palace will rival Everton in pursuit of Aston Villa striker Danny Ings in January.

Arsenal are monitoring Tammy Abraham's situation at Roma, claims La Repubblica.

– The Athletic reports that ex-Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has a verbal agreement to take over as Portugal head coach.

The Football Association (FA) is investigating an alleged homophobic chant during Manchester United's FA Cup tie with Everton.

United won Friday's contest 3-1 at Old Trafford to reach the fourth round at the expense of their fellow Premier League side.

A section of home supporters were heard using homophobic language, with the chant thought to be aimed at Everton manager Frank Lampard.

The FA released a statement after the match confirming it is looking into the matter.

"We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term," the statement read. 

"Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.

"We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch."

Conor Coady levelled up for Everton after Antony's early strike, but the defender then put into his own net prior to Marcus Rashford's late penalty sealing progression for United.

In a widely released statement of their own on Friday, United also condemned the chanting from their supporters.

"Homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, has no place in football," the statement read. "Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard today.

"We will continue to campaign for inclusivity and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online. This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes."

The incident comes less than a week on from Nottingham Forest launching an investigation into allegations of homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea fans in a 1-1 draw.

Marcus Rashford can be "unstoppable" when Manchester United play to his strengths, believes Erik ten Hag, and former captain Roy Keane was not surprised to see him deliver against Everton on Friday.

Rashford was the star of the show in a 3-1 win that sent United through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The England forward created the opener for Antony at Old Trafford, then showed sublime skill to force Conor Coady into an own goal that cancelled out the Everton defender's prior equaliser.

Rashford got the third goal himself, dispatching a stoppage-time penalty at the end of a display manager Ten Hag described as "90 minutes of threat".

Keane, in his role as an ITV pundit, said: "The beauty of watching Marcus tonight was this is what I expect of him now. I'm not surprised by what I've seen.

"He's becoming hopefully one of the main players for United; can he get them back to winning trophies? He's taking responsibility.

"Tonight, with two assists and a goal, I'm thinking I expect this now from Marcus every week. He's obviously playing with a confidence."

Confidence is undoubtedly key for a player who has scored in five straight matches and seven in a row at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag also highlighted the importance of his team-mates.

"It's about bringing him in the right position," he said in a news conference. "He has to do it, but make sure as a team we create spaces, so he is coming [with] his strengths.

"That is Marcus doing really well, but also the team is doing very well to get the right shape.

"So, he can bring his strengths in, and I think then he is unstoppable, with his speed, with his dribbles, with his directness."

Ten Hag, like Keane, is confident Rashford can maintain those high standards moving forward as United retain an interest on four fronts this season.

"Of course, as a striker, you measure goals [and] assists," Ten Hag added. "Today he had two assists and one goal, so it's great.

"He has fantastic skills, and when he has that mental stability, he can keep going.

"That demands a lot, first from him, also from us as a team, an organisation, to make sure we have the right environment, the right culture. When he keeps focused like this, I'm sure he can keep this process going."

Marcus Rashford feels his form is "up there with the best" he has ever produced after another excellent display in Manchester United's FA Cup victory over Everton.

After scoring in his previous four matches, Rashford looked a man full of confidence as he ran Everton's defence ragged on Friday, playing a part in all three goals as United saw off the Toffees 3-1.

He set up Antony for the opener just four minutes in, and although Conor Coady levelled for Everton, dazzling work from Rashford down the left wing forced the Everton defender to turn into his own net to put United 2-1 ahead in the second half.

Rashford then capped his brilliant performance by dispatching a penalty late on after Alejandro Garnacho was felled by Ben Godfrey, becoming the first United player since Wayne Rooney in 2012 to score in seven consecutive home appearances in all competitions.

After leading United into the fourth round, Rashford believes he is near the peak of his powers, telling ITV: "This is probably up there with the best I've ever been.

"I feel good on the pitch and I'm getting in positions and areas to score goals. If they keep creating chances, I feel at the minute I'll keep scoring."

Manager Erik ten Hag is enjoying a strong start to his Old Trafford career, and his team remain fighting on all four fronts as he looks to end his first season with silverware.

Rashford says United have their sights firmly set on winning trophies, explaining: "That's the aim. That's why we do what we do and work so hard.

"We want to be in finals and play in the biggest games. Ultimately we want to win silverware and trophies, so hopefully this season we get the opportunity to do that.

"It's always nice to go through in cup games, and the FA Cup is definitely a special competition to play in.

"We're pleased that we can go through to the next round and more importantly, we keep momentum going and keep winning games."

In stark contrast to United's hunt for glory, success for Everton may be simply staying in the Premier League after a run of six defeats in seven in all competitions.

Manager Frank Lampard looked to be staring down the barrel after his team were hammered 4-1 by Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, but an improved performance against United, albeit in defeat, has given the former Chelsea man hope he can turn things around.

Lampard cited Rashford as the key to the result, saying: "The players were very, very good. We had the better chances.

"Marcus Rashford was probably the difference between the two teams because top individual talent can do that to you."

With a huge league fixture with fellow strugglers Southampton next up for Everton, Lampard was asked whether he expected to be in the dug-out, to which he replied: "That's not under my control. It's not for me to focus on that.

"This league can change very quickly, and when you're in difficult times, you have to work really hard to get out of it and the picture can change. My focus is on this team and getting a result against Southampton."

Marcus Rashford feels his current run of form is "up there with the best" he has ever been after another excellent display in Manchester United's FA Cup victory over Everton.

After scoring in his previous four matches, Rashford looked a man full of confidence as he ran Everton's defence ragged on Friday, playing a part in all three goals as United saw off the Toffees 3-1.

He set up Antony for the opener just four minutes in, and though Conor Coady levelled for Everton shortly after, dazzling work from Rashford down the left wing forced the Everton defender to turn into his own net to put United 2-1 ahead in the second half.

Rashford then capped his brilliant performance by thumping home a penalty late on after Alejandro Garnacho was felled by Ben Godfrey, becoming the first United player since Wayne Rooney in 2012 to score in seven consecutive home appearances in all competitions.

After leading United into the fourth round, Rashford believes he is near the peak of his powers, telling ITV: "This is probably up there with the best I've ever been.

"I feel good on the pitch and I'm getting in positions and areas to score goals. If they keep creating chances, I feel at the minute I'll keep scoring."

Manager Erik ten Hag is enjoying a strong start to his Old Trafford career, and his team remain fighting on all four fronts as he looks to end his first season with silverware.

Rashford says United have their sights firmly set on winning trophies, explaining: "That's the aim. That's why we do what we do and work so hard.

"We want to be in finals and play in the biggest games. Ultimately we want to win silverware and trophies, so hopefully this season we get the opportunity to do that.

"It's always nice to go through in cup games, and the FA Cup is definitely a special competition to play in.

"We're pleased that we can go through to the next round and more importantly, we keep momentum going and keep winning games."

In stark contrast to United's hunt for glory, success for Everton may be simply staying in the Premier League after a run of six defeats in seven in all competitions.

Manager Frank Lampard looked to be staring down the barrel after his team were hammered 4-1 by Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, but an improved performance against United, albeit in defeat, has given the former Chelsea man hope he can turn things around.

Lampard cited Rashford as the key to the result, saying: "The players were very, very good. We had the better chances.

"Marcus Rashford was probably the difference between the two teams because top individual talent can do that to you."

With a huge league fixture with fellow strugglers Southampton next up for Everton, Lampard was asked whether he expected to be in the dug-out, to which he replied: "That's not under my control. It's not for me to focus on that.

"This league can change very quickly and when you're in difficult times you have to work really hard to get out of it and the picture can change. My focus is on this team and getting a result against Southampton."

Marcus Rashford was involved in all three goals as Manchester United secured a place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Everton at Old Trafford on Friday.

Frank Lampard's side had experienced a run of five defeats in six in all competitions, and they were soon behind when Rashford excellently set up Antony to put United 1-0 up.

Although Everton levelled when Conor Coady took advantage of a David de Gea howler to stab in, more silky work from Rashford restored United's lead as Coady turned his cross past Jordan Pickford for an own goal.

In-form United needed a reprieve in the shape of a VAR review to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin a second equaliser, but Rashford got a goal for himself with a stoppage-time penalty as the Red Devils deservedly advanced to maintain their interest in silverware on four fronts.

United were ahead after just four minutes, with Rashford driving past his man before finding a pinpoint cross for Antony to poke home, and it could have been 2-0 moments later when Anthony Martial sent a dipping effort just past the post.

But Everton nearly levelled when Demarai Gray's long-range drive crashed off the woodwork, and they did soon find an equaliser as De Gea somehow let the ball through his legs from Neal Maupay's cross before Coady tapped in.

Rashford played a big role again for United's second, however, brilliantly powering to the byline before his low delivery was turned into his own net by Coady.

The introduction of Everton striker Calvert-Lewin almost reaped dividends when he got on the end of Gray's cross to seemingly level, only for the VAR to spot the winger's offside in the build-up.

There was time then for Ben Godfrey to tangle with Alejandro Garnacho and give Rashford an opportunity from 12 yards, which he confidently took to cap a brilliant display and make sure of United's place in the draw.

Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the Al Nassr team to face Al Tai on Friday as he served the first part of a two-match ban from the English Football Association.

The ban was handed out in November in relation to an incident in the Premier League game between Everton and Manchester United last season. Ronaldo slapped a phone out of the hand of a 14-year-old Everton fan as he stormed off the pitch following the Red Devils' 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was unveiled by Al Nassr on Tuesday after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Arabian club.

After Ronaldo's move was confirmed, it was reported Al Nassr were considering defying the ban and were willing to pay any fine imposed by FIFA as a result.

However, the 37-year-old did not feature in head coach Rudi Garcia's team for Friday's match, suggesting Ronaldo will have to wait at least until January 22 to make his bow for the club in the home clash with Al Ettifaq.

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are where they wanted to be midway through his first season in charge, though he refuses to be distracted by thoughts of ending their trophy drought.

United are among the favourites to seal a top-four Premier League finish after winning each of their three games since returning to action at the beginning of the festive period.

The Red Devils have swept aside struggling sides Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth without conceding a single goal since the World Cup, and Ten Hag is satisfied with their progress.

"Let's say this – I think we are in a good position, we are where we want to be," Ten Hag said at Thursday's press conference ahead of their FA Cup tie against Everton.

"The focus is from game to game, we play in many competitions, so we have to not think too far ahead.

"We have to go from game to game and work on progressing. It's all about the team firstly, and the individuals second. When the team plays well, the individuals will get better."

While a return to the Champions League is a key aim for United, the club are also desperate to end a six-year trophy drought, having last lifted a piece of major silverware when they won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

Asked what it would mean to land a trophy in his first season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: "I don't think about that. 

"In this stage of the season, it's not what you are looking at. You have to look to get into a position where you can win something. There are so many games to play.

"When you think too far ahead, you get distracted. We have to think about the team's performance, the team's development. We have to concentrate on that and work together to get it better."

Ten Hag led Ajax to two KNVB Cup triumphs in his four-and-a-half-year spell with club, and the Dutchman is excited for his first taste of FA Cup football.

"For me, the cup is always special. I know in England the FA Cup has even higher expectations and standards than in the Netherlands, but I liked it in the Netherlands as well," Ten Hag said.

"In not so many games, you can achieve a lot. There also has to be a winner, with a replay if it's a draw. It's a knockout and I like that."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Jack Butland is set to join the club on loan from Crystal Palace, as he eyed further opportunities to strengthen his squad in January.

United signed Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan deal to provide backup to David de Gea in the last transfer window, but they were left in need of a replacement when the Magpies recalled the Slovakia international on Sunday.

On Thursday, reports suggested the Red Devils were close to sealing a similar deal for Butland – who has made just 10 Premier League appearances since joining Palace from Stoke City in 2020.

Ten Hag confirmed the move was imminent in a press conference looking forward to Friday's FA Cup tie against Everton, emphasising the importance of having a third experienced shot stopper alongside De Gea and Tom Heaton.

"Martin was recalled, and in our setup we need a squad with three experienced goalkeepers," Ten Hag said. 

"We have some young ones and they are doing well, but we have so many games, we need three good goalkeepers in training. If there are problems, we need experience in goal.

"I'm really happy with David, that is quite clear – he's our number one and he's performing really well. But as I always say, something can happen with David.

"You have to be prepared for when you are unlucky. Last year I had a situation with Ajax where we had three goalkeepers injured. 

"You don't want a situation at the end of the season – when hopefully you can play for trophies – where you have to put in a young goalkeeper.

"You can't expect it from a young goalkeeper and it can kill your season. That's what you have to be prepared for."

United are also reportedly in the market for attacking reinforcements, with only Marcus Rashford (seven) scoring more than three Premier League goals for the side this term.

The likes of Joao Felix and Olivier Giroud have been linked with loan moves to Old Trafford as United seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ten Hag says the club will look to be active. 

Asked if United were looking to make more signings, Ten Hag said: "We always have to look for that. We push the players because good is not good enough.

"Also as an organisation, we have to push each other. When there are opportunities, at the top, you always have to be ready. My main focus is to get a better team, to improve the team."

Frank Lampard knows Everton need results but has not sought any reassurances over the security of his job.

After a 4-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, Everton slumped into the Premier League's bottom three following West Ham's draw with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest's victory over Southampton.

The Saints are Everton's next opponent in the top flight, on January 14, though the focus is now on an FA Cup trip to Manchester United that, according to some reports, the Toffees must win in order for Lampard to keep his job.

Appointed as Rafael Benitez's replacement in January 2022, Lampard managed to keep Everton up last season, though has won just nine league games out of 36 and a relegation scrap looks likely again this term.

Lampard claimed after the Brighton game that he was confident he could turn Everton's form around, and ahead of Friday's trip to Old Trafford, he said: "I've never and would never seek reassurances.

"Part of my job is to focus on the job at hand, day to day, game to game. That's an absolute reality. I don't need reassurance.

"I come to work to try and improve a little bit every day – myself, the team, the squad, everything. I'm not hunting around for any reassurances.

 

"I feel that we're in that process. I'm not silly, we need to get results, we want to stay in this league.

"We've just slipped into the bottom three, that's not my major concern, when you're around here, that's the reality. If we win our next league game, we'd be out of the bottom three, probably.

"That's part of the process, I can't affect anything other than that. I was very aware of what I came to do, I want to be a success at this club and any challenges that come I'll take them head on and try and enjoy them – I enjoy working at this club, it's a real honour for me.

"I take my responsibility as a manager of the club. We had a strategic review because we wanted to look at how we could be better in every department. I'd be superman if I could be in charge of every department, they're not all my roles. There's a lot of work to do to be better in every way, on and off the pitch, that's what great clubs do."

Everton reportedly had a loan move for Danny Ings rejected by Aston Villa on Wednesday, and Lampard reiterated signings are needed.

"Loans or buying players, all things are on the table," he said.

"We want to improve and help the squad but my job is to work with the players we have now and how we can get a result against United and Southampton. If we can improve and help the squad, great. It's not an easy window but it feels like we need it."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.