Manchester United are about to discover which players want to stay

In a season where dressing room 'leaks' have gushed like the waterfall from the Stretford End roof a few years ago, irritated Manchester United supporters might soon get some answers

Now it is fair to anoint Erik ten Hag the United manager-elect, the next eight games have an added fascination. The players are not just playing for Champions League qualification but to impress an identifiable new coach.

Only some players are 'underwhelmed' by Ten Hag and there have been suggestions they could seek moves in response to his expected appointment. Others are more enthusiastic but the appointment will not have unanimous backing.

READ MORE: Exclusive: United working on deal for Phillips

This is the time of year when some footballers' minds are on the beach and some in red seemed to be strolling around in flip-flops on Saturday.

Jamie Caplan, the United supporter who had it out with Darren Fletcher after Leicester scored, demanded, "Where's the f-----g fight?" Fletcher forged a career through an attitude that more than compensated for limited ability and is coaching players who are meandering.

"He can't be in denial," Jamie told this correspondent. "He was there. He knows the standards that are required to be top-level. He was in a dressing room with Keane and if he turned around to me and say that's a good enough United side then he's a liar and I don't believe him.

"I watch a lot of non-league football, so I know the levels of them wanting it isn't there (at United). You can go and watch any non-league team and see the difference."

Just take Wrexham, another team in north-west Britain who play in red and have American owners. Their attendance against Barnet on Tuesday night was 8,678 - 3,571 bigger than the other four National