BREAKING NEWS:”I assure you that I will find the right person for this role before I leave. We aim to implement significant changes this year. Erik ten Hag is not the right fit for this position. The ideal candidate has been here before and holds the key to solving all our issues.”
Manchester United are reportedly considering reopening talks with a former managerial candidate if Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager comes to an end. The Dutchman has faced increasing pressure following several disappointing results, including a 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford.
This defeat, along with a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League after blowing a two-goal lead, has raised questions about Ten Hag’s ability to lead the team.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United’s leadership is adopting a “long-term view” regarding Ten Hag’s future, meaning he might not be dismissed even if the club loses their next Premier League match against Aston Villa. However, over the summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s minority co-owner, and his INEOS representatives held talks with several potential replacements for Ten Hag.
Although Ten Hag’s position seemed secure after United’s FA Cup win, the club may now revisit those discussions due to the team’s current poor form.
One candidate reportedly approached over the summer was Thomas Tuchel, who has previously managed Chelsea and Bayern Munich. However, Tuchel declined the offer because of concerns about the internal power structure at Manchester United.
With Ten Hag’s position in jeopardy, the club may consider reaching out to Tuchel again, as he is currently without a team. Despite Tuchel’s impressive managerial credentials, it remains uncertain whether he would be willing to reconsider the role.
Other managerial candidates reportedly under consideration include Graham Potter, former Brighton and Chelsea manager, and Gareth Southgate, the current England manager. Both are known for their strong player development skills, attributes that Sir Jim Ratcliffe finds appealing.
Additionally, Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has been linked to the job, though he recently rejected an approach from United, preferring to stay at Inter after leading them to the Champions League final. Brentford manager Thomas Frank has also been discussed as a possible successor to Ten Hag, admired for his tactical approach and ability to maximize team performance.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manchester United’s assistant coach, remains the bookmakers’ favorite to replace Ten Hag if he is dismissed. Van Nistelrooy’s deep knowledge of the club and his recent success at PSV Eindhoven make him a strong internal candidate.
Ultimately, United’s leadership will need to decide whether to promote from within or seek a more experienced manager to guide the team forward.
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