Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United is under threat with the pressure mounting on the Dutchman after a tough start to the season.
Despite spending more than £600m on new signings since his arrival from Ajax, Ten Hag has failed to bridge the gap between Manchester United and the Premier League’s top teams. A dreadful defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford has increased calls for change once again, with familiar flaws exposed by the North London visitors.
New owners Ineos backed the 54-year-old in the summer but that stance could change if results do not improve quickly.
Five managers who could replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has taken a patient approach to a managerial return, though the Frenchman has not closed the door on coaching.
“I will be back soon. Wait, wait a little bit. Soon, soon. I’m not far from coaching again,” Zidane told RMC Sport in October 2022.
Two years on, the Frenchman remains without a role having been supremely selective in the challenges he’s willing accept. And why not? Zidane’s legacy is assured after winning two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions Leagues with Real Madrid across two spells, alongside a wealth of Super Cups and Club World Cups.
The 52-year-old has not coached since leaving the Spanish side in 2021, though is the calibre of coach who would command instant respect at Old Trafford. Whether he is tempted by a Manchester United role that has appeared a poisoned chalice since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit is another matter.
Thomas Tuchel
Another big personality with a proven track record of success.
Thomas Tuchel has led Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to Champions League finals, winning the trophy with the latter in 2021, and has claimed league title successes in France and Germany. His stock has fallen after leading Bayern Munich to a first trophy-less season in 11 years last term but the 51-year-old has the credentials to implement change at Old Trafford.
Tuchel only became Chelsea boss in January 🤯#UCL #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ckz8TIWjZO
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2021
Tuchel transformed Chelsea into European champions and awkward opponents for any side, a status Manchester United have not enjoyed for some time. The question marks would be around his ability to gel with the new-look hierarchy, after famously frosty relationships with the boards of former clubs.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has been courted by several Premier League clubs with Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham having all approached or considered the 39-year-old in recent times.
Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to a first Primeira Liga title in 19 years in 2020/21 and added a second championship last season. His team is adventurous and flexible, favouring a fluid formation with three central defenders and rotations in the final third.
🚨🇵🇹 Rúben Amorim contract situation.
◉ €30m release clause only valid for clubs in Portugal.
◉ €20m release clause for clubs from abroad.
❗️ Verbal pact in case of top club proposal: €10m could be enough to let Rúben leave in the summer. pic.twitter.com/oxXvVe3ocG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2024
After leading Sporting to their best period this century, Amorim could be ready to take on a new challenge.
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate was strongly linked with taking charge at Manchester United in the summer.
The timing was perhaps problematic as England reached the final of Euro 2024, though there is plenty of admiration for the 54-year-old at Manchester United. Dan Ashworth knows Southgate well from his time at the FA and there is an appreciation of his transformation of the culture of the national team, in addition to reaching two major tournament finals.
In their own words: the players who represented England under Gareth Southgate 📞
Thanks again, boss ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gvBcCzfODZ
— England (@England) July 25, 2024
The reservations will be Southgate’s failure to get England over the line in big games and to extract the most from the nation’s attacking talent. His perceived pragmatic brand of football would not be welcomed at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Could Ruud van Nistelrooy take the reins?
The former favourite returned in the summer to join Ten Hag’s backroom staff, turning down senior opportunities in favour of Manchester United. The 48-year-old has experience working with the Netherlands and led PSV Eindhoven to the KNVB-Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield during his sole season in charge. Van Nistelrooy quit PSV over a lack of backing.
Though inexperienced, Van Nistelrooy has experience of the demands at Manchester United, English football, and a driven focus to succeed. At the very least, he’d be afforded patience by a fanbase who fondly remember his achievements as a player.
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