Manchester United are reportedly preparing to revisit discussions with a former managerial candidate in the event that Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford comes to an end. The Dutchman’s position has been under increasing pressure, especially following a series of disappointing results, including a crushing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday at Old Trafford. This loss has amplified the scrutiny surrounding Ten Hag, as questions about his ability to lead the team to success grow louder. Matters were made worse after United threw away a two-goal advantage in their Europa League clash against Porto, ultimately managing to secure a 3-3 draw only due to a late equalizer from Harry Maguire.
According to reports from The Athletic, Manchester United’s leadership is currently taking a “long-term view” regarding Ten Hag’s future. This suggests that even if United were to lose their upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa, the Dutchman might still retain his role as manager, at least for the time being. The club’s minority co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, along with representatives from INEOS, had already engaged in discussions with several managerial candidates over the summer, as they evaluated potential replacements for Ten Hag. While Ten Hag’s position seemed secure after United’s FA Cup triumph, which led to the extension of his contract, the recent poor form has cast doubt on his future, and those previous discussions might now be revived amidst the ongoing uncertainty.
One prominent figure United reportedly approached during the summer was Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager. However, Tuchel is said to have declined the offer due to concerns about the internal power structure at Manchester United. Now, with Ten Hag’s position under threat, United may be looking to reopen talks with Tuchel, who is currently without a club. According to i, the club could approach Tuchel once again if they decide to part ways with Ten Hag in the near future. Tuchel’s experience managing top European clubs and his tactical acumen make him an attractive option, though it remains to be seen if he would be willing to reconsider the role.
In addition to Tuchel, Ratcliffe reportedly has his own preferences when it comes to potential managerial candidates. Two names that have been mentioned include Graham Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea boss, and Gareth Southgate, the current England manager. Both managers are known for their player development skills and tactical flexibility, qualities that Ratcliffe may find appealing. However, any decision on a managerial change would ultimately involve the club’s leadership group, suggesting that Ratcliffe’s preferences are only part of the equation.
Meanwhile, another candidate who has reportedly come into the frame is Simone Inzaghi, the current manager of Inter Milan. According to Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, United approached Inzaghi earlier this week to gauge his interest in the role. However, Inzaghi is believed to have rejected the offer, opting to stay with Inter Milan, where he has enjoyed considerable success, including leading the team to the Champions League final. Inzaghi’s decision to remain at Inter highlights the challenges United face in attracting top-tier managers, particularly when there are concerns about the club’s internal dynamics and recent struggles on the pitch.
Beyond Inzaghi, another manager who has reportedly been in discussions with United is Brentford’s Thomas Frank. Frank is admired for his tactical nous and ability to get the best out of his players, even when operating with limited resources. According to reports, United held talks with Frank ahead of last season’s FA Cup final, which Manchester United surprisingly won against their city rivals, Manchester City. Frank’s name has once again been floated as a potential successor to Ten Hag, though it remains unclear whether those discussions will be revisited as United weigh their options.
Despite the numerous names being linked with the job, current assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is still considered the bookmakers’ favorite to take over if Ten Hag is dismissed. Van Nistelrooy, a former Manchester United striker, was brought back to the club over the summer following a successful spell as head coach at PSV Eindhoven, where he won two trophies in his debut season. His intimate knowledge of the club’s culture and history, combined with his growing reputation as a manager, makes him an appealing candidate. However, it remains to be seen whether the club’s leadership would be willing to promote from within or seek a more experienced candidate with a proven track record at the highest levels of European football.
As Manchester United face a pivotal moment in their season, the future of Erik ten Hag hangs in the balance. The Dutchman’s ability to turn things around will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks, with the upcoming match against Aston Villa likely to be crucial in determining his fate. While the club is reportedly taking a long-term view of his future, the ongoing discussions with other managerial candidates suggest that United’s leadership is preparing for the possibility of a change. Whether that change comes sooner or later remains to be seen, but the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position is undoubtedly weighing heavily on both the manager
and the club.