Peter Lynch

Thu 4 April 2024 14:43, UK

Man United could sack Erik ten Hag at the end of the season as they continue the sweeping changes on and off the pitch under the part-ownership of British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The position of the manager is increasingly uncertain with the club struggling to finish in the Premier League top four this season and little sign of progress under Ten Hag.

Based on the latest information from sources, Football Insider analyses the current top ten contenders to succeed Ten Hag at Man United.

10. Thomas Frank (Brentford)

Frank has been impressive in the Brentford dugout, although the Bees have been struggling in more recent times.

Much of their struggles came without the presence of star striker Ivan Toney, but there is every chance the West London club can secure a strong league finish now that he has returned.

Worryingly, the Bees look certain to lose the England ace this summer, but in another huge blow, Toney could be joined through the exit door by his talented manager.

Managerial statistics: Managed (400) | Wins (176) | Draws (94) | Losses (130) – Overall win rate (44%)

9. Michael Carrick (Middlesbrough)

It would certainly be a big step up for the 42-year-old, who has impressed during his brief managerial stint so far after hanging up his boots.

Ratcliffe may understandably be reluctant to provide Carrick with a long-term offer given the former’s grand plans at Old Trafford, but it is a face that Man United fans would be happy to see once more.

The ex-Red Devils midfielder took Middlesbrough to the Championship play-offs in his first season, and has quickly been garnering the respect of his peers throughout English football.

Managerial statistics: Managed (84) | Wins (43) | Draws (13) | Losses (28) – Overall win rate (51.1%)

8. Gareth Southgate (England)

Southgate is a name that all Man United fans will be very familiar with, with the boss currently in charge of the England national team.

All of his current focus will undoubtedly be on progressing as far as possible at Euro 2024 this summer, but it hasn’t stopped the strong links between the 53-year-old and a move to Old Trafford.

Last month, The Sun reported that not only Southgate but his entire Three Lions coaching staff are being targeted by the Manchester outfit, but it remains to be seen if they will be successful in that bold approach.

Managerial statistics: Managed (278) | Wins (133) | Draws (62) | Losses (83) – Overall win rate (47.8%)

7. Ruben Amorim (Sporting CP)

Amorim has been heavily linked with a move away from Sporting given his success there, with the manager on track to win a second league title in Portugal.

He would be warmly welcomed at Old Trafford, but Man United chiefs are certain to have a battle on their hands in order to secure his services.

Linked with the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle United, the 39-year-old is now the favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, sources have told Football Insider.

Managerial statistics: Managed (221) | Wins (155) | Draws (32) | Losses (34) – Overall win rate (70.1%)

6. Zinedine Zidane (Unattached)

Ratcliffe may want a big name to come in and really kickstart his Man United regime, and they don’t come much bigger than Zidane.

The legendary figure boasts a fine record as a player and manager, with Spanish giants Real Madrid the beneficiaries of his skills in the dugout.

Out of work for three years, Zidane could be tempted with a lucrative return to management by the powers that be at Old Trafford.

Managerial statistics: Managed (301) | Wins (190) | Draws (63) | Losses (48) – Overall win rate (63.1%)

5. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich)

Tuchel is currently in the hot seat at German giants Bayern Munich, and has guided them into the last eight of this season’s Champions League.

But a poor Bundesliga campaign and issues elsewhere will see the manager leave Bavaria at the end of the season.

His impending exit will have already sparked a major tug-of-war for his services, one which the Red Devils should be doing their utmost to win given his stellar managerial career.

Managerial statistics: Managed (597) | Wins (351) | Draws (104) | Losses (142) – Overall win rate (58.7%)

4. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)

Another German that Man United could look to target is Nagelsmann, although like Southgate, any approach would have to wait until late this summer.

The 36-year-old is currently eyeing Euro 2024 glory with Germany, with his national team contract coming to an end following the conclusion of the competition.

Already boasting plenty of success during his spells with RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann’s appointment at Old Trafford would win over a lot of supporters.

Managerial statistics: Managed (394) | Wins (224) | Draws (90) | Losses (80) – Overall win rate (56.8%)

3. Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town)

Ipswich manager McKenna is working wonders with the Tractor Boys, with the club currently sitting at the very top of the pile in the Championship and on course for a second consecutive promotion.

Sources have now told Football Insider that Man United have a “concrete” interest in his services, with the 37-year-old emerging as a strong contender to be their next manager, having previously worked as an assistant at Old Trafford as well as being a youth club.

His appointment could depend heavily on the final outcome of this season’s Championship, with McKenna perhaps wanting to stick with the Tractor Boys should they be promoted.

But few managers turn down United, and McKenna knows the club inside out as well as many of the first-team players, and he is an emerging manager with a track record to die for.

Managerial statistics: Managed (179) | Wins (107) | Draws (41) | Losses (31) – Overall win rate (59.7%)

2. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)

Brighton’ De Zerbi is another boss doing a fine job in the dugout, with the Seagulls constantly punching above their weight in England and now in Europe.

His attractive style of football would go down very well among the Old Trafford faithful, while he could even bring one or two Brighton stars with him given the money that will be available under Ratcliffe.

Sources told Football Insider in February that the Italian is a very strong contender to take over from Ten Hag, which is a move that would certainly make sense given the current trajectories of the two bosses.

Managerial statistics: Managed (385) | Wins (160) | Draws (92) | Losses (133) – Overall win rate (41.5%)

1. Graham Potter (Unattached)

Potter’s lack of recent activity in the dugout may concern Ratcliffe and indeed Man United fans, with the manager out of work since his Chelsea sacking last April.

But there is no denying his suitability for the role, with the 48-year-old having performed admirably during his time at Brighton.

Sky Sports reported in December that Potter is expected to be high on the club’s shortlist should Ten Hag be sacked, with that change now in the offing given the latter’s issues this season.

Managerial statistics: Managed (440) | Wins (185) | Draws (118) | Losses (137) – Overall win rate (42%)

In other news, Man United ready to accept 32-year-old offer.

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