Top 10 contenders to be next Man United manager ranked
Erik ten Hag’s future as Man United manager is up in the air as Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversees sweeping changes since taking part-ownership.
The British billionaire has wasted no time making major changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford with Omar Berrada appointed as the new CEO and talks ongoing to hire Dan Ashworth in a sporting director role.
All attention now turns to the managerial hot seat where Ten Hag finds himself under huge pressure to both improve results and save his job.
With United one of elite many elite clubs in the market for a new manager this summer, here are the top 10 contenders to replace Ten Hag as it stands, with Football Insider led to believe face-to-face talks have already been held with one.
10. Michael Carrick (Middlesbrough)
The former Red Devils midfielder has started his managerial career brightly at Middlesbrough having taken the Championship club to the play-offs during his first season in charge.
Carrick is adored by the United faithful and would be welcomed back at Old Trafford.
However, he currently lacks the experience to be the focal point of Ratcliffe’s long-term project.
Managerial statistics: Managed (79) | Wins (40) | Draws (11) | Losses (28) – Overall win rate (50.6%)
9. Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town)
Another former United coach who has made a superb start to his managerial career.
McKenna left Old Trafford in 2021 for Ipswich Town after spending five years as a coach with the Red Devils.
He has made the Tractor Boys a serious contender for promotion to the Premier League this season with his side currently second in the table with 10 games remaining.
However, like Carrick, the opportunity to replace Ten Hag has come far too soon into his career.
Managerial statistics: Managed (121) | Wins (70) | Draws (33) | Losses (18) – Overall win rate (57.9%)
8. Gareth Southgate (England)
Southgate’s full attention will be on preparing the Three Lions for the European Championships this summer.
However, the 53-year-old has flirted with a return to club management and will be eager to throw his name into the hat at Old Trafford.
There are reports that Ratcliffe wants his rebuild to have a British core and Southgate is more familiar than anyone when it comes to England’s brightest talents.
Managerial statistics: Managed (279) | Wins (129) | Draws (68) | Losses (82) – Overall win rate (46.2%)
7. Zinedine Zidane
A potential statement signing for Ratcliffe.
The former Real Madrid boss has been out of work since 2021 after he left the Bernabeu with three Champions League titles to his name.
Zidane has previously been linked to the hot seat at Old Trafford and reports this week suggest he has now opened the door to a role at Man United.
Managerial statistics: Managed (320) | Wins (200) | Draws (70) | Losses (50) – Overall win rate (62.5%)
6. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich)
Tuchel may have underwhelmed during his time in Munich but he won’t be short of options this summer.
The 50-year-old German is still a hot prospect for most clubs in Europe having won major titles at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern.
Available for free after stepping down from his role in Germany, Tuchel could offer United a fast-track option to silverware.
However, he may not be the long-term option wanted by Ratcliffe with Tuchel not staying longer than three seasons at a club since leaving Mainz in 2014.
Managerial statistics: Managed (599) | Wins (344) | Draws (120) | Losses (135) – Overall win rate (57.4%)
5. Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan)
The charismatic Italian has soared up the standings with multiple links to the United job in recent weeks.
The 47-year-old’s Inter Milan side have dominated in Italy this season with only one league defeat and a 15-point cushion at the top of the table.
Inzaghi also led Inter to the Champions League final last season where they narrowly lost to Manchester City.
Managerial statistics: Managed (397) | Wins (232) | Draws (69) | Losses (96) – Overall win rate (58.4%)
4. Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon)
Amorim’s name finds itself on multiple manager shortlists this summer with links to Barcelona, Newcastle United and Liverpool.
As revealed by Football Insider, Amorim is one of two managers set to be interviewed by Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp.
United could well join the race for Amorim this season with the 39-year-old on track to win a second league title in Portugal.
Not only has he enjoyed league success in Lisbon but they also remain in the race for European glory with a spot in the Europa League round of 16.
Managerial statistics: Managed (231) | Wins (163) | Draws (34) | Losses (34) – Overall win rate (70.6%)
3. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
Another young manager ready to spearhead a long-term project at an elite European club.
Nagelsmann is currently in charge of the Germany national team but he will be back on the market this summer when his contract expires.
However, the former Bayern Munich boss has also been strongly linked to Liverpool and United may have to fend off their arch-rivals to secure the 36-year-old’s signature.
Managerial statistics: Managed (319) | Wins (170) | Draws (80) | Losses (69) – Overall win rate (53.3%)
2. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
It is understood that the Seagulls boss is now one of the favourites to take the Man United hot seat.
Football Insider revealed in February that De Zerbi is the ‘stand out candidate’ for Ratcliffe this summer.
De Zerbi has shone at Brighton, leading them to sixth in the Premier League in his first full season in charge.
With Premier League experience now under his belt, De Zerbi will have his eyes peeled for offers on his desk this summer.
Managerial statistics: Managed (382) | Wins (157) | Draws (96) | Losses (129) – Overall win rate (41.1%)
1. Graham Potter
Potter takes the top spot – he simply ticks all of Ratcliffe’s boxes. And reports that Dan Ashworth, who cherry-picking him for the Brighton job, has already met him for face-to-face talks appear well founded.
The 48-year-old was not given time to get going at Chelsea, but he is still held in high regard for his success at the Seagulls.
Potter proved at Brighton that once given time he can build a squad able to compete with any top-flight side – Ratcliffe will ensure he is backed sufficiently.
He has taken his time returning to management since being sacked at Stamford Bridge last year and it seems his patience could see him land one of the biggest jobs in world football.
Managerial statistics: Managed (466) | Wins (202) | Draws (125) | Losses (139) – Overall win rate (43.4%)
In other news, Man United to accept £40m loss on first-team flop this summer
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