Top 5 managers who can replace Erik ten Hag for Manchester United’s job
The list is based on several reports and rumors.
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Graham Potter (L) and Zinedine ZIdane (R) have emerged as strong choices to replace Erik ten Hag (C) at United. (Images via GOAL, the Sun)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds his position at Red Devils’ in jeopardy after the team’s disastrous 2-0 loss to fellow Premier League rivals, West Ham. This recent loss to the London team has resulted in United slipping to 8th place in the League standings, prompting demands for the manager’s swift removal.
The Red Devils exited the UEFA Champions League, securing the bottom spot in their group behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray. Struggling with goal-scoring, they’ve managed only 30 goals across competitions, significantly lagging behind their Premier League counterparts this season. Adding to their woes, they’ve gone goalless in their past four matches, much to the dismay of their supporters.
Erik ten Hag, who initially led the Red Devils to third place and two cup finals, has faced a tough season amid player discontent. Disappointing outcomes have followed a substantial £200 million investment in signings, raising doubts about his future. Here is a list of managers who can replace the Dutchman at United.
Fernando Diniz
Fernando Diniz‘s rise to prominence came after clinching the 2023 Copa Libertadores with Fluminense in Brazil. His interim appointment as the head coach for the Brazilian national team has now drawn the attention of Manchester United authorities, who are willing to sign the Brazilian.
The ex-footballer, with 370 appearances across various divisions in the Brazilian league spanning 15 years, is seen as a potential asset to Manchester United’s management. Especially, if they want to replace Erik ten Hag quick. Diniz is renowned for his possession-based style of play, credited with using the Tiki-taka approach, which has led him to be dubbed the “Brazilian Guardiola”.
Michael Carrick
Ex-Manchester United captain Michael Carrick is emerging as a top contender to succeed Erik ten Hag at the club. The 41-year-old who currently manages Championship side, Middlesbrough, spent a long 12 years at Old Trafford, making him well-versed in the club’s core values. His potential appointment would mark an emotional reunion.
Carrick seeks to conclude his debut season as a manager by guiding Middlesbrough to the Premier League. Despite sitting 11th in the Championship, 3 points behind Hull City in the promotion spots, the ex-United player impressively steered the team to the EFL Cup semis. He previously served as Manchester United’s caretaker manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s dismissal.
Julen Lopetegui
The former Wolves manager is among those viewed as a potential successor to Ten Hag. He has been without a job since leaving Wolves just before the 2023/24 season due to the club’s financial problems. Julen Lopetegui, who has handled Spanish clubs Real Madrid, and Sevilla, might offer a solution to the ongoing issues in the Manchester United managerial position.
The highly experienced 57-year-old manager started working as a manager in 2003, and spent several years in charge of Spain’s youth sides, leading them to two European Youth titles. He notably led Sevilla to victory against Inter Milan in 2020, claiming their fifth UEFA Europa League title. Lopetegui uses a classic Spanish style based on ball possession in a 4-3-3 formation or a 4-2-3-1 variant with two midfielders supporting the defensive line.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, the most accomplished manager among the candidates, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, the former World Cup winner has been on a managerial hiatus. Known for his impactful leadership, Zidane’s arrival would command immediate respect in the dressing room, uplifting player morale.
The ex-Real Madrid player-turned-manager started his coaching career at Real Madrid Castilla, before taking charge at the helm of the first team in 2016, where he went on to claim 3 Champions League titles. He resigned in 2018 but returned in 2019, departing for good in 2021. Zidane favors an effective 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and speed, which aligns well with the current Manchester United squad.
Graham Potter
Former Chelsea manager, Graham Potter is the leading candidate to take over from the struggling Dutchman at Manchester United. Previously at Brighton, where he scaled new heights with the Seagulls in the Premier League, Potter has been without a job since his ineffective tenure at Stamford Bridge ended in April 2023.
Recent reports indicate that if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the minority stake in the club then he prefers former Chelsea coach over ten Hag at the helm. The new ownership holds high regard for the ex-Swansea manager, previously considering him for a managerial role at French club Nice. Graham Potter changed the shape and formation of his team almost every game, although it was not difficult to see that 3-5-2 suits him the most.
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Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)