Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly unlikely to be a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
On yet another occasion in his United career, Ten Hag is under massive pressure, with his future at Old Trafford looking increasingly uncertain.
The Red Devils suffered a pathetic 0-3 home defeat at the hands of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke all getting on the score sheet.
United were dominated from start to finish and never got into the game.
After the final whistle, Ten Hag was asked about his future at the club. He defiantly insisted that he is not at all worried about his position as he and INEOS made the decision to work together during the end-of-season review.
However, reports have since emerged, indicating that the Dutchman is not entirely safe and if United’s underwhelming performances and results persist, he will be sacked.
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic suggested that Ten Hag has the next two games – against Porto and Aston Villa respectively – to save his job, lest he will be heading into the October international break in an extremely precarious position.
A subsequent report noted that United are prepared for the manager’s exit, with Ruud van Nistelrooy in place to temporarily fill in if it becomes necessary.
Fresh details of United’s plan to replace Ten Hag have now been revealed by journalist Ben Jacobs.
According to Jacobs, the Red Devils are not expected to fire Ten Hag before the international break, with the hierarchy keen on giving him the two upcoming matches to turn the situation around.
It’s understood that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are not eager to make a “knee-jerk” reaction following the devastating loss to Ange Postecoglou’s men.
United chiefs are said to be “calm” about the situation, partly because “succession planning has already taken place.” This planning occurred during the summer when the club launched a review into the 2023/24 term.
Jacobs mentions that some of the candidates under consideration by United include Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate and Eddie Howe.
Jacobs wrote for GIVEMESPORT, “INEOS are known admirers of Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter, and both would likely be candidates should a change be made. INEOS has tried in the past to bring Potter to Nice.”
Potter recently admitted that a return to management appeals to him.
“Eddie Howe, who is under consideration for the England job, is another name who Manchester United discussed over the summer.”
One coach United spoke to in the summer was Tuchel but it was stated that negotiations didn’t materialize.
As per Jacobs, it’s “unlikely” that the German tactician would be a frontrunner for the United job, even though he would welcome a fresh approach.
Jacobs also points out that there is no expectation that former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be offered a sensational return to the club, despite his comments a few days ago that he would be interested in coming back.
On Van Nistelrooy, “Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy is currently high among the bookies’ favorites should Ten Hag depart, but GIVEMESPORT understands Manchester United would look for a more experienced coach, even knowing the ex-Red Devils striker might prove a popular choice with many fans.”
At this point, the 20-time English champions would like to make it work with Ten Hag as letting him go would reflect badly on those who led the end-of-season review.
Nevertheless, Jacobs warns that if the club’s hand is forced, Ratcliffe and his new-look sporting department will be ruthless and will not hesitate to sanction a managerial change.
A “new informal review” that will be led by Ratcliffe will take place in the coming days and weeks. This exercise will give Ten Hag, staff members and players the chance to express their feelings and opinions on United’s current crisis.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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