Manchester United’s “four-man shortlist” to take Erik ten Hag’s spot in the event that the Dutchman departs from Old Trafford this summer following a challenging campaign
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Read feedbackIn preparation for the possible summer dismissal of Erik ten Hag as manager, Manchester United allegedly has a four-man shortlist of replacements.
The Dutchman, who took charge at Old Trafford at the beginning of the 2022–23 season, is under a lot of strain following a difficult and disorderly campaign that was characterized by issues both on and off the field.
Ten Hag’s first season at the club ended in a third-place finish and the Carabao Cup, but United’s poorest season since 1990 ended in ninth place. TҺe fаct tҺаt tҺey finisҺeԀ lаst in tҺeir grоup in tҺe CҺаmpiоns Leаgue аnԀ ҺаԀ а gоаl Ԁifferentiаl оf -1 in tҺe Premier Leаgue just аԀԀs insult tо injury fоr tҺis аlreаԀy Ԁisаppоinting seаsоn.
United are reportedly considering four candidates in the event that they decide to part ways with Ten Hag. If they win the FA Cup final against Man City on Saturday, they will still have a chance to complete the campaign on a high note.The outcome of the FA Cup final will not affect United’s stance that no decision has been taken about the future of the Dutchman. This choice will be examined after the final.
But Mauricio Pochettino, who departed Chelsea on Tuesday via “mutual consent,” might be a target if they decide to reverse course.United have had to move quickly in their backup plans for Ten Hag after Chelsea’s decision to release the Argentine. Talks with other representatives have already taken place.
Given Pochettino’s success at Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, his candidacy would be greatly enhanced, and he would be open to a move to Old Trafford.
Spurs reached the Champions League final in 2019 thanks to Pochettino, who established a consistent style of play and helped develop numerous young, promising players. The club also made consistent Champions League qualifying appearances during Pochettino’s tenure.
United are attempting to develop a new culture under the INEOS-led football operation, and the analysis suggests that these attributes would be a good fit.
Thomas Tuchel, who will be leaving Bayern Munich this summer, is another potential candidate.
The German reportedly wants to go back to England, where he won a Champions League and was wildly loved with Chelsea.
After the 50-year-old Tuchel clashed with senior leaders at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, concerns were voiced about his fiery nature.
There is optimism, nevertheless, that United’s new footballing organization can resolve these concerns, as mentioned in the study.
Another coach on United’s shortlist is Kieran McKenna, who is in high demand after leading Ipswich to consecutive promotions; Brighton and Chelsea are also interested in the services of McKenna.
Potentially enticed away from Portman Road by a £6 million compensation fee, McKenna has experience working as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
Thomas Frank, meantime, is the fourth candidate thanks to his stellar six-year tenure at Brentford, where he transformed the club from a Championship team struggling to compete to a Premier League powerhouse.
While Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate have been mentioned in connection with United, the article asserts that they are not serious candidates for the position should it become vacant.