Manchester United have reportedly been in discussions with potential replacements for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag, increasing the scrtutiny on the Dutchman’s position at Old Trafford.
Despite currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak, the Red Devils have had a largely disappointing season, with only four victories across all competitions and languishing in 12th place in the Premier League standings. Ten Hag managed to keep his job after a meeting with the club’s top brass during the October international break, but any further missteps could see him ousted, with United’s management already considering other options.
Thomas Tuchel was initially seen as a front-runner, but he has since accepted the role of England head coach, prompting United to explore other possibilities.
As per the Daily Mail, United have held ‘clandestine discussions’ with several managers, including a four-man delegation led by CEO Omar Berrada flying to Barcelona to meet with Xavi 10 days ago.
The ex-Barcelona manager has been out of work since leaving Nou Camp in the summer and is understood to be hesitant about managing another Spanish club.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, who turned down a move to West Ham in the summer, is also being considered. Amorim is one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, but United may face competition from cross-town rivals Manchester City, where he is tipped to succeed Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City have announced that Hugo Viana, the current director of football at Sporting, will take over from Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad when the season concludes. Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly considering several other candidates for their own managerial role, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank being a strong contender after impressing with his team’s style of play, despite a recent defeat to ten Hag’s side.
Other potential candidates for the Old Trafford hot seat include ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, Ipswich Town boss and former United coach Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter. Amidst concerns about United’s progress under Ten Hag, especially after a £200 million investment in the squad, the Dutchman remains positive about retaining his position.
Ahead of the stalemate with Fenerbahce, Ten Hag stated: “You have to prove yourself every year and when you don’t win, we are always under criticism. We know that, we are experienced enough. Professional football is about winning games,” adding, “When you don’t win games, criticism is coming.
“But we also know it’s about how you are in the end of the year. We are convinced we are in the right direction and if we follow the right path, we will achieve what our targets are.”
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