Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United have shortlisted nine managers to replace Erik ten Hag amid confirmation from Gareth Southgate to honour England contract
Manchester United have a nine-man shortlist of replacements for Erik ten Hag as Gareth Southgate assures his commitment towards England. New United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to replace Ten Hag after United suffered from a miserable season so far.
Ten Hag failed to inject cohesiveness and a particular playing philosophy within the United squad as consistency eluded them. The Red Devils have only won 21 out of their 40 games in all competitions, losing 16 of those games.
They suffered a humiliating early exit from the Champions League, finishing fourth in the group stages. Furthermore, they suffered quick elimination from the Carabao Cup in the fourth-round tie against Newcastle United at home.
The FA Cup is their only hope to achieve a trophy this season and make some amends for their poor campaign. Furthermore, they are fighting for a top-four finish to qualify for the next season’s Champions League, currently at sixth.
Man United have only scored 65 goals from 40 matches in all competitions and they have conceded 62 goals. Ten Hag faced criticism for abandoning his philosophy that achieved success and reputation in his last tenure at Ajax.
The Dutchman has used both adventurous and defensive approaches according to the opposition, showing different vulnerabilities in different tactics. When United opted to play aggressively, they left spaces and conceded in abundance while defensively, they failed to create chances.
Daily Mail reported the Red Devils have nine potential candidates to replace Ten Hag in case Southgate remains unavailable. The candidate includes active managers Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Ruben Amorim, Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel and Ange Postecoglou.
Furthermore, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, Julen Lupetegui and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane complete the shortlist. There is a possibility that United wait for the EURO 2024 to end in the summer before moving for Southgate.
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The England manager remains the preferred choice for Ratcliffe compared to all the other names on the shortlist. Furthermore, United have numerous English players who have enjoyed their international careers under Southgate.
