Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future at Manchester United with the club set to miss out on the Champions League and on the brink of its worst finish in the Premier League.
The Dutchman could win the FA Cup this season but the victory might not be enough to help the manager paper over the number of cracks from his tenure.
Gareth Southgate and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the role but it is unlikely that they will be available next season due to their participation at Euro 2024 with the English and German national teams, respectively.
Here is a look at the three realistic choices to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
1. Zinedine Zidane
Manchester United need a figure in the dugout with a winning pedigree and the ability to assert authority in the dressing room. There are not many better names than Zinedine Zidane.
The Red Devils have planned to open talks with the ex-Real Madrid boss, and it is understood that the 51-year-old will consider their approach.
Zidane has managed some of the world’s biggest names and the best youngsters at Real Madrid, winning three Champions Leagues in the process.
His dynamic tactical prowess combined with unparalleled man-management could provide Manchester United with the right direction after a long run of failures.
2. Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has been linked with the Manchester United role and can be available after it has been decided that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season.
The former Chelsea coach has experience coaching in the Premier League and has had a fairly successful career in England, with a strong background with other clubs too.
The German has proven that he can work with a limited number of resources but also has a great talent ID – which will benefit a side like United in a transitional phase.
Though not at Zidane’s level, Tuchel is a respected manager and already has the case of Chelsea in 2021 to back his credentials of delivering success in a short span.
3. Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick is interested in the Manchester United job and would not be a bad shout considering that he has a sextuple victory under his belt with Bayern Munich.
While his short tenure with Germany may not have been very successful, Flick still possesses a very strong tactical profile to play a progressive style of football.
Bayern produced fantastic attacking numbers under him and he can also be credited with kickstarting the careers of two fine players, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala.
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Flick has also commenced talks over a potential return to Allianz Arena and the competition from Bayern Munich could prove too much for Manchester United.
