Man Utd may have to replace Erik ten Hag. (Image: Getty)
are sticking by for now, but the taste of defeat at FC Porto and this week could be too bitter to ignore the need for change much longer. Patience is wearing thin among frustrated supporters on the Old Trafford terraces. It won’t be much thicker among those at seeking sporting excellence.
United’s decision-makers could face a significant one during the October international break if Ten Hag’s misery continues for another six days.
Express Sport takes a look at the four most likely candidates to replace the Dutchman should he pay the ultimate price for his side’s continued mediocrity.
Gareth Southgate
Introducing the bookies’ favourite…
Gareth Southgate would be an unpopular selection due to the belief that England underperformed under his watch by not winning a major tournament with an ultra-talented generation of players.
But the fact of the matter is that Southgate has admirers within INEOS. He is close friends with sporting director Dan Ashworth and is highly regarded for how far he lifted England from the mess he inherited in 2016.
It would be surprising if the 54-year-old isn’t in the frame if United launch a manager hunt in the near future.
Gareth Southgate has admirers at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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Ruud van Nistelrooy
From the potentially unpopular to the undoubtedly popular, Ruud van Nistelrooy would be in with a huge chance of at least being offered the job on a caretaker basis.
United appointed the club legend to add fresh ideas as part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff this summer after an exciting start to his managerial career at PSV Eindhoven.
Van Nistelrooy is widely respected among staff and supporters, and he’d receive overwhelming support if he took the reins, even temporarily.
It may represent too much of a risk for INEOS, though, who can ill afford to squander their first managerial appointment.
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was among the candidates who met with United this summer as the club explored alternative options.
He reportedly laid out his plans for how he would get the team back on track in a meeting with in Monaco.
United’s interest didn’t progress from there, though, and Tuchel is currently spending time away from football after his Bayern Munich exit last season.
However, the situation could reignite if the managerial position becomes vacant. The foundations may already have been laid.
Simone Inzaghi
United chiefs have reportedly been impressed by Simone Inzaghi’s exploits since taking charge of Inter Milan in 2021.
And, for that reason, it’s claimed that the Italian coach has emerged as a serious contender to succeed Ten Hag.
Inzaghi has won five trophies with Inter, including the Serie A last season, and guided them to the 2023 Champions League final.
A major sticking point could be the 48-year-old’s contract, which he extended at the San Siro earlier this year.