May 23, 2024, 17:33 ET
Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is in serious doubt after a very poor second season in charge
He Manchester United has explored several possible replacements for Erik ten Hag before making a decision on the Dutchman’s future after the FA Cup final, sources told ESPN.
Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is in serious doubt after a very poor second season in charge.
He United recorded its lowest result in the Premier League and will need to beat Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday to qualify for Europe.
The new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, led by INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, have gathered information from several candidates who could potentially replace Have Hag.
The reports include Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettinoboth free agents after leaving the Bayern Munich and the Chelsea respectively, as well as the current coach of the Ipswich Town, Kieran McKennaand the technician Brentord, Thomas Frank. Informal talks have been held with representatives of the four potential candidates, sources told ESPN.
McKenna, who guided Ipswich back to the Premier League After consecutive promotions after taking over in December 2021, he worked as an assistant to the former coaches of the United, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaerand a source told ESPN that he would be excited by the opportunity to return to Old Trafford.
The 38-year-old former player is also of interest to Brighton and Chelseabut a source told ESPN that United would probably be your first choice if you were offered the position.
Sources have told ESPN that there are members of the new football leadership team at United, installed by Ratcliffe and Brailsfordwho would be in favor of appointing a young and promising coach if Ten Hag is fired instead of choosing a more experienced coach.
The England coach, Gareth Southgateand the former head of Brighton and Chelsea, Graham Potterhave also been linked to the position.
TO Ten Hag He has one year left on his contract and, according to a source, he rejected the opportunity to speak with the Bayern Munich about the vacant coaching position due to his desire to stay at United.
Ratcliffe, however, has repeatedly refused to give the 54-year-old public assurances that he will remain in office beyond the summer. Sources have told ESPN that the decision on Ten Hag’s future will be based on his two years in charge and will not be overly influenced by the result of the cup final against City.
Sources close to Ratcliffe and INEOS insist that no decision has yet been made on Ten Hag and that all options remain open.
