Erik ten Hag has overseen another disappointing season, with his side having won just four games in all competitions and Manchester United chiefs already exploring alternative bosses
Manchester United have held talks with a number of potential successors to Erik ten Hag, ramping up the pressure on the Dutchman.
Whil United are currently on a four-game unbeaten run, they have endured a miserable campaign for the most part. Having claimed just four wins in all competitions, they find themselves sitting 12th in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag survived a meeting of the club’s hierarchy during the October international break. But any further slip-ups look set to cost him his job, with United chiefs already exploring alternatives.
Thomas Tuchel had been seen as a leading contender, but he has now decided to take up the England head coach job. That has led to United looking at a number of other options.
According to the Daily Mail, United have held ‘secret talks’ with a number managers. A four-man delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada flew to Barcelona to speak to Xavi 10 days ago.
The former Barca boss has been out of working since leaving the Nou Camp in the summer and is known to be reluctant to coach another club in Spain. Also on the list is Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, who rejected a move to West Ham in the summer.
Amorim is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe. United would face a cross-city battle to bring him in though, with the Portuguese boss widely touted as Pep Guardiola ’s replacement at Manchester City.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag? Comment below.
City have already confirmed that Hugo Viana, director of football at Sporting, will succeed Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad at the end of the season. Other options include former Borussia Dortmund chief Edin Terzic and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
The Dane is said to be under ‘strong consideration’ by United chiefs. Frank’s exciting brand of football has drawn a lot of admirers at Old Trafford, though Brentford were beaten by Ten Hag’s side last weekend.
Other names including Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter could also be considered. It is claimed there is ‘growing concern’ over the lack of progress from Ten Hag’s side despite another £200million spend in the last transfer window, though the Dutchman is confident he will keep his job.
“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,” he said ahead of the draw with Fenerbahce.
“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.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
