Man Utd news: New manager added to shortlist amid Erik ten Hag contact update

The future of Erik ten Hag remains top of the Manchester United new agenda as the second week of the international break gets underway and the club prepare to face Brentford

With the second week of the international break underway, Manchester United can firmly turn their attention to Brentford and the Premier League.

While there remains Nations League action to play, Red Devils’ stars will soon begin to make their way back to Carrington as Erik ten Hag looks to turn around his side’s form. United are winless in their last five outings and will be desperate to earn three points at home against the Bees.

Ten Hag appears to have avoided the sack for the moment after United chiefs met last week, but will once again find himself under the microscope as domestic preparations get underway. The ex-Ajax boss will be hoping for some positive momentum.

Mirror Football takes a look at some of the stories currently surrounding Old Trafford.

Manchester United add manager to shortlist

The Red Devils are now said to be considering former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic to take on the Old Trafford hotseat. The German coach is currently without a job after stepping down at Dortmund having taken the team to the Champions League final last season.

Terzic is said to have drawn a number of admirers at United and has now made the shortlist of contenders, should the club decide to part ways with Ten Hag. The likes of Gareth Southgate, Simone Inzaghi and Thomas Tuchel have all been talked up as contenders for the position.

The 41-year-old Terzic is said to have completed his UEFA Pro Licence alongside ex-United defender Nemanja Vidic, and has some Premier League experience after working as Slaven Bilic’s assistant at West Ham United.

Erik ten Hag update

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has yet to receive any formal communication over his future from INEOS or the club’s hierarchy, per Fabrizio Romano. The Dutch manager remains focused on preparing his team ahead of a busy week which sees the club take on Brentford, Fenerbahce and West Ham in the space of eight days.

“Erik ten Hag has not received any formal communication from INEOS,” Romano said. “So, while I’m recording this video, no communications from the owners, no communications from the management. Erik ten Hag keeps working on preparing the squad for the next games in the Premier League and Europe.

“So, full focus on the pitch, full focus on the tactical plan, and full focus on recovering some players. The injury of Garnacho, the injury of Harry Maguire, Mazraoui will also be out. So Man United are fully focused on the pitch in terms of coaching staff, in terms of Erik ten Hag.”

A struggle to watch

Former United striker Louis Saha has found the club difficult to watch this season. The positioning of Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen proving particularly frustrating for the Frenchman.

The ex-Fulham and Everton star believes that Bruno Fernandes is lacking in confidence and that the Portugal international is being hampered by the club’s tactics.

“It could be a bit of bad luck that Bruno Fernandes hasn’t scored yet, he’s hit the bar, and these things happen. He doesn’t seem to be as confident,” Saha told Paddy Power. “But, also, Manchester United’s tactics are a part of it. He hasn’t been helped and has been given many passes by the wingers.

“His talent does the talking – but when the talent doesn’t talk, you’ll find him struggling. His work rate has been the same, but the team aren’t linking up as well. Some of those tactical choices in midfield – United have good players, but they’re missing the legs.

“Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen are good on the ball, but sometimes they play too deep and not close enough to the strikers. They’re too far away, and their positioning is not right – it’s a struggle to watch.”

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