According to latest reports, Manchester United have identified the managers they want to target as they look for a replacement of Erik ten Hag.
After Man United won a trophy and qualified for the Champions League last season, ten Hag’s job looked safe and the future of the club looked promising. But fast forward twelve months, the mood at Old Trafford has changed.
Man United were embarrassed in the Champions League and finished bottom of their group. Their form in the league has been consistent throughout the season. They are sixth in the league after losing 10 matches already this season.
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who now control the football operations at Old Trafford, have raised questions about the future of ten Hag.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, United put up a four-man original shortlist that included Julen Lopetegui, Antonio Conte, Roberto de Zerbi, and Thomas Tuchel.
Then, early communications with Lopetegui and Conte were established in the latter weeks of 2023.
Following this procedure, Conte will be joining De Zerbi and Tuchel for the following round, eliminating the Spanish coach from contention.
🚨🗣️ EXCL | In the last weeks of 2023 #ManUnited contacted #Lopetegui and #Conte.
📌 The 🇪🇦 coach is no longer on the #MUFC‘s list, while the former #THFC manager – together with #DeZerbi and especially #Tuchel – is still considered a possibile alternative for the summer. 🐓⚽ pic.twitter.com/RaPt8sm6g5
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) February 28, 2024
It is important to remember that other managers can be put to the shortlist before the season is up, and Ten Hag’s future at United is still up in the air.
Graham Potter is an intriguing name to keep an eye out for. The former manager may not seem like an enticing pick at first. Potter is said to be a favorite of INEOS, who they attempted to get for their French team OGC Nice.
Though their footballing styles and personalities may make them unpopular picks, Conte and Tuchel’s credentials speak for themselves, and De Zerbi is one of the most highly-rated managers in Europe.
All could still change if ten Hag can manage to get top four in the Premier League and guide Man United to success in the FA Cup.
