Manchester United are about to sack Erik ten Hag and appoint this world class manager
Even if Erik ten Hag is struggling to make an impact at Manchester United, a look at the list of favourites to replace him should give the Dutchman peace of mind for the time being.
Ten Hag is not Manchester United’s problem. The prospect of sacking yet another manager is absurd, but Manchester United is an absurd football club.
If Ten Hag is fired, who will be the next victim? Here are the betting odds on the favourites…
Zidane, Zinedine
The former Real Madrid coach has been out of the game for nearly two years, but he appears to be ready to return. “I feel refreshed now,” he said this summer to GQ. “There’s nothing like talking to a player before a game.” “I require that.”
The point is, having accomplished so much while preserving his distinct aura, Zidane will have his pick of employment. He’s always been linked to PSG, with the belief that if he was going to work in the Paris circus, he’d have done it by now. Similar may be said of links with United. In what sense, right now, does the job at Old Trafford appeal to Zizou?
The most recent discussion about his next job focused on Marseille, with reports claiming that he had agreed to take over OM provided the club was taken over by Saudi investors. And if that’s the case, he’ll get a sizable transfer fund. This highlights his negotiating position. In their current form, United can offer Zidane very few of the things that will entice him to take on his next role.
Arf! Graham Potter! Imagine if United fired Ten Hag and replaced him with the man who failed so horribly at Chelsea. Potter has plenty of excuses – it’s difficult to envisage anyone thriving at Stamford Bridge last season – but the former Brighton manager needs to re-establish his credentials for top jobs elsewhere before being regarded by the big teams again.
Consider the reaction of the egos in the Manchester United dressing room. Some of these young men refused to listen to Ralf Rangnick since he had to Google the German when he was appointed. The possibility of this squad tuned in to Potter appears… unlikely.
competent carer, but on a long-term basis? That appears to be a significant leap. However, he would be less expensive than luring a management away from another job.
Mr. Steve McClaren
Give it until the end of the season, Macca?
Nagelsmann, Julian
Nagelsmann poses no imminent threat to Ten Hag. The 36-year-old (36, FFS) was recently hired as Germany’s coach to lead his country through the European Championships, which will be held in Germany next summer.
The former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich manager could be available after that, but only if Germany has bombed badly. If Die Mannschaft performs admirably at Euro 2024, there will be a strong push to keep him in charge, and it is difficult to see why he would leave his role to try his hand at managing the unmanageable.
