“Erik Ten Hag has done his best and his time is up. His replacement is one of the best managers in the football space and I can’t wait to see what he achieves at Old Trafford” – This is according to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he is reportedly preparing to make a controversial manager the ‘top contender’ to succeed Erik Ten Hag.
Erik Ten Hag is under increasing scrutiny at Manchester United.
Following an unexpected FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City, Ten Hag signed a new contract over the summer. However, the club emphasized that both results and performances must improve moving forward.
So far, the 54-year-old has struggled to deliver. With growing pressure, Ten Hag’s United side has managed only two victories in their first five Premier League matches, including a disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton and a 3-0 home defeat to fierce rivals Liverpool.
The team’s challenges have not been confined to domestic competitions. Despite playing in the second-tier European competition, United’s performances have been far from convincing.
According to TBR Football, Manchester United’s recent 1-1 home draw against FC Twente did little to ease the strain on Ten Hag, with the club reportedly exploring other managerial options.
Southgate Among Leading Candidates The former Ajax boss is in a precarious position, and if the club’s hierarchy decides to let him go, Gareth Southgate could emerge as the frontrunner to replace him.
Southgate, who resigned as England’s manager following the Euros final loss to Spain, has strong support from Sir David Brailsford, a close associate of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and sporting director Dan Ashworth. The trio will be tasked with evaluating Ten Hag’s future and selecting a possible successor. Given their admiration for Southgate, it wouldn’t be a shock if he’s offered the challenging role at Old Trafford.
However, the prospect of Southgate taking over at United could split fan opinion. Although the former England manager has led the national team to three of the last four finals, his failure to secure a major trophy since 1966 has drawn heavy criticism.
