Man Utd replace Erik Ten Hag with Coventry City boss Mark Robins | OneFootball

Manchester United should target Coventry City manager Mark Robins as a replacement for Erik Ten Hag.

That's according to Alan Pardew, who believes the 54-year-old would deserve to be given a chance in the Old Trafford dugout.

Robins is of course, no stranger to Manchester United, having come through the youth ranks to begin his senior career with the club.

In total, Robins made 71 senior appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils between 1988 and 1992, scoring 17 goals, and helping the club to an FA Cup and European Cup Winners' cup title.

More recently, the 54-year-old has impressed during his time as manager of Coventry City.

He returned to take over the Sky Blues for his second spell in charge of the club back in 2017. Since then, he has guided Coventry to an EFL Trophy final, and promotions from League Two to the Championship.

Indeed, Robins saw his side miss out on promotion to the Premier League last season only on penalties, after a shootout defeat to Luton Town in the 2023 Championship play-off final.

Earlier this month meanwhile, his Coventry side almost stunned United in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Sky Blues came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 in the final 20 minutes of normal time, taking the game to extra time, where they were then denied a last minute winner by the narrowest of VAR calls.

They will though, miss out on a play-off place this time round, though they are guaranteed to claim another top-half finish in the Championship table.

Robins tipped for Manchester United manager's job

While Robins has won plenty of praise recently, the same cannot be said of Ten Hag. The United boss has been heavily scrutinised for his side's performances, including in that clash with Coventry.

Meanwhile, it is now certain that the Red Devils cannot qualify for the Champions League this season, after an underwhelming Premier League campaign.

With new investor Jim Ratcliffe set to have a big influence at Old Trafford, many are questioning if Ten Hag will still be at the club beyond the end of this season.

Now, Pardew believes that if the Dutchman does move on, Robins should be high on the list of potential replacements for United.

Speaking on TalkSport about who could replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford, the former Charlton, West Ham and Newcastle boss said: “He’s done brilliantly for four seasons, he almost beat you (Manchester United) in the semi-final – Mark Robins, there you go.

“Get him in. He’ll do a job for you, I tell you. An ex-player who knows the club and knew the club before he went there.

"He did his apprenticeship before he went there – he’s done his duty, he’s done his homework and knows the levels. I’m not his agent, by the way, I’m just saying!”

Robins deserves his Premier League chance

This is certainly an interesting suggestion to be put forward by Pardew as Manchester United weigh up their managerial options.

Robins has done an incredible job to turn Coventry from a League Two side to one that are now regularly competing for a place in the Premier League.

Given the work and success he has delivered in doing that, he will certainly have earned the chance to take charge of a top-flight team, should he get one.

However, given the size, scale and expectation around Manchester United, it would be a huge step up for Robins to take over at Old Trafford.

As a result, it may suit everyone better to see how he fares with another Premier League job first, should the opportunity come up.

Indeed, given the connection he has developed with the club, and how close they have been at times recently, it would not be a huge surprise if that opportunity came with Coventry themselves.