The favourites to replace Erik ten Hag as Man United manager | OneFootball

Manchester United have announced that the club have dismissed Erik ten Hag as manager following a disappointing start to the season.

Ten Hag has overseen the club’s worst start to a campaign in the Premier League era, with Manchester United 14th in the table after nine games – with just eight goals scored. Three consecutive draws in Europe have extended that woeful run to four wins from 13 games in all competitions this season, prompting change from the Old Trafford decision-makers.

We’ve looked at the names in the frame to replace Ten Hag.

The favourites to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of Manchester United on an interim basis, following the former favourite’s return to Old Trafford in the summer. The Dutchman joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff earlier this year, having turned down senior roles elsewhere in Europe.

Van Nistelrooy has spent time on the backroom staff of the Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven, before taking charge of the latter’s first team in 2022. He led PSV to the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield and 2022/23 KNVB Cup but resigned at the end of his first campaign citing a lack of support.

The 48-year-old would represent a risk given his lack of senior experience, though he knows the expectations and standards at Manchester United better than most.

Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s name continues to be circled whenever a leading European vacancy opens up. Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs to have considered the 39-year-old, who has made a huge impression in Portugal at Sporting Lisbon.

Sporting had gone almost 20 years without a title before Amorim’s appointment, but have claimed two in four seasons under his management. The Lisbon outfit have been an attractive watch and forged a reputation for signing well in the transfer market – something Manchester United can not be accused of of late.

Earlier this month, Amorim received endorsement from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football,” Fernandes told CNN Portugal.

“They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.

“In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared. Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two. This shows that the work has been done well.

“If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate ruled himself out of an immediate return to football this month, but the Manchester United role would be difficult to turn down for the ex-England manager.

Southgate’s transformation of the culture with England, in addition to reaching successive European Championship finals, has earned admirers at Manchester United. Given the toxicity that has surrounded the Red Devils in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, that former achievement could add to his appeal.

He also knows sporting director Dan Ashworth well from Ashworth’s time with the FA.

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has ensured Brentford have continued to punch above their weight as a Premier League outfit.

The Bees continually exceed expectations despite possessing one of the lowest wage and transfer budgets in the Premier League, with data-led recruitment focus enabling the West Londoners to succeed. Given the vast sums spent and squandered at Manchester United, an improved record in the transfer market will be a huge factor under consideration.

Frank may feel the time is ready to leave Brentford if a bigger challenge arises and there are few greater than arresting the decline of Manchester United. It would be fascinating to see how the Dane does with greater resources.

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is one of the more attractive options available on the market, having left Barcelona in the summer. The Spaniard stepped down in Catalonia after two-and-a-half seasons, in which he led his former team to the 2022/23 La Liga title.

Xavi’s exit was unexpected as the 44-year-old chose to leave the unique pressure surrounding Barcelona and the club’s current economic challenges. Previously, he led Al Sadd to the Qatar Stars League and several domestic cups.

Given his pedigree as a player, he would command instant respect inside the Manchester United dressing room.

Read – Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag as manager

See more – Premier League Team of the Week – Palmer, Cunha, Wood

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