Report: United Quietly Explore Ten Hag Replacements Amidst Poor Start to Season | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Coaching Conundrum: Ten Hag on the Edge as Alternatives Lined Up

Erik ten Hag’s Future Uncertain as Manchester United Seek New Managerial Options

Manchester United’s recent struggle in the Premier League and Europa League has cast doubt on Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford. Despite being extended a lifeline during the last international break, the Dutchman’s position appears increasingly precarious. According to Mail Sport, United have initiated secret discussions with several managerial candidates, including big names like Xavi Hernandez, Ruben Amorim, and Edin Terzic.

A four-man delegation from United, led by Chief Executive Omar Berrada, reportedly flew to Barcelona to engage in talks with Xavi, who left Barcelona this summer. Sources close to the club have confirmed that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic are among other shortlisted candidates.

High-Stakes Talks: A New Era on the Horizon?

United’s co-owners have re-evaluated the managerial landscape following an underwhelming start to the season. Currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, and with disappointing results in the Europa League, the pressure on Ten Hag to deliver has intensified. This shift in direction, especially after extending Ten Hag’s contract by a year, indicates that confidence in his leadership is waning.

Photo: IMAGO

Adding fuel to the speculation, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, who has been admired for his dynamic football style, remains a strong contender. Frank was initially in the running during the summer alongside names like Thomas Tuchel and Marco Silva. The re-emergence of these names, along with other potential candidates like Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter, suggests that United are keen on exploring a variety of coaching philosophies.

Behind Closed Doors: Ineos Owner’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Despite the critical situation, United’s co-owners have remained largely silent. Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe notably withheld public support for Ten Hag earlier this month. With concerns mounting over the club’s lack of progress and their recent £200 million transfer spree showing little return, the silence is seen as a tacit admission of dissatisfaction.

“The fact United have resumed their search for a replacement behind the scenes has cast fresh doubt over the 54-year-old’s future,” as reported by Mail Sport. Ten Hag’s tenure, which spans two-and-a-half years, may face a harsh end if he fails to produce results by the time the Premier League takes its next break.

Managerial Prospects: Who Could Take Over?

The coaching landscape for United is broad yet uncertain. Xavi Hernandez, while out of work since his departure from Barcelona, is reportedly reluctant to manage another Spanish club. Amorim, touted as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City, may also be a challenging candidate to secure, given his commitment to Sporting Lisbon. Other names like Frank, Lopetegui, and even former United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy have been floated as potential stopgaps or future managers.

Photo IMAGO

With West Ham up next for United, Ten Hag’s immediate future could hinge on securing a win to quell some of the noise surrounding his position. However, failure to produce consistent results will likely see him ushered out, paving the way for a new face in United’s dugout.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an expectant Manchester United fan, there’s an undeniable sense of frustration watching our club flounder both domestically and in Europe. The managerial indecision and backstage meetings only serve to heighten the tension and disappointment. While Ten Hag had shown promise initially, the club’s current form and apparent lack of strategic clarity in matches are worrying signs.

In bringing in big names like Xavi and considering talents like Amorim, it’s clear United are searching for a spark. However, repeatedly swapping managers without addressing core squad issues feels like a band-aid solution. What United truly need is a vision that extends beyond short-term results and delves into building a sustainable, winning culture—something that has been sorely missing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. As fans, we can only hope that the club’s next decision will be one that ushers in real progress.