Manchester United has made the decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag and is now in search of a new manager to lead the team. Despite surviving some rocky periods in his tenure, ten Hag was ultimately let go after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, leaving the team in 14th place in the English Premier League. His assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has taken over on an interim basis, with fans speculating about who might permanently replace him.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who served as ten Hag’s assistant, has been a popular choice among fans to take over as the permanent manager. He previously had a successful season in charge of PSV, leading them to second place in the Eredivisie and winning the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup. Van Nistelrooy will have an opportunity to prove himself in the role before a final decision is made.
Xavi, the iconic midfielder who recently departed from Barcelona, is another potential candidate for the Manchester United managerial position. Despite his success at Barcelona, his relationship with senior executives soured, leading to his departure. Xavi’s connection with Alex Ferguson, who tried to sign him as a player, could work in his favor if he were to be considered for the job.
Ruben Amorim, known for his success with Sporting Lisbon, is also in contention for the Manchester United managerial role. He led Sporting Lisbon to two Portuguese league titles and was a top candidate for the Liverpool job before Arne Slot took over. Amorim’s success in Portugal could make him an attractive option for United, despite the potential need for a hefty compensation fee.
Gareth Southgate, who recently left his position as England manager, is another name being mentioned as a potential candidate for the Manchester United job. Southgate led England to two finals, including a heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. While he has stated his intention not to return to coaching in the next 12 months, the allure of managing a club like Manchester United could be too tempting to resist.
Thomas Frank, who transformed Brentford from a struggling Championship team to a stable Premier League side, is also on the list of potential candidates. His experience in the English scene and success in developing players could make him a valuable asset to Manchester United. Frank’s relationship with Dave Brailsford, who was brought in to overhaul United’s structure, could further strengthen his candidacy for the job.
Overall, Manchester United has a number of strong contenders to choose from as they search for a new manager to lead the team. Each candidate brings their own unique qualities and experiences to the table, making the decision an important one for the future success of the club.