Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spent much of his time in charge at Old Trafford fighting off talk over his future, but the rumours may have finally caught up with him.
The Dutchman has never truly been able to build anything concrete at the Premier League giants, as they have continually taken one step forward and two steps back.
Last season was rocky at best, but Ten Hag finished the year by steering the Red Devils to an FA Cup title, buying him more time as new owners Ineos decided to stick with him. The start to the current campaign has brought back fears of another disappointing season, with three defeats in the first six league games.
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Following a convincing loss to Tottenham in which captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — the red card was later rescininded — rumors of a potential change have swirled again. In the week that followed, United let a 2-0 lead slip at Porto and only just salvaged a draw after Fernandes again saw red, before last Sunday's goalless draw at Aston Villa prior to the international break. Neither performance suggested the team has turned a corner.
Ten Hag himself isn't worried, saying after the Spurs match: "We all made in the summer the decision to stay together, as an ownership, a leadership group... We have some injuries, we need some time. We are all on one page together, the ownership, the staff and the players. I don't have that concern."
Still, that won't keep fans and media from speculating about a situation that could quickly become untenable, no matter what the club's intentions.
Top candidates to replace Erik ten Hag as next Man United manager
Thomas Tuchel
After leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, a top manager with Premier League experience is sitting unemployed and Thomas Tuchel could be a strong contender for a possible vacancy in Manchester. Indeed, according to reports on October 7, he may well be the favourite to take the job.
The German coach led Chelsea to a dramatic UEFA Champions League title while in charge of the London side in 2021, and with spells in charge of PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern, he is considered one of the world's top bosses. His time in Bavaria ended awkwardly, as the club's best performances came after he announced he would leave at the end of the campaign.
Tuchel is known as a manager with a fiery disposition, who doesn't shy away from asserting himself, but if Man United can embrace his personality, the Red Devils could benefit from his extensive expertise. But, would Tuchel take on such a project?
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Another favorite to take over for Ten Hag is former Man United forward and current assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
A new member of Ten Hag's staff at Old Trafford, van Nistelrooy joined in the summer, after spending two years as PSV boss. He won the KNVB-Bekker and Johan Cruyff Shield with PSV in 2022/23, finishing second in the league, but departed with one game remaining in the season citing a lack of support.
After taking a year off from management, he joined Ten Hag's support staff, positioning himself as a potential replacement, as someone with deep knowledge of the club, previous managerial experience, and the most seamless transition possible.
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate was a divisive man in charge of England over the past six years, but opened up the possibility of a return to club management when he left the national team setup in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain this summer.
Having led the Three Lions to multiple major final,s but falling just short of winning a trophy, Southgate could be a candidate to take over the Red Devils if Ten Hag is cast out. The 54-year-old has only held one club position in his coaching career, having led Middlesbrough from 2006-09.
Kieran McKenna
One of the Premier League's up-and-coming stars, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna could be an option for Ineos if they wish to begin their own long-term project. The 38-year-old is currently in his first senior managerial position which he has held since December 2021, when he was lured away after a time as Man United assistant.
McKenna led Ipswich to two straight promotions, and while their start to life in the Premier League has been difficult, the Northern Irishman remains steadfast to his task at Portman Road.
Despite the upside, appointing someone so young and inexperienced would come with considerable risk.
Other candidates
Thomas Frank — Reportedly met with the new United ownership about the position before they stuck with Ten Hag, Frank has been coveted by the club and is struggling this year with Brentford.
Ruben Amorim — The youthful boss of Sporting Lisbon, Amorim has been in the mix for top Premier League jobs of late, and will surely get hired at some point, but is this the job for him?
Michael Carrick — After a 12-year playing career at Old Trafford, Carrick transitioned to coaching where he served as assistant at his former club, even accepting a spell as interim manager. He has impressed at Middlesbrough and is known a progressive style of play, but has he done enough at Boro to justify this massive step up?
Xavi — After leaving Barcelona at the end of last season, former midfield star Xavi remains without a club. His time with the Catalans ended in disappointment and disagreements with the club's decision-makers, but he won the 2022/23 La Liga title and presided over some strong performances. United may be tempted by the fact he is a free agent, but whether Xavi himself would consider a move to England is harder to judge.
