The Manchester United manager job is the subject of ongoing debate with current boss Erik ten Hag under unexpected pressure this season despite winning a trophy in his first campaign.
Erik ten Hag‘s spell as Manchester United manager is under threat amid a woeful 2023/24 season which saw the side crash out in the Champions League group stages with only one victory.
Poor form has continued in the Premier League, where United look almost certain to miss out on Champions League qualification.
Erik ten Hag is at risk of following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out the door at Old Trafford, as the search for Sir Alex Ferguson‘s true successor continues.
Many believe new investors Ineos will want a clean slate, to bring in their own man, sooner or later, adding to the pressure on the Dutchman.
A high volume of managers have been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag if he does leave. Below is a comprehensive list.
Graham Potter
Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has been linked with the Manchester United job for several months.
Potter worked with incoming United director Dan Ashworth at Brighton. Sky Sports report he is highly respected by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and advisor Sir Dave Brailsford.
Julian Nagelsmann
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann was recommended to Ineos by former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
However, United are at risk of missing out with Bayern Munich making a play to bring him back after the European Championships.
Zinedine Zidane
Forever linked with Manchester United, Zinedine Zidane continues to be touted as a contender for the big role at Old Trafford.
The Times reported earlier this season that the former Real Madrid boss is in the mix. The Independent report United are in contact with him through Ineos executive Jean-Claude Blanc.
Gareth Southgate
An unproven and controversial option, England manager Gareth Southgate is a name who has been thrown into discussion in recent weeks, via ESPN.
Southgate is close with Brailsford and Ashworth, however, this is a move Manchester United fans would struggle to get behind.
READ MORE: Who is Dan Ashworth? Meet the man who could be set to transform Manchester United
Simone Inzaghi
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has led the side to a near-certain Serie A title win with his side 14 points clear at the top.
Tuttosport report Inzaghi is on Manchester United’s wishlist, however, he is content to stay with Inter Milan and not looking to move.
Thiago Motta
Thiago Motta has been making waves at Bologna this season, leading the side into the Champions League qualification spots.
According to Teamtalk, Motta has been discussed at Manchester United and is in the mix, however, Juventus are also keen on hiring him for next season.
Roberto de Zerbi
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has earned plaudits for the way he has helped the Seagulls kick on since replacing Graham Potter.
ESPN report De Zerbi is under consideration by Ineos, with his style of play and attacking football leading Brighton to a win at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Thomas Tuchel
Outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has a proven track record at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, although has fared less well in Germany.
Christian Falk report Tuchel is keen on a return to the Premier League and regards Manchester United as his dream job.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim was tipped as a possible Ten Hag successor earlier this season, via The Times.
Amorim is currently being strongly linked with the vacant Liverpool job as they look for a successor to Jurgen Klopp. Don’t rule out a surge of late interest from United if a decision is made to move on.
Thomas Frank
An unlikely option, ESPN reports Thomas Frank is a coach who is ‘of interest’ to Ineos.
The Brentford manager has worked wonders in West London, however, making the step up to a club of Manchester United’s magnitude would be a huge step up.
Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui was on Manchester United’s shortlist before Erik ten Hag was hired. He subsequently had a stint at Wolves last year.
Spanish newspaper AS reported last year Lopetegui was standing by and keen on holding talks over a role at Old Trafford if the opportunity is presented.
Unai Emery
Unai Emery has restored his reputation in English football after a tough stint with Arsenal, leading Aston Villa into a top four spot.
Emery was also linked to United via AS earlier in the season, however, Aston Villa will be desperate to keep him and it is unclear if he would consider walking away now.
Gary O’Neil
A surprise report from ESPN last month linked Gary O’Neil with a role at Manchester United.
The report added it was unclear if O’Neil was being viewed as a successor to Ten Hag or an addition to his coaching staff, with options being kept open.
Francesco Farioli
One controversial move could see Sir Jim Ratcliffe turn to partner club Nice to ‘promote’ manager Francesco Farioli to Manchester United.
Teamtalk report that highly rated Farioli is regarded as a future managerial star, leading them to a top five place in Ligue 1 this season. However, causing disruption at Nice may create another problem Ineos would rather not then have to deal with.
Kieran McKenna
Formerly part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff, Kieran McKenna has proven his credentials with Ipswich Town, on the verge of leading them to successive promotions.
The Sun has recently tipped him as a contender for the Manchester United job, and while he is an interesting option, the timing could be too soon for all concerned.