Three candidates to replace Erik ten Hag should Manchester United sack him

Depending on who you ask, you may get mixed opinions on how Erik ten Hag’s time in charge of Manchester United has gone. Ten Hag has brought silverware to United in the form of a Carabao Cup victory in the 2022-23 season as well as an FA Cup victory last season in a surprising upset over bitter rivals Manchester City. 

However, ten Hag has also been the man in charge during some of the lowest recent times at Manchester United, including losing 7-0 to bitter rivals Liverpool in the 2022-23 season, getting eliminated in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League last season, as well as being the manager for Manchester United’s worst ever Premier League finish, with the club placing eighth last season.

So far this season ten Hag has not gotten off to the start that he needs to safely keep his job, winning only two of the first six league games while also losing games against Liverpool and Tottenham 3-0, with both blowout losses coming at home. United currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and with a match against Aston Villa this weekend, talkSport is reporting that this could be ten Hag’s last opportunity to save his job. 

With time potentially running out for the Dutch coach it is only logical to begin assessing United’s options to replace him. Let’s look at three managers who could be on a theoretical Manchester United list to attempt to quickly turn this sinking ship around. 

Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel is a manager who has been linked with Manchester United dating all the way back to his time in charge of Premier League rivals Chelsea (2021-22). The German coach has made it no secret that he appreciates United as a club and would presumably be eager to answer the phone should the club come calling. After Tuchel left Bayern Munich in the summer, many thought he would be the perfect candidate to replace ten Hag should the struggles not improve. Tuchel’s high-passed, possession-based play style would be a great fit at United given the amount of attacking talent the club has at its disposal. 

Massimiliano Allegri 

While Allegri may not scream Manchester United manager to some, the Italian manager has done some fine work in his managerial career winning five league titles in his time at Juventus and making it to two Champions League Finals with the Italian club. However, Allegri has never worked outside of Italy and his teams aren’t exactly known for an expansive or entertaining play style. Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly favors Allegri as ten Hag’s potential successor, though, Ferguson also favored David Moyes to succeed him back in 2013 and every United fan knows how that turned out.  

Simone Inzaghi

The current manager of Inter Milan, Inzaghi would be an interesting candidate on Manchester United’s list. The Italian has worked wonders in his time at Inter Milan, winning the Serie A title last season and also guiding the Italian side to an unlikely Champions League Final appearance in 2023. Known for helping revive the 3-5-2 tactical setup, Inzaghi would bring a new approach to Old Trafford which could be the fresh start that United needs after so many struggles in recent seasons. 

No matter how you feel about Erik ten Hag’s time in charge of Manchester United it’s clear the manager is on thin ice after a disappointing start both in the Premier League as well as the Europa League this season and it’s not out of the question we could see the end of ten Hag at United depending should he not get a good result against Aston Villa this weekend.