The reported top option Manchester United had to replace Erik ten Hag is now off the table.
After the five-game winless run Manchester United endured prior to the international break, it seemed like Erik ten Hag’s time had run out.
A much-publicised Ineos meeting took place the week after United drew 0-0 with Aston Villa although ultimately the board did not communicate a decision to Ten Hag instead focussing on the game against Brentford on Saturday.
While no decision was taken, things need to improve, with more of this form likely to make Ten Hag’s position untenable.
Over the international break, several potential replacements were suggested but it was Thomas Tuchel who ended up being looked at as the favourite to take charge.
However, contrary to this United are said to have been unbothered by Tuchel taking over at England, with Graeme Bailey explaining if Ineos wanted the German, he would have been appointed in the summer.
What Erik ten Hag had to say about Thomas Tuchel
Ahead of United facing off against Brentford on Saturday, Ten Hag has had his press conference and as expected his future was among the most talked about topics.
Along those lines, he suggested he and Ineos are on the same page still – while a question about Tuchel getting the England job also came up.
“I think it’s a very good choice from the FA. He is a top-class manager and has proved himself, creating top teams that win.
“England didn’t win since 1966 so I think it’s a very good appointment to get a win because England has world-class players to make a team, and they have the opportunity to win the Euros or the World Cup.”
Ten Hag certainly sounds relieved that Tuchel is off the market, as it could be that Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada decide there is no better option now.
That being said, there are several top managers who could still be gunning for Ten Hag’s job in 2025.
Manchester United have alternatives if Ten Hag continues to disappoint
In an ideal world, Ten Hag would start picking up results and playing good football – however, we struggle to see this happening, with over two years and 125 games to draw from.
So, therefore, while Ten Hag stays we imagine United’s eyes will be on some of the excellent managers impressing around Europe right now.
Thomas Frank is one option on the table and he has the chance to audition for the role this Saturday when his Brentford face United.
Marco Silva has also been linked, likely due to the wonderful football he has his Fulham team playing which has taken them to eighth in the league so far.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 11 |
Kieran McKenna is also a potential option, with his management at Ipswich long being admired after his exit from United in 2021.
However, the most likely option is probably Ruud van Nistelrooy as he is likely to get the caretaker role in the event of Ten Hag’s eventual dismissal.
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