Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure after a disappointing start to the season.
After a woeful finish league performance last season, Manchester United’s results have gone backwards, with only two wins from six games.
Only one victory in the past nine European matches is another worrying trend, and ahead of away matches against Porto and Aston Villa, Ten Hag is under pressure.
We have looked at possible replacements for Erik ten Hag, and subsequently spoken to insider Graeme Bailey to understand where Manchester United land on each of them, plus a few more names too.
Manchester United current stance on Erik ten Hag
Ineos made a big decision when they kept Erik ten Hag in the summer, and offered him a new contract for an extra year. It was a lukewarm endorsement.
Poor results in 2024/25 have led to Ten Hag coming under increased pressure, and Bailey says Ineos are preparing to make a decision if required, and insists they are well placed to do so.
He explained: “The club aren’t happy. I was told last week that a big defeat to Tottenham, and that could be his last game at Old Trafford, coupled with what happens this week.
“I don’t think the Porto game is massive, it will play a part, but it’s the Villa game that is going to be telling. A heavy defeat there and it’s hard to see how they don’t make a change.”
“I wouldn’t say the squad are fractured, but there’s different elements now, some are backing, some are not.”
He added that Ruud van Nistelrooy was very subdued after the Tottenham game, adding: “Some may perceive it as trying to distance himself from the current regime.”
With regard to Ten Hag’s contract: “I’ve been told there are clauses and releases in the deal that they won’t have to pay him, I think I saw £17 million. It won’t be that. There are mechanisms within the deal to facilitate an exit, from both sides.”
“What I’m hearing is United are quite comfortable in their thinking, they already know the market very well, the main ones who were available then are still now, from Potter to Allegri to Tuchel, to Gareth Southgate.”
Potential replacements
Numerous names have been linked to Manchester United, some credible, some red herrings. And one of the standout options is unlikely to be popular with Manchester United fans.
We spoke to Graeme Bailey about the contenders for the Red Devils manager job, and whether Ineos would take them.
Simone Inzaghi… “I’m told Ineos are not going to appoint a manager who can’t speak English, so that rules Inzaghi out. Ineos aren’t paying massive money to get him away from Inter.”
Thomas Tuchel… “Tuchel is someone they have spoken to. Tuchel is a very strong character and one with a good CV but there were some red flags how he left Bayern. Bayern decided midway through last season that they had to part company with him.”
Gareth Southgate… “I fully expect it to be Gareth Southgate. Looking back at his Middlesbrough days, you can’t do that, he’s a different person, a different manager now.
“On his CV he’s got to two major finals, that’s a very strong CV. What counts against Ten Hag is that the leading candidate is available and can start now.
“I think they firmly believe he can win over the fanbase, with his demeanour, his actions, and his words. I think Southgate is the one they have always wanted, if he was available in the summer they might have done it.”
Thomas Frank… “Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate are very similar, how you see them in the media is how they handle themselves personally. He does tick a lot of boxes.
“If they were to go another route which is not Southgate, it could be Thomas Frank.”
Julian Nagelsmann… “I don’t believe it is possible. I do wonder if he really, really pushed it might be different but I don’t think he is ready to give up on the World Cup just over 18-months out.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy… “In the immediate aftermath he probably would be the caretaker. But going into an international break, would there be a need to?
“He would be given the chance to stay. I don’t see them thinking as an interim, unless they have a Xabi Alonso lined up.”
Kieran McKenna… “They know all about him. He was considered in the summer, he really was. I just don’t think he’s quite there yet. He’s a possibility, they did like him.”
Graham Potter… “He does have fans within the hierarchy at the club. It’s not a 100 per cent no. But the fact he was available in the summer and they didn’t go for him then, that may tell us what we need to know.”
Massimiliano Allegri… “He is one whose people have made United aware he is still available, as they did in the summer – his interest was acknowledged and to be honest got the idea was that they respect him and his CV, but not quite the direction they are aiming at – think he is more the victim of Louis van Gaal and Mourinho era.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer… “No. I think it made a few good headlines but I don’t think he is in contention from what I am hearing.”
Wildcard recommendation
One highly rated manager who is a true wildcard is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, whose side sit above Manchester United in the Premier League table.
While he is not necessarily on United’s radar currently, Bailey believes there is a strong case that there should be.
“I think Iraola is a very special coach, he could be the next great manager. I think is Pep Guardiola left in the summer we would see Iraola’s name come up. I think he’s that good, I really do.
“He would be a brilliant appointment by United if they did it. I’ve never heard his name come up for United, I must admit.”
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