This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Graham Potter is a leading candidate. (Image: Getty) Manchester United have reportedly pinpointed two leading candidates to replace Erik ten Hag this summer if they decide to sack the Dutchman following a disastrous second season in charge.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have a big call to make at the dawn of a new era after taking control of football operations at Old Trafford. United won just one of their six games and finished rock bottom of Group A in the Champions League behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray. Their Carabao Cup defense ended at the second hurdle, as they lost 3-0 at home against Newcastle United in a fourth-round repeat of last season’s final.
Premier League fortunes haven’t been much brighter. After one win in seven games, the gap to the top four is almost unassailable, leaving United battling to avoid completely missing out on the European spots. The FA Cup represents a chance for a second piece of silverware in as many years for Ten Hag.
However, lifting the famous trophy didn’t save Louis van Gaal in 2016, and his fellow Dutchman may suffer the same fate. Much of the speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s potential dismissal has been based on the options, or lack thereof, to replace him, given that multiple European heavyweights are eyeing new managers this summer. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are among the clubs making a change in the dugout, potentially leaving United with very few convincing options.
According to Manchester World, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are the current front-runners to succeed Ten Hag. Potter is a free agent and has been out of work since Chelsea ended his nightmare tenure in April 2023. Despite his woes at Stamford Bridge, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss is said to retain admirers at INEOS.
His replacement at Brighton, De Zerbi, has been linked with a range of top jobs. The Seagulls are reportedly confident he will be at the club next season, but an approach from United would test their resolve. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is also of interest, but he is expected to return to Bayern Munich after leading the home nation into Euro 2024 this summer.
Ratcliffe is reportedly vying for best-in-class appointments throughout the Red Devils in his efforts to restore their reputation as one of the world’s leading powerhouses. And while neither may represent that based on where their current stock is concerned, both are seemingly high on INEOS’ shortlist.