Manchester United’s inconsistent season has cast doubt on the future of manager Erik ten Hag, with reports suggesting that the club is considering potential replacements. According to The Telegraph, Girona manager Michel is admired by people at the club. United’s failure to qualify for Champions League football and lack of progress under ten Hag have increased the pressure on the Dutch manager. The arrival of INEOS, which secured a 25% stake in Manchester United earlier in the season, could lead to fresh ideas and a change in the dugout. The investment group has already made alterations behind the scenes, and a new manager might be next.
Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford may have become untenable, according to The Telegraph, and United believes there are a host of talented coaches in Europe. However, apart from former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen, there is a sense of risk associated with any new manager. United is reportedly interested in younger coaches such as Bologna’s Thiago Motta, Girona’s Michel, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, and Liverpool target Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon.
When United hired ten Hag, they took a chance on a manager from Europe, and it initially worked out, with the Red Devils qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup. However, there has been a lack of progress since then, and the decision-makers at Old Trafford may not be satisfied with ten Hag’s performance. Journalist Ryan Taylor recently stated that United’s goal difference is a sackable offense, and the club has spent over £400m on new additions, most of whom have regressed.
Michel, the Girona boss, could be a smart option for United. He has done a remarkable job in Spain this season, with the La Liga team currently sitting in third place, seven points ahead of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. Whether he is capable of managing a high-profile club like United remains to be seen, but he has shown that he can make his Girona side competitive at the top of La Liga.
Another potential candidate is Thomas Tuchel, according to The Guardian writer Jamie Jackson. The German coach is poised to depart Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and despite a disappointing Bundesliga campaign, he has the experience to lead a major club. Tuchel could seek redemption in the Premier League after being dismissed by Chelsea, where he won the Champions League but was later sacked by Todd Boehly.
