Home
Manchester United
FIVE candidates to replace axed Erik ten Hag to start new era at Man Utd including Gareth Southgate and ex-Dortmund bos
SADNESS ending: Close up to Erik ten Hag’s last tears when spotted hugging tightly the airline employee like he was hugging the whole memories at Man Utd
The Dutch boss, 54, was only appointed in the summer of 2022, replacing Ralf Rangnick.
Erik ten Hag has finally been sacked by Man Utd – but who will permanently replace him?
Ten Hag was even handed an improved contract in the summer on the back of United’s FA Cup win – despite finishing a record-worst EIGHTH in the Premier League.
But on Monday, with United languishing in 14th place following the 2-1 defeat at West Ham – and with ZERO wins from their first three Europa League games – Ten Hag was sacked in a blunt statement.
Van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team in the short team, but it could it lead to a full-time position?
The Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.
The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.
The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.
Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.
Gareth Southgate
The former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.
The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.
Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.
The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.
Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.
Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.
Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.
However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.
Edin Terzic
Earlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.
German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.
He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.
The English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.
Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.
However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.
Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.
And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.
Kieran McKenna
Cruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.
McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.
The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.
According to rumors, McKenna was promptly placed to the want lists of other teams, including Manchester United.
However, Ipswich moved quickly to extend an offer to him.
But with four victories and five losses in their first nine Premier League games, his team has failed to win.
Ipswich is playing thrilling, open football under McKenna, something Manchester United supporters like.
Whether McKenna chooses to defect or remain faithful is the key question at this point.
Three other names that are reportedly in the running are Thomas Frank, Xavi, and Ruben Amorim.
