Manchester United finds themselves in a period of contemplation regarding their managerial situation, with Erik ten Hag’s future under scrutiny despite having a contract until 2025. The club’s mixed performance under Ten Hag’s leadership, coupled with the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as co-owner and a new sporting direction, has cast doubt on the Dutchman’s position. While Ten Hag enjoyed a promising start in his debut season, subsequent seasons have seen the team struggle, losing 11 out of 28 Premier League matches in the 2023/24 season and trailing the top four by nine points, although they still have a game in hand. However, there is optimism from Ten Hag’s side that he can still impress the new hierarchy, which includes figures like INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and soon-to-be chief executive Omar Berrada.
Nevertheless, amidst an ongoing audit of the club’s football operations, there are no definitive assurances regarding Ten Hag’s future beyond the current season. He has been involved in summer transfer planning, indicating some level of consideration for his shorter-term tenure. However, alternative candidates are being monitored closely by Brailsford, with as many as nine names reportedly on the shortlist. These include high-profile names like Zinedine Zidane, Graham Potter, and Roberto De Zerbi, alongside others such as Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Julen Lopetegui, Ruben Amorim, and Julian Nagelsmann. Potter, Tuchel, Lopetegui, and Zidane are either currently available or soon to be out of work, adding to the intrigue surrounding United’s managerial deliberations.
Despite this uncertainty, Ten Hag’s position in the shorter term appears relatively secure under the new regime. However, similar uncertainty looms over Manchester United’s women’s team, with current manager Marc Skinner’s contract set to expire in three months. The women’s team has failed to replicate last season’s success, slipping out of contention in both the WSL title race and the hunt for Champions League places. In essence, Manchester United is exploring multiple avenues in their managerial quest, considering both internal stability and external options to steer the club toward success in the seasons ahead.
