- Erik ten Hag experienced a triumphant debut season with Manchester United, securing victory in the Carabao Cup, making it to the FA Cup final, and clinching a coveted Champions League spot. However, the current campaign has proven challenging, with the team currently occupying the sixth spot in the Premier League and facing precarious circumstances in the Champions League. A shocking Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle has compounded their woes.
Controversies surrounding Ten Hag, particularly with star player Jadon Sancho, have escalated. The £73 million signing was sidelined from the first team due to a public dispute with the Dutch manager. The pressure on Ten Hag has risen, exacerbated by inconsistent performances from key players like Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro.
Despite United expressing support for Ten Hag amid off-field ownership challenges, reports indicate the club is exploring alternative managerial options. Bookmakers now consider Ten Hag among the most likely Premier League managers to face dismissal, especially following Sheffield United’s parting ways with Paul Heckingbottom.
Zinedine Zidane is the frontrunner to potentially replace Ten Hag, with odds of 7/2. However, Zidane’s previous reluctance to work in England due to language barriers introduces uncertainty. Graham Potter, recently unemployed after leaving Chelsea, closely follows as the second favorite at 4/1. Roberto De Zerbi, who succeeded Potter at Brighton, is also a strong contender at 10/1.
Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim and Germany’s current manager, Julian Nagelsmann, both have odds of 10/1. Nagelsmann’s predecessor, Hansi Flick, trails at 12/1. Former United midfielder Michael Carrick is an outsider at 12/1, while experienced manager Antonio Conte stands at 16/1.
Kieran McKenna, a former United coach now leading Ipswich Town, provides an intriguing outsider option at 20/1. His commendable performance at Ipswich, currently in the Championship promotion spots, adds to the speculation surrounding his potential return. As managerial speculations escalate, the uncertain future of Ten Hag at Manchester United continues to dominate the football landscape.