MU manager Erik Ten Hag is facing an uncertain future as the “Red Devils” struggle in 6th place in the Premier League, battling for a spot in the Champions League. Reports suggest that MU co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, along with his right-hand man Dave Brailsford, does not see Ten Hag as the right fit to lead the team back to the top.
According to The Athletic, CEO Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth, who MU is eyeing for the Sporting Director role, will determine Ten Hag’s future.
Meanwhile, Inews surprised by revealing that MU’s leadership is considering keeping Ten Hag. However, the Dutch coach would only take on the role of head coach, not manager. Interestingly, the 54-year-old coach also accepts sharing power to stay at Old Trafford.
The decision stems from the restructuring plan under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tenure. In a radio program with Geraint Thomas, the 71-year-old billionaire stated that the traditional model of a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson no longer exists.
Instead of having full authority over transfer policies, the head coach must report to the Sporting Director and CEO to outline specific player acquisition strategies.
On the other hand, Inews affirmed that one reason MU’s leadership is keeping Ten Hag is that potential candidates are hesitant about the “captain’s seat” at Old Trafford, such as Gareth Southgate:
“Poor results before the end of the season could force Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford to act. The duo has compiled a list of replacements for Ten Hag, but many sources say that some top candidates are indifferent to the possibility of taking over MU due to the heavy responsibilities.
Why would Gareth Southgate leave his job with the England national team to come to MU in the current chaotic situation? The current crop of players in the England team may be the most talented generation they have ever had and have been closely associated with Southgate for a long time.”
Similarly, other candidates like Graham Potter (former Chelsea head coach), Thomas Frank (Brentford) are hesitating due to MU’s current situation. Additionally, “Red Devils” have very few chances to successfully recruit Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon) or Robert De Zerbi (Brighton) as these coaches are respectively the top targets for Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
According to Inews, Julian Nagelsmann is high on the shortlist, but MU can only approach the 1987-born strategist if he is sacked by the German national team after EURO 2024.
