Premier League powerhouse Manchester United appears to be preparing for a potential managerial change. According to a recent report by ESPN, Man Utd has already drafted a list of candidates who could replace current manager Erik Ten Hag if he ends up leaving in the summer.
Reportedly, Manchester United identified Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and England national team boss Gareth Southgate as primary targets for their managerial position in case it becomes available.
If Man Utd decides to go for De Zerbi, they are expected to face tough competition, considering he is mentioned as a candidate for the upcoming managerial vacancies at Barcelona and Liverpool. Frank, on the other hand, is admired for his work at Brentford, but there are doubts about his ability to lead a big club. Finally, Southgate hasn’t coached at the club level since being fired by Middlesbrough in 2009, and it is unclear whether he would be willing to leave his job with England.
It is important to note that United still hasn’t made a firm decision on Ten Hag’s future. With the club’s sporting operations currently in the process of takeover by Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, Ten Hag’s position is expected to be assessed at the end of the season.
Ten Hag could still save his job if he manages to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League. Premier League is expected to have an extra spot in the competition next season, meaning that finishing fifth would accomplish that goal. However, United is currently sitting sixth in the Premier League standings and trails fifth-placed Tottenham by six points.
