Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, still doesn’t know whether he’ll be around beyond this season, although rumours about potential replacements for him circulate around the globe.
Erik ten Hag’s tenure as Manchester United manager may be coming to an end as the club’s new owner management begins to court for possible replacements.
The heat is on the Dutchman after he failed to improve upon last year’s strong first season as coach. United are sitting in sixth place in the Barclays Premier League right now and will have a tough time making it into the Champions League next season after already being knocked out early in the competition.
Erik Ten Hag Fate Becoming Stronger After Double Move
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s appointment at the club has only served to heighten the scrutiny on Erik Ten Hag’s position. Following their acquisition of a 27.7 percent ownership in the club, the Ineos president and his colleagues have taken charge of sports operations at Old Trafford and will ultimately decide Ten Hag’s future in the manager’s chair.
However, word got out this week that Manchester United had talked to two coaches who have been rumoured to be the club’s next managers. Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been in secret communication with Jean-Claude Blanc, chief executive of sport at Ineos, for the last several months, making him one such option, but there is a slim chance from the Zinedine Zidane camp as he clearly confirms days ago he is not ready to become club manager, Only time will tell.
The renowned Frenchman is still mostly regarded as a top coach, despite being unattached since his second departure from Los Blancos in 2021. During his two stints at the Bernabeu, he won two Spanish crowns and captained the Spanish national team to three straight Champions League campaigns.
The Sun also claims that Graham Potter is intriguing. He allegedly spoke with Dan Ashworth in private last weekend and is the clear front-runner to replace Ten Hag if the latter decides to depart the club.
For months, United has shown a lot of interest in Ashworth. He was placed on gardening leave last month by the Magpies, but is set to join the club from Newcastle provided a compensation deal is agreed upon.
Ratcliffe and his staff really value the fact that Ineos is keeping an open line of communication with two coaches, even if the decision to make a management change has not been made yet.
Ten Hag said before Sunday’s Manchester derby that Ratcliffe’s decision not to openly support him did not worry him. My deal is for three seasons, therefore it doesn’t matter to me, he remarked. I am oblivious to my surroundings since I am engrossed in this process. Sir Jim Radcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford, and others in that group have been the subjects of several conversations with me.
So, I understand the topic at hand, I am deeply convinced, and I sense their confidence in me. I am not, however, concentrating on my own situation. I’m only concerned with the team’s performance, and it is my responsibility to help this group reach its full potential.
Pay close attention to it and ignore any other distractions. I am well-versed in this. We have been in constant communication and are now planning our future together.
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