England manager Gareth Southgate and Brentford boss Thomas Frank are on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag, according to ESPN.
The Red Devils are reportedly drafting replacements for the Dutchman after a poor campaign. Ten Hag’s future is not set in stone, but he will likely leave at the end of the season.
INEOS boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not given him a vote of confidence, signalling a departure is on the cards.
One potential option to replace Ten Hag is Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has earned praise for his attacking brand of football.
However, the other names reportedly in contention do not inspire much confidence and raise questions about the club’s direction.
While Southgate is an outside contender for the United job, his relationship with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth could play a role.
Ashworth knows Southgate from his six-year tenure with the Football Association and is considering the Englishman to take the reins at Old Trafford.
The 53-year-old’s relationship with INEOS director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, could also help him land the job.
However, Southgate has not been involved in club football since Middlesbrough axed him in 2009 and he would be an unpopular appointment.
His overly cautious nature contradicts the free-flowing football United are famed for. He would be an odd choice for the United hot seat.
Frank is another puzzling candidate. While he has done a stellar job with the Bees, his achievements aren’t noteworthy enough to land him in the Old Trafford dugout.
His success deserves recognition, but this would not be enough to the fans that he possesses the necessary pedigree to manage a club of United’s stature.
If United genuinely want to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch, they must set their sights much higher.
The decision of who will lead United into the future is crucial. It will determine their direction and ability to compete for major trophies in the coming years.
