Increasingly challenged by the club’s poor results, Erik ten Hag is in an ejector’s seat at Manchester United. In fact, the club’s management have already started prospecting for a successor, and have put their name down to Zinedine Zidane.
Could this be one defeat too many for Erik ten Hag? Beaten 3-0 at home by Newcastle in the 4th round of the Cup yesterday, Manchester United are sinking deeper into crisis. Already 8th in the Premier League and relegated to nine points off the podium after another derby rout of City (0-3) at Old Trafford, the club has also bitten the dust twice in just three games during the Champions League group stage. Previously considered to be the man for the job, Ten Hag’s credit has now run out.
While the management still has a little faith in him, the players are fed up. The setback against the Mapgpies was the last straw. According to the English media, the Dutchman has alienated the dressing room. His tactics are no longer acceptable, nor are his words. The progress occasionally glimpsed in certain games has given way to nothing. The next few games will determine the future of the 53-year-old coach, but The Times warns this Thursday evening. “The ice is thin” before it breaks definitively.
Read The Manchester United dressing room has let go of Erik ten Hag!
Zidane and Amorim, the two favourites
According to the same media outlet, the Red Devils’ worst start to a season in 61 years could well prove fatal for the former Ajax man. Management have begun to explore various alternatives for the rest of the season. While the latter “categorically” deny it, according to The Times, a well-placed source in the club’s organization chart indicates that the last two defeats are likely to be fatal. The sacking is so close that two names have been put forward by the Mancunians, even if the INEOS takeover complicates matters.
Ruben Amorim and Zinedine Zidane have already been announced as potential candidates. The former has been with Sporting CP for just over three years. The 38-year-old Portuguese has enjoyed some fine seasons, including a league title in 2021, the club’s first in 19 years, as well as two League Cups. His name is regularly mentioned in the Premier League. As for the Frenchman, he needs no introduction. Free since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, he was awaiting a move to the French national team should Deschamps’ troops fail in Qatar. The coach has extended his contract until 2026. Although he turned down PSG, the three-time Champions League winner has been linked with Manchester United in the past.
