Under Pressure: 5 candidates to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

The moment a large section of Manchester United's fanbase have been dreading has arrived. Erik ten Hag looks to be heading towards the Old Trafford exit door with the international break perhaps make or break for the Dutchman. The Telegraph reports that he will remain in charge for games against FC Porto (October 3) and Aston Villa (October 6) and they might just be must-win games.

Ten Hag has become a fan favorite at United despite a poor run of results over the past year. An FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City will live long in the memory of Red Devil fans. There was optimism when he was handed a one-year extension in the summer, but the team hasn't turned a corner, and a playing identity is lacking.

If INEOS do decide to cut ties with Ten Hag it is vital they find the right successor who can turn things around at Old Trafford. There have been several linked although we are ruling Gareth Southgate out of the race given high-profile journalists are downplaying links to the former England manager.

Five managers who could replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Thomas Tuchel

It was widely reported in the summer that Manchester United's new co-owners INEOS held talks with Thomas Tuchel about potentially replacing Ten Hag. In fact, the Red Devils manager confirmed they had met with the German tactician after they decided he would continue at the club.

Tuchel instead opted to take a career break after leaving Bayern Munich which was a frustrating spell in charge of the Bundesliga giants. The Bavarians' 12-year stranglehold on the German title was ended by Bayer Leverkusen in convincing fashion.

The former Chelsea manager does have a good reputation in English football after his impressive stint in charge at Stamford Bridge. He guided the Blues to UEFA Champions League glory as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Tuchel also might have the larger-than-life personality befitting a United manager. He does come with flaws, though, and he's clashed with owners at his former clubs, which doesn't bode well for a potential partnership with INEOS.

Simone Inzaghi

Manchester United's pulling power should usually allow them to lure any top manager in European football to Old Trafford. That said, the Red Devils' current situation could be offputting to coaches flourishing with their respective club and that's the case for Simone Inzaghi.

The Daily Star reports that INEOS are eyeing Inzaghi as a potential Ten Hag replacement, and with good reason. The Italian tactician has excelled in charge of Inter Milan, none more so than the dogged performance his side put in in a 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Inzaghi has just over two years left on his contract at the San Siro and is a legend in his homeland from his playing days with Lazio. He has implemented an attractive style of play, and his 3-5-2 formation would be refreshing for United, allowing Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez to play in a back three.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Manchester United in the summer and joined Ten Hag's backroom staff at Old Trafford. This was despite the Dutchman having offers from clubs to take over as their first-team coach, he wanted a reunion with the Red Devils.

INEOS' decision to bring Van Nistelrooy in as one of Ten Hag's new assistants led to speculation that it was part of a succession plan. There has been talk that the former PSV Eindhoven boss is eyed as the long-term United manager regardless of his fellow countryman's situation.

Van Nistelrooy impressed at PSV during a 10-month spell at the Philips Arena, guiding the Eredivisie side to the KNVB Cup. He helped oversee the development of talent such as Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons.

There were question marks over Van Nistelrooy's playing identity while at PSV with many finding it pragmatic. If INEOS do decide to part ways with Ten Hag, appointing from within on an interim basis might be the best short-term option before finding a suitable long-term option.

Julian Nagelsmann

The football world was shocked by Bayern Munich's decision to sack Julian Nagelsmann in March 2023 and it proved to be a slip up from the chiefs at the Allianz Arena. The young German coach had his side competing in three competitions until his departure and they ended the season with just the Bundesliga title.

Nagelsmann has since taken over the Germany national team and has got them back on track amid a struggling period under former manager Hansi Flick. He took them to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 on home soil where they lost to eventual winners Spain.

It would be an exciting appointment if INEOS were able to persuade the former Leipzig coach to return to club football. He has implemented an attractive style of play with any team he's coached. However, it could take a hefty fee to get the German FA to allow him to break his contract, which expires in July 2026.

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank's name was touted among those potentially on INEOS' radar to replace Ten Hag in the summer. The Dane has done a spectacular job at the Gtech Community Stadium, establishing the Bees as a Premier League club.

Manchester United would be taking a massive risk by appointing Frank, given he's yet to manage a European heavyweight, but his work in West London shouldn't be overlooked. He also has the character that could make him a hit with fans, constantly highlighting their importance amid Brentford's rise.

Frank wouldn't be an appointment that particularly enthuses United fans to begin with, but he could quickly get them on side. He's fought well with the big six during his Bees tenure, including wins over the Red Devils, Manchester City and Chelsea. He also has a Danish connection with Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen, which could particularly help the former hit top form, similar to the now-departed Ivan Toney.

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