Ten Hag has faced significant challenges during his tenure at Manchester United, prompting new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to consider potential replacements for the Dutchman in the upcoming summer.
According to reports from ESPN, Ratcliffe and Ineos are actively assessing options to determine the credentials and availability of potential managerial candidates.
Among the managers under consideration are Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton, and Thomas Frank of Brentford. While De Zerbi has garnered attention from various clubs, including Chelsea, Barcelona, and Liverpool, Frank’s success in building a dynamic team at Brentford while embracing a data-driven recruitment approach has earned him praise.
Despite being viewed as an outsider for the position, Southgate remains a candidate for the role. Despite his lack of recent involvement in club football since his dismissal by Middlesbrough in 2009, Southgate’s potential candidacy is buoyed by his uncertainty about his future with the England national team beyond Euro 2024.
Southgate’s close working relationship with Dan Ashworth, who is set to become Manchester United’s sporting director, could prove pivotal in the decision-making process. The two have previously collaborated during Ashworth’s tenure as the FA’s head of elite development.
While achieving fifth place may satisfy England’s UEFA coefficient requirements, Champions League qualification remains uncertain for Manchester United. The club would need to make up a significant points gap to catch up with Tottenham, who have played fewer games.
Despite the challenges faced by Ten Hag at Manchester United, his reputation remains strong in Europe, particularly in Germany.
Several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and VfB Stuttgart, are reportedly interested in hiring him as their manager once the current season concludes.
