Manchester United have parted ways with their manager Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the ongoing 2023-25 season.
MySportDab takes a look at the top six managers who could replace the Dutchman as United’s new manager.
Xavi Hernandez
Former Barcelona manager and La Liga winner Xavi Hernandez is among the top candidates for the Manchester United job.
Xavi assumed the reins as Barcelona manager in 2022 and led the team to La Liga victory in his first season. However, a poor campaign in his second season led to his dismissal. He has yet to settle for a new role since the Barcelona deadlock and is strongly linked to the Manchester United job.
Recently, his wife Nuria posted footage of him and his son donning a Manchester United shirt. Some reports claim a Manchester United delegation has reportedly met him in Barcelona to discuss the club’s project.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is another manager who could take over the reins at Manchester United as new manager. Before Erik Ten Hag’s sack, Zidane was strongly linked to the Manchester United job.
The French tactician led Real Madrid to back-to-back Champions League victories before quitting the club in 2021. He is reportedly ready to return to the dugout but with the right offer.
Ruud Van Nistelroy
Erik Ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United could also be in the running to replace his former boss as the new United manager.
He has temporarily been appointed manager. Nistelroy had a legendary playing career with Manchester United and is tipped to nail the managerial spot permanently depending on how long United can find a successor and his performances on the interim charter with the club.
His most notable achievement has been the signing of former Arsenal U-18 youngster Chido Obi Martins, who scored a hat-trick in 14 minutes in his full debut for United 18.
Graham Potter
Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter could also be in the running to replace Erik ten Hag. Potter has been on a sabbatical since he was sacked as Chelsea manager in 2022.
However, close sources reveal he is eager to return to the dugout when the right offer surfaces. Potter was constantly linked to the Manchester United job while Erik ten Hag was on the saddle. He is said to have a good relationship with the club’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Gareth Southgate
Former England national team manager Gareth Southgate is another replacement option for Erik ten Hag. Southgate called time on his seven-year stint as England manager after he lost back-to-back Euro finals.
He was constantly linked to the Manchester United job amidst Erik ten Hag’s underwhelming run in United’s dugout. Southgate is also said to be a close ally to United’s newly-appointed technical director, Dan Ashworth, who recently joined the club’s hierarchy from Newcastle United.
Massimiliano Allegri
Former Juventus manager Maximilliano Allegri is another top manager with experience to take over the Manchester United job.
Massimiliano Allegri lost his job with Juventus at the end of the 2023-24 season despite leading the club to the Coppa Italia trophy.
The five-time Serie A winner is renowned for his experience in managing elite clubs in Italian football and could be in the line to replace Ten Hag.
