Manchester United’s Struggles Continue
Manchester United fans are experiencing a recurring nightmare as the team remains without a goal in three consecutive Premier League matches. A goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday followed a poor start to the season, with only eight points from their first seven games and a goal difference of minus three, marking the worst season opening in the club’s Premier League history. Manchester United executives are now facing tough decisions regarding the future of manager Erik ten Hag.
Management Review and Future Discussions
Despite initial discussions with managerial candidates like Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, United opted to retain Ten Hag during the summer transfer window. Performance data likely influenced this decision, as evidenced by United’s ClubElo rating reflecting a lack of improvement since Ten Hag’s appointment. He expressed confidence in the support from club executives, stating, “We are all there on one page, one boat.”
Today, as the ownership group, including co-owners Joel Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, meets in London, Ten Hag’s future will be a focal point of the discussions. The executives will need to consider if there are currently better managerial alternatives available than what they assessed last summer.
Potential Managerial Alternatives
As speculation arises about possible replacements for Ten Hag, The Athletic highlights various candidates who could potentially fit the bill, ranging from experienced managers to up-and-coming tacticians. Gareth Southgate, linked with the club due to his relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford, is viewed by some as an option who could bring stability amid the ongoing transition at United.
Zinedine Zidane, with his impressive managerial track record at Real Madrid, offers a strong character who could effectively manage a diverse squad. Alternatively, Massimiliano Allegri, formerly of Juventus, brings tactical acumen and proven leadership even though his recent stint did not produce spectacular results.
Options to Consider in the Coaching Landscape
Amid discussions of former players and favoured candidates, current assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and Kieran McKenna, who has found success at Ipswich Town, are mentioned as potential managerial prospects. However, McKenna recently committed to Ipswich, making an immediate move unlikely.
Other promising managerial candidates include Eric Roy of Brest and Frank Schmidt of Heidenheim, who have both demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective leagues. Meanwhile, Dino Toppmoller, at Eintracht Frankfurt, is making waves early in the season, and Thomas Tuchel remains a high-profile name on grocery lists.
Additionally, Peter Bosz and Gian Piero Gasperini have showcased impressive results in their coaching careers, suggesting that United’s search might benefit from looking at successes in different contexts. Finally, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is making a name for himself in the Premier League with an aggressive style that reflects a clear coaching identity—something United is still seeking under Ten Hag.
As Manchester United grapples with its identity and performance this season, the decisions made within the coming weeks may significantly shape the club’s future.
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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