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Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate, Champions League
Chris Byfield
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate, Champions League
Manchester United are having internal discussions about replacing Erik ten Hag with one of the most promising managers in Serie A.
On Wednesday ESPN claimed that United were assessing Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate as potential successors to Ten Hag should the Dutchman leave his post at Old Trafford this summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has now taken charge of football operations at the club, is reportedly gauging the credentials and availability of possible replacements.
While the aforementioned trio are among the preferred choices, the publication claimed that other managers and coaches are also being considered.
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Indeed, TeamTalk has claimed that Ratcliffe and his officials have “internally discussed” a surprise move for Bologna boss Thiago Motta.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder had guided Bologna to fourth in Serie A, above Roma, Atalanta and last season’s champions Napoli.
With his side gunning for a Champions League spot, Motta, 41, is viewed among the best young coaches currently operating in Europe.
The publication added that a host of European clubs are monitoring Motta, including Italian giants Juventus.
Ten Hag came to United from Ajax in June 2022 on a three-year contract, with the option of a further year.
The Dutchman is under pressure to save his job with Ratcliffe having said last month that qualification for next term’s Champions League was "important" in terms of United complying with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Since Ratcliffe made those comments United have lost successive Premier League games against Fulham and Manchester City and now languish 11 points adrift of fourth-place.
Fifth may also become a Champions League spot dependent on England’s UEFA coefficient. Should that be the case United would need to close a six-point gap on Tottenham, who have a game in hand, to climb into fifth.