Man Utd's next manager hunt takes new twist as shock name no-one has mentioned yet 'moves to top of their wishlist'

Manchester United's hunt for a new manager to replace Erik ten Hag has taken a surprise twist, with a new name emerging as a frontrunner.

On Monday morning Erik ten Hag was finally sacked by the club following a last-gasp defeat to West Ham, which left United lurching in 14th in the Premier League table after nine games.

United already find themselves 12 points off the top after tasting defeat four times in the league and after pressure continued to increase on Ten Hag, the club made the decision to part company.

A club statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."

Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who returned as a coach in the summer, will take charge on an interim basis whole the club's top brass search for a replacement.

Although previous targets Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel have since found work in international football with the USA and England respectively, a slew of names have been linked with the vacancy.

Ruben Amorim, Xavi Hernandez, Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate are just some of the rumoured contenders.

However, according to The Sun, former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic has progressed to the very top of their shortlist.

Image: Getty

Terzic, who had a brief spell as a coach with West Ham, led Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before they lost to Real Madrid in the final.

In the season prior, Dortmund lost the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich on goal difference on a dramatic final day.

He left the post by his own request in June and United's board believe he has what it takes to bring the good times back, while Terzic himself is said to be holding out for the Old Trafford gig.