Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Man Utd, Erik Ten Hag, Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Luke Davies
Manchester United’s players already know who they want as their new manager, according to a new report.
After a poor run of results, with an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford last weekend, reports suggest members of the United dressing room have had enough of manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite winning their opening game against Fulham, United have gone three games without a win and slumped to a dismal 13th place in the process despite spending big again this summer. New men Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt have shown signs of promise but Zirkzee does not fit the bill of a goalscorer that United fans crave in their side.
As for De Ligt, his man-of-the-match performance in the recent 3-0 win at Southampton, which included a goal, impressed many but there are still question marks regarding his fitness and whether he is up to speed with the intensity of the Premier League.
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According to a report in the Daily Star, the United board are waiting until the upcoming autumn international break to consider their options. Despite winning the FA Cup against Manchester City at Wembley back in May, speculation around Ten Hag’s future was rife throughout the summer, with United said to have contacted several candidates for the job.
However, the Dutch manager signed a contract extension which is set to run until at least 2026 – if he makes it that far, that is.
Reports suggest the United players would prefer an in-house appointment if Ten Hag was to leave. The dressing room’s first choice is thought to be United legend and current assistant manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The 48-year-old is a popular figure at Old Trafford, mostly due to his 150 goals in 219 games under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since retiring in 2012, following a stint at La Liga side Malaga, the Dutchman has tried his hand at coaching, first taking charge of Jong PSV in 2021. A year later, he stepped up to a first-team position. During his spell in his homeland, he guided PSV to glory, winning the 2022-23 KNVB Cup as well as regularly qualifying for European competition.
Several other notable names have been linked with the job with Simone Inzaghi, currently of Inter Milan, among the favourites to replace Ten Hag. Former England boss Gareth Southgate is also closely connected with the job after leaving his role as national team manager following the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euros final this summer.