Manchester United have drawn up a five-man shortlist to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick this summer, according to reports, with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and Ajax's Erik ten Hag featuring in the star-studded line-up.
Back in November, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it was agreed that former RB Leipzig director of football Rangnick would move upstairs into a consultancy role at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The German is, however, expected to play a role in hiring a new permanent coach to try and turn United's fortunes around.
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So who are they monitoring? A report from The Guardian claims that United are tracking five candidates – Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel, Ajax's Erik ten Hag, Sevilla's Julen Lopetegui, PSG's Mauricio Pochettino and Spain's Luis Enrique.
Tuchel's current situation at Chelsea is of interest as the uncertainly surrounding their future following goverment sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich continues to linger.
The 48-year-old, who helped the Blues pick up a historic Champions League win last season, also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup before recently losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes named Tuchel or Antonio Conte as his preferred options during last night's coverage of their defeat to Atletico Madrid.
"I would have gone for Conte or Tuchel now," Scholes told BT Sport.
"Possibly it looks like he [Tuchel] might be available at the end of the year. Those two are top class elite coaches who I think strike fear into players and win which is the most important thing.
"United with either one of those coaches would be a much better squad."
Scholes isn't the only former player to suggest Tuchel's expertise.
Another candidate that often crops up when discussing the next United boss is Mauricio Pochettino.
The former Spurs manager has been linked with the Old Trafford post for a number of years, with club legend Sir Alex Fergusion being a well-known fan of the Argentine.
He is certainly one of the favourites, as is Ajax's Erik ten Hag, who was recently asked if he had been practicing English ahead of potentially managing in the Premier League.
The final two candidates are believed to be Sevilla's Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique – the former Barcelona manager that 'could be the most difficult to land', according to the report, as he prepares to manage Spain at the World Cup in Qatar.
United are said to be 'intent' on finding someone to take over before the season starts. Who do you think Manchester United should hire as their new manager? Any of these candidates you agree with?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino, Erik Ten Hag, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui, Spain, Paris Saint-Germain
Jack Kenmare