Who can replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager

With the Dutchman being given the pink slip, we look at five potential replacements to fill in the hot seat.

After a string of indifferent results, Manchester United have decided to fire their manager Erik ten Hag with immediate effect.

After nine games, the Red Devils are currently languishing 14th in the Premier League table and though he had a contract till 2026, the latest 1-2 loss to West Ham United seems to have been the last nail in the Dutchman's coffin.

Appointed in April 2022, the 54-year-old, who came to Old Trafford from Ajax, led United to two domestic trophies - the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

Though United's assistant manager and ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis, it is difficult to see him take up the job on a longer basis.

Here, we look at five potential candidates, who could succeed Ten Hag in the hot seat.

Zinedine Zidane

The French World Cup-winner has been without a job since he left Real Madrid in 2021 where he helped the club win two La Liga titles, three consecutive Champions League trophies along with many Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups. If United is looking at some one who can deliver trophies, then Zidane fits the bill perfectly.

Zidane's patient approach would do good to United's dugout. But it remains to be seen if he would take up the United job even if it is offered as there are rumours that he is more keen on the French national team job.

Xavi Hernandez

The Spaniard too is jobless like Zidane after leaving Catalan giants Barcelona at the end of the last season. Xavi learned the tricks of the trade during his stint with Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd and carried over the good work forward at Camp Nou.

Whether he will be ready to relocate to England remains a bone of contention as generally Spanish managers having found the going tough in Premier League.

Gareth Southgate

If United are looking for an out-and-out English manager, then Southgate would be the right choice. The ex national team manager who helped England reach back-to-back Euro Cup had been heavily rumoured for the top job ever since Ten Hag was under the owners' radar following a string of poor performances.

Dan Ashworth, the Sporting Director of United has cordial relation with Southgate, something which started from their FA days. Southgate is more practical-oriented manager than theoretical and whether that goes in line with United's thought process remains a concern.

Massimiliano Allegri

A 'serial winner' in Italy, Allegri is also another manager, who is currently out of contract and looking for a job after ending his highly successful stint with Serie A giants Juventus. He brings wealth of experience to the table and with his no-nonsense attitude, should ideally fit into the United dug out which looks rag-tagged now. His calm and composure is also something which a badly disjointed United needs now.

Graham Potter

Potter is looking for a redemption after an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea and United would just be the club that could turn his fortunes back. After a highly successful coaching career at Brighton, Potter moved to Chelsea where he had an eminently forgettable outing. Though he has kept a low profile since his sacking from Chelsea one and half years ago, his simple-but-effective approach could be what United needs at this hour.