Manchester United’s board could soon face a crucial decision regarding manager Erik ten Hag after the team’s disappointing start to the Premier League season.
After six games, United have managed just two wins, while suffering three defeats, including demoralizing home defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham.
The 3-0 defeat at Spurs has significantly increased the pressure on the Dutch manager, putting his future at Old Trafford in doubt.
The transfer technician Fabrizio Romano has stated that the the next two games are very important for the club, hinting that it could be make or break for the former Ajax man.
Asked about possible replacements, Romano has admitted that the club is not in talks with any managers or their representatives at the moment.
He said go ahead The recap podcast:
“So there’s no immediate risk for Ten Hag, that’s for sure. Man United aren’t even talking to any other manager at the moment to replace Erik ten Hag. But obviously the next two games could be important for show a reaction”.
However, he accepted that if it comes to finding a new manager, they will have names ready to approach, having already looked at a number of managers over the summer, including former England boss Gareth Southgate.
He added:
“INEOS has good experience in football and also the new managers coming to the club, like Dan Ashworth, obviously Jason Wilcox, all of them have very good relationships with various people in football, so I’m sure they would be ready.”
“You mentioned Gareth Southgate, who has always been highly regarded by INEOS. Then there’s Graham Potter available, but also, for example, in that review (over the summer), one of the managers who had a meeting with Manchester United it was Thomas Tuchel.”
“So for sure there would be candidates and for sure Manchester United could be ready. But again, it’s important to mention that at the moment they are not thinking about it.”
“They haven’t started any process to replace Ten Hag yet. They’re still with the manager, supporting the manager. Of course they want to see a reaction as soon as possible.”
Gareth Southgate is valued by INEOS
Gareth Southgate is said to be from the club preferred choice to replace ten Hag with whether they decide to separate from ten Hag.
He did a decent job with England, leading the country to two consecutive Euro finals, although they ended up losing both.
However, Southgate has attracted his fair share of critics, with fans and pundits often criticizing his style of play and his inability to bring out the best in what many believe to be England’s golden new generation.
The former England manager is said to be interested in the United job and he is willing to reject other offers to wait for the opportunity.
And while INEOS is also interested in Southgate, his appointment may not sit well with Manchester United fans, who may see him as too conservative for the club’s ambitions.
