Manchester United have explored several possible replacements for Erik ten Hag before making a decision on the Dutchman's future after the FA Cup final, sources have told ESPN.
Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford is in serious doubt after a miserable second season in charge.
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United recorded their lowest ever Premier League result and will need to beat Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday to qualify for Europe.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, led by Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, have brought in input from a number of candidates who could potentially replace ten Hag.
Candidates include Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, both free agents after leaving Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively, as well as current Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Brentford manager Thomas Frank. Informal talks have been held with representatives of all four potential candidates, sources told ESPN.
McKenna, who guided Ipswich back to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions after taking over in December 2021, worked as an assistant to former United managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with a source telling ESPN I would be excited. for the opportunity to return to Old Trafford.
McKenna, 38, is also of interest to Brighton and Chelsea, but a source told ESPN that United would likely be his first choice if he were offered the job.
Sources have told ESPN that there are members of the new football leadership team at United, installed by Ratcliffe and Brailsford, who would be in favor of appointing a promising young manager if Ten Hag is sacked rather than choosing a manager. with more experience.
England manager Gareth Southgate and former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter have also been linked with the job.
Ten Hag, 54, has one year left on his contract and, according to a source, turned down the opportunity to speak to Bayern Munich about their vacant coaching position due to his desire to stay at United.
Ratcliffe, however, has repeatedly refused to give Ten Hag public assurances that he will remain in office beyond the summer. Sources have told ESPN that the decision on Ten Hag's future will be based on his two years in charge and will not be overly influenced by the result of the cup final against City.
Sources close to Ratcliffe and Ineos insist that a decision on ten Hag has not yet been made and that all options remain open.
