The future of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United appears increasingly uncertain, with the club's new hierarchy reportedly drawing up a list of potential successors. Among the names being considered are two high-profile figures with very different career paths: club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated coach, Ruben Amorim.
The Pressure Mounts on Ten Hag
Despite guiding the team to an FA Cup final against Manchester City, Erik ten Hag's position as Manchester United manager is under intense scrutiny. The 2023/24 Premier League campaign has been a major disappointment, with the Red Devils languishing in eighth place and facing the very real possibility of missing out on European football entirely. This poor form, coupled with a chaotic and often unconvincing style of play, has led Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group to conduct a thorough end-of-season review.
The outcome of the FA Cup final on May 25th is not expected to be the sole deciding factor in Ten Hag's fate. Instead, the new decision-makers at Old Trafford are assessing the broader picture, including the team's development and long-term vision. This has prompted them to explore the market for alternative managerial options.
Contenders for the Hot Seat
According to reports, the shortlist of candidates is beginning to take shape. One surprising name is that of former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch goal-scoring icon has been out of management since leaving PSV Eindhoven in 2023, where he won the Dutch Cup and Super Cup. His potential appointment would be a bold, sentimental choice, banking on his deep understanding of the club's culture.
A more conventional candidate linked with the role is Ruben Amorim. The 39-year-old Sporting boss has built a formidable reputation for his tactical acumen and has just led his team to the Portuguese Liga title. He was previously a top target for Liverpool before they opted for Arne Slot, and his progressive, disciplined approach is highly admired across Europe. However, any move for Amorim would likely require United to pay a significant release clause, rumoured to be in the region of £12.8 million.
Other managers understood to be under consideration include England's Gareth Southgate, former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi. The variety of profiles indicates the club is weighing up a choice between an emerging tactical innovator and a more established, experienced hand.
What Comes Next for United?
The immediate focus is on the final league game against Brighton and the FA Cup final at Wembley. However, behind the scenes, the work to plan for next season is already in full swing. The decision on the manager is the most crucial one the new football operations team, led by Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, and potentially Dan Ashworth, will make.
Choosing a successor to Ten Hag carries enormous risk. Opting for a club legend like Van Nistelrooy could galvanise the fanbase but is a gamble on his relatively limited top-level experience. Conversely, securing a proven commodity like Amorim would signal a clear tactical direction but require a major financial outlay before the summer transfer window even opens.
The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining the direction of England's most famous club. The manager search at Manchester United is officially underway, and its conclusion will define the early era of the INEOS sporting project at Old Trafford.
