Manchester United's four-man list of Erik ten Hag replacements and pros and cons of each

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly under huge pressure at Old Trafford

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 13/12/2023

- 15:59

The Dutchman could lose his job amid a dreadful season at Old Trafford

Manchester United reportedly have four names in mind if they're forced into sacking Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman has overseen a nightmare campaign so far and pressure is rising ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with fierce rivals Liverpool.


Revelo in Spain say United could axe Ten Hag in the near future, with the 53-year-old unable to get the best from his players.

GB News now takes a look at the four names being linked and the pros and cons of each potential appointment.

Julen Lopetegui

Manchester United Julen Lopetegui Roberto De Zerbi

Manchester United reportedly have admiration for Julen Lopetegui and Roberto De Zerbi

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Pros: The report says the United hierarchy have been enthused by the work Lopetegui has done throughout his career.

He's been successful with Sevilla, did well at Wolves and has a proven track record after also doing well at Porto.

Lopetegui is available meaning that, if United sack Ten Hag, the Spaniard could come in right away.

Cons: While Lopetegui is undeniably a good manager, it's unclear if he has the credentials to manage a top club.

His stint as Spain boss was underwhelming and he was unable to coax the best from his squad at Real Madrid.

Lopetegui would, therefore, potentially struggle to work any magic at United.

Roberto De Zerbi

Pros: Plays attractive football at Brighton and is considered one of the best young managers on the planet.

He's even been tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City due to his work at the Amex Stadium.

And playing attractive football is another reason why United are rumoured to be considering his appointment behind the scenes.

Cons: De Zerbi is a great manager but he's still unproven at the highest level.

As David Moyes will testify, there's something behemoth about managing United compared to other clubs.

It's no easy task. Whether De Zerbi would be out of his depth remains to be seen.

Graham Potter

Pros: Graham Potter is, like Lopetegui, currently on the market.

The Englishman exceeded expectations at Brighton and laid the groundwork for Roberto De Zerbi's attractive side.

Potter would arrive at United with fire burning inside due to the poor way his stint at Chelsea turned out.

Cons: His time at Chelsea is a black mark on his record.

He couldn't get the best from the egos inside the Blues dressing room - so why would it be any different at United?

Furthermore, it's unclear if Potter would be an upgrade on Ten Hag or a sideways move.

Zinedine Zidane

Pros: Zinedine Zidane would bring an aura to United, something Ten Hag seems to lack.

He is one of the most-decorated managers in the modern game after steering Real Madrid to three straight Champions League triumphs during his first stint at the Bernabeu.

And Zidane's attacking philosophy would likely be implemented if he moved to Old Trafford.

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Zinedine Zidane

Manchester United are said to have Zinedine Zidane under consideration

Cons: Zidane hasn't managed in two years, now.

While that isn't too long, sometimes things evolve. Zidane would, therefore, face scrutiny.

A language barrier could also be an issue given the Frenchman's English isn't perfect. However, being out of work for two years is arguably a bigger issue.

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