De Zerbi, Pochettino & Tuchel: Who Are The Leading Candidates To Replace Erik Ten Hag At Manchester United This Summer?

While Manchester United might have sprung a famous FA Cup upset at Wembley over the weekend as they clinched a 2-1 victory against bitter local rivals Manchester City, it appears that Erik ten Hag will still be giving his Old Trafford marching orders over the coming weeks.

Although the former Ajax boss might have guided United to a 13th FA Cup crown to Wembley on Saturday afternoon, ten Hag has found a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders.

With the Premier League heavyweights eventually forced to settle for an eighth-place finish this season, they have also broken a host of unwanted records.

With continued speculation that the new Old Trafford hierarchy are looking for a change in the dugout during the summer break, we have taken a look at who the leading contenders are to replace ten Hag in the red half of Manchester.

Roberto De Zerbi

While there might have been plenty of speculation over Roberto De Zerbi‘s long-term future with Brighton over the past few months, it still came as a real shock on May 18th as the Seagulls announced the ex-Sassuolo boss would be leaving the Amex this summer.

Coming in and replacing Graham Potter back in September 2022, the Italian tactician has received a string of plaudits from across the Premier League and it is no secret De Zerbi has attracted plenty of heavyweight interest.

Previously linked out as a potential contender to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, the 44-year-old has made it clear that he is not seeking to take an extended break and would love to take charge at another Premier League outfit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Guiding the Seagulls to a maiden Europa League adventure and gaining a reputation for his free-flowing approach, it appears that De Zerbi is high on Manchester United’s list of candidates to replace ten Hag at Old Trafford.

With United’s new hierarchy looking to make an official decision over the next couple of weeks, The Guardian reported on Monday that the now-former Brighton manager has been sounded out behind the scenes.

Manchester United sound out Roberto De Zerbi about becoming new manager https://t.co/no0KvkskUB

— jamie jackson (@JamieJackson___) May 27, 2024

Mauricio Pochettino

Watching Chelsea win all of their final five Premier League appearances this season and storming their way to a shock top-six finish, it appeared that Mauricio Pochettino had finally found some stability in SW6.

However, in what was a staggering announcement earlier in the month, Chelsea confirmed that the former Tottenham boss would be leaving Stamford Bridge after just a year in west London.

Although it might appear that Pochettino was at the heart of a public battle behind the scenes with the Blues’ hierarchy, the 52-year-old could be set for an immediate Premier League return over the coming days.

Previously linked with a move to Old Trafford prior to ten Hag’s arrival in the summer of 2022, it has been heavily suggested that the ex-Spurs boss is more than open to finally taking over the reigns in Manchester.

Now officially a managerial free agent and stating that he has no interest in taking an extended break, The Telegraph reported over the weekend that United have already held discussions with Pochettino team.

“He met INEOS about the Nice job, clearly it’s one to watch” 👀

The Athletic’s David Ornstein discusses Mauricio Pochettino potentially replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager 🔴 pic.twitter.com/4CEBuY9KLF

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 21, 2024

Thomas Tuchel

Shockingly relinquishing their Bundesliga crown this season and suffering an infamous Champions League collapse, it is no secret that Bayern Munich endured a nightmare campaign in Bavaria this season.

With it once again confirmed earlier in the month that there will not be a U-turn and Thomas Tuchel would be leaving the Allianz this summer, the former Chelsea boss has remained heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Stating on numerous occasions over the past couple of months that he is keen on securing an almost immediate Premier League return, Tuchel has reportedly stated privately about his desire to take over at Old Trafford.

With some suggestions that both parties have already agreed on initial terms, The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Bayern’s hierarchy believe that Tuchel will replace ten Hag ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Guiding Chelsea to just a second Champions League title in May 2021, it has been suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a huge admirer of the 50-year-old.

“Tuchel has had loose contact with Manchester United” 🔴

Could Thomas Tuchel be on his way back to the Premier League 👀pic.twitter.com/nRXv1g6MNK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2024