Internal talks held at Manchester United over Erik ten Hag

Internal discussions were reportedly held at Manchester United regarding the potential replacement of current manager Erik ten Hag with one of Serie A’s most promising coaches.

According to reports from ESPN on Wednesday, Manchester United are exploring options including Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, and Gareth Southgate as potential successors to ten Hag should he depart from his role at Old Trafford this summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has assumed control of football operations at the club, is said to be evaluating the qualifications and availability of potential candidates for the managerial position.

While De Zerbi, Frank, and Southgate are among the top choices, other managers and coaches are also being considered, as reported by TeamTalk.

In a surprising twist, discussions have allegedly taken place within the United hierarchy regarding a possible move for Bologna manager Thiago Motta.

The 41-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has led Bologna to an impressive fourth-place position in Serie A, surpassing renowned clubs such as Roma, Atalanta, and last season’s champions Napoli.

Motta’s success with Bologna has earned him recognition as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, with various European clubs, including Juventus, reportedly monitoring his progress.

Erik ten Hag, who arrived at Manchester United from Ajax in June 2022 on a three-year contract with the option for an additional year, is facing increasing pressure to retain his position.

Ratcliffe recently emphasized the importance of qualifying for the Champions League next season in terms of the club’s compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations.

However, United’s recent form, including consecutive Premier League defeats against Fulham and Manchester City, has intensified scrutiny on ten Hag, with the team currently trailing by 11 points from fourth place in the league standings.