Next Man Utd manager: Fresh talks with Pochettino as Tuchel falls in power ranking

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 28 Mar 2022 17:51 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have started their hunt for the man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the club’s manager on a full-time basis in earnest.

Since Solskjaer was sacked in the autumn, Ralf Rangnick has been in temporary charge, though it is clear that it is not a position he is about to take on full-time. Instead, he will step into a role as sporting director on a two-year contract.

Man Utd will have a vacuum to fill on the bench in the summer, but how will they do it?

Here is FootballTransfers’ Power Ranking of likely candidates.

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6. Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti might be the man that Man Utd need, but he is unlikely to be the one they get. Less than a year into what appears to be a successful adventure at Real Madrid, it’s hard to see him leaving the Bernabeu side at this juncture. With rumours of Kylian Mbappe heading to Spain, there is no reason for him to leave, and with Los Blancos safely into the last eight of the Champions League and top of La Liga, there is no reason for him to be sacked.

5. Thomas Tuchel

Just a couple of weeks ago, there appeared a genuine chance that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel might wind up at Manchester United.

The Stamford Bridge side had been plunged into crisis due to sanctions taken out against owner Roman Abramovich and there was even doubt as to how they might pay their players.

It seems that this issue has been at least partially resolved and the likelihood is now that Tuchel will stay put.

Nevertheless, it is a position that remains fluid.

Rangnick, meanwhile, has only partially distanced himself from a possible move for the former Borussia Dortmund and PSG boss, who led Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021.

“It doesn’t make sense to even think or speculate about Thomas Tuchel to join Manchester United,” he said before adding: “I like his style, he is a top manager.”

4. Antonio Conte

Tottenham boss Conte has affirmed his commitment to Spurs in recent days. Speaking on Friday, he said: “For sure at the moment there is only one truth - I am committed to this club for another year.”

He also added: “My ambition is to be competitive and to fight to win. I want this and I know my heart, my soul, my mind wants these things. I hope myself and the club match each other in this situation.”

If Spurs struggle between now and the end of the season, then, Conte could be out, having been deeply unhappy about the lack of support he was given by the board in January. This issue is likely to arise again in the summer, although that may be too late for Man Utd’s purposes.

3. Diego Simeone

Things finally appear to be going stale for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, and it may be that both parties feel this summer is a good time to change.

If that is the chase, Man Utd would be well advised to at least consider the Argentine given what he has achieve in the Spanish capital.

A reputation for pragmatic football, however, counts against him - but Man Utd have seen first hand how effective it can be as Atleti knocked them out of the Champions League.

2. Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino has been a long-term target for Manchester United yet the deal has never been done. In the summer, though, the Argentine will surely find himself out of a job after 18 months of failure at PSG. The timing is perfect for a move to Old Trafford.

However, caution should be exercised over whether this is the best move for Man Utd. The Red Devils suffer from many of the same problems that PSG do, and Pochettino was unable to unpick those in a difficult 18 months.

Foot Mercato reports that a fresh round of talks were held in March, fuelling the rumours. It is stressed, however, that Man Utd are ready to take their time over a decision.

1. Erik ten Hag

Leaping up to top spot is Erik ten Hag.

The Ajax manager has thrived in the strong structure he has around him in the Netherlands and has particularly impressed by leading the Amsterdam side in such an accomplished manner in the Champions League. Questions have to be asked as to whether he can make the sudden transition to a super club like Man Utd.

Ten Hag seems to be more a romantic appointment than one born out of practicality but he has the fans' backing, which is clearly important.