Why Man Utd have to be more Liverpool than Chelsea in manager hunt

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 7 Mar 2024 11:43 GMT
• 4 min read

Erik ten Hag's probable departure in the upcoming summer marks yet another predictable cycle for Manchester United.

It follows a pattern for the Red Devils, where a new coach is appointed, and presides over a decent debut season after a hefty spending spree in the transfer market, only for the team to crumble later. This collapse often coincides with players airing grievances about the intensity of training sessions to the national press with the aim to preverse their reputations.

And now Ten Hag appears destined to join the ranks of predecessors like Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with an exit looming.

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But the Dutchman must take his share of the blame. His tenure has been marred by some of the club's most ill-advised signings, coupled with a lack of consistency on the pitch. The reliance on late heroics from players like Scott McTominay this season and a purple patch from Marcus Rashford last term papered over the cracks and may have been the only factors preventing an earlier managerial change for the club.

Now with Ineos at the helm, things will undoubtedly change: the old way of doing things has resolutely failed time and time again. With the impending vacancy at Man Utd, various names have surfaced as potential successors, including Brentford’s Thomas Frank, free agent Graham Potter, and England head coach Gareth Southgate — all possessing Premier League experience.

However, history cautions against the effectiveness of appointing coaches dismissed from their previous English positions. Mauricio Pochettino's stint at Chelsea this term is a big example. There is a pool of coaches in England who all interchange jobs - rarely has this seen success.

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In contrast, Liverpool and Manchester City offer a contrasting blueprint for success. Liverpool secured Jurgen Klopp from Borussia Dortmund in 2015, while Manchester City opted for Pep Guardiola a year later, neither of whom had prior Premier League experience. Today, Klopp and Guardiola stand as two of the Premier League's best coaches.

Thiago Motta a candidate to replace Erik ten Hag

But could Thiago Motta be the answer? The Italian has enjoyed a distinguished playing career, showcasing his talents at Barcelona, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain, and this has transitioned to a coaching level. He had a brief stint with Genoa before assuming the role at Spezia for a season. Following that, he took charge as the coach of Bologna, where he successfully led the team for two years.

The side sit in fourth position in Serie A, offering an opportunity for a Champions League spot if their form continues. The team have not played in Europe's premier competition since 1965 while and their last finish higher than fifth in Serie A dating back to 1967.

Given his outsider perspective and proven track record, Motta would undoubtedly make a valuable addition to Man Utd. With a converted and new recruitment team to help him and a focus on coaching, Motta should be seriously considered.