Serie A’s best manager OUT of race to replace Ten Hag

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 15 May 2024 15:12 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have missed out on one of their targets to replace manager Erik ten Hag this summer.

Bologna coach Thiago Motta has been on Man Utd’s shortlist to succeed Ten Hag after a brilliant season in Serie A.

However, it now seems as if Motta will be the Juventus coach for 2024-25.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer news

According to Corriere della Sera, Motta has agreed a two-year contract with the Bianconeri worth €3.5 million per season.

There is no official signature yet but this is a deal that is expected to go through.

Max Allegri is set to leave Juventus after a third disastrous season back in Turin, and talks have now reached the final stages for Motta to replace him.

This comes as a blow for Man Utd, as Motta has been considered for the manager’s job along with Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi.

Motta at Bologna

Motta has performed heroics at Bologna this season, leading them to a historic qualification to the Champions League.

This is the first time in 60 years that Bologna have qualified for the European Cup.

The former Italy midfielder has developed a host of quality players, including Riccardo Calafiori (who could join Motta at Juve) and Joshua Zirkzee, who is also liked by Man Utd.

He is considered by many to have been the best coach in Serie A this season.

United will now focus on their other managerial names, with Southgate the favourite to replace Ten Hag.

Ten Hag is almost certain to be sacked by new Man Utd part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the end of the season.

Ten Hag joined Man Utd in the summer of 2022 and enjoyed a decent first season as he took the club back into the Champions League, won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final.

However, the 2023-24 campaign has been a total disaster for Ten Hag.