From Allegri to Zidane: Grading Man Utd's candidates to take over from Ten Hag

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 Oct 2024 12:00 CDT
• 5 min read

Erik ten Hag is in his third season at Manchester United - and the chances of him facing the sack are higher than ever.

The Dutchman has gone winless in four games, his most recent result being a 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto. United currently sit 13th in the Premier League after six games, adding to the growing discontent among fans.

Dissatisfaction has been mounting since the club's 3-0 loss to Tottenham, where Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before half-time during a lacklustre first half. The situation only deteriorated from there, with United succumbing to a home defeat.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Reports suggest that Ineos, the club's co-owners overseeing football operations, may sack Ten Hag if he fails to secure a win - or at least deliver a strong performance - against Aston Villa this weekend. Several potential replacements have already been mentioned, and FootballTransfers has graded each candidate, with A being the highest and F the lowest.

Thomas Tuchel - B

Thomas Tuchel is a Champions League-winning manager, but his time at Bayern last season raised concerns.

He clashed with key players like Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, showed tactical limitations that impacted the defence, and failed to mount a serious title challenge. Still, Tuchel remains one of the best managers in the world, and one disappointing spell doesn't define his abilities. At United, it feels like he could bring the squad together and make things click.

Graham Potter - B

Graham Potter was once regarded as the best English coach in the world. He transformed Brighton from relegation candidates into serious contenders. However, his stint at Chelsea was disastrous, leading to his dismissal after just half a season.

Out of work since 2023, Potter recently expressed interest in taking on a new challenge. His motivational style and positive, progressive football could be a great fit for United.

Zinedine Zidane - A

Zinedine Zidane has been out of management for a considerable time but boasts an impressive resume. In his first tenure at Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies. During his second spell, he added another La Liga title before leaving in 2021 after a trophyless season. Zidane is a natural leader who commands respect, and no player at United would feel bigger than him, ensuring top performances.

Massimiliano Allegri - D

Massimiliano Allegri's second stint at Juventus was disappointing. His tactics appeared outdated, and they stifled some of the club’s brightest talents. Juventus would have sacked him earlier if they could have afforded his compensation package.

Ruud van Nistelrooy - C

FootballTransfers was the first to report that United's assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, could be offered the job if Ten Hag leaves, potentially signing a contract until 2026. He had a promising spell at PSV, despite causing some friction among the squad.

Gareth Southgate - D

Gareth Southgate is a polarising figure. While many at Ineos have a close relationship with the former England boss, his conservative tactics are not suited to a club like United.

Frank Lampard - E

Frank Lampard has yet to prove himself beyond a decent run in the Championship with Derby. His spells at Chelsea were underwhelming, and he is currently out of work. Lampard would be an ill-fit for United, a club that would likely sack him just months into his tenure.

Marco Silva - A

The Transfers Podcast, in collaboration with FootballTransfers, revealed that Fulham's Marco Silva is under consideration by Ineos.

Silva has improved every club he's managed, including Everton, where some feel he was unfairly dismissed. His steady progression makes him an attractive option.

Edin Terzic - D

Edin Terzic led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, but the team’s league performance was poor. Dortmund finished fifth in the Bundesliga, leading to Terzic's departure this summer.