Julen Lopetegui favourite Erik ten Hag replacement as Man United consider four options

Julen Lopetegui is considered to be the favourite option to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United following the club’s Champions League exit.

The Reds were knocked out following their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich and will not be dropping down into the Europa League after finishing last in their group.

Reports from Relevo have stated that Ten Hag’s situation at Old Trafford is now ‘very extreme’ and how former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is the favoured option to take over should the Dutchman be sacked.

It was said that Lopetegui is ‘very well-placed’ to take over the club. He has had offers from elsewhere, but his intention is to continue his career in England, as he is ‘in love’ with the culture that exists there.

Additional information explained that the United board values the work that Lopetegui did at Wolves, his command of the English language and his knowledge of the competition, as well as his experience in Europe.

This has left him in the pole position for the potential job, ahead of the likes of Zinedine Zidane – who does not speak English – Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi.

Lopetegui spent the majority of last season at the Molineux but left the midlands club in the summer. He has previously managed Real Madrid, Sevilla and Porto.

His stint at the Bernabéu was short-lived, however, the aforementioned report added that his experience in Madrid could also help him in a potential job at United.

It was stated that he has a ‘very good relationship’ with both Raphael Varane and Casemiro, who were among players ‘convinced’ by his methods.

Ten Hag took over at Old Trafford before the start of last season and led United to a third-placed finish in the Premier League. He also won the Carabao Cup and the club’s first trophy since 2017.

This term has proven to be more difficult than expected, with United sitting sixth in the league table and already out of European competition and the Carabao Cup.

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