Manchester United’s 9-man replacement list for Erik ten Hag outlined as one candidate ruled out

The latest reports have outlined a nine-man replacement list currently held by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag has been dismissed as Manchester United‘s manager following a challenging season that saw the team slip to 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League standings.

While underwhelming performances marked the campaign, Ten Hag’s departure was ultimately prompted by a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in East London.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as caretaker manager as United initiate their search for a permanent replacement.

At this stage, there is no clear indication of who will take on the role, with the club exploring all options. Further updates on the managerial position are expected in the coming days.

A nine-man replacement list

According to The Mirror, there is a list of nine managers who can replace Erik ten Hag at the club, all with varying degrees of difficulty concerning acquiring their services.

Four English managers are on the list. Former United coach Kieran McKenna, who is currently managing Ipswich, has been listed, and he has impressed since leaving Old Trafford for The Tractor Boys.

Beyond this, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, ex-England manager Gareth Southgate, and current Brentford head coach Thomas Frank have all been touted as potential replacements.

There is also a possibility that Ole Gunnar Solskjær could return. The Manchester Evening News has reported that United refuse to rule out a return for the Norweighan, who played for the club and managed them between 2018 and 2021.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will take charge of the club in the interim, has also been touted as a replacement option and may be in the best position to prove himself. He has impressed many at the club so far and will be able to have an informal audition as he conducts his business in the dugout.

As for managers abroad, current Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, who is making waves across European football, is listed as an option. Reports from Germany claim that United have sounded out the 39-year-old, but it’s thought he would not be available until the summer at the earliest.

Zinedine Zidane, who has been linked with the Old Trafford job ever since he left Real Madrid for the first time in 2018, is also named. However, the former French international has previously stated that he would be reluctant to take the role due to his limited understanding of English.

One candidate ruled out

The ninth manager on the list is former Barcelona midfielder and boss Xavi Hernandez. Despite never having played for the club, Xavi has always maintained an affinity for United and would be an attractive option as a free agent.

However, according to Richard Martin, Xavi is no longer among the candidates to replace Erik ten Hag.

He is committed to completing his sabbatical after leaving Barcelona in May and is enjoying his first proper break after 25 years in football.

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