How Chelsea ‘forced’ Man United into creating four-man replacement list for Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have created a four-man replacement list for Erik ten Hag after Chelsea parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.

Manchester United have identified a four-man shortlist of potential managerial candidates as they assess the future of Erik ten Hag.

With the club set to play in the FA Cup final against Manchester City this weekend, they are reportedly creating a contingency plan should they choose to sack Ten Hag following the result.

Read More: “I wanted to join Manchester United” – Robert Lewandowski reveals how close he came to Old Trafford move

According to The Times, the list includes Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and departing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.

Despite United’s assertion that no immediate decision has been made regarding Ten Hag’s tenure, the club has reportedly accelerated its contingency plans following Chelsea’s decision to end their tenure with Pochettino, meaning Chelsea’s move has effectively forced United’s hand.

The Guardian has now reported that United will sack the manager following the fixture, regardless of the rest.

This week has seen discussions with representatives of all four of these candidates. McKenna, a former United coach, is currently in demand, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also vying for his services.

Both clubs are willing to meet his demands and the £6 million compensation fee required to release him from Ipswich. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank is also on Chelsea’s radar, indicating a competitive market for managerial talent.

Manchester United’s proactive approach reflects the high stakes and fast-moving dynamics of the managerial market.

The club aim to ensure they have strong options should they decide to make a change. As United prepare for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, the backdrop of these potential managerial shifts adds another layer of intrigue to the season’s climax.

United’s careful planning and engagement with top managerial prospects underscore their commitment to maintaining competitiveness and strategic direction, regardless of the outcome of their current campaign under Ten Hag.