Manchester United players have reportedly already chosen their preferred candidate for a potential new head coach amidst uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future. Following a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, rumors are circulating that the United dressing room is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the current manager’s leadership.
Although United started the season positively with a victory over Fulham, they have since gone three matches without a win, slipping to 13th place in the Premier League standings.
Despite making significant summer signings such as Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, the team’s results have not reflected the investment. The Manchester United board is reportedly planning to reassess the situation during the upcoming autumn international break, according to a report by the Daily Star.
Ten Hag’s position has been under scrutiny throughout the summer, despite leading the team to an FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May. There have been rumors that United has approached several potential replacements. Although Ten Hag recently signed a contract extension until 2026, it remains uncertain whether he will see it through amidst ongoing challenges and speculation.
If Ten Hag were to depart, reports suggest that United’s players are in favor of an internal promotion, with assistant coach and former club star Ruud Van Nistelrooy as their top choice. Van Nistelrooy, a fan-favorite, scored 150 goals in 219 games for United under Sir Alex Ferguson. After retiring from playing in 2012, the Dutchman transitioned into coaching, starting with Jong PSV before managing PSV’s first team. He won the 2022/23 KNVB Cup and guided the team to regular European competitions.
Other coaches linked with a possible role at United include Inter’s Simone Inzaghi, who is among the favorites, and former England boss Gareth Southgate. Southgate is in the mix after stepping down from his national team role following a narrow defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
