The 2023-2024 Premier League has made for one of the fiercest title races in recent memory. Arsenal, Liverpool, and of course, Manchester City, have all been battling for that top spot since the start of the season.
Throughout that time, Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United have been nowhere near. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have emerged as bright spots, but United still look a shadow of their former selves seen in the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Come the end of the season, it may be time for United to make another change at the helm. Gareth Southgate, anyone? That could be interesting. But the England manager has maintained a clear focus on bringing England home some silverware. With that, here are some alternative picks for the job if Ten Hag is ultimately let go come the end of the season.
Zinedine Zidane
Embed from Getty ImagesZinedine Zidane achieved arguably more than any other manager during his spell at Real Madrid. Widely considered one of the most intelligent footballers to ever exist, Zidane’s built up quite the resume since transitioning into management, having broken several club records during his time in charge of Real Madrid. One of the most high profile coaches that the Red Devils could claim, Zidane has to be toward the top of the list.
-> Zinedine Zidane – Real Madrid – Tactical Analysis (2020-21 Edition)
Graham Potter
Embed from Getty ImagesThings might not have worked out for Graham Potter at Chelsea, but that shouldn’t be a blemish on the Brit’s managerial record. Potter achieved remarkable feats with Brighton, establishing himself as one of the most impressive tacticians and man-managers all wrapped in one enigmatic persona. He could be exactly what United need to change the culture of the club back to winning ways.
-> Graham Potter – Brighton – 2022-23 Tactical Analysis
-> Graham Potter – Brighton & Hove Albion – Tactical Analysis (2021-22)
-> Graham Potter – Brighton & Hove Albion – Tactical Analysis (2020-21)
THOMAS FRANK
Embed from Getty ImagesBack in 1947, just after World War II, Brentford were a top flight side. It took them 73 years to regain entry to the league, a feat Thomas Frank achieved just two years after joining the club. Thomas Frank is excellent at working with the pieces at his disposal, and finding a way to fit his tactics to suit the players. To Erik Ten Hag’s credit, this is something that the Dutchman has done since entering the fold, relinquishing some of his football ideals in the quest to bring out the best in his team’s attack. But the adaptability that Thomas Frank has in tweaking tactics and managing conversations between players simply stands out from other candidates.
-> Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)
-> Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)
-> Thomas Frank – Brentford – Tactical Analysis (2020-21)
Roberto de Zerbi
Embed from Getty ImagesRumors have swirled surrounding Roberto de Zerbi as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. However, Manchester United also have their eye on the Italian, given the impact he’s made at Brighton & Hove Albion since taking over in 2022. This past season, the club secured qualification for the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League for the first time ever thanks to a run of good results under De Zerbi.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith the club currently in eighth place, they remain in touching distance of achieving the same again ahead of next season. But like Potter, De Zerbi excels in both being a brilliant tactician, and a brilliant man-manager. He just might be even more innovative than any other manager on this list, which makes him an interesting candidate for the Red Devils.
-> Roberto De Zerbi – Brighton – Tactical Analysis
Julian Nagelsmann
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter retiring from football at the age of 20, Julian Nagelsmann has quickly become one of the world’s best managers. He’s managed Germany the past year now after a troubled end to his spell at Bayern Munich, but remains one of the brightest young minds and innovators in the coaching space. Highly respected and a proven winner, Julian Nagelsmann must be high on the radar of the United executives.
-> Julian Nagelsmann – Bayern Munich – Tactical Analysis
THOMAS TUCHEL
Embed from Getty ImagesThomas Tuchel‘s time at Chelsea will forever go down as one of the most underrated managerial performances. If you consider how torrid of a time every other coach has had since taking over the helm and the fact that he won the Blues the Champions League with a completely revamped tactical approach, Thomas Tuchel’s time at Stamford Bridge needs to be considered a resounding success. Another serial winner and proven success story, Thomas Tuchel should be on the interview list if he’s interested in returning to the country.
-> Thomas Tuchel – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis
Gareth Southgate
Embed from Getty ImagesLast but not least, Gareth Southgate. Although his priorities remain with the national team, Southgate has to be a top choice. Despite missing out on serious silverware opportunities and a reserved approach to the game, Southgate’s time with The Three Lions should go down as one of the most successful in English football history. England lost the final of the Euros on penalty kicks, made it to the final four of the 2018 World Cup, and had a relatively success time four years later at the end of 2022. Adopting a different brand of football that isn’t always the most flashy but is often cautiously optimistic toward achieving a result, Gareth Southgate could be an interesting choice to turn United’s fortunes around.
-> England – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis
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Regardless of which candidate Manchester United select, or if they even decide to change managers, one thing is for sure: this decision will influence the way that sports betting sites view their chances next season. Whether it’s a positive or negative impact remains to be seen, but for now, Manchester United might want to start considering their candidates ahead of next season.
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