Manchester United's new ownership have identified potential replacements for Erik ten Hag in preparation for the potential of sacking the Dutchman.
Ten Hag's future at the club is still not 100% secure, despite a recent good run of form, United's 2-1 home loss to Fulham has made a huge dent in the seemingly good progress in 2024.
Last week it was confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acquired 25% of the club.
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The British billionaire outlined his plans for the club in a recent interview, making no illusion that the club are a long way from competing with their local rivals Manchester City.
“We have a lot to learn from our noisy neighbour and the other neighbour,” he said.
“They are the enemy at the end of the day. There is nothing I would like better than to knock both of them from their perch.”
According to a 'well-placed' Manchester Evening News source, Ratcliffe is "not completely sold" on Ten Hag and is exploring options for the managerial position.
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Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi is reportedly the name at the top of United's list, however, the Italian coach is also one of the favourites to take over the reins at City after Pep Guardiola.
De Zerbi burst onto the scene in the Premier League after replacing Graham Potter at Brighton in 2022.
Brighton's high-pressing, possession-based football has been a joy to watch and the 41-year-old has been getting the results as well, as he took Brighton to Europe for the first time with a sixth-placed finish last season.
De Zerbi's men have carried their performance into the current season, as they sit seventh in the Premier League and cruised out of their Europa League group so there is no surprise United are interested.
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Despite a relatively promising first season in charge, the standards have slipped at United, Fulham's victory at the weekend was United's eighth home defeat of the campaign.
If United lose just one more game at home this season they will equal the unwanted record of most home losses ever in a single season.
With new ownership now at the helm, it is critical that Ten Hag demonstrates he is the right man to lead the club forward.
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Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Roberto De Zerbi, Premier League, Manchester City
Tom Jenkins