Ten Hag Favourite in Sack Race – Who Could be Next in the Hot Seat?

Another year, another fortune spent in the transfer window, and still Manchester United disappoint – leaving supporters and fans of the best Online betting sites scratching their heads. Spurs were the latest side to inflict pain on the Old Trafford faithful on Sunday afternoon, as Ange Postecoglou’s men comprehensively outplayed the hapless Red Devils before and after the 42nd-minute dismissal of United skipper Bruno Fernandes. It finished 0-3, but it could easily have been six, with many viewing the opening 45 minutes as the worst of the Erik ten Hag era. As is always the case following a string of poor performances, the buck stops with the manager. Last season, the Dutchman could reasonably point to an overload of injuries across his back line as a mitigating factor for an eighth-place finish, with victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final helping to paper over the cracks. Six games into the new campaign, he is running out of excuses. If - and at this stage, it remains an if - ten Hag receives his marching orders, who could the new ownership group call upon to restore the club to the glories expected by their legions of fans? If the betting markets are any guide, the following five men may be most likely to step into the breach. Ruud Van Nistelrooy – Already a legend at Old Trafford, having rattled in 150 goals in 2019 appearances, Van Nistelrooy currently serves as assistant manager to ten Hag, having signed a two-year deal in July 2024. He’s the current favourite to take over with most Sportsbooks but has limited experience for a job of this scale – his senior management CV consists of a year in charge at PSV Eindhoven. Gareth Southgate – Ex-England manager Southgate could be ready for a return to club management following the Three Lions near miss at Euro 2024 and may find it hard to say no if the Red Devils come calling. Despite failing to end England’s trophy drought, Southgate came closer than most and deserves credit for restoring pride in the National game. However, his pragmatic style may count against him, and his latest spell in the club game saw him relegated with Middlesbrough in 2008/09. Thomas Tuchel – Out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in May 2024, 51-year-old Thomas Tuchel remains hugely respected in the game for his new tactical approach. A league winner in France and Germany and the man who led Chelsea to Champions League triumph in 2021/22, the German-born coach has an excellent CV and may prove popular with fans. Kieran McKenna – If United opt for an up-and-coming British manager, current Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is the clear frontrunner. Forced into early playing retirement due to a hip injury, the Northern Irishman has made an electric start to his managerial career. Quickly transforming Ipswich into a winning machine, he led the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions in 2022/23 and 2023/24. A boyhood Manchester United fan, he has previously served on the first-team coaching staff. Graham Potter – Another to feel the wrath of Todd Boehly at Chelsea, Potter remains widely admired in the game despite that brief spell at Stamford Bridge. Touted as a future England manager in some quarters, he may feel he has unfinished business at club level, following his stellar work at Swedish outfit Östersund and down on the south coast with Brighton&Hove Albion. Employing a possession-based, versatile, attacking philosophy, he may at least bring the entertainment factor back to this floundering squad.