Revealed: Man Utd managerial candidates have ‘reservations’ over replacing Erik ten Hag because of constant criticism from club legends
Reports suggest that potential candidates for Manchester United’s managerial position are hesitating to step into the shoes of Erik ten Hag, primarily due to the relentless criticism he faces from club legends.
The Dutch manager’s future at Old Trafford hangs precariously in the balance, with United already compiling a shortlist of possible replacements. However, the vocal disapproval from former players like Michael Owen and Paul Scholes, who recently demanded Ten Hag’s immediate dismissal after a dismal 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Owen and Scholes didn’t stop at merely advocating for Ten Hag’s ousting; they even proposed handing the reins to his assistant, Steve McClaren, for the remainder of the season in hopes of salvaging better results. Such outspokenness from ex-players, coupled with the constant scrutiny and debate around the manager’s performance, has given pause to prospective candidates eyeing the United job.
The situation is exacerbated by the regularity with which former United stars like Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, and Roy Keane make headlines with their critiques. This ongoing saga of ex-players voicing strong opinions about the club’s direction has left some potential candidates wary of stepping into such a contentious environment.
According to insider sources, the overwhelming presence of ex-players reminiscing about past glories and offering unsolicited managerial advice is perceived as counterproductive. This environment of intense scrutiny and criticism may deter prospective managers from taking on the challenging role at Old Trafford.
Among the names rumored to be on United’s managerial shortlist are Thomas Tuchel, who expressed his fondness for England during his time at Chelsea, and Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid boss keeping a close eye on developments. Even Jose Mourinho has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring, although the club seems reluctant to welcome him back.
With Champions League qualification now out of reach, United finds themselves in eighth place in the Premier League. Their upcoming matches against Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton present significant hurdles as they aim for Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification. The FA Cup final against Manchester City offers another shot at European football, but the Red Devils must overcome a formidable opponent after narrowly edging past Coventry City in the semi-finals.
