After an embarrassing start to the Premier League season, Manchester United have finally pulled the plug and parted ways with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian survived the 5-0 humiliation against Liverpool and the 2-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby, but the final nail in the coffin was United’s shock 4-1 defeat to newly-promoted Watford. First-team coach Michael Carrick has been appointed as the interim manager until United find a successor, and today we look at four managers who could replace Ole at the wheel.
▶ ZINEDINE ZIDANE
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The most high-profile manager that is currently available is Zinedine Zidane, who has been heavily linked with the United job over the years. Zidane is the only manager in history to win three Champions League trophies in a row, and the Frenchman already has plenty of experience in dealing with a squad of superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo from his time at Real Madrid. Zidane’s man-management and profile are exactly what the Red Devils need right now, but the question remains whether the two-time La Liga winner will want to take up the poisoned chalice that is the Manchester United job.
▶ BRENDAN RODGERS
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Another manager whose name has constantly been associated with the United job has been former-Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers is the standout candidate amongst the current crop of domestic managers after achieving plenty of success in Scotland with Celtic before winning the FA Cup with Leicester City last season. Rodgers would bring back an exciting attacking style of football that is considered holy to Manchester United, along with a clear tactical identity with and without the ball that was missing under Solskjaer.
▶ MAURICIO POCHETTINO
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Mauricio Pochettino was on Manchester United’s shortlist after the sackings of Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, and it could be third time lucky for the current PSG manager. Pochettino has already had two successful Premier League spells with Southampton and Tottenham, and following his time in PSG, the 49-year-old now also has the experience in dealing with the egos of big-name players. The Argentinian is yet to win a trophy in his managerial career, but his impressive track record of improving teams, developing youth and instilling a clear philosophy make him an ideal candidate for the United job.
▶ ERIK TEN HAG
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Erik ten Hag is currently one of the hottest names in management after taking his Ajax side to unimaginable heights both domestically and in Europe. Ten Hag led the club to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019, and this season, his team have scored an astonishing 48 goals in all competitions while conceding only seven. The Dutchman is considered to be one of the brightest coaches in modern football and could be the one to get the most out of the wealth of attacking talent that is currently parked in Manchester.
[Featured Image Credit: Manchester United]
Shivaan Shah