Following Manchester United’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, club officials are reportedly considering a change in leadership, with Erik ten Hag’s future now under heavy scrutiny.
The loss, which took place at Old Trafford, represents one of the lowest points in Ten Hag’s reign as United’s manager.
Spurs controlled the match from start to finish, raising serious concerns about the Dutchman’s ability to steer the team back to its former glory.
As a result, speculation has grown around the club’s next potential managerial move, with some high-profile names being linked to the job.
Among the names being considered are Gareth Southgate, the current England national team coach, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Manchester United legend and former manager of PSV Eindhoven.
Both have been mentioned in various reports as potential candidates to replace Ten Hag, but it appears the club may have already narrowed their focus to one particular individual.
According to insiders, Manchester United’s board has identified a preferred successor in case they decide to part ways with Ten Hag.
The speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future isn’t entirely new.
Prior to the current season, there were already rumblings within the club’s upper management about the Dutchman’s performance.
United finished eighth in the Premier League last season, marking their worst league result since the competition’s inception in 1992.
The disappointing finish led to frustration among fans and club officials alike, sparking conversations about whether Ten Hag was the right man for the job.
These doubts seemingly prompted United’s new co-owners, INEOS, to engage in preliminary talks with several top-tier managers during the summer as they assessed the team’s future.
The current crisis deepened with Sunday’s defeat, where Tottenham comprehensively outplayed United.
The result exacerbated existing concerns about Ten Hag’s tactical approach and his ability to inspire the squad, which has looked disjointed and inconsistent for much of the season.
With key players underperforming and the team lacking cohesion, the pressure on Ten Hag has mounted.
The Manchester United fanbase, known for its high expectations, has become increasingly restless as the team struggles to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
Reports now suggest that the United board, including the co-owners, are not waiting for another prolonged period of poor results before making a decision.
If the club’s fortunes do not improve swiftly, they are ready to make a managerial change.
This has led to growing anticipation that Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford could soon come to an end, with the board already lining up a replacement behind the scenes.
While Gareth Southgate and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been mentioned, it’s unclear whether either of them is the board’s top choice.
Southgate has enjoyed considerable success with the England national team, leading them to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.
His calm, methodical approach could appeal to United’s management, who may be looking for a steady hand to guide the club through its current turbulence.
On the other hand, Van Nistelrooy’s deep connection to the club as a former player makes him an attractive option from a sentimental standpoint.
His managerial experience, however, is limited compared to Southgate’s.
Despite these rumors, Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain.
While the board is reportedly preparing for a potential change, the final decision may hinge on United’s performances in the coming weeks.
If results improve, Ten Hag could still have a chance to salvage his job.
However, if the poor form continues, it seems increasingly likely that Manchester United will make a bold move to secure new leadership in their quest to return to the top of English football.
