Manchester United fans are expressing mixed opinions on who should replace Erik ten Hag, with many backing former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as the top candidate. This discussion has arisen due to speculation that Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford could be nearing its end, especially after the team’s underwhelming start to the season. Following a goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, United currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League, raising concerns about the future of the 54-year-old Dutch manager.
In the wake of these struggles, co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer paid a visit to Old Trafford on Monday. They were accompanied by the club’s chief executive Omar Berrada and Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford. Discussions about Ten Hag’s future were believed to be a key topic in a follow-up meeting between Ratcliffe and high-ranking club officials in London on Tuesday.
Despite the growing pressure and uncertainty surrounding his position, Ten Hag remains focused on improving the team’s performance rather than worrying about his job security. In a post-match interview after the draw at Villa Park, he dismissed the notion that he was under immediate threat, stating that the club’s leadership would have informed him if his job were at risk.
“They would have told me if I was in danger of losing my position. We communicate openly and transparently,” Ten Hag said. “I speak with them regularly, and we have honest conversations. What you’re hearing is just external noise. Internally, we’re disappointed, and we know we need to improve. Specifically, we need to score more goals.”
As speculation continues to swirl about potential successors, Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the fan favorite, leading polls conducted by the *Manchester Evening News*. Tuchel received 29% of the votes in a poll asking fans who they would like to see take over from Ten Hag if he were to depart. Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane came in second place with 16% of the vote.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag’s current assistant, was another popular choice, garnering 12% of the vote. Van Nistelrooy is seen as a possible interim option if a permanent replacement isn’t immediately available. Several other names were mentioned as well, including former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, each of whom received 6% of the votes.
Other candidates mentioned by fans include Michael Carrick, who earned 5% of the vote, and Kieran McKenna, who garnered 4%. Graham Potter and England manager Gareth Southgate also received mentions, but they attracted even less support, with Southgate getting only 3% of the vote.
As the pressure mounts on Ten Hag, United’s leadership will have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks. While Tuchel leads the fan vote, it remains to be seen whether the club will make a managerial change and, if so, who will ultimately take the reins at Old Trafford.
