One of Serie A’s most promising managers could take Erik Ten Hag’s place at Manchester United, according to internal talks.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that United was considering Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and Gareth Southgate as possible Ten Hag replacements should the Dutchman step down from his position at Old Trafford this summer.
It is said that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has assumed leadership of the team’s football operations, is evaluating the qualifications and suitability of potential successors.
The article stated that additional managers and coaches are also being considered, even though the aforementioned three are among the top picks.
In fact, according to TeamTalk, Ratcliffe and his representatives have “internally discussed” a surprise transfer for Thiago Motta, the boss of Bologna.
Bologna, led by the former midfielder for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, finished fourth in Serie A, ahead of Napoli, Roma, and Atalanta.
Regarded as one of the top young coaches in Europe right now, Motta, 41, has his team vying for a Champions League spot. The article also stated that other European teams, notably Juventus, the biggest team in Italy, are keeping an eye on Motta.
Ten Hag signed a three-year deal with United in June 2022, with an additional year option after leaving Ajax.
Ratcliffe’s statement last month that United’s qualification for the Champions League next season is “important” in terms of the team’s compliance with Financial Fair Play rules has put pressure on the Dutchman to keep his position.
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Following Ratcliffe’s remarks, United has dropped its last two Premier League games against Fulham and Manchester City, and is currently 11 points out of fourth place.
A Champions League spot could possibly become available for fifth, contingent on England’s UEFA coefficient. In that scenario, United would have to catch up to Tottenham—who still have a game in hand—by six points in order to move up to fifth place.
