Top five candidates to replace Erik ten Hag: Manchester United's next manager options include Southgate, Xavi and current Premier League boss

Today at 09:58 AM

Manchester United are on their hunt for their sixth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson after sacking Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils sacked the Dutchman on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham that left the club sitting 14th in the table.

That stretched a recent run to just one win in their last eight, having won only four games out of 14 across three competitions this season.

Ten Hag accused the media of brewing up ‘fairytales’ and ‘lies’ when discussing his position at Man United earlier this month.

However, two Premier League matches later his two-and-a-half-year stint at Old Trafford has been brought to an end.

In June, Ten Hag admitted that United contacted other managers about his job before he agreed a surprise contract extension.

The former Ajax gaffer had been under pressure with the club finishing eighth in the Premier League last season – United’s lowest-ever finish in the top-flight since its 1992 rebrand.

But his success in the FA Cup, his second trophy following the Carabao Cup win in 2023, was rewarded with a new one-year deal at the start of the summer.

Three months into the new season attention now turns to Ten Hag’s successor, with several names being touted.

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, both strongly linked to Man United previously, are now unavailable having each taken international jobs with England and the USA respectively.

The list of possible replacements includes at least one manager currently employed by another club and United are believed to be willing to entertain paying compensation.

Here, we’ve looked at the top-five most likely contenders to replace Ten Hag, via talkSPORT Bet’s latest odds.

Ruud van Nistelrooy – Man United interim manager (5/4)

The Red Devils are no strangers to turning to an Old Trafford hero to serve on an interim basis while they search for a new manager.

Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all taken temporary charge of United, the latter then earning a permanent contract.

Van Nistelrooy is the bookie’s favourite to emulate the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ path in being appointed should he impress in the dugout.

The legendary former United striker was a popular but surprising appointment when he laid aside his managerial aspirations to return to England as an assistant coach.

He played for United from 2001 to 2006, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club before signing for Real Madrid.

The Dutchman helped the club to a Premier League title, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.

Having retired from playing in 2021, he went on to work at PSV Eindhoven in their academy and eventually became head coach in May 2023.

After winning the 2022/23 KNVB Cup, he resigned with one match remaining in the 2022/23 Eredivisie season, citing a lack of support at boardroom level.

Gareth Southgate – Former England manager (11/4)

Ex-England boss Southgate is known to be regarded highly by United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s INEOS group and sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The 54-year-old was a speculated option for United before taking the Three Lions to Euro 2024.

Southgate left the England job just two days after their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and has been out of management since.

However, speaking earlier this month, Southgate confirmed there is no chance he will take up the role of United manager, or any other managerial post, within the next year.

“Firstly I'm enjoying my life… so there's no rush,” he said. "I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I've got lots of different experiences.

"But I won't coach in the next year, for sure. I'm certain of that.

"I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time."

Xavi Hernandez – Former Barcelona manager (5/1)

Sources in Spain claim former Barcelona boss Xavi has held talks about a move to Old Trafford.

The 2010 World Cup winner has a close relationship with United chief executive Omar Berrada from their time at the Nou Camp.

Xavi revealed in January that he would leave Spanish giants Barca this summer but then performed a U-turn and opted to stay.

However, just weeks later, it was decided that the former midfielder would leave the club and he has been out of work since June.

Xavi has flirted with the idea of managing in the Premier League in the past, and has named Marcus Rashford as one of his toughest opponents since moving to the dugout.

“I would be thrilled to work there,” he once told The Times.

“Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.

“So why not? I could see myself in England, definitely, it's one of the things I'd like to experience in my career.”

Thomas Frank – Brentford manager (6/1)

talkSPORT understands that Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also admired by the United board.

Frank has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive head coaches in recent seasons having successfully kept the Bees in the top-flight since their promotion in 2021.

The Dane was linked with the Chelsea vacancy in the summer after they mutually parted ways with Pochettino, although Enzo Maresca was their eventual replacement.

This season, Brentford have flourished despite losing Ivan Toney in the summer and are two points clear of United.

During an exclusive interview with talkSPORT this month, Frank insisted he is happy at Brentford but would not rule out leaving.

“I’ve said many times I’m very happy at Brentford,” Frank replied.

“Who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe I stay here for many years. I’m open, maybe something happens.”

One concern around the Danish boss replacing Ten Hag though, would be the fact he hasn’t managed a big club.

Julian Nagelsmann – Germany manager (6/1)

In an ironic twist of fate, United could be relying on one of Liverpool‘s greatest managers to play a part in sorting their future.

Jurgen Klopp, who masterminded a 5-0 win at Old Trafford and a 7-0 humiliation against Ten Hag, left Anfield in the summer.

He has since revealed he will become the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull in January on a long-term contract.

There is understood to be an exit option in his deal that would allow him to become the Germany national team coach.

Klopp has long been linked with the ‘Die Mannschaft’ job and is a potential future successor for current Germany boss Nagelsmann.

Having broken through as the Bundesliga's youngest-ever manager aged just 28 in 2016, the former Hoffenheim and Leipzig boss has already taken charge at the top level of club football at Bayern Munich.

Nagelsmann has previously been linked to Tottenham prior to Ange Postecoglou’s appointment, as well as one of the Chelsea contenders.

He has since restored Germany as an international powerhouse, having led them to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 on home soil where they lost to eventual winners Spain in extra-time.

Nagelsmann is open to replacing Ten Hag at Man United, talkSPORT understands, and is believed to be keen on a return to club football.