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24th April 2024
11:44am BST
Manchester United are reportedly working on a six-man shortlist for a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has seen his squad struggle for consistency this season in the Premier League, where they currently sit in seventh place. Their unconvincing victory over Championship side Coventry on penalties in the FA Cup final did him no favours.
The Telegraph report that United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox will conduct an audit of the manager’s credentials and dressing room relations, effectively putting Ten Hag on trial until the end of the season.
The publication understands that Wilcox is being tasked with a "detailed assessment of Ten Hag’s strengths and weaknesses and relationship with the squad to better determine whether his approach can fit with the overarching style of play and philosophy they intend to pursue."
However, if it is determined a new change of manager is needed, there is a shortlist of names in place.
As well as Ten Hag's struggles with results this season, the manager has also come under scrutiny for his relationship with certain players in the squad.
Well-noted incidents include the United boss's falling out with Jadon Sancho, as well as his handling of Marcus Rashford earlier in the year.
It is believed the newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth will be looking closely at training sessions to explore the mood among players and manager.
While there is reportedly a fear that there are currently no managers that fit Wilcox and Ashworth's planned "game model", there is a list of potential suitors for next season's challenge at Old Trafford.
Six names have been drawn up as potential replacements, including Michel of Girona, who currently sit in third place in La Liga, Brighton’s Roberto de Zerbi, and Bologna’s Thiago Motta.
West Ham target Ruben Amorim is also appreciated as a young and exciting European coach.
Both England manager Gareth Southgate and former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter are also appreciated by higher-ups at United, but questions remain over their ability to command a dressing room.
Other names that had floated around the upper echelons of United were the likes of Xabi Alonso, who is now off the table as an option after committing another year to Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Thomas Tuchel.
However, in terms of Bayern Munich coach Tuchel, United are said to be looking to steer clear of any difficult figures for their next move.
Tuchel, who will leave the Bavarian side at the end of the season, has had bruising recent experiences at Chelsea and Bayern.
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