Man Utd have already decided manager ‘first in line’ to replace Erik ten Hag if he’s sacked

Man Utd have already decided manager ‘first in line’ to replace Erik ten Hag if he’s sacked

After two losses in their first three league games, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is already under scrutiny as those in positions of authority choose a possible successor.

If Manchester United decides to make a managerial change, they will probably go after Thomas Tuchel.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure even though the season is only three games old because of back-to-back losses, the most recent of which was at Old Trafford against Liverpool. In the summer, the Dutchman had to wait anxiously to find out if he would be kept on.

The new United administration chose to support Ten Hag and spent the summer demonstrating their intention to do so by making a number of acquisitions and reorganizing his coaching staff.

The reverse against Liverpool exposed the lack of playing style that despite the manager having more than two years in the role.

Contingency plans have been drawn up should the worst case scenario play out with Tuchel the club’s ideal target.

He left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, which saw the Bavarians go without a trophy. Previously though Tuchel has impressed at the likes of Borussia Dortmund, PSG and Chelsea – where he won the Champions League.

Discussions were held between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Tuchel in the summer before he opted to stick with Ten Hag. One man the Red Devils are unlikely to pursue, as per the Daily Mail, is Gareth Southgate. He has just called time on his eight-year stint as England boss.

The ex-Three Lions manager has numerous admirers within the Premier League and is keen to prove himself as a club manager – but is likely to take some time away in the immediate aftermath of his England spell.