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6 months ago
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Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a four-man shortlist of managerial candidates if they sack Erik ten Hag this summer.
The Dutchman, who took over at Old Trafford for the start of the 2022-23 season, has come under significant pressure after a torrid and chaotic campaign that has been riddled by problems on and off the field.
After winning the Carabao Cup and coming third in Ten Hag's first year at the club, United finished eighth this time around, which is their worst position since 1990.
They also crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage and their Premier League goal difference of minus one only adds to to the storyline of a difficult season.
And, according to The Times, United - who could still end the campaign with a trophy if they beat Man City in the FA Cup final on Saturday - are eyeing up four potential candidates if they do decide to dispense with Ten Hag.
Man United have reportedly drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag if he leaves
Ten Hag has come under pressure after a torrid and chaotic campaign on and off the pitch
United insist no decision has been made on his future, but Ten Hag's position will be reviewed
United insist no decision has been made on the Dutchman's future, which is set to be considered after the FA Cup final, although the result of the showpiece event won't have a bearing.
However, if they do change direction, Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by 'mutual consent' on Tuesday, is one potential target.
Chelsea's decision to part with the Argentine has forced United to speed up their contingency plans for Ten Hag - and discussions with various representatives have already taken place.
Pochettino would be open on a move to Old Trafford and his record at Tottenham between 2014 and 2019 is seen as a major boost to his candidacy.
During his time at Spurs, Pochettino developed a coherent style of play and improved several young and talented players as his side consistently qualified for the Champions League and even reached the final of the competition in 2019.
The report claims these traits would fit well into the new ethos United are trying to establish under the INEOS-led footballing operation.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel is another contender ahead of his impending departure from Bayern Munich this summer.
The German is said to be keen on a return to England, where he was extremely popular at Chelsea and won a Champions League.
Yet, concerns have been raised over Tuchel's fiery nature after the 50-year-old clashed with senior figures at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
However, the report notes that there is hope the new footballing structure at United would be able to work through those issues.
Both Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Thomas Tuchel (right) are on United's four-man shortlist
Thomas Frank (left) and Kieran McKenna (right) are also under consideration if Ten Hag leaves
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is another on United's shortlist, with the hugely sought-after coach also wanted by Brighton and Chelsea after he led the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions.
McKenna previously worked as an assistant to both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford and could be prized out of Portman Road via a £6million compensation fee.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank is the fourth contender following his impressive body of work at Brentford over the past six years, where the Dane has taken them from a mid-table Championship side to an established Premier League club.
Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate have been linked to United in the past, but the report claims they are not strong contenders for the role if it does become available.
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