Manchester United are actively on the hunt for a new manager to replace Erik ten Hag as he continues to struggle for results, according to reports. The Red Devils are on a four-match unbeaten streak and have tasted defeat once in their last seven, but they have also accumulated just one win during that period.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new-look football hierarchy have backed Ten Hag publicly and privately amid a difficult start to his third season in charge.
However, INEOS are said to be exploring potential replacements, with United 12th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.
According to The Mirror, ex-Barcelona boss Xavi, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have all been identified as alternatives.
It’s claimed the quartet are the leading names on United’s shortlist should they decide to call it quits and pull the trigger on Ten Hag’s tenure.
Ten Hag maintains that he has the full support of his superiors, but there can be no denying that the pressure is mounting on the former Ajax coach.
The Reds are set to travel to face West Ham United on Sunday during an injury crisis that has reared its ugly head after derailing last season.
Ten Hag was without eight first-team players in Istanbul for Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are injured, joining suspended captain Bruno Fernandes out of contention.
Antony joined the list of casualties just 16 minutes into his second-half substitute cameo. The Brazilian winger looked in serious pain and required a stretcher to leave the pitch.
Fernandes is back from suspension for Sunday’s meeting with the Hammer, and defender Evans will return if he passes a fitness test.
But Ten Hag has struggled to avoid using his relentless injury issues as an excuse for United’s continued mediocrity on the pitch.
And, after splashing over £600million in less than three years at Old Trafford, he has seemingly demanded players who are available more often than his current injury-stricken options.
“Injuries hold us back in our levels – and also in our position in the league,” the Dutchman stressed after his side’s sixth successive game without a victory in Europe.
“Because when you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team.
“We need more players, often available – and we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff.
“We know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
