Erik’s End
After the news broke that Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United boss was ending, who were the potential candidates, and who would be their best fit?
Compelling Candidates
A team like Manchester United will always have links to huge managerial names, and lots of them, too, but the current list of candidates is certainly one to consider.
Ruben Amorim – Sporting Lisbon. Currently, the leading favourite, Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, appears to be Manchester United’s top choice as talks have already begun between the two sides. Amorim has had an incredibly successful career with the Portuguese side, currently having a 71% win rate during his three-and-a-half-year tenure. They are currently at the top of Liga Portugal, winning nine games, scoring a whopping thirty and conceding just two. If Manchester United manage to swoop in and make Amorim their head coach, the Red Devils will be hoping he can bring his unbeaten form with him.
Xavi Hernandez – No Club. Barcelona legend and former manager Xavi is another name that was reported to be on the shortlist. The Spaniard has only ever had two managerial positions, the first being a two-year spell with Qatar side Al-Sadd and his second being a two-and-a-half-year spell with Barcelona. Despite not having much experience as a manager, Xavi has had some success during his time with the Spanish giants, picking up a league title and a Supercopa title within the same season. Alongside this, he had a 64% win rate with the Catalonians.
Julian Nagelsmann – German National Team. A third exciting option is current German head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Despite being only 37 years of age, he has had his fair share of managerial experience with four spells all at German clubs. He began in 2013 as Hoffenheim’s under-19 boss and spent 3 years there before becoming Hoffenheims’ first team manager. After several seasons in charge, he was approached and appointed as the top side RB Leipzig manager. He spent two seasons there before being at the helm of the German giants Bayern Munich. This would be where Nagelsmann had his best managerial spell, winning both the league and German Super Cup in his first season, followed by another in the next. With a 71.4% win rate, he was made the manager of the German National side, where he has now spent a year in charge.
So, What Now?
Whilst we wait for the Manchester United hierarchy to make their important decision, former player and assistant to Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy will take temporary charge as the interim manager. His first test will be on Wednesday night in a Carabao Cup tie against fellow Premier League side Leicester City. Van Nistelrooy hopes to make an excellent first impression as he looks to kick-start a potential managerial career, with his name also being on the shortlist of potential new appointments.
