Three Managerial Candidates INEOS Could Consider to Replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have officially confirmed that they have sacked their head coach Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch tactician, who had his contract extended in the summer, has led the club to their worst start to the season in the Premier League era. He had just four wins from 13 games across all competitions.

Ten Hag was informed of the decision on Monday morning and leaves the club after two-and-a-half years in charge, with his final game proving to be the Premier League away defeat to West Ham United on Sunday. That result left the Red Devils 14th in the league standings, seven points adrift of the Champions League spots.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis and his first game as Man United manager will be Leicester City’s visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The former United striker will have the rest of the management staff in position to assist him for now.

“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” the club’s official statement read.

“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”

INEOS will now be hunting for Ten Hag’s long-term successor. Keeping that in mind, here are three potential candidates they could consider to draft in following the sacking of Ten Hag.

Three Potential Erik ten Hag Replacements

1. Xavi Hernandez

Should Manchester United want to look abroad, Xavi Hernandez is one of the leading contenders. The former Spanish international is out of work having left Barcelona in the summer.

While Xavi managed Barcelona for a very period, he still managed to win the La Liga title while grooming a lot of La Masia products. The 44-year-old has reportedly held talks with INEOS as he is someone who could immediately take the reins and save United’s season.

2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is someone who knows Man United very well, having played there from 1996 to 2007 and managed from 2018 to 2021. He has been out of job since being sacked by Man United back in November 2021.

Is another sensational return on the cards for the Norwegian? The 20-time English champions have reportedly not ruled out a formal approach for Solskjaer, who initially had arrived as a successor to Jose Mourinho in 2018 as an interim manager. The 51-year-old has already said that he would possibly be open to re-joining the club, and with Man United needing a manager again, Solskjaer would fancy his chances of getting the job.

3. Ruben Amorim

The news of INEOS being concretely interested in hiring Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor is gathering pace. They are reportedly willing to pay the €10million release clause in his contract with the two clubs in talks to finalise a deal.

One of the most exciting young coaches on the continent, the Portuguese has done an excellent job during his time at Sporting CP. Appointed from SC Braga in 2020, the 39-year-old has won two league titles and three cups with Sporting CP.

Amorim has great pedigree despite not even turning 40. Due to his excellent work with Braga and Sporting whilst being a coach with fresh ideas and energy, INEOS are seemingly tilting towards appointing Amorim as their new face to lead the charge at Old Trafford.