Manchester United has fallen on hard times in the Premier League, sitting 14th in the table. Pressure on Erik ten Hag, the club manager, has grown intense. Fans and pundits have debated whether it was time for a managerial change, with speculative replacements being mentioned. The first one was former footballer Chris Sutton, who made a passionate case as to why Fulham’s Marco Silva would be the man to inject new life into the Red Devils.
Chris Sutton Tips Marco Silva for the Manchester United job
On the latest BBC 606 podcast, Sutton didn’t hold back on ten Hag at Manchester United and whether the Dutchman has the magic to turn their fortunes around. Pushed to name who he would want in the hot seat at Old Trafford, Sutton nominated Marco Silva, who is currently at the helm of affairs with Fulham. Silva’s recommendation becomes important because Sutton felt that the Portuguese tactician had shown enough managerial acumen at Craven Cottage to merit a step up into a top-tier club like Manchester United.
Sutton’s suggestion reminded him of Silva’s good work at Fulham, with, “Has Silva done a good enough job at Fulham?” The rhetorical question from Sutton was followed by his belief that Marco Silva might be the man to lead United out of their struggles. Silva has never managed a club of United’s caliber, but Sutton thinks he has what it takes.
Marco Silva at Fulham: The VIP
Silva has done great at Fulham, especially by leading the team to a strong top-flight finish last season. He molded them into a compact and difficult-to-break-down unit. A side founded on a base of solid defense but increasingly attacking in its concept. Players like Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira have improved in class under his mentorship. Fulham’s performances have finally earned them a top-half spot in the Premier League this season.
What impresses most about Silva’s success is that Fulham has comparably quite meager finances compared to many of their fellow competitors in the league. He has assembled a unit capable of competing with anyone. Sutton took notice, suggesting that his ability to succeed in a somewhat low-budget system makes him perfect for a Manchester United side in dire need of revitalization.
The most apt review of his stint at Fulham was probably from Willian. The experienced player who has worked under some of the most decorated managers labeled him “brilliant” and one of his best coaches. This from someone who has been managed by the likes of Jose Mourinho and Mikel Arteta. This is high praise and a testament to the growing reputation Silva holds within the footballing world.
Marco Silva – A Godsend for Manchester United?
The big question marks over Silva’s proposed move to Manchester United are his levels of experience in managing such a high-caliber team. Silva has been in charge of top-flight clubs such as Watford and Everton. Still, Manchester United is a different challenge: a globally supported club that expects to compete on all fronts for major honors.
Sutton replied that Manchester United’s current structure doesn’t need a name with a swollen trophy cabinet; they probably need someone to steady the ship and give them some direction. Silva’s ability to turn underused players into assets, which Manchester United has been lacking, may also count in his favor.
Sutton believes the new man can bring much-needed stability and direction to a side that recently lacked quality. Let’s add that Manchester United’s links with Silva are not particularly new. There have been rumors that the club approached the Fulham boss this summer, meaning the hierarchy already knew they had a chance of hiring him in the first place. If Erik ten Hag can turn things around, Manchester United’s hierarchy might retain him.
Conclusion
Perhaps Chris Sutton’s call for Marco Silva to replace Erik ten Hag after their dismal season start has given some an alternative view. His recent success at Fulham, added to his talent development and work on a relatively shoestring budget, does make him an interesting candidate.
There will always be question marks over whether Silva is ready for such a prestigious role. Still, he could thrive on the challenge. That is a call for Manchester United’s board to make, but the more the pressure mounts on ten Hag, the more viable a name such as Silva has of emerging. If given the right opportunity, Silva might be the man to lead Manchester United to a return to glory.
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