Manchester United have underperformed this year as a club, coaching unit, and squad. They have squandered three-point opportunities, lost key games, missed shots on goal, conceded easy goals, and let teams simply walk all over them. Part of it comes down to the players on the squad list, but the other part could come down to the managerial staff and coaching unit.
So, what does the club do for the future? Do they stick with Erik Ten Hag and see if things get better, or do they look for a replacement to see if United can place higher in the 2024-2025 Premier League season?
It seems as though the latter might be true.
Manchester United’s New Gaffer Next Year
The latest rumors in the footballing world is that Manchester United could be looking for a new coach for the next season in the top flight of English football – and he may have experience in the same league.
Graham Potter, the ex-Chelsea and Brighton coach, is in the running to take over for ten Hag at the struggling Manchester United. Potter worked with the new sporting director in Manchester last month – a relationship already formed in the past that has given him a leg up on the competition.
Another detail in the potential saga is that Potter just turned down the chance to become Ajax manager, hinting that he has another job already lined up for him next year. He has a proven track record as leading teams, shown in his stints in charge of Leeds Carnegie, Östersund, Swansea City, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Chelsea F.C. until 2023.
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Erik Ten Has as Manchester United Coach
Back out there 👊
🇦🇷 @LisandrMartinez #MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/OnNjnFYOnF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 9, 2024
Another thing that adds fuel to the fire of Manchester United potentially firing Erik Ten Hag is the lack of results, consistency, and a positive attitude. Ten Hag has struggled to motivate his team for the entirety of the season, seeing the Red Devils lose key games, succumb to injury, and suffer from a lack of depth on the bench.
The Dutch coach has failed to get United into the top five at this point in the season – an absolute travesty for a club as big as Manchester United. If they stay out of the top five spots, they will not be a part of international football next year in the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Even if Potter isn’t the first person in line to take over for the struggling manager, he will still have to keep an eye out for those after his job. There is no doubt that with poor performances and a lack of team chemistry Manchester United will be on the hunt for a proven manager who can bring their club back to winning ways.
In the last few games of this season, United faced off against Arsenal (the league leaders), Newcastle United, and Brighton and Hove. Arsenal will be a huge upset if the Red Devils can take any points from that game, and Newcastle United are currently in fine form and holding onto sixth place – the team that is keeping United from leap-frogging and hopping into the Europa League spot.
If things continue in the form they have this season, we think United could fold under the pressure and Ten Hag’s side will end the season in 6th or 7th place.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
