The Red Devils have encountered a challenging season, leading to increased scrutiny of manager Ten Hag, with growing calls for his dismissal. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton recently urged minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to instigate changes in management, contributing to a revolution that has seen new faces at Old Trafford. Sir Dave Brailsford is now advising on sporting matters, and Omar Berrada, recruited from Man City, has taken over as the new CEO, succeeding Richard Arnold. While the likelihood of Ten Hag being ousted this season initially seemed low, recent reports suggest that his position is becoming less secure, and there’s a possibility he might face dismissal at the end of the season if results don’t improve.
The Red Devils’ struggles are evident as they are out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League, currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League. According to Footballwave, Ratcliffe and his team have a three-man shortlist for potential successors, with Graham Potter, Roberto de Zerbi, and Francesco Farioli reportedly among the top contenders.
Graham Potter, who has been unemployed since his dismissal by Chelsea in April 2023, is one of the candidates. De Zerbi has been performing well at Brighton, although the team hasn’t replicated its swashbuckling style from the previous season. Farioli, known for his success at INEOS-owned Nice in Ligue 1, is closely acquainted with Ratcliffe. Nice currently holds the second position in the league, boasting the best defense.
Despite Farioli’s impressive track record, concerns about his ‘negative’ style of play have been previously highlighted by FootballTransfers, which may not align well with Red Devils fans. The decision on Ten Hag’s future appears closely tied to the team’s performance, and unless there is a significant improvement by the end of the season, a change in management seems likely.