From Zidane to Southgate, here are the thirteen managers who have been mentioned as potential successors to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

For Manchester United, the FA Cup victory is their last chance to cap the year with a trophy as the business end of the season draws near.

Before Christmas, United was eliminated from both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, and their poor play and results in the first half of the season continued. United has had a better start to the calendar year 2024. The team gained momentum in January and February, but that winning streak came to an end when the team lost 3-1 in the Manchester derby and fell short at home against Fulham.

Between both losses, United defeated Nottingham Forest to get to the FA Cup quarterfinals, and if they win that trophy, the season may still be saved. With United 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth place, Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure.

At the end of the season, there’s a rumour that Ten Hag’s coach will be replaced, and the bookies have put together a list of potential candidates. Below is a list of potential managers to take Ten Hag’s place, based on odds from Betfair.

Graham Potter’s odds are 7/2.

Although bookmakers like Graham Potter, fans are not at all keen on him as a potential replacement. Although he performed admirably at Brighton, he failed miserably in his first attempt to lead a major team at Chelsea, and now that he is managing United, there will be even more scrutiny.

The 48-year-old would be a good fit for a young English manager because he worked with Dan Ashworth at Brighton, who is expected to be named United’s sporting director. But fans would not be pleased with his appointment; they would prefer a more experienced leader.

Graham Potter, the former manager of Chelsea, is the pick of the bookmakers. (Photo courtesy of Chelsea FC/Darren Walsh via Getty Images)
Odds for Simone Inzaghi: 15/2

Simone Inzaghi, who presently manages Inter Milan, the top team in Serie A, is ranked second on the list, despite the fact that it doesn’t take much money to shift manager markets. Lazio was where Inzaghi played for the majority of his playing career and accepted his first managerial position there. After leading the Rome team from 2016 to 2021, he went on to join Inter.

Odds for Thomas Tuchel: 9/1

When given the chance, Thomas Tuchel has talked highly of United and it appears that he has frequently fluttered his eyelids at the team. He is scheduled to depart Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign, having won the Champions League with Chelsea after the Blues defeated Manchester City in the competition’s 2021 final.

After a late comeback from Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel won the Bundesliga on the penultimate day of the previous season, and Bayer Leverkusen is expected to win the championship this year. Although there have been recent concerns raised about him, he would be a more suitable candidate.

Odds for Ruben Amorim: 9/1

Over the past 18 months, a few English clubs have been linked to Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon manager who seems to be in demand following a successful stint in Portugal. In his first full season in command, the 39-year-old led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years despite never having managed outside of Portugal. “I don’t want to offer my opinions on these matters. Regarding the connections to Old Trafford in November, he stated, “I have not received a call from Manchester United.”

Zinedine Zidane odds of 10/1

Since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, Zinedine Zidane has been frequently associated with United; nevertheless, there is no sign that he would take up management again. During his tenure as Los Blancos’ manager, the Frenchman made history by being the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row. Still, he had access to elite players. Some have compared Zidane’s work at Real Madrid over those years to that of a “baby sitting job.”

Zidane Zinedine.
Zidane’s employment ended in 2021. (Image: Getty Images/Photo by Matthias Hangst)
Odds for Gareth Southgate: 14/1

Another English manager who would not be popular with supporters is Gareth Southgate, who is also on the bookies’ list. The Three Lions manager’s methods with the national team have drawn criticism, and his track record in club management is not great. He is not United’s best match.

Odds for Roberto De Zerbi: 14/1

It is known that United is interested in Roberto de Zerbi, and the Italian is seen to be among the top candidates to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Since Potter’s departure, he has elevated Brighton to a new level and garnered praise for his daring style of play. De Zerbi’s club has some of the best build-up play in the Premier League, and he insists that his goalkeepers invite the opposing press.

Odds for Julen Lopetegui: 14/1

It has been an intriguing few years for Julen Lopetegui in management. He was most recently the manager of Wolves after unsuccessful stints as the coach of Real Madrid and Spain. After a conflict with the board, that stint came to an unimpressive end, and it would be surprising to see a former Wolves manager take charge of United in his next role.

Odds for Xabi Alonso: 14/1

There is nothing more to be said about Xabi Alonso; he is a modern-day Liverpool legend. He’s managed Bayer Leverkusen brilliantly, but he’ll probably take over as manager of Bayern Munich or Liverpool next.

Head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso, is expected to win the Bundesliga. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images; Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Hansi Flick odds of 16/1

After leaving the Allianz Arena, Hansi Flick managed the German national team for an additional two years after serving as Bayern Munich’s manager for two years. His reputation has suffered following a disastrous time leading his nation, and he hasn’t had a job since leaving that position, despite winning the Champions League with Bayern.

Odds for Antonio Conte: 20/1

After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired, Antonio Conte expressed interest in taking over at Old Trafford; however, that ship has sailed and his recent performance leaves much to be desired. Conte would not be a good fit for United because of his harsh methods.

Odds on Jose Mourinho: 20/1

Might ‘The Special One’ make a second appearance at United? Even if Jose Mourinho is still well-liked by supporters, it is quite improbable that he will be hired again.

Odds for Julian Nagelsmann: 20/1

Compared to most of the other managers on this list, Julian Nagelsmann is a youthful manager with remarkable credentials. Although he is leading Germany at the European Championship this summer, it is anticipated that he will return to club football after the competition as his contract ends.